Best wildlife lodges of India

Nestled between natural greenery and offering an exotic experience, Indian wildlife resorts are exhilarating. If you truly want to witness the beautiful wildlife of the country, there is no better choice than to stay at one of the resorts.

These habitats are placed amidst nature, where you wake up to birds chirping in the morning, hear the tigers growl during the day, and sleep to cicadas singing. After a day of wildlife spotting and safaris, the resorts are the best places to unwind and rest.

Moreover, what makes them much more appealing than hotels is that you are surrounded by the diverse flora and fauna as well as away from the bustling cities. India’s wildlife resorts are furnished with all the amenities needed for a luxurious stay. They offer adventure and thrills but also take care of comfort and luxury.

 

Without further ado, here is a comprehensive list of the 10 best wildlife resorts in India:

 

1. Aman-i-Khas, Rajasthan

Aman-i-Khas is a Mughal-style camp located within the brushwood forest adjacent to the famous Ranthambore National Park. The resort builders constructed a luxurious and sophisticated-looking establishment in a colonial style that combines camping with extravagance.

There are ten tents available, each as magnificent as the next. The rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with a tinge of retroness. The accommodations are raised on concrete plinths that ensure complete privacy.

The resort spans across an extensive property and provides a picturesque view of the beautiful Aravalli Mountains. At night, guests have the opportunity to gather in a communal setting where they can light a fire outside tents and partake in a delightful bonding session. The resort arranges a tiger safari for guests to track Bengal tigers, and they can also choose to take a camel ride to Ranthambore Fort.

How to get to Aman-i-Khas: The closest airport is Jaipur International Airport, about 180 kilometres away. The Ranthambore National Park main gate is 10 minutes away.

 

2. Mahua Kothi, Madhya Pradesh

Mahua Kothi, also known as Taj Mahua Kothi, belongs to the prestigious Taj Group. Certainly, one can only expect the best from the affluent Mahua Kothi, situated near the Bandhavgarh National Park.

The twelve lavish cottage suites are complete with a vintage yet cosy interior. There is a warm fireplace and large Victorian windows to soak in the natural beauty. The resort also specialises in ayurvedic spas and similar relaxing therapies.

Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the highest densities of tigers and rich wildlife. Keeping this in mind, the resort arranges safari rides where a naturalist guides you throughout the tour. An elephant jungle drive can also be undertaken by adventurous visitors.

In addition to this, guests can also enjoy elephant drives, indulge in fruit picking from the resort’s garden, and experience stargazing at night.

How to get to Mahua Kothi: The closest airport to the resort is Khajuraho Airport, approximately 43 km away. The Bhandvagrah National Park is a 20-minute drive from the resort.

 

3. Pashan Garh Wilderness Lodge, Madhya Pradesh

Yet another resort owned by the Taj Company, Pashan Garh, is set across 200 acres of private jungle. The closest park is the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, which is quiet, scenic, and offers an authentic wildlife experience.

The stone fortress, known as Pashan Grah, comprises a cluster of 12 stone cottages that draw inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses discovered in the Panna region. The huge guest areas are airy, boast open courtyards, and overlook the forest. Some of the cottages in the resort feature private decks and open-to-the-sky bathrooms.

After an exhausting day, guests can retreat to the survey lounge and library, filled with intriguing wildlife documentaries. There is also a lookout tower for bird watching and stargazing, as well as a pool under shady trees. Guests are also met with some of the most unique dining experiences here.

One can embark on safaris, including night safaris, accompanied by residential naturalists.

How to get to Pashan Garh: The closest airport to the resort is Khajuraho Airport, located 40 km away. The Panna National Park is a 45-minute drive by car.

 

4. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan

The Oberoi Vanyavilas is one of the leading wildlife luxury resorts in India. Surrounded by the best of the natural wilderness, this five-star property takes your safari experience to the next level.

This dream-like resort sprawls against luscious green surroundings and accommodates elegantly designed tents, which also feature beautifully decorated private gardens. Moreover, there are pools, lakes, and spa services available at the resort.

You can go on a safari to spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park and return to the comforts of your tent. Or, you can enjoy the impeccable wilderness of the forest from the room itself.

How to get to the Oberoi Vanyavillas: The closest airport is Jaipur Airport, about 180 metres away. The Ranthambore National Park is a 20-minute drive from the resort.

 

5. Sujan Jawai Lodge, Rajasthan

Sujan Jawai Lodges is a reminiscence of the 1920s safari encampments, most frequented by the royals. Today, this property features four intricately built camp sets that include tents and suites. This is set adjacent to the hillocks of Bera and Jawai, which are famous for their Leopard sightings.

