Narwar Lakefront Resort is positioning itself as more than just a luxury stay. Nestled near the historic Narwar Fort, the waters of Madikheda Dam, and the wildlife-rich landscape of Madhav Tiger Reserve, the property offers guests a rare mix of serenity, adventure, and heritage.
In an interview, Navneet Sharma, CEO and MD of Lion Group, shared how the resort was conceived, what sets it apart, and why boutique jungle retreats like Narwar are becoming increasingly relevant to today’s travellers.
According to Sharma, the vision for Narwar Lakefront Resort first took shape in 2021. What followed was a three-year process of planning, design, and development, with the aim of creating a resort that would sit naturally within its environment. The property officially began operations in 2024.
Navneet Sharma, CEO and MD of Lion Group
“The idea behind Narwar Lakefront Resort was to craft an experience where luxury coexists harmoniously with nature, history, and wilderness,” Sharma said.
That concept is central to the resort’s identity. Surrounded by the historic significance of Narwar Fort and the scenic expanse of the Madikheda reservoir, the resort seeks to spotlight a lesser-known destination in Central India while offering world-class hospitality. For Sharma, the goal has been to bring attention to a hidden landscape that allows guests to reconnect with nature and discover a side of India often overlooked.
He believes Narwar Lakefront Resort stands out because it offers much more than a conventional getaway. Guests are invited to wake up to sweeping lake views, breathe in unpolluted forest air, and enjoy experiences that range from peaceful boat rides to wildlife encounters. At the same time, the resort places strong emphasis on personalised hospitality, aiming to make each guest feel recognised and at home.
This emotional approach to service also shapes the resort’s strategy for encouraging guest loyalty. Sharma said hospitality at Narwar is not treated as a transaction, but as a relationship. A key part of that comes from its people. The resort employs talent from nearby villages and combines professional hospitality training with the warmth and cultural richness of rural India.
“We take immense pride in employing and nurturing talent from nearby villages,” Sharma said, adding that guests are not merely visitors but become part of the resort’s story. Over time, he noted, that connection deepens into loyalty and a sense of belonging.
The resort’s location is another defining strength. Positioned close to both the calm waters of Madikheda Dam and the forests of Madhav Tiger Reserve, Narwar offers what Sharma described as a “rare duality” of serenity and wilderness. The surrounding region is home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, deer, antelope, and hundreds of bird species. The resort brings these elements together through curated lake activities such as eco-friendly cruises, alongside immersive wildlife safaris that allow guests to move seamlessly between relaxation and exploration.
As the resort has grown, Sharma said many repeat guests have turned into brand advocates. By learning their preferences and refining the guest experience over time, the resort has created strong emotional ties with returning visitors, many of whom come back with family and friends.
“They celebrate our milestones as their own, making them our most authentic ambassadors,” he said.
Still, building and retaining a team in a remote destination comes with challenges. Sharma acknowledged that working in a nature-rich, quieter environment requires a different mindset from urban hospitality settings. Yet he sees this as an advantage. At Narwar, the workplace culture is designed to feel like a family, where team members have a voice and develop a deeper connection to both their work and the surrounding environment.
“There is a certain spiritual grounding that comes from being surrounded by forests, water, and silence,” he said.
The resort’s own journey reflects that philosophy of patience and transformation. Sharma described its evolution from a humble guest house into a luxury lakeside resort as a story of resilience, vision, and careful development. Operating in a remote area meant dealing with logistical hurdles and sourcing challenges, but he said the positive response from guests has made the journey worthwhile.
Narwar Lakefront Resort draws much of its domestic clientele from cities such as Jhansi, Gwalior, Delhi, Bhopal, Indore, Agra, and Mumbai. These are travellers seeking a break from routine and looking for a stay that combines comfort with authenticity. Internationally, the resort has welcomed visitors from France, Japan, Iran, Israel, and the United Kingdom, many of them bikers, explorers, and nature enthusiasts drawn to offbeat destinations.
For Sharma, the rise of experiential travel explains why boutique jungle resorts are gaining popularity. He said modern travel has shifted from simple sightseeing to something more meaningful, where travellers seek connection with nature, culture, and themselves. In that context, moments such as a sunrise by the lake, a wildlife sighting, or a quiet forest walk become the true essence of the journey.
He also stressed that understanding local flora and fauna is essential for resorts operating near jungle ecosystems. Knowledge of the surrounding dry deciduous forests and wildlife helps ensure that resort activities remain sustainable and non-intrusive. It also allows the property to educate guests, turning a leisure stay into an experience rooted in awareness and appreciation.
That sense of responsibility extends to conservation, which Sharma believes should be a core commitment for any resort operating in a natural ecosystem. At Narwar Lakefront Resort, this includes tree-planting initiatives, solar energy use, eco-friendly amenities, responsible waste management, rainwater harvesting, and electric cruises.
“We believe that hospitality must give back more than it takes,” he said.
Maintaining a strong relationship with the forest department is also part of that effort. Sharma said the resort works in close coordination with forest officials, aligns its activities with conservation guidelines, and supports responsible tourism through safaris and joint plantation drives. Naturalists at the resort also help educate guests about the region’s ecosystems, encouraging visitors to become active participants in conservation.
As Narwar continues to emerge as a destination, Sharma is confident that its appeal will only grow. In a market where travellers are increasingly looking for peace, authenticity, and depth, he believes the resort offers exactly that: a place where luxury, wilderness, and heritage come together in a truly immersive experience.
