Recommended & pending a personal visit by our travel writer

Set amongst verdant farmland and bordered by the Diphlu River, the tranquil ambience of the Diphlu River Lodge is in perfect contrast with the adrenaline rush of the Kaziranga National Park. The luxuriously rustic lodge was built to adapt to the existing foliage and terrain; the air–conditioned bamboo and thatch cottages are built on stilts. You have to gently walk (or rock) on the bamboo bridges over the lush green paddy-fields to congregate in the Machan for food and drink - a bit quirky but lots of fun!

Diphlu River Lodge is separated from the Kaziranga National Park by the boundary river, giving the cottages a scarily close view of the Diphlu River and the jungle beyond it (do not wander across though; you are not allowed to travel on foot in Kaziranga!), you are told to keep your lights low for the wildlife that come to drink there. Large balconies in each cottage give you ample opportunity to enjoy the vistas. The grounds of the lodge are well planned and include a Machan (jungle platform). Of Indian origin, Machans were originally built atop trees to spot game. At Diphlu Lodge, the spacious Machan has a library, air-conditioned dining and sitting areas, a fireplace for chilly winter evenings and a large veranda with high thatched ceilings with gorgeous views of the park beyond the river - good enough to spot some wildlife during the day! There is also a jetty within the grounds from which one can embark on river trips in dugout canoes.

Blending in the Park's environment, Diphlu River Lodge stands where its sustainable roots were planted 34 years ago by a pioneer before ecotourism became a buzz word in the world. The wild life tourist lodge employs local people, uses local sustainable products, and leads and educates natives by example about conservation and preservation of their natural habitat and legacy.