Kaav Safari Lodge was founded by longtime friends, architect Tony Joseph and agriculturist Sanjay Pothen, with a shared vision to create a retreat where design, wilderness, and mindful living exist in harmony. Set along the boundary of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Kaav offers a level of proximity to the forest that few places can. When they came across a modest guest house here, they saw its potential not as a commercial venture, but as a personal, design-led sanctuary for those who value stillness, restraint, and connection with the wild. The result is an intimate lodge shaped by thoughtful architecture, a minimal footprint, and deep respect for the land it inhabits.
Sanjay Pothen is a fifth generation planter managing his family owned estates in Kerala and Karnataka. He is deeply committed to sustainable farming and is transitioning his monoculture rubber and tea plantations to poly culture by introducing various fruit trees to increase biodiversity and soil health. Recognising the need for innovation in agriculture he recently established Purple Patch Farms a high tech venture specialising the hydroponic cultivation of strawberries and greens.
Tony Joseph one of India’s most celebrated architects. His firm Stapati is known for designing iconic hospitality destinations such as Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala, Alila Diwa in Goa, and the Enchanted Island Resort in Seychelles. For him, Kaav was a personal journey and an opportunity to create a small, sustainable retreat where every design decision responded to its natural context and architectural integrity was never compromised.
Set along the serene backwaters of Kabini and at the very edge of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, KAAV Safari Lodge is more than a boutique wilderness retreat—it is a model of sustainability in action. Every aspect of the lodge, from its architecture to its operations, is rooted in a deep respect for the environment. Sustainability is not just a claim, but the very foundation of KAAV’s philosophy.
With only seven carefully crafted accommodations, the lodge offers a low-impact, immersive nature experience that exists in quiet harmony with its natural surroundings, protecting habitats, supporting wildlife, and ensuring that nature always comes first.
KAAV was conceived with a philosophy of conservation through minimalism. Instead of building afresh, the lodge was developed on the foundations of an existing structure, significantly reducing the need for new materials and construction. Only two luxury tents and one pool villa cottage, crafted primarily from bamboo and other renewable resources, were added to complete the lodge. A semi-open lounge, made almost entirely from bamboo, serves as a social hub, reinforcing the ethos of environmentally sensitive design.
While offering unparalleled guest comforts, KAAV operates with a focus on minimising resource consumption. A wastewater treatment system ensures that all greywater is treated and recycled for gardening, reducing the strain on local water resources. Solar panels are installed onsite to offset the lodge’s energy needs partially, decreasing dependence on grid electricity. Biogas is used for cooking, and the remaining kitchen waste is recycled as compost, used as plant fertiliser.
Originally set on a barren tract of land, the lodge’s surroundings have been reforested with native species, transforming the property into a lush green ecosystem that supports local flora and fauna. This active effort in ecological restoration has helped create a biodiverse buffer between human activity and the adjacent forest areas.
At KAAV Safari Lodge, wellness begins on the plate. Our kitchen celebrates local, seasonal ingredients, mainly sourced from nearby farms and villages, often organically grown, crafting wholesome, nourishing meals that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region. This approach not only supports our guests’ wellbeing but also minimises our carbon footprint, reduces plastic and packaging waste, and sustains local livelihoods through meaningful employment.
Over 90% of KAAV’s staff are from local villages, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism directly impact the surrounding communities. Beyond employment, KAAV supports local families by offering educational scholarships for employees’ children, enabling long-term empowerment.
Funded by the proprietors and voluntary guest contributions, the KAAV Foundation engages deeply with both community development and conservation efforts. The foundation has helped build and maintain a visitor facility for the Forest Department, aiding eco-tourism and forest stewardship in the region. It also runs initiatives that support local livelihoods, culture, and environmental education, strengthening KAAV’s ties to its ecological and social context.
Kaav Safari Lodge is a member of the Rare India community, a collective of independently owned boutique hotels and retreats across the subcontinent. Rare India curates properties that are defined by their sense of place, sensitivity to the environment, and deep connection to local culture. With a focus on conscious luxury and purposeful travel, it brings together stays that are as meaningful as they are memorable.
