What we say

I’ve been waiting for something new (and good) in Kaziranga. I couldn’t have dreamt though that it would be just the sort of place we seek to find.

Kathoni, meaning “the woods” in Assamese, is exactly what’s been missing from this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. While other properties focus on cramming in safari groups, owner Siddhartha Kalita has created something entirely different—a luxury boutique stay by a tranquil lake, tucked away in a village far from the crowds with just two rooms!

We know that Kaziranga is an extraordinary park, but it’s impossible not to become gently intoxicated by the rhythms of this 10-acre organic farm. Linger on your balcony each morning, watching the mist lift from the lake as the Eastern Himalayan foothills emerge like a watercolour painting. Both rooms feature artisanal bamboo roofing crafted by local artisans, and the living bamboo fencing seems to breathe with the landscape, blurring the line between indoors and the wilderness beyond.

What sets Kathoni apart is Siddhartha’s genuine commitment to the land and community. He’s planted over 500 trees with 200+ indigenous species now thriving as a haven for wildlife. The farm-to-table dining showcases traditional Assamese cuisine cooked on woodfire, using ingredients grown right here. Siddhartha has curated immersive experiences that go far beyond standard safaris—from Bihu dance performances to boat safaris on the mighty Brahmaputra for river dolphins.

Finally, a place in Kaziranga that matches the magic of the wildlife.

Our three words:

Tranquil | Organic | Nature

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Siddhartha Kalita dreamed of creating a unique sanctuary for experiential travel in his home state of Assam. An avid traveler with over 20 years in Product Experience Design, he combined his passion for user experience, travel, and sustainability to craft an intimate luxury experience, immersing guests in Assam’s exotic wildlife, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.

His philosophy centers on authentic, meaningful experiences through the region’s wildlife, nature, cuisine, culture, and people. Every little detail, from the guided wildlife safaris to the use of natural materials in the architecture and the hospitality of the local staff from the village, reflects a living commitment to sustainability and local culture in this flood-prone belt.

Meaning “the woods” in Assamese, Kathoni is an owner-driven luxury boutique stay on a 10-acre organic farm near the UNESCO World Heritage Kaziranga National Park. Lakeview rooms feature artisanal bamboo roofing and high ceilings, offering breathtaking vistas of the countryside and the Eastern Himalayan foothills. Guests enjoy exclusive jeep safaris with expert naturalists across all four Kaziranga ranges, spotting one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and diverse birdlife, including winter migratory species.

Beyond wildlife experiences, activities include cooking sessions, village walks, and traditional performances. The culinary journey features authentic Assamese cuisine cooked over wood fire, organic farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients, and al fresco dining surrounded by nature’s symphony, creating personalized, immersive experiences away from crowds.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 59/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 9
  • Organic Produce: 10
  • Wastewater Recycling: 5
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 7
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 9
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Sustainable architecture with a bamboo roofing system crafted by local artisans, and using eco-friendly and handcrafted materials like local bamboo, cane, and traditional Assam Silk
  • A solar-powered backup system and an efficient waste management system are in place.
  • Wet waste is composted and utilized in agriculture, while dry waste is transported to the municipality for proper disposal.
  • Being a small, exclusive setup translates to a low carbon footprint, reduced traffic, and less noise. 
  • Low Lighting, power conservation, water management with conscious usage, and a strict no-party and events policy ensure an environmental balance with the natural surroundings.
  • We practice organic farming with a Farm-to-Table model. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients from our farm or neighboring villages are used to prepare meals traditionally over a wood fire for that authentic, local flavor.
  • With over 500 trees planted in this flood-prone area, a plantation of over 200 indigenous trees thrives on the property today,
  • The Lakefront on the property remains untouched and in its natural state, preserving the natural flora and fauna.
  • Active empowerment of staff through practical hands-on guidance in areas like nature conservation, organic farming, professionalism, and waste management.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 60/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 10
  • Wastewater Recycling: 5
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building:
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 9
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Sustainable architecture with a bamboo roofing system crafted by local artisans, and using eco-friendly and handcrafted materials like local bamboo, cane, and traditional Assam Silk
  • A solar-powered backup system and an efficient waste management system are in place.
  • Wet waste is composted and utilized in agriculture, while dry waste is transported to the municipality for proper disposal.
  • Being a small, exclusive setup translates to a low carbon footprint, reduced traffic, and less noise. L
  • Low Lighting, power conservation, water management with conscious usage, and a strict no-party and events policy ensure an environmental balance with the natural surroundings.
  • We practice organic farming with a Farm-to-Table model. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients from our farm or neighboring villages are used to prepare meals traditionally over a wood fire for that authentic, local flavor.
  • With over 500 trees planted in this flood-prone area, a plantation of over 200 indigenous trees thrives on the property today,
  • The Lakefront on the property remains untouched and in its natural state, preserving the natural flora and fauna.
  • Active empowerment of staff them through education and training in areas like nature conservation, organic farming, professionalism, and waste management.

EXPERIENCES

Jeep Safaris (Exclusive Jeep) with expert Naturalists in Kaziranga National Park
Birding Safaris in nearby forests
Hoollock Gibbons in Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
Tribal Village Nature Walk
Handloom Tour
Tea Garden Visit
Traditional Bihu dance Performance
BOAT SAFARIS ON THE BHRAMAPUTRA for birds and river dolphins

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: Jorhat Airport is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Kathoni, Guwahati Airport is about 4 hours away,

BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station is Furkating Junction, approximately 90 minutes from the property

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Jorhat Airport 70 Km 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Guwahati Airport 230 Km 4 Hours
Furkating Junction 70 Km 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Dibrugarh 220 Km 4 Hour 45 Minutes
Kaziranga  15 Km 30 Minutes
Majuli Island        115 Km 3 Hours
Tezpur 80 Km 2 Hours