Kaziranga National Park is arguably the best highlight of a trip to Assam. And our stay at Diphlu River Lodge near Kaziranga made a perfect ending to our Assam 7-day itinerary. Set on the banks of the Diphlu River, this rustic lodge lies about 9 km from Kaziranga National Park.
Diphlu River Lodge is the only lodge at Kaziranga National Park that is situated right at the border of the park. Kaziranga national park lies in the heart of Assam. Covering over 430 square kilometres, it is the largest forest reserve in eastern part of India. What makes Kaziranga different from other national parks in India is that Brahmaputra flows through it. There are many other excursions to take if you stay in the area like a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra.
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Location
The lodge is perched on the periphery of Kaziranga National Park in Assam. It is under 5 hour drive from Guwahati airport.
It is a long distance from anywhere in India, but once you reach, the sense of tranquility and the oneness with nature is remarkable.
Stay at Diphlu River Lodge Kaziranga
Diphlu River Lodge houses 12 quaint cottages that are made using natural materials such as bamboo and wood. It feels like a small and intimate lodge for a discerning clientele. Each of the cottages is built on stilts and have thatched roofs to blend in with the forest surroundings.
Out of the 12 cottages, four of them are river-facing and the rest are paddy-facing. Each cottage has a separate verandah to sit out and enjoy the evening. The cottage area is large as is the en-suite shower area. Ours accommodated an extra bed for our daughter.
The cottages are furbished in a soothing style with a lot of cane furniture thrown in. The style is reflected in the common areas as well. It reminded me a bit of Jetwings Vil Uyana property during our Sri Lanka 10-day trip.
There is no fencing between the national park and the Lodge. It gives you a feel of being a part of nature.
Food and Drinks at Diphlu Lodge
My favourite part of Diphlu River Lodge is The Machan, the common area where one can sit and gaze peacefully at the dense forest and the river flowing by. The open verandah has a well equipped bar. There is an air-conditioned dining area where we had all our meals. You get both Indian and Assamese dishes during lunch and dinner. And the al fresco breakfast provided both continental and Indian options.
There is another open area at the entrance of the lodge, the Hilltop. The Hilltop is where we enjoyed a barbeque and dance performances by locals one evening.
Service at Diphlu Lodge
The staff at Diphlu River Lodge is well-trained and polite. Whether it is the dinner service or booking the spa or getting information on the jungle safaris, we found the service excellent.
Activities at and around Diphlu River Lodge
There are several activities to be enjoyed in and around the Lodge. Kaziranga national park, as mentioned earlier, is the showstopper. But my daughter enjoyed simple activities like elephant bathing at the Lodge a lot.
Elephant Bathing
The kids enjoyed bathing a domesticated elephant along with her handler in the waters of the Diphlu River. This activity is right behind the Lodge and is free.
Wellness Centre
Diphlu River Lodge Kaziranga has a new jungle spa, offering a range of massages and treatments. Both my husband and I enjoyed our spa massage. Perfect antidote to all the safari trips.
Brahmaputra Boat Cruise
Diphlu Lodge organised a wonderful river cruise on the Brahmaputra one evening. We got on a traditional boat from the river banks after a short drive from the Lodge. The boat took us to a sand bank in the middle of the river. If you are lucky, you can at times spot river dolphins on this cruise.
Rubber Plantation Walk
You can take a walking tour of the local rubber production unit accompanied by one of the Lodge guides.
Visit a Tea Farm
Assam Tea is famous the world over for its strength and aroma. Diphlu Lodge can arrange a visit to a nearby farm where you see tea being grown and processed.
Kaziranga National Park
The best activity around Diphlu River Lodge. There is both a morning and afternoon jeep safari available. Plus the option of an elephant safari early in the morning.
Kaziranga houses approximately 2/3 rd of the total world population of one-horned rhinoceros. Plus there are other mammals, like elephants, wild water buffaloes, panthers and tigers to be seen and numerous birds.
What puts a smile 🙂
Diphlu River Lodge combines modern comforts with the thrill of Kaziranga and a plethora of activities.
The tranquility and immersion in nature has to be experienced to be believed. I can sink in one of the sofas at the Machan and gaze at Diphlu River all day. And enjoy a drink from the bar while swapping forest stories with others.
Booking Information
The Jungle Plan, which is an all-inclusive package with room, meals and safari trips to Kaziranga, applies when the national park is open between November until April.
Booking: Diphlu River Lodge
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Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. We paid for our stay at Diphlu River Lodge in full. As always, all opinions are my own.
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