What we say

A light fog hangs in the air, the brown headed barbet chimes his constant refrain, last night’s fire pit has gathered flashes of bougainvillea, jungle babblers flit and natter, parakeets as shrill and impatient as ever dart around as a jungle hare hops across the lawn and the flying foxes are home to roost as a jackal cautiously trots by. Birders camouflaged in khaki carrying huge lenses appear out from the trees, only to disappear into the dining room to negotiate an early, hearty breakfast, anticipation in the air for their boating safari on the Chambal River, hoping to see skimmers, turtles, gharials and perhaps a Gangetic dolphin.

The resident peacock surveys all he sees from his perch on the roof, his compatriots calling from different vantage points around the grounds. In an hour or two, others will appear, those who’ve elected to appreciate a rare leisurely morning at the lodge.

They’ll benefit from the sun having risen, the chill having dispersed and a breakfast al fresco, convivial chat, watching and listening, asking about bird calls, taking time, sorting through photos, reading a book, piecing together their journey so far and curious about the day ahead, a stroll around UP’s first heritage village, Holipura with its astonishing architecture or to see the 108 ancient temples of Bateshwar lining the nearby Yamuna River. Mornings are to be savoured at Mela Kothi – Chambal Safari Lodge. This utopia can only exist thanks to the foresight of its guardians, Anu and Ram Pratap. Their journey is outlined below.

Our three words: unexplored, underrated, unforgettable.

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Founders: Ram Pratap Singh, an engineer from IIT Roorkee, and his wife Anu Dhillon Singh, an Environmentalist from London University. Trading in the security of their professional careers for the dream of sustainable ecotourism showcasing the raw wilderness of the Chambal ravines and river, the couple moved back to their family farm in 1999.

The couple remain actively involved with various research organisations, community projects, government & non-government agencies to help spearhead policy, conservation, and development projects in the area and beyond.

Nestled in the Chambal Valley, Mela Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge exemplifies responsible tourism and conservation. This family-owned retreat, restored by Ram Pratap Singh and Anu Dhillon, is rooted in Ram’s ancestral home, adding personal connection to their mission. Set within a 35-acre woodland, Mela Kothi has been renovated using traditional techniques and local materials, honouring architectural heritage while minimizing environmental impact. The owners have transformed the property into a thriving ecosystem, contributing significantly to protecting endangered species like the gharial and Gangetic dolphin.

The lodge’s commitment extends to community engagement, employing and empowering local staff. Innovative projects like a bicycle highway promote eco-friendly exploration.
Located near the historic temples of Bateshwar and within reach of Agra’s Taj Mahal, Mela Kothi offers a blend of wildlife and cultural experiences.

Each stay contributes directly to local conservation efforts and community development. From river safaris to guided nature walks, the lodge provides authentic experiences that educate guests about preserving this unique ecosystem.
Mela Kothi stands out as a genuine endeavour where responsible tourism is a way of life, setting an inspiring example for the hospitality industry.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 63/70

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

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Bamboo based toilet paper, napkins, kitchen rolls, baking & wrapping paper
  • Chemical free herbal detergents, dishwashing liquids, cleaning agents, repellents
  • Chemical and plastic packaging free toiletries
  • UV Filtered water in recycled wine bottles
  • Soya based candles
  • Solar power
  • High energy efficiency rated equipment.
  • LED lighting

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 63/70

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

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Bamboo based toilet paper, napkins, kitchen rolls, baking & wrapping paper
  • Chemical free herbal detergents, dishwashing liquids, cleaning agents, repellents
  • Chemical and plastic packaging free toiletries
  • UV Filtered water in recycled wine bottles
  • Soya based candles
  • Solar power
  • High energy efficiency rated equipment.
  • LED lighting

EXPERIENCES

BIRD WATCHING
CYCLING EXCURSIONS
GUIDED NATURE WALKS
interactions with local artisans
Visits to Community Projects
Organic Farming
Picnic treks
safaris on the chambal river
The real village India
VISITS TO BATESHWAR TEMPLES
WILDLIFE VIEWING

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: The nearest airport is in Agra, approximately 1 and a half hour drive from the Lodge. Delhi Airport is about 5 hours by road, while Lucknow Airport is just over 3 hours away.

BY RAIL: The nearest railway station is at Bah, which was inaugurated in January 2016, though it offers limited train connectivity. The nearest major railway stations are in Etawah (50 km – approximately 60 minutes away) or Agra (65 km – about 90 minutes away). Both stations provide broader connectivity, with trains heading east to Lucknow and Varanasi, south to Gwalior, Khajuraho, and Bhopal, and north and west to Delhi and Jaipur.

Several renowned wildlife destinations can also be accessed via the rail network, including Bharatpur, Ranthambhore (with change at Bharatpur), Bandhavgarh (via Katni or Umaria) and Kanha (via Jabalpur).

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Agra – Taj Mahal 64 Km 1 Hour
Delhi Airport 300 Km 5 Hours
Bharatpur – Keoladeo NP 130 Km 3 Hours
Jaipur 300 Km 5 Hours
Ranthambhore NP 280 Km 6 Hours
Gwalior Fort 120 Km 3 Hours
Orchha 233 Km 5 Hours