70% Solar-Powered & Plastic-Free, This Madhya Pradesh Homestay Grows 80% of Its Own Food
Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, bordering the lush expanse of Satpura National Park, lies Denwa Backwater Escape. Established in 2013, this serene gem stands out as a unique eco-luxury destination, beckoning wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an immersive and responsible travel experience.
From the very foundation of its construction to the delectable dishes served in its restaurant, sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Denwa Backwater Escape. Their guiding philosophy? To conserve, protect, and rewild the precious forests cradling this idyllic lodge. Let’s find out what makes this stunning lodge a must-visit for the traveller with a conscience.
The space – your own slice of paradise by the river
Driving through the dusty roads of Satpura forest, you are suddenly welcomed by the huge hoarding – Denwa Backwater Escape. As you drive in, you are awestruck by this oasis in the middle of the forest, effortlessly blending nature with concrete. “When we first found this land, it was tired and bare,” recalls Property Manager Prashant Seegu. “Our dream was to bring it back to life, to create a green and welcoming space with comfortable accommodation, all built around the trees and nature already here.” And they did.
The treehouses at Denwa Backwater Escape offer elevated views of the Denwa River, blending comfort with natural immersion.
You’ll find well-appointed cottages with ensuite bathrooms and a cosy sit-out to gaze at the Denwa. Then there are the exclusive treehouses that feel like your private perch with the most incredible, wide-open water views.
The whole place feels perfect, with aesthetics inspired by the local culture and built with a gentle touch of the earth. It’s a spot where the beauty outside wraps around you, inside and out. With a deep commitment to sustainability, today Denwa Backwater Escape has become one of the preferred resorts in Satpura.
Harnessing the power of the sun
At Denwa Backwater Escape, a deep respect for the environment drives every decision. A cornerstone of their sustainability efforts is their significant reliance on renewable energy. “We are incredibly proud that approximately 70% of our power needs are met by the abundant sunshine that graces this region,” explains Prashant.
Each cottage at Denwa is thoughtfully designed to offer aesthetic comfort inspired by local architecture and culture.
“This commitment to solar energy not only lessens our reliance on traditional, often polluting, power sources but also plays a crucial role in offsetting our carbon footprint, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for this invaluable ecosystem and the generations to come.”
Nurturing the soil with in-house composting
Waste management is another crucial aspect of Denwa’s sustainability ethos. They have implemented in-house compost pits where all wet food waste undergoes natural decomposition. This nutrient-rich compost is then lovingly used in their organic farm garden.
Views from the room balconies overlook the backwaters and forest edge, offering moments of serene reflection.
“Going organic isn’t just a trend for us; it’s a way of life,” states Sous Chef Arun Kumar with a smile. “We believe in nurturing the land and providing our guests with the freshest, healthiest ingredients, grown right here.”
Embracing ancestral farming and local wisdom
Denwa’s commitment to organic practices extends beyond their garden. They actively collaborate with local employees and nearby communities, imbuing the principles of ancestral farming. This promotes sustainable agriculture in the region and empowers the local population with traditional knowledge and skills.
Championing a single-use plastic-free environment
In a resolute effort to combat plastic pollution, Denwa Backwater Escape has adopted a strict single-use plastic-free policy. Guests are welcomed with reusable steel water bottles, which can be refilled at conveniently located water stations.
Large windows and subtle interiors reflect Denwa’s design principle — bringing the outside in while keeping the experience rooted in nature.
Accommodations are thoughtfully equipped with glass jars containing filtered drinking water, loose-leaf tea, freshly ground coffee, and delectable homemade cookies. “We believe that even small changes can make a big difference,” says Kshitih Gambhir, the Head Naturalist.
“By eliminating single-use plastics, we are actively contributing to the health and well-being of the surrounding environment.” The kitchen further reinforces this commitment by prioritising fresh, locally sourced ingredients, minimising the use of packaged goods, and completely avoiding preservatives.
Reclaimed treasures add to the rustic charm
The lodge’s design subtly echoes its aquatic embrace through handcrafted artefacts and unique lighting. Wander through, and you’ll discover rustic lamps born from driftwood gathered nearby, casting a warm, inviting glow. Tables crafted from the organic beauty of live-edge planks and an eclectic collection of furniture fashioned from reclaimed railway sleepers add to the lodge’s earthy charm.
Reclaimed and repurposed artefacts like this sculpture contribute to the lodge’s rustic charm and sustainable ethos.
