Perched gently on the banks of the pristine Ken River, just minutes from the entrance of Panna National Park and the historic temples of Khajuraho, The Sarai at Toria is one of India’s most authentic eco-lodges. Founded by renowned tiger conservation biologist Dr. Raghu Chundawat and wildlife filmmaker Joanna Van Gruisen, the retreat was conceived as a living model of low-impact, conservation-first hospitality.

The architecture is a masterclass in bio-climatic earthen design. Spread across nine acres of regenerated riverine grassland, eight independently situated mud-and-thatch cottages blend imperceptibly into the swaying reeds. Built using local unbaked earth, lime, and natural thatch, the structures utilize traditional thermal mass principles to stay naturally cool during hot Central Indian days and comfortably warm during winter nights.

Accommodations comprise just eight spacious, earth-toned cottage rooms and suites featuring wide private verandahs overlooking the river or tall grassland. Interiors showcase hand-crafted wooden furniture, fine cotton textiles, high vaulted thatch ceilings, and open, light-filled stone en-suite bathrooms equipped with solar-heated rain showers.

Gastronomy at The Sarai at Toria is wholesome, organic, and deeply connected to local seasonal produce. Meals are served home-style under the shade of the main dining pavilion or as open-air candlelight dinners on the river-view terrace. The kitchen specializes in fresh regional Indian recipes, home-baked breads, and organic garden salads.

Life at Toria is centered around quiet nature immersion and expert wildlife tracking. Guests embark on 4×4 jeep safaris into Panna National Park to track wild tigers, leopards, and sloth bears, or enjoy gentle boat safaris along the Ken River to observe marsh crocodiles, gharials, and diverse birdlife. Evenings are spent enjoying quiet conversations on private verandahs as stars fill the clear night sky.