Tucked into 200 acres of private, undulating forest on a rocky hill near the entrance of Panna National Park, Pashan Garh—meaning “stone fortress” in Hindi—is one of Taj Safaris’ most architecturally daring lodges. Positioned close to the pristine Ken River, the lodge offers front-row access to Panna’s dramatic dry-deciduous forest, gorges, and thriving wildlife populations.

Designed by climate-conscious architects, the lodge takes inspiration from the traditional dry-stone masonry of the Bundelkhand region. The 12 stone cottages appear to rise organically out of the crags, constructed from local slate, granite, and rough-hewn timber. Intricate stone screens, deep-set windows, and heavy timber doors create cooling thermal barriers against the Central Indian heat while maintaining an authentic wilderness aesthetic.

Accommodations comprise just 12 private stone cottages perched along the ridge. Each cottage features high ceilings, rich leather and chocolate-silk furnishings, slate floors, and glass-walled bedrooms opening onto private gazebos with sweeping views over the valley. The spacious stone-clad bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs and wide windows framing the forest canopy.

Gastronomy at Pashan Garh is an experiential highlight. Meals are served in a central dining pavilion, as private bush dinners set under ancient mahua trees illuminated by hurricane lanterns, or as traditional “palanquin picnics” packed for long safari drives. The culinary team emphasizes fresh local produce, regional Bundelkhandi specialties, and refined international comfort food.

Days at the lodge revolve around expert-guided wildlife tracking led by master Taj naturalists. Guests explore Panna National Park on morning and evening open-top 4×4 safaris to track tigers, leopards, and striped hyenas, or take gentle boat safaris along the Ken River to observe marsh crocodiles, gharials, and rare kingfishers. Returning to the lodge, evenings are spent stargazing on the open lookout decks above the ravine.