The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton stayed at Diphlu River Lodge in Kaziranga National Park on their state visit to India in 2016. Here’s just a taste of what the lodge has to offer and why they chose to stay here:
Diphlu River Lodge is an intimate getaway hidden within the heartland of remote North-Eastern India in Kaziranga National Park. Found at the edge of a renowned World Heritage Site, the lodge is the ultimate retreat for travellers seeking an exciting Indian wilderness experience. The eco-lodge resides in an unparalleled proximity to the gates of the Kaziranga National Park, parkland abundant with Bengali tigers, Indian rhinoceros and elephants. The lodge offers excellent hospitality, wildlife-expertise and personalised experiences for all guests.
There are twelve stilted cottages in total, eight that accommodate just two guests and an additional four semi-detached cottages which also cater for two guests but work well when you are travelling in a small group or as a family. Each of the en-suite cottages is air conditioned, beautifully built to embody the spirit of the local culture. The cottages have intimate living areas and large verandas that overlook the great river or lush paddy fields below.
Dining at the River Lodge is a relaxed and social affair. Dine in the Lodge’s charming communal dining area served in the ‘Machan’ which means ‘jungle platform’. This is raised along and above the river that opens onto two verandahs with wi-fi. The larger verandah, with a high thatched ceiling, wooden flooring and well-equipped bar, overlooks the Diphlu River and the national park. All meals are included at the Diphlu River Lodge and the menu can be altered to anyone’s taste! The lodge grows a range of organic vegetables, mustard and rice which are all used in the dishes served. The menu is a blend of continental, North Indian and Assamese recipes in order to accommodate as many guests as possible; special diets and food allergies can be catered for with prior notice. Riverbank picnic lunches can also be arranged in a delightfully romantic seating platform, resplendent with rustic charm, giving a very unique experience.
From the lodge there are a wide range of trips and activities you can embark upon. Game drives via 4×4 vehicles are top priority here; Kaziranga National Park is full of incredible wildlife which your knowledgeable guide will help you track and spot tiger, rhino and elephants and give you plenty of information about each species and much more. You can also embark upon an exclusive walking safari throughout the park which requires permission from the authorities; it will give you a completely different perspective of the animals which live in the park.
Why we love Diphlu River Lodge
Diphlu River Lodge is the ideal picturesque wilderness getaway nestled on the banks of the Diphlu River.
A comfortable lodge situated upon stilts with a huge focus on service and wildlife.
The lodge has a network of bridges that arch crisscross over the lush paddy fields and are illuminated at night.
The lodge offers a fusion of Indian and Assamese (local) cookery that all will enjoy after a full day of safaris and adventures.
The lodge has access to some amazing wildlife
