What we say

Take a wildlife biologist, author, film maker and conservationist and a wildlife photographer, film maker & writer, add specialist knowledge of Panna National Park (since 1995) adjacent to the Ken River, and an idea which began as a community project & you know it’s going to be good. Good is an understatement.

The Sarai at Toria is a lodge, as eco as it’s possible to be, built with traditional architecture and modern comforts using locally sourced materials and employing local craftsmen. Solar power, rainwater harvesting, and organic waste management showcase their commitment to sustainability. But that doesn’t capture this place’s essence.

Fresh, homegrown produce provides delicious meals – the fennel & orange salad and Raghu’s Grand Marnier souffle being particular highlights. Breakfasts & lunches are taken in the lodge’s shade, drinks and dinner under stars. The team, attentive & efficient, quickly learns your preferences.

Hours can be spent watching birds and micro fauna from the veranda, but there’s so much, or so little else to do! Four nights is barely enough. National Park visits are a must. My two safaris yielded excellent sloth bear & leopard sightings, rutting stags, muddy wild boar and more. Just down the road is the famous town of Khajuraho, perfect for day trips.

The lodge supports local NGOs and community initiatives, offering visits that provide insight into conservation efforts. River bird spotting trips and time to sit and appreciate these special surroundings while chatting to hosts Raghu and Joanna – fun, knowledgeable, providing insight into the park, wildlife & life in India – complete the sustainable experience.

It’s always hard leaving here. I’d recommend one more night than you think you’ll need.

Our three words:

Knowledge | Conservation | Captivating

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Conservation biologist and author Raghu Chundawat and former wildlife filmmaker/photographer Joanna Van Gruisen are deeply committed environmentalists who understand that without changes in human behaviour, the planet cannot continue supporting life as we know it. Both have been involved with Panna National Park since 1995, creating acclaimed conservation works together.

Their initial vision was developing lasting conservation and research programmes among communities surrounding Panna. Creating a small hotel provided means to support themselves and fund their work. This evolved into The Sarai at Toria, perfectly demonstrating how comfort and luxury can be enjoyed while remaining earth-friendly. Future plans include establishing the Sarai as a base for wildlife, climate change and conservation research.

The Sarai at Toria sits peacefully on Ken River banks, at the doorstep of UNESCO’s Panna Biosphere Reserve and near Khajuraho’s World Heritage sites. This riverside location offers tranquillity perfect for slow travel – yoga, nature walks, cycling, boat rides, birdwatching, or relaxing with home-cooked meals. The property features eight independent cottage rooms surrounded by numerous undiscovered natural and historic destinations. Owner-hosted by Raghu and Joanna, with local village staff providing warm hospitality and authentic experiences, the Sarai’s serene surroundings may tempt guests to stay closer to home rather than explore the Indiana Jones-esque surroundings beyond.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 67/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 8
  • Wastewater Recycling: 10
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 10
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff:  9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • All wet waste is composted the organic garden.
  • Set menus to minimise food waste.
  • No bottled water is provided, only RO filtered.
  • Only natural cleaning materials EM (effective microorganisms) are used.
  • Single use plastic– no plastic bags, no bathroom plastic cosmetics, no plastic water bottles
  • Wastewater is filtered back into the ground.
  • Minimal use of cement and steel in the building.
  • Mostly mud, locally made brick, stone, lime mortar, grass thatch and locally made tiles.
  • Raghu and Joanna founded and run Baavan – Bagh Aap Aur Van that works with the local communities, activities such as nature education, health camps, eye camps, livestock improvement, aid to schools, rubbish collection clean-up schemes, park guide training
  • Designed to obviate energy-hungry a/cs; all electrical appliances, bulbs etc. chosen for efficiency at lowest wattage.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 61/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 8
  • Wastewater Recycling: 4
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 10
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff:  9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • All wet waste is composted the organic garden.
  • Set menus to minimise food waste.
  • No bottled water is provided, only RO filtered.
  • Only natural cleaning materials EM (effective microorganisms) are used.
  • Single use plastic– no plastic bags, no bathroom plastic cosmetics, no plastic water bottles
  • Wastewater is filtered back into the ground.
  • Minimal use of cement and steel in the building.
  • Mostly mud, locally made brick, stone, lime mortar, grass thatch and locally made tiles.
  • Raghu and Joanna founded and run Baavan – Bagh Aap Aur Van that works with the local communities, activities such as nature education, health camps, eye camps, livestock improvement, aid to schools, rubbish collection clean-up schemes, park guide training
  • Designed to obviate energy-hungry a/cs; all electrical appliances, bulbs etc. chosen for efficiency at lowest wattage.

EXPERIENCES

Jeep Safaris IN PANNA NATIONAL PARK
Nature Walks
handicraft workshop with Pashoo Pakshee
River safaris
Interaction with local artisans
cookery classes
cycling
yoga
Waterfall VISIT
Visit Nearby Khajaraho Temples

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: Khajuraho Airport is approximately 30 minutes by car from The Sarai at Toria

BY RAIL: The nearest railway station is Khajuraho Railway Station, approximately 15kms

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Khajuraho Airport 12 Km 20 Minutes
Khajuraho Railway Station 15 Km 30 Minutes
Khajuraho Temples 12 Km 20 Minutes
Panna National Park 2 Km 5 Minutes
Orchha 120 Km 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Gwalior 280 Km 5 Hours
Agra 350 Km 6 Hours