Nestled within the coronary heart of Madhya Pradesh, bordering the plush expanse of Satpura Nationwide Park, lies Denwa Backwater Escape. Established in 2013, this serene gem stands out as a novel eco-luxury vacation spot, beckoning wildlife fans and nature lovers in search of an immersive and accountable journey expertise.
From the very basis of its building to the delectable dishes served in its restaurant, sustainability is woven into the very material of Denwa Backwater Escape. Their guiding philosophy? To preserve, shield, and rewild the dear forests cradling this idyllic lodge. Let’s discover out what makes this gorgeous lodge a must-visit for the traveller with a conscience.
The house – your individual slice of paradise by the river
Driving by means of the dusty roads of Satpura forest, you might be all of a sudden welcomed by the large hoarding – Denwa Backwater Escape. As you drive in, you might be awestruck by this oasis in the course of the forest, effortlessly mixing nature with concrete. “Once we first discovered this land, it was drained and naked,” remembers Property Supervisor Prashant Seegu. “Our dream was to carry it again to life, to create a inexperienced and welcoming house with comfy lodging, all constructed across the bushes and nature already right here.” And so they did.
You’ll discover well-appointed cottages with ensuite loos and a comfy sit-out to gaze on the Denwa. Then there are the unique treehouses that really feel like your non-public perch with essentially the most unbelievable, wide-open water views.
The entire place feels good, with aesthetics impressed by the native tradition and constructed with a mild contact of the earth. It’s a spot the place the sweetness exterior wraps round you, in and out. With a deep dedication to sustainability, at present Denwa Backwater Escape has change into one of many most well-liked resorts in Satpura.
Harnessing the ability of the solar
At Denwa Backwater Escape, a deep respect for the surroundings drives each resolution. A cornerstone of their sustainability efforts is their important reliance on renewable vitality. “We’re extremely proud that roughly 70% of our energy wants are met by the considerable sunshine that graces this area,” explains Prashant.
“This dedication to photo voltaic vitality not solely lessens our reliance on conventional, typically polluting, energy sources but in addition performs an important position in offsetting our carbon footprint, paving the best way for a greener, extra sustainable future for this invaluable ecosystem and the generations to come back.”
Nurturing the soil with in-house composting
Waste administration is one other essential side of Denwa’s sustainability ethos. They’ve carried out in-house compost pits the place all moist meals waste undergoes pure decomposition. This nutrient-rich compost is then lovingly used of their natural farm backyard.
“Going natural isn’t only a development for us; it’s a lifestyle,” states Sous Chef Arun Kumar with a smile. “We consider in nurturing the land and offering our company with the freshest, healthiest components, grown proper right here.”
Embracing ancestral farming and native knowledge
Denwa’s dedication to natural practices extends past their backyard. They actively collaborate with native workers and close by communities, imbuing the ideas of ancestral farming. This promotes sustainable agriculture within the area and empowers the native inhabitants with conventional data and expertise.
Championing a single-use plastic-free surroundings
In a resolute effort to fight plastic air pollution, Denwa Backwater Escape has adopted a strict single-use plastic-free coverage. Company are welcomed with reusable metal water bottles, which could be refilled at conveniently situated water stations.
Lodging are thoughtfully geared up with glass jars containing filtered consuming water, loose-leaf tea, freshly floor espresso, and delectable do-it-yourself cookies. “We consider that even small adjustments could make an enormous distinction,” says Kshitih Gambhir, the Head Naturalist.
“By eliminating single-use plastics, we’re actively contributing to the well being and well-being of the encompassing surroundings.” The kitchen additional reinforces this dedication by prioritising contemporary, domestically sourced components, minimising using packaged items, and fully avoiding preservatives.
Reclaimed treasures add to the country allure
The lodge’s design subtly echoes its aquatic embrace by means of handcrafted artefacts and distinctive lighting. Wander by means of, and also you’ll uncover rustic lamps born from driftwood gathered close by, casting a heat, inviting glow. Tables crafted from the natural great thing about live-edge planks and an eclectic assortment of furnishings common from reclaimed railway sleepers add to the lodge’s earthy allure.
“This isn’t nearly aesthetics; it’s about thoughtfully repurposing supplies, giving them a brand new story throughout the Denwa Backwater Escape narrative”, provides Arun.