In between the untamed wilderness, granite formations, river beds, and caves, you can experience a one-of-a-kind experience with this resort. One of their famous accommodations, the Jawai Leopard Camp, offers exclusive lodgings to spot the majestic leopards in the wild.

To see the area’s flourishing wilderness, visitors can take a bike ride or hike and spot a diverse species of India’s wildlife.

 

6. Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Madhya Pradesh

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is located close to the largest wildlife reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura National Park. This strikingly designed conservation and wildlife-focused lodge is the perfect place to enjoy a serene vacation.

The 12 luxurious Reni Pani cottages are spread across 30 acres and are situated along a seasonal stream, in a forest, and atop a hill. It also offers top-class facilities like a swimming pool, a library, and a massage facility. Guests can enjoy an exclusive experience of the Satpura forest from the resort.

Aside from traditional game drives, Reni Pani also focuses on adventurous activities like canoeing, cycling, walking, and camping safaris.

How to get there: The closest airport is the Rajabhoj International Airport, located about 145 km away from the resort. The Satpura National Park is a 25-minute drive by car.

 

7. Banjaar Tola, Madhya Pradsh

The luxurious Banjaar Tola is an experimental hotel, another collection added by the Taj group. This extraordinary resort overlooks the beautiful Banjar River and is also located at the heart of Kanha National Park, a great place for indulging in wildlife spotting.

The resort’s tent suites exude a dreamlike appearance, featuring bamboo walls and floors, along with glass doors that reveal floating verandas when opened. Nestled amidst the serene nature, guests find themselves encircled by a lush courtyard and the dense forest of the national park.

You can pre-arrange wildlife tours and game drives, as well as other unique activities that you can enjoy.

How to get to Banjaar Tola: The closest airport is Jabalpur Airport, located about 181 km away. Kanha National Park is a 10-minute car drive from the lodge.

 

8. Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Karnataka

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is located in Kabini as it sits on the banks of the graceful river Kabini and is next to Nagarhole National Park. This is one of the best resorts in South India.

The resort’s 30 safari-style huts take inspiration from the Hadis Tribal villagers, giving them a rustic feel. Moreover, the property also has an infinity pool overlooking the Kabini River, an Aryuvedic spa, and Jacuzzi or Pool huts.

This resort also provides boat and vehicle safaris as well as rides on a coracle, a round-shaped vessel made with palm and bamboo. The varied species of birds make this an ideal place for birdwatching and observing wildlife.

How to get to Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge: The closest airport is the Mysore airport, located about 80 km away from the lodge.  Nagarhole National Park, Madumalai National Reserve, and Bandipur National Reserve are within proximity to the lodge.

 

9. Spice Village Periyar Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

The Spice Village is set in the cool highlands of Periyar. They have refurbished a tribal village with modern amenities for travellers. This village has a well-known wildlife reserve status and proves to be a fascinating place to stay.

The accommodations here maintain a simplistic yet elegant style, utilizing natural materials. The 52 individual cottages have a thatched roof attached to verandas. Airy rooms and private porches give guests a chance to truly become one with nature.

The resort has an arboretum, a personal forest filled with an abundance of rare herbs, flowering plants, and fruits. Guests can enjoy several activities such as pepper plantation visits, learn to make paper, and take a walk on the resort’s 12-acre property led by naturalists. Long treks through the Periyar Natural Reserve are also popular.

How to get to Spice Village Periyar Sanctuary: The closest airport to the resort is Cochin Airport, located 190 km away. The Periyar National Park is only 2 minutes away from the resort.

 

10. Jim’s Jungle Retreat Corbett, Uttarakhand

Nestled between the Himalayan foothills and the Sivalik hills adjoining Corbett national park, this breathtaking resort gives a one-of-a-kind experience to its guests. The protected forest covers 1300 sq km of grasslands, forests, rivers, and lakes.

There are 18 residences available, ranging from jungle cottages to lodges. The resort’s architectural style borrows from the ancient bungalows and rest houses that belonged to the Raj Era. Additionally, guests have access to the resort’s swimming pool, library, and nursery, which preserves the native biodiversity.

The resort exclusively allows night stays, jeep safaris, cycling expeditions, and heritage walks through the extensive Jim Corbett National Park.

How to get to Jim’s Jungle Retreat: The closest international airport is the Delhi Airport, situated about 250 km away. Jim Corbett National Park is within close range of the resort.

 

If you are an enthusiastic traveller and wildlife lover, you absolutely cannot miss these resorts. Showcasing the beautiful wildlife of India in your comfort zone, these stunning resorts will help you plan an incredible trip.

 

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