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Among the Top 10 Jungle safari lodges in India

Diphlu River Lodge

Diphlu River Lodge

Kaziranga National Park
, Assam
, India

Set amongst verdant farmland, patches of bird-rich forest and slow meandering streams, the Diphlu River Lodge is a rare retreat. The luxurious, but rustic and eco-friendly lodge was built to adapt to the existing foliage and terrain. The cottages are built on stilts using local materials like thatch and bamboo. The lodge is separated from the Kaziranga National Park by the river Diphlu, giving the cottages a close view of the wildlife-stocked jungle beyond it. The spacious main building, called Machan, has a library, a restaurant, sitting areas and a large veranda with gorgeous views of the park beyond the river.Diphlu River Lodge is the ideal destination for those seeking a unique communion with nature.

As part of their commitment to blend in with nature, the owners have purposely decided to forgo any fencing between the national park and the Lodge, choosing to not interfere with the animal corridor. Additionally, naturalists have counted over 57 species of birds that visit the Lodge and its immediate surrounds, so keep an eye out during the day!

The Machan

Raised along and above the river is the charming common area called ‘Machan’, which means ‘jungle platform’. This is an air-conditioned sitting and dining area, which opens onto two verandahs. The larger verandah, with a high thatched ceiling, wooden flooring and well-equipped bar, overlooks the Diphlu River and the national park. This is the perfect place to watch for birds or to scan the opposite bank for wild animals. The smaller verandah overlooks lovingly tended farmland and is an appealing location for al fresco breakfasts.

Embellished with fascinating handicrafts and artefacts, the Machan is where the day’s jungle stories are swapped between guests over drinks or delicious meals. Feel free to browse through television channels in the television room or to sink into luxuriant sofas with a book from the library.

The Machan is connected to the cottages by grassy paths and bamboo walkways over our private farm.

Our Rating: Premium
Property Type: Wildlife/Nature Lodge

Destination

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is arguably one of India’s best national parks, known for being home to the world’s largest population of One-horned Rhino as well as supporting one of the world’s highest densities of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Accommodation

Diphlu River Lodge has 12 cottages, ensuring an exclusive and serene experience. Cottages are raised on cement stilts, topped with natural materials like bamboo and wood, and thatched roofs to blend in with the forest surroundings. Out of the 12 cottages, four of them are river-facing and the rest are paddy-facing. All cottages are nearly the same size and have more or less the same interiors, except for minor stylistic differences. They beautifully blend in with the surroundings. The cottages are air-conditioned and have been tastefully furnished with Assamese and Naga artefacts.

Dining

The cuisine is a mix of Indian, Assamese and Continental made with fresh ingredients that rarely disappoint. The homemade marmalade is highly recommended. The lodge also organically grows its own rice, mustard and some vegetables. The bar serves up some good cocktails.

Experiences

Elephant bathing​ – Help wash down a domesticated elephant along with her handler in the refreshing waters of the Diphlu River.

Village visit – Get a glimpse into the homes and lives of the tribal peoples who inhabit this rich land. The Lodge organises engaging trips to the homesteads of three different tribes in the area; Bodo, Mising and Karbi.

Rubber plantation walk – Journey on foot to a local rubber production unit accompanied by one of our guides. Your walk will take you through lush rubber forests, scenic vistas and charming village cottages.

​Tea garden visit – Assam Tea is famous the world over for its strength and aroma and the Lodge offers you the opportunity to visit a nearby tea garden. Watch tea being grown, plucked and processed in pristine natural surroundings.

Konyak Shop – Browse for that perfect gift or pick up a memento for yourself at the gift store. All the products are either locally made by an in-house production team of weavers and craftsmen or handpicked from neighbouring regions.

Kaziranga National Orchid & Biodiversity Park – Run by a local cooperative, this orchid park houses a large greenhouse with over 800 species of orchids; a charming museum showcasing Assam’s tribes, unique artefacts and agrarian implements; and it even has a tiny room with over 300 rice varieties indigenous to Assam. Best for those who want a side of history and culture with your safaris.

Assamese dances – Celebrate the simple joys of life with an exuberant dance performance followed by a bonfire and sumptuous barbecue dinner.

Why we love this place

Perched on the periphery of Kaziranga National Park, Diphlu River Lodge is the ideal getaway for a never-before intimacy with the natural world.

Our Recommendation

Sit by the riverside on cane chairs and enjoy your evening tea, just as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did on their visit here in 2016.

Can’t find a suitable itinerary that features a destination, experience or accommodation you fancy? All our group tours and holiday ideas can be personalised, or we can create a tailor made itinerary for you.

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Our Accommodation Ratings

Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)

Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)

Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)

Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)

Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)