India is a delightful destination to visit, offering a plethora of travel experiences. Stretching from the mighty peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, India’s expansive borders encompass an incredible range of contrasts, landscapes, cultures, and religions. The country is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the 7th wonder of the world Taj Mahal to majestic palaces and forts that were built hundreds of years ago, still standing upright to narrate the testimony of time of India’s rich culture and history. The nation also features vast wilderness areas, national parks and nature sanctuaries that are home to exciting wildlife, such as elephants, lions, and tigers. Luxury camps that redefine roughing it out, eco-friendly resorts that offer absolute comfort amid nature, resorts furnished with greenery and wildlife—here’s a round-up of the finest stays across India that assure the best base to launch your wildlife-safari discoveries:
1)The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, the best 5 star hotel in Ranthambhore, offers luxury tented accommodation inspired by the opulent caravans of the royal families. A fine restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani and international cuisine. And spa experiences customised to suit your needs. All accompanied by hospitality that is genuine and sincere.
Despite its location amidst the wilderness, far away from the traces of modernity, the hotel offers utmost comfort to tourists in luxury tents with sun-kissed private decks, patio, luxurious bathrooms and private walled gardens. Another unique thing about Vanyavilas is that it has secluded dining area, which is approachable by walking on torch-lit pathways.
Hotel Webiste: The Oberoi Vanyavilas
2) Barefoot at Havelock, Havelock Island, Andaman
Set amidst tropical rainforest over an area of seven acres with a wide variety of birds, and flora, Barefoot at Havelock is one of the finest luxury lodges in India. The major portion of the lodge is crafted out of renewable material and that the reason why it is counted amongst the best eco-lodges in India too. From fine-dine restaurant to well-maintained rooms, the hotel has everything that you can ask from a luxury hotel. Barefoot takes pride in being the favorite place to stay for celebrities.
Discover the idyllic charm of Barefoot at Havelock during your stay in our elegantly designed thatch, completely wooden, tents, cottages, or villas. Constructed using environmentally sensitive indigenous materials, they are the first sustainably designed and operated resort in the Andaman Islands.
Hotel Webiste: Barefoot at Havelock
3)Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
One of the most acclaimed lodge retreats in Corbett National Park. Jim’s Jungle Retreat is sprawling over 15-acre property and borders the southern forests of Corbett National Park and a seasonal river that comes to life during the monsoon. Most unique part of the resort is its location amidst wilderness, which maximizes the thrill. With its impeccable service and warm hospitality, the hotel staff ensures a comfortable stay.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat is a wildlife lodge in Corbett Tiger Reserve, nestled between the Himalayan foothills in the north and the ancient Shivaliks in the south. The protected forest, Asia’s first conservation effort, extends over 1300 square kms of grassland, forest, rivers and lakes.
In this fascinating landscape, we offer acres of lush refuge, forest and mountain vistas, countless bird-spotting opportunities and instinct-sharpening walks and safaris.
4) Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Possibly because of its rustic charm, Diphlu River Lodge manages to capture a lot of celebrity and media attention; even Prince William, and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have stayed here on their trip to Kaziranga. Set in the rice fields, overlooking the river, the lodge has a collection of environment-sensitive cottages that promises to offer utmost comfort and a plethora of activities to enthrall your every sense.
If lucky, you might get an early morning visit from a bird, or an animal. Diphlu River Lodge offers accommodation for 24 guests at a time, ensuring an exclusive and serene experience.There are 8 individual cottages and 4 semi-detached cottages.The raised cottages are made of natural materials like bamboo and wood, topped with thatched roofs to blend in with the forest surroundings.
Hotel Webiste: Diphlu River Lodge
5) Aman-i-khas , Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
A safari outpost on the threshold of Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khas opens minds, and hearts, to the prospect of living well in the midst of incredible nature. Daily Jeep safaris promise glimpses of tigers among myriad wildlife encounters, while back at camp, spa therapies, sleeping and dining take place under soaring, candlelit canopies inspired by Mughal hunting parties of old. Each tent is assigned an experienced batman, who accompanies guests into the jungle, along the River Chambal and to temples and cultural sites – all rich material for storytelling come nightfall, when the firepit glows under a magical starlit sky.
