Kaziranga National Park, India

Diphlu River Lodge

A serene escape

An idyllic retreat surrounded by nature

Nestled on the edge of Kaziranga National Park and overlooking the river, Diphlu River Lodge offers you an idyllic retreat surrounded by nature. The lodge features eight individual cottages and four semi-detached cottages, all constructed from natural materials like bamboo and wood, with thatched roofs that blend seamlessly into the forest environment.

The 12 cottages can accommodate up to 24 guests. Four of the cottages are river-facing, while the remaining eight offer views of the lush paddy fields. Each is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, featuring a spacious shower area, dressing room and fitted wardrobe. Wide folding glass doors open onto a verandah, where you can relax in cane chairs and enjoy your surroundings.

The lodge’s charming common area, known as ‘Machan’ (jungle platform), is a raised, air-conditioned river-side space. It serves as both a sitting and dining area, opening onto two verandahs. The larger space, with its high thatched ceiling, wooden flooring and well-equipped bar, offers stunning views of the river and the national park, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching or scanning the banks for wildlife. The smaller verandah overlooks meticulously tended farmland, providing a perfect setting for al fresco breakfasts.

Dedicated to working in harmony with the natural surrounds, the decision has been taken to not install fencing between the national park and the lodge, allowing the existing animal corridor to remain undisturbed. The lodge’s naturalists have identified over 57 species of birds in and around the lodge, so keep a lookout for these avian visitors during your stay.

Highlights

12 river and paddy-facing cottages with verandahs

A charming common area to enjoy views over the river

Comfortable thatch-and-bamboo sit-out beside a pond

Plan your trip to India

Whatever you want from your adventure in India, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Places to combine Diphlu River Lodge with

The Kumaon Region

Shakti 360° Leti
There are few places as secluded and spectacularly beautiful as Shakti 360° Leti, hidden deep in the Himalayan mountains. The journey here is an adventure in itself and once you reach this mountainous paradise at 8,000 feet, you’ll see what makes it such a special and unique place. Shakti 360° Leti consists of four luxury cabins, an innovative combination of traditional building techniques and contemporary design. Each cabin features glass walls so you never have to miss out on the spectacular views. Luxury feather duvets and pashmina blankets keep you warm at night, until the sun peeks its head over the mountains in the morning and filters through the windows. En suite bathrooms with large brass sinks and fluffy bathrobes offer all the comfort you could need. Activities naturally revolve about being out and about and experiencing this epic landscape. Village walks and trekking are what most people come for, but there’s a lot to be said for simply sitting back and watching the snow and the shadows of the peaks change colour, with a glass of wine in hand. When the last of the sun’s rays have disappeared behind the horizon, head into the lounge and curl up with a book by the fireplace. To ensure the preservation of this remarkable and unique location, every effort has been made to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings. General supplies and produce for the restaurant are sourced locally and sustainable energy sources such are solar are used to heat water and provide electricity. A stay at Shakti 360° Leti is an unforgettable experience; the fresh air, unsurpassable scenery and sense of tranquility are truly humbling.

Delhi

The Imperial
A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels. Harking back to the days of the Raj, The Imperial is filled with old-world charm, its fascinating history a permanent presence. The opulence of colonial India is felt from the moment you enter; the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries giving a sense of grandeur. Rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, marble floors covered in Indian rugs, and photographs of iconic Indian landmarks and events on the walls. When the hotel opened its doors in the 30s, it became a meeting point for figures including Nehru, Ghandi, Jinnah and Lord Mountbatton who came to discuss the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Photographs of the various battalions during the British Raj adorn the walls and the 1911 Restaurant is a celebration of the year Delhi became the new capital of India. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with four restaurants offering south east Asian, gourmet Indian and European cuisine. There is also a pastry shop and a tea lounge with a glass domed ceiling and tinkling fountain and the hotel’s two bars are some of the city’s most popular. An outdoor swimming pool is set within the verdant gardens of the hotel and there is a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies for when you want to simply drift away. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, head out and explore Delhi – you’re ideally located on Janpath, just moments from the renowned shopping district of Connaught Place and a short rickshaw ride from India Gate.
Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline