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For a pure fun gateway, laced with he right dose of
action, is the Ken River Lodge located in the unostentatious village
of Madla, on the banks of the Ken river.
This is the great poet Kalidasa’s land. The
lyrical poet’s canvas stretches from the Vindhyas to the
Himalayas. In his poems, there are eloquent references to the rivers
and streams that dot this region. The river Ken is one of them. Ken,
acorrupted version of ‘Kiyan’ in turn derived from
Karnavati from ancient times, emerges in Madla after a 50 km
stretch in closeby Panna National Park.
The Ken River Lodge has the right ingredient s that
make up a fairy tale. In this serene tranquil setting from the
window of my rustic designed room with all amenities attached, I see
lush vegetation surrounding this idyllic land. Rose apple trees
that line the river banks had, perhaps provided inspiration to
Kalidasa for his master work, Meghdoot.
The Lodge is a private retreat with just 10 rooms,
enabling its hospitable hosts popularly known as ‘Major’
and ‘Vinnie’ to weave their magic. Made to look like local
village the rooms of the Lodge have private verandahs and courtyards
in true rural fashion. This has none of the gloss of a five star
hotel. All rooms are fitted with coolers which as Major comments
“have been found to be efficient for this hot dry climate.”
But who wants to remain indoors here? One’s
sense of adventure is awakened by the unexpected. Spead across
seventeen acres of land the Lodge has the Ken River attached to it
literally! Here, should one choose to relax there is no paucity of
ways to do so. One could put one’s thinking cap on and fish for
fresh mahseer or Indian trout. Sit on the 70 foot high machaan of
the Lodge and bird watch. The machaan also provides an excellent
retreat at night when spirits are high! Or, just daydream.
As dusk settles across this land of a thousand
legends, and the mahua and tendu trees that line its picturesque
landscape change their hues to a brilliant scarlet fun never stops
at the Lodge. I am invited to take a swim in the crystal clear
river.
Instead, I choose the boat ride as moonbeams hit the
water and voices of people on the treetop restaurant of the Lodge
fade into oblivion. If ever there is eternity, it is here. And, I
realize that my four day visit is just not enough. I must return to
this land of enigmas and a thousand mysteries.
Panna matchbox town, a kilometre away has interesting sights
dotted with different pages of history, including a wide range of
temples. One could take a jeep ride into the nearby Panna National
Park. Or perhaps hope to see a cheetal from the back of an elephant
Or visit the surrounding colourful tribal villages and hobnob with
the adivasis or local Yadavs. Witness diamonds being dug, washed
and sorted at India’s only diamond mine- the Panna Diamond
Mines. There is a continuity of history in this region that few other
places can boast of. Cascading waterfalls, imposing forts and
palaces, cave paintings dating back to the Mesolithic period,
there is not much missing from this unexplored area. My hosts,
having grown up in these parts, provide that human touch with spicy
legends about the history which cannot be found in any tourist
brochure. Just 20 kilometres away is the temple city of Khajuraho, a
must on every tourist itinerary. Khajuraho is also the nearest
airport. Though transport for the average tourist is a problem, the
hospitality of the Lodge starts from the time their guests land. If
you decide to take the more leisurely train, stop at Satna, directly
connected with Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta.  |
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