Jalmahal
OVERVIEW
Unfiltered Wildlife Experience
Nestled inside the pristine Rukhad forest, a part of Pench Tiger Reserve, Jal Mahal promises an exceptional getaway in the most coveted wilderness settings.
Every aspect of the cottage is tailored to provide an ideal escape for those yearning for an unfiltered wildlife adventure and to reconnect with nature. The adventure begins as soon as you start the journey to the wildlife lodge with a 30 minute drive into the Rukhad forest, through a route meant for forest officials. Keep an eye out, you may spot myriads of birds, sambhar deer, sloth bear and other wildlife that occupy the forests of Rukhad.
The shimmering waters of the lake surrounded by thick canopy of trees, interspersed with the sounds of jungle welcome you on your arrival. Feel the profound sense of ease and the stress melting away as you pause to experience the beauty of wilderness unfold. Unwind on the balcony facing the lake as you observe the resident wildlife, including the occasional big cats, that use it as a watering hole to quench their thirst.
Choose from our range of carefully curated experiences purposefully designed to showcase the ‘tiger country’ at its finest. Join us to escape the ordinary for a quintessential wilderness experience.
Why We Love It
Stay Inside the Forest
The exhilaration of up-close wildlife encounters
Eco Friendly
Where sustainability & incredible experiences intertwine
Alfresco Culinary Experiences
Relaxed meals with loved ones amidst nature
Reconnect With Loved Ones
Unplug and embrace quality time as you create new memories
ROOMS
Cosy Retreat in the Wild
Keeping with the Jungle Camps’ philosophy of Responsible Tourism, Jal Mahal has been purposefully designed to create a much lighter footprint without forfeiting any of the modern day comforts.
The four spacious cottages with tastefully done interiors feature large glass windows that invite a continuous connection with the surrounding forest. The private deck facing the lake heightens the sights and the sounds of the jungle and serves as a perfect vantage point to observe and marvel at the captivating wildlife in their natural habitat.
GALLERY
Step Into Jal Mahal
Sit back & relax
Top Reasons to Visit
A Rare Wilderness Experience
A Rare Wilderness Experience
Many wildlife enthusiasts who have travelled to private reserves in Africa often ask us if there is a similar experience in India, Jal Mahal in Rukhad Jungle Camp is an answer to these questions.
Truly a one-of-a- kind experience, wake up to the sounds of the birds’ chirping with occasional alarm calls by sambhar deer or the monkeys warning animals about a big cat in the vicinity. Feel the crisp air and bask in the gentle warmth of the sunlight filtering through the lush canopy of the trees. Witness the magnificence of jungle come alive right before your eyes, as you watch the resident wildlife from the comfort of your own deck.
A stay at Jal Mahal allows you to embark on a journey of discovery, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of nature and experiencing a truly authentic wildlife encounter.
Unique Natural Setting
Unique Natural Setting
Situated at the periphery of the lake that serves as an active waterhole, Jal Mahal’s remote location in the heart of wilderness creates elevated opportunities to experience Rukhad’s pristine surroundings.
Let the private deck create front row seats to witness the exceptional wildlife away from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
De stress & Rejuvenate
De stress & Rejuvenate
It’s our belief that nature has the power to inspire, educate and heal. Jal Mahal has been thoughtfully designed to offer uninterrupted views and a sense of serenity.
De-stress and unwind as you disconnect from the harried life of the modern world and reconnect with nature. Being amidst lush greenery creates a sense of calm, restores the mood and eases the stress.
Create Lifelong Memories
Create Lifelong Memories
We offer a unique opportunity to create lasting memories and precious connections with your friends or family. Spending time together and away from the gadgets is a perfect way to connect. Shared awe at the magnificence of the wildlife during safaris or the relaxed conversations during sundowners creates unforgettable moments to cherish for a lifetime.
ESSENTIALS
The Need to Knows
JALMAHAL / JalMahal Cottages
REGIONS
Getting There
Rukhad Jungle Camp Hilltop Lodge is approx 1½ hours from Hoedspruit Eastgate airport. It can be accessed via a rental car.
Directions from Hoedspruit Airport
As you exit the Airport, turn left for Timbavati Game Reserve onto Argyle Road. Continue until you reach the Enkhulu control gate of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Please note that continuous cell phone reception ends here.
