Sarai at Toria

Sarai at Toria is a small eco-friendly lodge that enjoys a picturesque location on the banks of River Ken near Panna Tiger Reserve and is only a short drive away from the famed Chandela temples at Khajuraho. Set among 9 acres of grassland, this imaginatively designed ‘homely place’ is an inspired creation of wildlife photographer Joanna Van Gruisen, and Raghudandan Singh Chundawat, one of India's best-known wildlife biologists. The 8 spacious rooms with thatched roofs, thick mud walls, and shared verandas are rustic and yet tastefully furnished using fine Indian fabrics. Meals and drinks are usually taken communally in the main dining area that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and is also an ideal venue to enjoy the magical sunrises and sunsets. Private dining option including breakfasts by the river and candle-light dinners can be arranged with advance notice. The food is prepared by the hosts themselves and usually features delicious home-made Indian delicacies. The rustic lodge is only accessible by a small wooden bridge and in order to minimise its impact on the environment uses solar and biomass power as well as traditional techniques for insulation, which means there is no need for air-conditioning. Activities on offer at the Sarai at Toria include river safaris, guided village walks, wildlife viewing inside Panna National Park as well as guided tours of the Chandela temples at Khajuraho and the atmospheric hilltop fort at Ajaygarh, which has temples that are older than Khajuraho with equally rich carvings. 

Hotel media gallery