Mela Kothi - the Chambal Safari Lodge

A fine lodge with great hosts and excellent service. We stayed for a couple of nights and enjoyed the hospitality with the owners Ram and Anu. Food is excellent with choices of Indian, continental and also catering to special needs. The naturalists are well trained, the boat ride is a great way to see Chambal (the unholy river and thank God! for that - very clean)!! Anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet peacful time with undisturbed, private safari experiences (not just jeep safaris) - must come here. It is also close to Agra - so you can stay here and plan a visit to the Taj.

Where to begin…. Other reviewers have highlighted the sense of family welcome at Mela Kothi and like them, I have struggled a little to put how very real this is into words. The accommodation is excellent, comfortable beds, smart bathrooms and real, good quality tea and coffee facilities in the room. The team at Mela Kothi are exceptional. The food was excellent and whilst at Mela Kothi for a couple of days without other guests, I was spoiled by the team to the point where I felt getting in a boat of any kind might endanger everyone involved because of the extra weight… My guide for three days, Bacchu, was, as another guest has commented a gentle soul, and his knowledge about the local (and not so local) wildlife as well as local history and legends was incredible. What made this even better was the way in which he wove stories about people, places and nature together to make the whole experience more engaging. I would return just for more long, rambling walks with Bacchu (and some more palak pakoda). One of the other highlights was the fire pit. This is a great way to meet other travellers and gave me the unique experience of drinking vintage Pomerol around an open fire in Uttar Pradesh with a lovely family from Delhi. It just goes to prove that no matter how well you know India, it will always have the power to surprise….. Thank you to Ram and Anu for what can only really be described as a top notch experience, real people, real warmth and the closest brush you’re ever likely to have with a marsh crocodile…. so yes, real adventure too!

We had a good stay at the Lodge and it was a welcome break from all the touring we had done. Our 'room' was massive and very well equipped - it was also lovely to have a small garden area. The staff and owner are very welcoming and we really liked the eco ethos and wish the team the best of luck with spreading the word. Unfortunately the nights were cold whilst we were there so we didn't get to to enjoy eating outside by the fire. This was a shame as we weren't too keen on the inside dining area plus the breakfast was a bit disappointing.