Outside the wild confines of Bandhavgarh lies the Taj Mahua Kothi Lodge. Spread over forty acres and built on the site of a former tented camp once used by aristocracy and the British colonial elite, Mahua features twelve cottages, called kutiyas, or shelters in Hindi. Each of the cottages features fireplaces, large windows, handmade pottery, locally-sourced textiles, all-natural soaps, creams, and lotions from Jiva Spa, plush beds, air-conditioning, in-room safes, en suite bathrooms, and tasteful, locally-inspired designs. Meals at Mahua Kothi are served rather informally; breakfasts are eaten either on the road, or in Mahua Kothi’s vegetable garden; lunch can be had by the pool, during the safari, or under the shade of the nearby trees; and dinners, featuring roasts, thalis, or assortments of small dishes, are enjoyed under the stars and accompanied by performances. Amenities include a full-service spa offering Ayurvedic and western treatments, a swimming pool, a library, and yoga lessons. Mahua Kothi lies a scenic, five-hour drive from Khajuraho’s airport.