The Sarai at Toria is a beautiful riverside retreat close to the World Heritage site of Khajuraho and to the Panna Tiger Reserve. The eight independent cottages are created in village style mud and thatch but have spacious contemporary interiors. The dining/sitting area is an open structure commanding serene and stunning views over the Ken river to the park's hills beyond.
We enjoyed our stay at Sarai immensely. The lodge and cottages are well done and meticulously designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. It is apparent Raghu and Joanna put a lot of time and effort to be as light on the environment as possible down to how they heat the water! Not only were the accommodations wonderful but the food was very authentic to the region much of it developed from Raghu's family recipes. We were among the lucky who saw a tiger and it was definitely the highlight of our India trip! The park is not overcrowded and we had a wonderful naturalist from the lodge accompany us on each trip. I highly recommend staying here, as we are currently in an uncertain time with regard to travel, it is important to support small local business like this one who take good care of their staff and in this case, have deep environmental ties to preserving the tiger in the area, when we can.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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Room Tip:Â Make sure to take the boat ride- it is beautiful and relaxing!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 20 Jan 2021
Dear Jennifer, Thank you for your lovely review. We apologise for the delay in responding but had received no alert so only today saw your kind comments. We hope you are staying well through this difficult period and look forward to a time when we may see you again. Meanwhile I hope the good memories are sustaining you through these travel free times. We are all fine here and the Sarai remains open and the tigers occasionally visible! Thank you for reviewing us so nicely.
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This lodge is run by a couple who make your stay memorable. Raghu is a scientist who has researched the tiger population in the Panna Tiger Reserve (with a documentary and a book to prove it!) and Joanna is a writer/photographer who takes the lead in welcoming guests. As a couple, they make the stay a delight. Accommodation is in large, comfortable cottage-style rooms, spacious and furnished with traditional furniture. Access to the tiger reserve is quick and easy. The lodge itself is on a river front, on which we had an afternoon canoe ride, guided by an expert local boatman. We were able to switch a second visit to the park, which we did not want, for this canoe trip on the river, showing the flexibility and high level of customer service offered by the owners, Joanna and. A terrace at the front of the lodge provides an excellent place for breakfast or a pre-dinner drink. The food was excellent.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 20 Jan 2021
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and really appreciate your taking the time to review us. A rather delayed response, I apologise. I do hope you are staying safe and that later in 2021 travel may resume. Your visit seems like a different time! Please do come again.
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I stayed here end of March 2022 with my husband and I am speechless about the beauty of the place. Completely eco-friendly, the mud huts have thick walls that keep out the heat. I was taken aback by how cool it is inside the room. The rooms are so tastefully done and it's clear that a lot of love and attention to detail has gone into it. Run by wildlife conservationist Raghu chandawat and his wife Johanna, this is a must stay for those who like to be far away from the crowd, stay in a quiet but tastefully done place, and interact with a small eclectic crowd.
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Date of stay: March 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 5 Apr 2022
Thank you Kanchana B, yours is the first review for over a year! And such a delightful one, thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the place. Do also visit in a different season when the grass is high and all is green - it is even more lovely then. We open again on 1st October.
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A paradise in panna: Stunning location, delicious farm to table food, gorgeous old world rooms and it is right next to the national park. The view and sound of the Ken River while you laze/work/read is so, so soothing. Everything is eco conscious and the attention to (literally every) detail is a bit mind boggling! But it's most unique and special feature are Joanna and Raghu who are your hosts. Knowledgeable, generous and so attentive. Could've stayed another whole week honestly.thank you for a magic time.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 20 Jan 2021
Thank you Amba, you are most kind. We wish you had stayed another week also. Next time...
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Sarai at Toria is a very special place, which puts you under its spell from the moment you arrive.
The rooms are well-designed, very comfortable and spotless, the home cooked (and grown) food is plentiful and tasty, and the staff so helpful and welcoming. Every time we had been out we were greeted back with cold drinks and questions about how our trip had been. Early safaris were sent off with a tasty breakfast to be consumed half way through. Naturalist Rutvik was so informative and friendly, manager Piyush was on top of anything that needed doing.
Safaris are quite noisy affairs, as the park allows a high number of vehicles in the same area, but Sarai have no control at all over this.
Our lovely hosts, Joanna and Raghu, were around most of the time and joined guests for pre-dinner drinks and chats each night.
Just after we had left Sarai our flight looked as if would be cancelled, Joanna realised that we may need help and contacted me out of the blue with info about alternatives, and then wanted to know we had made it safely to our destination. This was way above what I would expect.
We very much hope to work Sarai into whatever itinerary we set for our next trip to India…….
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 6 Dec 2024
Thank you for your detailed review. It is always good to hear what guests appreciate - and not! Regarding the safaris there has been a new development as now all vehicles have to carry a GPS and that way the forest department can monitor which vehicles are where and how fast they are moving. This is a trial run in order the reduce the crowds around one sighting. The park is large enough for all the vehicles allowed to enjoy an exclusive experience; the problem is that most are targetted only on the tiger. Hopefully on your next trip you can enjoy Sarai like peace inside the jungle as well! Look forward to seeing you then.
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This is the kind of place you could stay for days- and not get bored. And discover new corners and hidden little details that have obviously been thought of with SO MUCH LOVE and care. One moment I turned to discover a double sided wardrobe(GENIUS!) encased in pakistani mashroo curtains, and in another moment I found myself doing yoga next to a beautiful silk chanderi curtain with the tiniest little booties you could have gone days without noticing.
The food was incredible, and simple and you really felt spoilt after every meal. Piyush and his team took such care of us that my rotis were never without a good dollop of butter. Breakfast(on days you dont venture into the park) is on this beautiful long table in the lawns overlooking the river, and lunch was served in the vegetable patch, only a few metres away but an entirely different experience.
