The 26-room resort strengthens Sterling’s Central India wilderness portfolio, with opportunities to connect wildlife holidays across Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
CHENNAI, 26 October 2026: Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has announced the opening of Sterling Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its presence across Central India’s leading wildlife destinations and expanding its wilderness portfolio.
With resorts across 15 of India’s celebrated wildlife landscapes, Sterling is developing wilderness travel as a distinct leisure category. Bandhavgarh adds one of the country’s most recognised tiger destinations to a portfolio designed to offer travellers varied forest landscapes, experiences and reasons to explore.
The launch aligns with the hospitality sector’s expansion efforts across new hotel openings.
Beyond Tiger Safaris: Exploring Bandhavgarh’s Heritage
Bandhavgarh’s appeal extends beyond wildlife sightings. Its dense sal forests, open meadows and rich biodiversity sit alongside an extraordinary historical landscape. Ancient sculptures, caves, the heritage of Bandhavgarh Fort and the reclining Vishnu at Shesh Shaiya reveal a destination where wilderness and centuries of human history coexist.
For families, this creates a broader holiday experience. Safari excursions can be combined with birdwatching, village walks, nature trails, regional cuisine and relaxed time together, allowing travellers across generations to discover the destination at their own pace.
Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said,
“India’s wilderness destinations are far more diverse than the wildlife they are famous for. Every forest has its own landscape, history, culture and cuisine, and therefore a different story to discover.
“Bandhavgarh is particularly compelling because it brings together one of India’s celebrated tiger habitats with centuries of heritage and the distinctive culture of Baghelkhand. As Destination Architects, our ambition is to bring these dimensions together so that a safari becomes part of a richer, more memorable holiday for families.
“With Sterling’s growing presence across wildlife and nature destinations, we also have the opportunity to connect individual forests into compelling journeys, such as Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
“We are not simply adding destinations to our wilderness portfolio. We are giving travellers more reasons to discover India’s forests, and more reasons to return.
“With Bandhavgarh joining our growing presence across Central India, we also see the opportunity to develop richer journeys that connect different wilderness landscapes.
“Our ambition is to make wildlife holidays about discovering the forest and everything around it, not just the sighting.”
Sterling Bandhavgarh: Accommodation and Resort Facilities
Located in Tala village, approximately 2.5 km from the Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sterling Bandhavgarh offers an intimate retreat with 26 rooms across four categories.
The Machan Suites feature private machans and outdoor showers, while Courtyard Rooms with Balconies offer garden-facing outdoor spaces. Safari Tents with Private Sit-outs bring an element of adventure to the stay, complemented by comfortable Forest Rooms.
A swimming pool, gardens and outdoor relaxation areas provide guests with opportunities to unwind between excursions.
Speaking about the launch, Pranav Sharma, owner of Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, said,
“Our association with Sterling at Kanha has given us the confidence to extend this partnership to Bandhavgarh. Sterling brings strong operating expertise, brand reach and an understanding of how to create distinctive destination experiences. We are delighted to build on this successful relationship and bring another compelling wilderness retreat to travellers.”
Safari Access and Nature-Based Experiences
The resort’s location provides convenient access to Tala Gate, with opportunities to explore other safari zones, including Magadhi and Khitauli, subject to Forest Department permits and regulations.
Beyond safaris, guests can experience the surrounding landscape through birdwatching, village walks, nature trails and cycling. The region’s historical and cultural attractions provide additional options for travellers planning longer stays.
Regional Cuisine Showcases Baghelkhand’s Culinary Heritage
Baghelkhand’s culinary traditions form another connection between the resort and its destination.
At The Sal, regional preparations such as Birra ki Roti, Saal Patta Murgh, Baans Mein Pakaya Chawal and Kumhde ki Kheer draw on traditional cooking methods, local grains and forest-inspired ingredients.
Alongside Indian and international favourites, the resort offers culinary experiences such as the Jungle Thali, showcasing the flavours of Baghelkhand, and Gaon ki Rasoi, inspired by the cooking traditions of local communities. Outdoor dining and bonfire evenings further complement the nature-focused setting.
Connecting Bandhavgarh and Kanha
The opening also creates opportunities for travellers to explore more of Madhya Pradesh’s wilderness. With Sterling already present in Kanha, the two destinations offer the potential for a Bandhavgarh-Kanha forest journey, bringing together distinct habitats, landscapes and wildlife experiences within one holiday.
With Bandhavgarh joining its growing wilderness network, Sterling is moving towards a more connected approach to exploring India’s forests. From the tiger landscapes of Madhya Pradesh to wilderness destinations across Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand, each location adds a different experience to the portfolio.
The strategy gives travellers more choice, creates opportunities for families to explore multiple destinations together and allows Sterling to develop journeys that extend beyond a single safari or location.