A majestic self-contained oasis set in 10 acres and surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Aravalli Hills in rural Rajasthan.A secluded wilderness camp offering unrivalled access to nature and a crackling campfire at its heart
Hotel Webiste: Aman-i-khas
6) Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Start planning your journey to the Pench National Park by booking a stay in the Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort. Located in the shadow of trees and hills, this 292-square-mile (757 sq km) property has 12 quaint standalone suites as well as a spacious sitting room. For adventure seekers, activities like wildlife safari and nature tours are also organized by the lodge. This luxury safari lodge in hardly 5 minutes drive away from Pench National Park.
Only a few minutes from the national park entrance these bungalows are built alongside a picturesque ‘nullah’ (dry riverbed), that demarcates the lodge premises from the national park. Each bungalow comes with its own rooftop machan, indoor and outdoor shower areas and a private sit-out surrounded by the woods. A colonial theme is nuanced in the guest areas with a vintage radio, crystal candelabras on the dining table and metal chandeliers. Delicate Parsi tiles on the live food counter, woven hyacinth furniture and giant ebony chests add to the elegance of the hall. The Taj Safari Lodge in Baghvan has a delightful infinity pool shaded by trees and overlooking the forest. A tiny cottage across the safari shop houses a small library, computer and a television for guests, with the adjacent room being a tasteful serene space for massage treatments.
Hotel Webiste: Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort
7) Samode Safari Lodge & Spa, Bandhavgarh National Park,Madya Pradesh
Come, experience the Indian jungle with us. One of the few places in the world where you can still see wild tigers. The lodge’s 12 villas feature outdoor showers and private decks. Swim in the outdoor pool, relax at the spa, or go on a safari in 4x4s or elephant back
Hotel Webiste: Samode Safari Lodge & Spa
8) Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini
Evolve Back’s Spirit of the land philosophy finds its most intimate expression at Kabini, where you are drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribe. While you discover a vernacular dimension to luxury that’s truly liberating, the resort gives you a wildlife experience like no other. Inspired in design by the Hadis or tribal villages, this picturesque resort of sweeping panoramic vistas, is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River.
Formerly the Orange County, Kabini, this resort offers vehicle and boat safaris and rides on a coracle (a round palm-and-bamboo vessel). Accommodation is in Jacuzzi or Pool huts. Go on nature walks (also offered at night), and spend time at the ayurvedic spa.
Hotel Webiste: Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge
9) Bera Safari Lodge,Bera ,Rajasthan
In the heart of leopard country, tucked away in the Aravalis in the Bera village, this safari lodge is outdoor luxury at its best. Private, isolated and meant specifically for big-cat enthusiasts interested in spotting the leopard, the lodge offers five standalone cottages, all with their own sit-outs.
Situated 134 km from Udaipur and 164 km from Jodhpur, Bera is an adventurer’s retreat snuggled in Aravalli ranges that offers a tranquil and beautiful backdrop to stay in this one of the country’s most popular leopard getaway destinations. Leopards are elusive, shy and well camouflaged & know human habits well enough to remain like a ghost in the darkness.
To find them, you need one of the best leopard trackers in the region: Shatrunjay Pratap – A passionate photographer, leopard-lover & ardent conservationist. Not only does he know the leopards in the area well, he is also one of the reasons why these leopards still have a home in Bera. A few years ago, this rocky outcropping made of valuable granite that provided a home & refuge to a healthy leopard population was granted a mining lease. That would have been the end of the leopard’s last refuge.
Hotel Webiste: Bera Safari Lodge
10) Mahua Kothi, A Taj Safari – Bandhavgarh National Park
Mahua Kothi or homestead is named after the Mahua tree which is prized and revered in the region. 12 standalone luxury cottages blend into a 45 acre private forest on the periphery of the national park. The guest area overlooks a large grassland where monkeys and birds in vivid colours are a regular feature. The mud cottages or ‘Kutiyas’ are built in the local style of architecture. A bean shaped pool screened by a bamboo thicket and shaded by Mahua trees is perfect for cooling off at midday. The guest areas are housed in a large brick building with deep verandas overlooking a grassland ringed by a forest patch. The dining hall has a large fireplace to keep guests warm during chilly winter evenings. Guests delight in picking fresh vegetables and fruit from the lodge’s private organic gardens for a salad. A select menu of treatments offered by professional in-house masseurs is the perfect indulgence to top off a safari holiday.
Hotel Webiste: Mahua Kothi