Joanna and Raghu who run the place are so integrated into the community, they know two boatmen who now work permanently for Sarai's guests and recognise every species of bird you will spot on your little boat ride- complete with fantastic cushion upholstery. <3
But what I will never forget is the careful choice of cosmetics and the sweet tea station in our room- filled with only the most wonderful teas and coffee for any kind of craving. PS: I still miss their shampoo.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Groups should book the connected rooms.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 20 Jan 2021
Dear manyshoes, What a delightful and original review. We wish you had stayed longer too and will look forward to a return whenever....
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Unbelievably beautiful place managed by Raghu and Joanna. This small jungle resort on Ken River is unique. Extremely eco friendly. Besides the owners, the whole staff is so friendly and helping. The food which is personally supervsed by Raghu is so good. The location is perfect. Within 50km radius you can have one day excursions to Khajuraho, Ranhe Water Falls, Panna Tiger Reserve.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 28 Dec 2022
We are so happy you mentioned the Sarai staff: they are all from the local community and really do display their natural instinct for warm hospitality. We are glad you enjoyed our food also and do hope you may be able to return one day now that you are part of the extended Sarai at Toria family!
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Even in a crowded itinerary, it is worth making time when in India to visit a Tiger Reserve. If you only have time for one, The Sarai at Toria would be a fabulous choice. It is an oasis of calmness and serenity, beautifully located on the banks of the River Ken looking across to the hills of the Panna reserve. It's not far from the stunning Khajuraho temples and the nearby airport, so easy to fit into a wider tour The accommodation at The Sarai is welcoming and comfortable, surrounded by a wooded landscape that is alive with birds and butterflies. The food is of a very high standard and staff here are friendly and always on hand to help if needed What really marks The Sarai out however is the chance to meet the owners, Raghu and Joanna. Both are renowned conservationists as well as being excellent hosts. Talking to them around the fire in the evening really helps to understand and bring to life the the environment of Panna, the great successes of the conservation movement in India and the undoubted challenges that the natural world currently faces. This knowledge also translates into the excellence of the naturalists that accompany your forays into the Tiger Reserve. We enjoyed three tiger sightings and a very close up view of a leopard in our days here and found the naturalists to be the best that we encountered. We have nothing but praise for this marvellous place and hope to return one day
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Date of stay: November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 27 Dec 2022
Such a charming review, thank you from all of us at the Sarai. We do hope you will be able to visit again.
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Really enjoyed our stay. The staff are very welcoming and friendly, the location is spectacular with its view over the river, beautiful grounds and access to the Panna Tiger Reserve, excellent, spacious rooms and delicious food.
We were fortunate to see tigers on our first safari, a mother and four cubs, but we also enjoyed our boat trip on the river, and our walk to the local village.
It’s very hard to find any fault, perhaps if anything the pillows were a bit firm, but that was a small negative which others may like.
Thank you.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â We were lucky to see tigers fairly early in the morning, maybe this is a good time to spot the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 7 May 2024
We are glad you enjoyed your stay and thank you for reviewing us. Sorry to hear about the pillows. Actually most of our pillows are quite soft but I think a couple of recent new ones may be a bit firmer so it sounds as though, as bad luck would have it, these were the ones in your room. Our apologies for this. Next time please do mention such issues; we are always happy to hear so we may remedy at the time if possible. We do hope they did not interfere with a good night's sleep. Glad you were lucky with the tigers!
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This is one of the loveliest places we have stayed in India on our many trips, with the kindest and most efficient staff, the most beautiful cottages, the most gorgeous and accessible surroundings and a peace and quiet that took us completely by surprise. Our hosts Joanna and Raghu were so quietly attentive and organised making the experience seamless. Food was just outstanding and brilliantly served. Despite the bitter cold the area was experiencing, we had warm fires, blankets, hot water bottles - even clothes lent to us by Joanna and Raghu because we hadn’t come prepared. Piyush was a fantastic organiser and we had a great walk with him. JP and Devendra were outstanding spotters - we had incredible experiences seeing tigers (three cubs on our first safari - and with nobody else there, four cubs on our second!). Our boat trip was just wonderful as was the trip to the potters. Can’t wait to go back.Thanks to everyone who made it such a fabulous four days (not long enough!).
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sarai at Toria, Owner at Sarai at Toria
Responded 7 May 2024
What a lovely review - thank you! It was unusually sunless this winter which made it feel even colder than normal. But glad you were able to enjoy your time here even so. We are fortunate in being located in a beautifully peaceful rural landscape and love it when our guests enjoy this too.
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Hello Ceri, Please just send an email to us giving your preferred dates. You may find our email address on the Sarai at Toria website. It seems I am not allowed to write either here but it should be easy to find through google. We will get back to you with details.
We look forward to hearing from you. all the best Joanna
Dear RubesJ,
December in our part of India can be very cold - depends whether you are visiting early or late December. But in December / January we can even get frosts so if you are planning to visit the park bring enough warm layers, hats gloves etc. Definitely required for those early mornings in an open jeep. We will additionally provide blankets and when very cold hot water bottles! But daytimes are usually lovely - t-shirt weather. This is why layering is important, as there can be a very wide variation between the nights and midday temperatures. Our cottages however are designed and built in such a way that inside, the temperatures do not vary more than about 1 degree throughout the 24 hours. You will not need air conditioning. The rooms are usually within the perfect designated sleeping temperature. However when the outside temperature has been very cold over many days they can drop to a little below comfort level. At this time we provides heaters and hot water bottles for the beds.
We shall look forward to your visit.
Sarai at Toria
There are more places to choose from in the Khajuraho area.
LOCATION
IndiaMadhya PradeshChhatarpur DistrictKhajuraho
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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