“This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about thoughtfully repurposing materials, giving them a new story within the Denwa Backwater Escape narrative”, adds Arun.
A taste of the wild: fresh, local, and crafted with care
“Our kitchen is truly rooted in the land,” shares Arun, his eyes lighting up. “We’re incredibly fortunate that around 80% of the ingredients you taste in our dishes come straight from our organic garden. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!” For the remaining 20%, they consciously partner with local shops and vendors, a practice Arun emphasises as crucial for “empowering our community and celebrating the incredible produce of this region.”
Step into their kitchen, and you’ll find a space where everything is made from scratch, with a firm “no” to preservatives. The focus is on healthy, wholesome cooking, using minimal oil and ghee to let the natural flavours shine through. “We want our guests to taste the pure essence of the ingredients,” Arun explains.
Denwa’s kitchen emphasises from-scratch meals, with no preservatives, minimal oil, and ingredients sourced from their garden or local vendors.
To truly experience the local culinary heritage, Denwa offers four distinct types of thalis, each a flavourful journey through the regional cuisine of India. Breakfast is a delightful fusion of global favourites and Indian classics, ensuring a perfect start to any day. As evening falls, dinner takes on a more international flair, offering a diverse range of dishes.
Arun’s creativity truly blossoms with the changing seasons. “Nature is our biggest inspiration,” he says. “During the Mahua season, for instance, we love to experiment with local recipes using this flower, showcasing the unique flavours this time of year brings.” At Denwa, each plate tells a story of the land, bursting with fresh, local flavours of the region.
How to spend 48 hours at Denwa Backwater Escape
Beyond its unwavering commitment to sustainability, Denwa Backwater Escape offers many unique activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and biodiversity of Satpura National Park and its surroundings.
Thrilling wildlife safaris: Embark on guided jeep safaris into the heart of Satpura, offering opportunities to spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and a myriad of fascinating bird species. As Kshitih Gambhir passionately states, “Exploring Satpura’s wilderness is an experience that stays with you. The Satpura forest is not only known for the tiger but also for the giant squirrel, sloth bear, and leopards.
We have guests coming in, especially to see these beauties, as they are rare in other forests around. Our experienced team of naturalists makes the safaris all the more interesting with anecdotes of the jungle, educating guests about pugmarks, animal calls, and the fauna found in the jungle.”
The warm, earthy interiors of the dining space reflect Denwa’s commitment to natural materials and inviting design.
Boat safari and canoeing: One of the unique activities the resort offers is a private boat safari. As you glide along the tranquil Denwa River backwaters, you can see many water birds along the water’s edge, impressive Gaurs, and graceful herds of spotted deer. And if fortune smiles upon you, you might have a rare glimpse of a shy sloth bear. But the magic doesn’t end there.
Your journey culminates in a delightful breakfast served right on the deck, accompanied by captivating stories and insights from your expert guide. They also organise canoe rides along the Denwa River for the more adventurous.
Guests can unwind by the poolside or enjoy outdoor dining surrounded by Satpura’s lush forest backdrop.
Walking and mobile camping: Step off the beaten path and into Satpura’s wild heart with Denwa’s signature Forsyth Trail —an experience unlike any other. This isn’t just a stroll in the woods; it’s an immersive 2-day expedition through the buffer zone, led by a seasoned naturalist. This exclusive experience includes walking through the buffer zone of the Satpura forest with a trained naturalist.
While on the safari, you can spot various birds, mammals, and, if lucky, the sloth bear and leopard. Evenings are spent in tented accommodation with fresh meals enjoyed in the thrilling surroundings of the jungle. This isn’t just a safari; it’s an intimate encounter with the untamed beauty of Satpura.
The indoor dining area at Denwa serves a variety of Indian and international meals, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Nature walks and birding trails: Discover the smaller wonders of the forest on guided nature walks, learning about the diverse flora and fauna. Satpura is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 250 bird species, and Denwa’s location by the backwater provides excellent opportunities for spotting resident and migratory species.
Cycling exploration: Saddle up and explore the countryside at your own pace. Feel the freedom as you cycle through stunning scenery. Knowledgeable naturalists can join your ride, leading you along captivating trails and through quaint local villages. As you pedal along, you’ll be welcomed by the melodies of the forest and glimpses of its incredible wildlife.
The essentials
How to reach? – Bhopal Airport (150 kms), Itarsi Railway Station (70 kms)
Tariffs – Rs 20,000 plus taxes
Best time to visit – November to June
For more details, you can visit their website.
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