Aim to arrive by 2.30pm, if possible so that you have ample time to settle in before the game drive. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please let us know on (015) 793-9021.
After the gate you continue on the tar road for approximately 37km. Please ensure that you keep to the speed limit (50km/hour) and do not get out of your car. On the way you will see the turnoff for Rukhad Jungle Camp River Lodge. Do NOT turn in here.
You will later cross a low water bridge just before the entrance to Ingwelala game lodge. After another 800 meters, you will see the Rukhad Jungle Camp Hilltop sign on your right.
Turn right onto a gravel track. Follow the Rukhad Jungle Camp Hilltop Lodge paw print signs on the trees/side of road all the way to the lodge (for approximately 10km). Please keep a careful lookout for all signs, as the elephants sometimes knock them.
Please do not rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. Their directions are incorrect and this could mean a two-hour detour.
Timing
From Johannesburg Airport – ± 6½ to 7 hours’ drive (505km)
From Kruger Airport – 3½ + hours (210km)
From Hazyview – 3 hours (160km via the R40)
Directions from Johannesburg to Rukhad Jungle Camp Hilltop Lodge (± 6½ – 7 hour drive)
The most direct route is via N4 then Dullstroom to Lydenburg and Ohrigstad and onto Hoedspruit. However some people prefer to take the northern route via Polokwane and Tzaneen as there are fewer potholes. See Downloadable Directions.
From Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank (Emalahleni) and continue on the N4 towards Nelspruit. (From Pretoria, take the N4 to Witbank). Follow the N4 and turn left to Belfast (Off ramp R33/R540). Once in Belfast, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight on the R540 to Dullstroom.
Drive straight through Dullstroom and continue to Lydenburg (name change to Mashishing) on the R540. At the T-junction turn left into Lydenburg (Mashishing) into Viljoen Street (R36). Turn left again into Voortrekker Street. Turn right into De Clercq Street and follow the R36 through Ohrigstad. After the Abel Erasmus pass, the R36 turns left to Tzaneen. Do not turn left here. Instead continue straight on the R527 to Hoedspruit.
In Hoedspruit, continue straight. After the bridge crossing the railway line, turn right at the four way stop and continue south on the R40 for another 6.4km. Turn left onto the D1909 (Argyle Road). The sign says Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road. Then follow the Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.
Directions from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Hazyview
KMIA – 3½ hours (210km) * Hazyview – Allow 2½ to 3 hours (160km)
The most direct route from Kruger Intl Airport is via the R40 thorough White River and Hazyview. Similarly if you are staying in or near Hazyview, the R40 north is the direct route. Just 6.5km south of Hoedspruit. You turn right onto the Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road. Allow 1½ hours to get from Hazyview to the Timbavati turnoff. Then another hour to get to the Lodge. Once on the Timbavati Road, you immediately pass the Eastgate Airport. Then follow the Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.
Alternative Panorama route if staying at a Hazyview Lodge:
The R40 is a difficult road given the number of slow trucks and cars as well as many pedestrians. It takes longer than you would expect.
So if you have time, we recommend enjoying a tour of the Panorama route via the Blyde River canyon. Note that this is a longer route (255km from Hazyview to your lodge or 4 hours driving). En route you can stop off at the Bournes Luck potholes, Gods Window and the Three Rondavels
TIP: It takes approx 3 hours to get to Hilltop Lodge from the Three Rondavels viewpoint. So don’t leave the Three Rondavels later than 11.30am. Assuming you spend 1½ hours at the various stopping off points, we recommend leaving your lodge by 8 to 8.30am latest.
Jalmahal Elevated Lake-view Cottages
In-Room Facilities
- 4 private cottages
- Spacious accommodation (400 sq.ft. built up area) with an option of king size or twin beds along with an additional single bed
- En-suite bathroom: W/C, Shower cabinet, wash basin and 24 hour hot & cold water facility
- Complimentary organic toiletries. Hair dryer is available on request.
- Sit out verandah/ patio
- 24 hour Power backup
- Air conditioner
- Electronic safe for storing valuables
- Heaters for the winters
- Seated area – inside
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Small refrigerator for room
- Insect repellent
- Complimentary Wi-Fi outside the forest in nearby Bison Retreat
- Laundry service on request
- 24 hour front desk available on call
Jungle Camps
Rukhad Jungle Camp