A style of the wild: contemporary, native, and crafted with care
“Our kitchen is really rooted within the land,” shares Arun, his eyes lighting up. “We’re extremely lucky that round 80% of the components you style in our dishes come straight from our natural backyard. It doesn’t get any brisker than that!” For the remaining 20%, they consciously associate with native retailers and distributors, a apply Arun emphasises as essential for “empowering our group and celebrating the unbelievable produce of this area.”
Step into their kitchen, and also you’ll discover a house the place all the pieces is comprised of scratch, with a agency “no” to preservatives. The main target is on wholesome, healthful cooking, utilizing minimal oil and ghee to let the pure flavours shine by means of. “We wish our company to style the pure essence of the components,” Arun explains.
To actually expertise the native culinary heritage, Denwa presents 4 distinct varieties of thalis, every a flavourful journey by means of the regional delicacies of India. Breakfast is a pleasant fusion of worldwide favourites and Indian classics, making certain an ideal begin to any day. As night falls, dinner takes on a extra worldwide aptitude, providing a various vary of dishes.
Arun’s creativity actually blossoms with the altering seasons. “Nature is our greatest inspiration,” he says. “Through the Mahua season, for example, we like to experiment with native recipes utilizing this flower, showcasing the distinctive flavours this time of yr brings.” At Denwa, every plate tells a narrative of the land, bursting with contemporary, native flavours of the area.
Learn how to spend 48 hours at Denwa Backwater Escape
Past its unwavering dedication to sustainability, Denwa Backwater Escape presents many distinctive actions that permit company to immerse themselves within the magnificence and biodiversity of Satpura Nationwide Park and its environment.
Thrilling wildlife safaris: Embark on guided jeep safaris into the center of Satpura, providing alternatives to identify tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and a myriad of fascinating chicken species. As Kshitih Gambhir passionately states, “Exploring Satpura’s wilderness is an expertise that stays with you. The Satpura forest is just not solely identified for the tiger but in addition for the enormous squirrel, sloth bear, and leopards.
We have now company coming in, particularly to see these beauties, as they’re uncommon in different forests round. Our skilled workforce of naturalists makes the safaris all of the extra attention-grabbing with anecdotes of the jungle, educating company about pugmarks, animal calls, and the fauna discovered within the jungle.”
Boat safari and canoeing: One of many distinctive actions the resort presents is a personal boat safari. As you glide alongside the tranquil Denwa River backwaters, you may see many water birds alongside the water’s edge, spectacular Gaurs, and sleek herds of noticed deer. And if fortune smiles upon you, you might need a uncommon glimpse of a shy sloth bear. However the magic doesn’t finish there.
Your journey culminates in a pleasant breakfast served proper on the deck, accompanied by fascinating tales and insights out of your skilled information. In addition they organise canoe rides alongside the Denwa River for the extra adventurous.
Strolling and cell tenting: Step off the crushed path and into Satpura’s wild coronary heart with Denwa’s signature Forsyth Path —an expertise not like every other. This isn’t only a stroll within the woods; it’s an immersive 2-day expedition by means of the buffer zone, led by a seasoned naturalist. This unique expertise consists of strolling by means of the buffer zone of the Satpura forest with a educated naturalist.
Whereas on the safari, you may spot varied birds, mammals, and, if fortunate, the sloth bear and leopard. Evenings are spent in tented lodging with contemporary meals loved within the thrilling environment of the jungle. This isn’t only a safari; it’s an intimate encounter with the untamed great thing about Satpura.
Nature walks and birding trails: Uncover the smaller wonders of the forest on guided nature walks, studying in regards to the numerous natural world. Satpura is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 250 chicken species, and Denwa’s location by the backwater supplies glorious alternatives for recognizing resident and migratory species.
Biking exploration: Saddle up and discover the countryside at your individual tempo. Really feel the liberty as you cycle by means of gorgeous surroundings. Educated naturalists can be a part of your trip, main you alongside fascinating trails and thru quaint native villages. As you pedal alongside, you’ll be welcomed by the melodies of the forest and glimpses of its unbelievable wildlife.
The necessities
Learn how to attain? – Bhopal Airport (150 kms), Itarsi Railway Station (70 kms)
Tariffs – Rs 20,000 plus taxes
Finest time to go to – November to June
For extra particulars, you may go to their web site.
