The Oberoi Group Announces the Opening of The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh
New Delhi: The Oberoi Group proudly announces the opening of The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh — a luxurious sanctuary just a few minutes’ drive from The Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most renowned wildlife destinations, celebrated for its thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers. The resort has featured in TIME Magazine USA’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’, a recognition that underscores its exceptional design, immersive guest experience, and distinctive location.
Designed to reflect its natural surroundings, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas draws inspiration from the spirit of the Vindhya mountain ranges, the architectural traditions and artistic heritage of central India, and the tribal cultures that have thrived here for centuries. A highlight of the design is the striking entrance door—handcrafted by local artisans and carved with tribal motifs, setting the tone for the immersive experience. Push past this grand wooden door, hand-chiselled by Gond artisans, one of the two predominant indigenous communities in the region, and you arrive at a soaring lounge and bar, bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and lined with pale local Katni stone. The space is warm and welcoming, much like a beautiful appointed luxury home. Interiors are adorned with vivid Gond artworks, paying tribute to the indigenous communities whose cultural legacy shapes the spirit of Bandhavgarh. The architectural language of the resort draws from local craftsmanship and traditional materials, creating a destination that pays homage to the land and its people, particularly the Gond and Baiga tribes, whose heritage is intricately woven into the region’s cultural fabric.
Set across a lush 21-acre forested expanse, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas features 19 exquisitely appointed luxury tents and two expansive Luxury Villas with private pools, offering guests unparalleled privacy and a deep connection with nature. The interiors of the luxury tents are accentuated with tribal-inspired details and the tented canopies adorned with intricate motifs, evoking the rustic elegance of the land, brought to life through Oberoi’s signature lens of understated luxury. Thoughtfully curated design touches root the experience in place, from vivid Gond art murals in the bath area to lifelike interpretations of local wildlife, hand-painted by renowned Bandhavgarh artist Rakesh Prajapati. Sliding doors open onto a private floating deck and expansive private garden, where fountain grass and frangipani bloom under a flowering kachnar tree, creating the perfect setting to savour a morning cup of tea accompanied by the gentle symphony of birdsongs.
At the heart of the resort lies a distinctive culinary journey, led by Executive Chef Sachin Kumar, who trained with the Royal Kitchen of Nagod, bringing with him a profound understanding of the region’s time-honoured culinary traditions. The Dining Room pays homage to the bounty of central India, showcasing heirloom recipes and Madhya Pradesh’s signature culinary styles. Local ingredients take centre stage, elevated through thoughtful techniques and presentation, while global favourites, such as Neapolitan-style pizzas, grilled meats, and seafood, complement the offering, emerging fresh from a wood-fired stone oven in the dining room.
Meals are thoughtfully curated across a variety of settings—high tea under a canopy or a bonfire at the Tree Court, grills and barbecues by the lake at The Bush Kitchen, or intimate dining in the warm, wood-lined interiors of the restaurant. The Bush Dining experience, set under a starlit sky by the lake, offers a magical al fresco setting, evoking the romance of wilderness feasting. A culinary highlight is the Royal Baghelkhand dinner—a regal dining experience that draws inspiration from the traditions of the erstwhile Baghel kingdom, offering guests a rich immersion into the flavours and heritage of the land.
The Bar presents an evocative collection of craft cocktails, regional teas, and fine wines, thoughtfully curated to draw inspiration from the forests and spices of the region.
Guests can embark on expertly guided game drives with expert naturalists trained by acclaimed Ratna Singh, offering opportunities to encounter tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants and over 250 species of birds in their natural habitat. The park’s rising tiger population underscores the success of conservation efforts, making every safari an exhilarating experience.
Beyond the wilderness, guests are invited to discover the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Interactions with Sukhiram, a third generation master Gond artist, provides insight into the intricate storytelling traditions of this indigenous community. Walks through Sarmaniya village and evenings enriched by folk performances and storytelling under the stars allow guests to engage meaningfully with the area’s heritage.
