Serene Safari: Eco-Luxury at Denwa Backwater Escape

The prospect of having a close experience with a lesser-known reserve in Madhya Pradesh brought me to Denwa Backwater Escape, a Madhai nature retreat.

A trip to Satpura Tiger Reserve is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stretching over Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, this tiger reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, deer, and sloth bears. What’s more, the Denwa Backwater Escape offers an unforgettable experience. This journey takes you down the Denwa River on a traditional barge, giving you an up-close look at the local wildlife and countryside. If you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway, be sure to check out the Denwa Backwater Escape at Satpura Tiger Reserve.

An Introduction to Satpura Tiger Reserve

Welcome to Satpura Tiger Reserve, one of the most pristine and unspoiled forests in India. This is the perfect place for those who love nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Satpura Tiger Reserve is a haven for wildlife lovers, with tigers, leopards, deer, and a variety of other animals calling it home. The park also boasts an abundance of bird life, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. And if that’s not enough, the reserve is located in the heart of the Satpura mountain range, providing stunning views at every turn.

A Closer Look at Denwa Backwater Escape

I travelled from Indore to Madhai for over six hours on a winter afternoon in December. The closest airport to Satpura National Park is located in Bhopal, though. The naturalist Neetu and the manager Kshitij greeted me with warm smiles and handed me a steel water bottle to keep as a souvenir. As we strolled along the pebble-paved and lantern-lined pathway, Neetu served as an example of how the resort is committed to contributing to sustainability in every small manner it can.

As you step into the Denwa Backwater Escape, the first thing you’ll notice is the tranquillity that surrounds you. Designed to give you a closer look at nature and the Satpura Tiger Reserve, the resort is set on a sprawling estate made up of vast verdure. The Denwa Backwater Escape is an oasis in the forest, and it’s easy to lose track of time as you relax in the patio or a sun lounger by the poolside. 

The pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the day, while the nature walk lets you experience green therapy. Each cottage at the Denwa Backwater Escape is unique and features traditional artefacts and hand-carved furniture. The resort can accommodate up to 20 guests, so whether you’re travelling with family or friends, you’ll have plenty of space to relax and soak up the natural beauty of Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Accommodation Options

If you’re looking for a place to stay at the Denwa Backwater Escape, you’re in luck. There are a variety of accommodation options around the resort, ranging from luxury villas to treehouses. For those wanting a luxurious experience, the resort has villas that are perfect for families and small groups. These villas come complete with terraces and outdoor seating areas, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the area while also having your own space.

If you’re looking for something more close to nature, there are two treehouses available. These provide a great alternative for those looking to having access to the many activities and attractions around the area. No matter which accommodation option you choose, you can rest assured that Denwa Backwater Escape gives you an unforgettable experience at Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Food at Denwa Backwater Escape

The main building, which serves as the epicentre of Denwa Backwater Escape, houses the restaurant. I ate all of my meals for the following few days in the on-site restaurant, which is located on the top floor of this facility. For the next few days, I let my taste buds whirl around the authentic flavours at this restaurant, which ranged from a Malwa Thali to a Madhai Adivasi Thali to a Burmese Khow Suey.

The dishes in the Malwa Thali included Aloo Chokha, Sev Tamatar ki Sabji, Indrahar Kadhi, and Moong Dal Badi Chaat. The Dal-Bati-Churma, steaming rice, and accoutrements like papad, achar (pickle), and Lehsun (garlic) chutney were all in the centre. Dessert included homemade Paan ice cream and a Nariyal Chana Bati.

A riot of flavours made up the Madhai Adivasi Thali! The thali included a Singhara salad, smoked fish in a mahua leaf with earthy flavours, smoked paneer, Pan Bada curry, Gilki Chokha, Suki Bhaji, Kadam ki chutney, Adiwasi Dal, and unpolished steamed rice with papad, pickles, Bajra roti, and Kikkad roti. I devoured handmade Anjeer ice cream and Bajra Gud Halwa for dessert.

Boiled noodles, gravy, chicken keema, chilli oil, boiled egg, peanuts, and fried onions were included in the Burmese Khow Suey, along with a lemon slice. To eat this, mix everything before diving in. The garnishes were wonderful. I was also drawn to the desserts, particularly the Ghewar with rabdi and chocolate ice cream. I treasured the barbeque dinner we had by the pool on one of the other nights. On the side, a jungle tea cocktail was offered! It was nice and toasty and the ideal drink to keep me warm on a chilly night because it contained tea and rum.

Wildlife Sightings and Experiences

When visiting the Satpura Tiger Reserve, you must be on the lookout for sightings of the majestic tigers, as well as other wildlife in the area. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including barasinghas, chitals, langurs, sambars, nilgais and four-horned antelopes.

Additionally, several birds can be spotted in the reserve, including peacocks, kingfishers, parakeets and woodpeckers. If you’re lucky, you may also get to see a sloth bear or a leopard. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready—you never know what you might see on your trip to Denwa Backwater Escape!

The Sunset Boat Ride

Denwa Backwater Escape launched their boat trip on the day I checked in. As a result, I was among the first few tourists to board the sail around the Tawa reservoirs. We sailed to a neighbouring checkpoint, picked up the guide, and continued on our voyage further into Satpura’s bizarre riverscape, which was always changing.

There was a lot to process! The tranquilly, the variety of plants and animals, and the splendour of the blue satin river! I saw hornbills, parrots, marsh crocodiles, and more on this two-hour boat ride. As we proceeded further up the river, the sun started to set, and I have to say, it was one of the most stunning sunsets I had ever seen.

Best Time to Visit Denwa Backwater Escape

When it comes to visiting the Denwa Backwater Escape, one of the best times to visit is during the winter months. Winter in Satpura is stunning, with mornings full of warmth – perfect for birding – and evenings that cool off quickly. Plus, it’s a great time to spot wildlife in this area. You’ll find plenty of wildlife, from tigers and leopards to various species of deer, monkeys and more. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the many species that call this park home, including vultures, egrets and kingfishers. And don’t forget about reptiles like snakes and lizards!

The lush greenery makes it beautiful all year long; however, winter offers crystal clear days with bright sunny skies – perfect for taking in the views or having a picnic in the afternoon. No matter when you come to Denwa Backwater Escape, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at Satpura Tiger Reserve!

Suggested Checklist for a Visit

To ensure a hassle-free visit to the Satpura Tiger Reserve, here is a handy checklist you should keep in mind before embarking on your journey:

– Pack plenty of mosquito repellents, sunscreen and comfortable clothes that can handle the hot and humid weather at the reserve.

– Bring along a travelling first aid kit with all necessary medical supplies.

– Make sure you have a camera and binoculars so that you can enjoy wildlife spotting.

– Bring along snacks for the safari and trekking trips.

– Ensure you have waterproof luggage bags as many creeks and streams need to be crossed during boat rides.

– Also bring along power banks so that your electronic devices don’t run out of charge since electricity is limited at the resort.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, look no further than the Denwa Backwater Escape at Satpura Tiger Reserve. With stunning views and plenty of activities to keep you busy, you’ll be spoiled for choice during your stay. So what are you waiting for? Book your escape today!