What we say

Some conservation projects talk the talk. Poonam and Harshawardhan Dhanwatey walk the walk – with projects sponsored by Born Free and Smithsonian, and their own TRACT (Tiger Research and Conservation Trust) foundation making real impact in Tadoba.

What they’ve also achieved on their seven-acre plot is wonderful. They’ve taken barren land added waterbodies and allowed it to rewild naturally creating their own small, unfenced conservancy. The result? Tigers literally walk past your window. A waterhole sits just 30 metres from the house, overlooked by a machaan perfect for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Worried about missing things when back indoors? No need, there’s an audio visual system providing live feeds directly into the house!

With the nearest village 2.5 kilometres away and no other resorts in the vicinity, this is genuinely private and a rare escape from noise and light pollution where the only sounds are those of the wild.

The communal dining area connects like-minded wildlife enthusiasts, while the pool deck is sensibly fenced but everywhere else remains open to visiting wildlife. Night photography sessions offer encounters with nocturnal creatures at the nearby waterhole, and walking safaris in the buffer zone offer great birding and microfauna. Perfect for understanding wildlife rhythms, learning rewilding principles, and photographing India’s apex predators in their natural habitat.

Long stays are actively encouraged – this is a place to properly settle into a reading good book, or even write one!

This is conservation tourism at its purest – where passionate expertise meets genuine wildlife encounters, creating an experience that’s both educational and utterly authentic.

Our three words:

Wild | Immersive | Educational

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Founded by Poonam and Harshawardhan Dhanwatey, renowned wildlife conservationists with over 30 years of experience in Tadoba, tigress@ghosri represents their vision of forest rebirth through responsible tourism. The Dhanwateys transformed barren farmland into thriving wilderness, creating a unique model where conservation and hospitality flourish together.

Their approach centres on restoring degraded landscapes into forest ecosystems while empowering local communities as conservation stakeholders. Operating as an almost entirely unfenced property with a women-led, village-based workforce, the model ensures financial benefits and emotional connections to surrounding communities.

This boutique wildlife lodge features 6 thoughtfully designed rooms across two villas, accommodating up to 20 guests with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and local touches. Using minimal land for facilities, the property maintains ecological harmony while offering maximum immersion. The infinity pool overlooks jungle terrain where tigers and leopards frequent nearby watering holes, observable through live camera feeds. Native plant landscaping supports local wildlife, while plastic-free policies and wastewater recycling demonstrate environmental commitment. Guests enjoy curated seasonal meals from locally sourced ingredients, guided jungle walks, wildlife photography, birdwatching, conservation talks with founders, machaan tree-hide viewing experiences, and boating tours. Home-style dining features handcrafted décor and local art, creating intimate conservation experiences where guests become active participants in rewilding efforts.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 58/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 9
  • Wastewater Recycling: 4
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 6
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Native plant landscaping, focusing on supporting local wildlife and improving soil health
  • 95% of the land is unfenced; with wildlife corridors on property, allowing wild animal movement and minimizing disruptions to wild animals
  • Plastic-free policy, using refillable glass and metal bottles
  • Only 7% of the land is developed for tourism facilities
  • Minimal light pollution
  • Wastewater is recycled into the ground
  • Meals are prepared to reduce food waste and with locally sourced ingredients, with food waste decomposed in composting pits on the property
  • Skilling locals for engaging in tourism and other employment opportunities
  • Awareness programmes in adjoining villages for facilitating peaceful co-existence with wildlife
  • Capacity building and employment for village women
  • School programmes for students, engaging them in conservation and awareness about co-existence
  • Engaging local youth in tourism activities (guides, naturalists)

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 58/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 9
  • Wastewater Recycling: 4
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 6
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Native plant landscaping, focusing on supporting local wildlife and improving soil health
  • 95% of the land is unfenced; with wildlife corridors on property, allowing wild animal movement and minimizing disruptions to wild animals
  • Plastic-free policy, using refillable glass and metal bottles
  • Only 7% of the land is developed for tourism facilities
  • Minimal light pollution
  • Wastewater is recycled into the ground
  • Meals are prepared to reduce food waste and with locally sourced ingredients, with food waste decomposed in composting pits on the property
  • Skilling locals for engaging in tourism and other employment opportunities
  • Awareness programmes in adjoining villages for facilitating peaceful co-existence with wildlife
  • Capacity building and employment for village women
  • School programmes for students, engaging them in conservation and awareness about co-existence
  • Engaging local youth in tourism activities (guides, naturalists)

EXPERIENCES

forest conservancy
Birdwatching
Guided Jungle Walks
Jeep Safaris in Tadoba National Park
Cycling tours
BOATING
EVENING BBQs

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: The nearest airport is Nagpur Airport, approximately 2.5 hours drive

BY RAIL: The nearest railway station is at Chandrapur, about 45 km away (approximately 1 hour by road).

 

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Nagpur Airport 150 Km 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Chandrapur Railway Station 45 Km 1 Hours 
Hyderabad 280 Km 5 Hours
Nagpur City 150 Km 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Pench National Park 120 Km 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Kanha National Park 300 Km 6 Hours