A Royal Retreat: Discovering Mewar’s Private Forest Sanctuary
In the quiet of a private forest in Mewar, India, a 300-year-old hunting lodge has been transformed into a sanctuary of luxury and conservation. This is not a tale of celebrity escapes, but of a noble family’s commitment to restoring the land and offering a rare, intimate experience of nature.
Chunda Shikar Oudi, hidden in the village of Bathera, is a one-hour drive from Udaipur. It was once a degraded hunting ground. Over decades, overgrazing and tree felling had left the ecosystem fragile. The turning point came when Mayur Singh of the Bathera family and his wife, Bhavna, began planting trees and stopping illegal logging. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they partnered with the Chunda Group to create a sustainable wildlife retreat.
Conservation at the Heart
The resort’s naturalist and general manager, Chandravijay Hada, brings over 20 years of experience. He explains that the leopards were present but lacked prey. The team cleared invasive lantana weeds, developed native grasslands, and planted fruiting trees. Today, the private ecosystem supports over 150 wild boars, 35 nilgai, and up to nine leopards.
“We started clearing invasive lantana weeds, developing native grasslands, and planting fruiting trees. Slowly, the prey returned,” says Hada. This conservation effort is tangible. The resort uses less than 1.5 percent of its 150-hectare land for construction. The rest remains wild.
Luxury That Respects Tradition
The architecture reflects regional craftsmanship. Local granite, limestone, sandstone, and native timber create a warm, earthy aesthetic. The main courtyard features a bamboo-ringed pond fountain. The lobby feels like a grand country estate. Yet the stay is intimate, more like being welcomed into a private home than a hotel.
Accommodations include a 900-square-foot suite with a private balcony overlooking the forest and lake. It costs about ₹65,000 per night for two in peak season. A larger villa, spread over 5,000 square feet, includes a private pool and separate living areas. It costs about ₹1,50,000 per night for four to six people.
A 48-Hour Escape
The experience begins with a traditional Mewari welcome. Guests enjoy elaborate thalis featuring local dishes like makki ki raab, dahi ke kabab, and gud ka malpua. Evening safaris in open-top 4x4s reveal leopards, nilgai, and nocturnal birds. Sunset boat rides on the private lake offer calm and wildlife sightings.
Cultural immersion includes visiting a local Gujjar family, grinding corn on traditional stone mills, and tasting white corn rotis with chilli chutney. The staff, 90 percent recruited from Bathera village, provide genuine, attentive service.
Why This Matters for Eswatini
This story resonates with Eswatini’s own values of tradition, conservation, and sustainable development. Like the Bathera family, Eswatini’s royal family and communities have long protected the land. The model of private conservation that supports local families offers a path for preserving heritage while creating jobs. It is a reminder that luxury and tradition can coexist without compromising the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chunda Shikar Oudi?
It is a luxury wildlife retreat in Mewar, India, built from a 300-year-old hunting lodge. It focuses on conservation and offers private safaris, boat rides, and cultural experiences.
How does the resort support local communities?
About 90 percent of the 50 permanent staff are from Bathera village. The resort educates locals on sustainable tourism, which brings jobs and protects the ecosystem.
What wildlife can guests see?
Guests can spot leopards, nilgai, wild boars, and various birds. The private ecosystem has been restored to support a healthy prey base for predators.
What is the cost of staying?
A suite costs about ₹65,000 per night for two in peak season. A villa costs about ₹1,50,000 per night for four to six people. All meals and most activities are included.