Blog

May 16, 2024

Pugdundee has pioneered many exclusive wildlife experiences, whether it is a Walking Safari and Camping in Satpura Tiger Reserve, an Expedition on bicycle from Pench to Kanha through a tiger corridor, or offering exquisite wildlife photographing experience from the professionally built photography hides in Pench and Tadoba.  

 

 

 

Manav Khanduja, Co-founder, Pugdundee Safaris says "The villagers are the true bastions of our forests and we all have to be united for a sustainable tomorrow". Pugdundee Safaris is recognized as one of India's leading responsible safari companies, with seven intimate jungle lodges in Central India and many bespoke wilderness experiences it presents the very best of the Indian subcontinent wildlife and hospitality. Between 2009 and 2022, they have been awarded for our excellence in wildlife safaris, their commitment to sustainability, their experienced naturalists and their pioneering mobile safari initiative.

Pugdundee is a Hindi word meaning a foot trail commonly used by humans and animals, this word is popularly used for such beaten paths in the Indian jungles. They continuously strive to deliver the best possible guest experience, while still integrating the conservation of jungles and the people living around. They are motivated by the hope of reaching out to people in the remotest areas of our country, as they believe that they are the front-runners of wildlife conservation. However, maybe just a drop in the ocean we consider that they are making a significant contribution to wildlife conservation and rural economy wherever their lodges are located. Today, Pugdundee Safaris is run by a passionate team of wildlifers and hospitality professionals with a team of over 300 people committed in providing an incredible wildlife experience. The team includes naturalists, nature guides, boatmen, trackers and a marketing team based in Delhi.

 

 

NATIONAL PARKS

• Satpura National Park
• Panna National Park
• Pench National Park
• Tadoba National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Bhandavgarh National Park

OUR ECO WILDLIFE LODGES

Pundugdee Safaris lodges are nestled in the large forested estates in the most pristine locations away from regular tourism hubs, yet close enough to offer easy access to the national parks. Offering an unparalleled Indian Safari experience, they are the epitome of luxury, comfort and unimagined indulgence.

 

PUNDUNGEE LODGES

• Denwa Backwater Escape - Satpura
• Ken River Lodge - Panna
• Pench Tree Lodge - Pench
• Waghoba Eco Lodge - Tadoba
• Kanha Earth Lodge - Kanha
• Tree House Hideaway - Bandhavgarh

 

SUSTAINABILITY AT PUGDUNDEE

Pugdundee Safaris, at the heart of their sustainability vision is not only the commitment to reduce the impact on the shared environment but also to contribute towards a positive change. They strive to encourage avenues for economic well-being for the host communities that we co-exist with, and charming their guests with authentic and holistic experiences. They have in 2020 adopted ESG, the international sustainability criteria for hotels, provided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. In doing so, they realigned their commitments and positioned active governance, as the lever to manage their actions, monitor performance and sustain the changes; in collaboration with their guests, tourism bodies and industry networks.

 

ENVIRONMENT

 

• Zero single-use plastic as our guest experience, achieved at 6 of our lodges.
• Lodges present vernacular architecture styles, tastefully built with an emphasis on local and green architecture.
• Lodge premises are re-wilded with native species extending into natural forests, offering safe passage to visiting wildlife and natural habitat to many other species.
• Emphasis on Sustainable and Healthy Food options
• 50 KV net metering solar plants are installed which takes care of about 75% of their power need

SOCIAL

 

 

• Above 70% of their team is comprised of locals who are also in managerial and key positions.
• For over five years they continue to be actively engaged in contributing to the education and infrastructure of the local schools.
• Adopting farm-to-table initiatives by serving fresh food produce grown in our organic kitchen gardens. Also sourced from local farmers, thereby reducing their carbon miles.
• Above 70% of their lodge services and procurement needs are met locally.

 

GOVERNANCE

 

 

• Pugdundee Safaris lodges are periodically audited and certified by TOFT, using the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.
• Pugdundee managers and staff participate in regular sustainability training.
• Lodge managers and senior management are accountable for sustainability related changes and reporting.
• A large percentage of senior managers have completed GSTC training.

CONCLUSION

Pugdundee Safaris has been keenly engaged in conservation and community development activities. They believe local people hold the future of the forests in their hands and can either help protect or destroy them. They further believe that if they wish to conserve forests, they must look after the needs of local people by helping to improve their ability to earn livelihoods. The lodges at Pugdundee Safaris are set mostly in remote locations away from regular tourism hubs help ensure that the benefit of eco-tourism is distributed far and beyond.

They believe that responsible tourism and wildlife conservation go hand-in-hand. Thus, they passionately promote responsible travel, adopt sustainable practices and facilitate local involvement in conservation by empowering the communities that surround our lodges. Their dedicated team of 150 (many of whom belong to nearby villages), provide a truly authentic Indian wildlife experience.

Pugdundee Safaris, their every endeavour is driven by their deep love for India's forests and their passion for its wildlife and they attempt to nurture in each of their guests, this same enduring love for India's wild spaces. So come, walk on a pugdundee with us!