These unique safari lodges in India are where wilderness coexist with luxury to offer you the best of jungle experiences.
Wildlife excursions in India are going deeper, offering a glimpse of the life at lesser-known as well as most popular jungles. Experience safari thrills, forest quiet, and utmost opulence at these best luxury safari lodges in India.
SUJÁN JAWAI, Jawai Bandh (Rajasthan)
Nestled amid spellbinding, billion-year-old granite rock formations, the luxury wilderness camp of SUJÁN JAWAI effortlessly blends sophistication with sustainable living. Leopards roam wild and free, coexisting comfortably with the charismatic local Rabari community here. The limited 10 tented suites here come done with bathtubs, marble showers, heated pools, and privated decks. The new double-bedroom Eden suite offers private entrance, jeep with personal chauffer, and butler service. Go on wilderness drives to track elusive big cats, explore the locale on the back of Marwari and Kathiawari horses, and take guided walks with the Rabari herdsmen. Tariff starts from INR99,000. Book here.
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Beerambally (Karnataka)
Taking its inspiration from the hadis or tribal villages, Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge in Karnataka’s Beerambally is where you are drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribe. Bordered on two sides by the Kabini River, the luxury property has the Pool Reserve Hut that comes with lavish bedroom and living spaces, an indulgent bathroom, a temperature-controlled private pool, and a unique Star Bed ideal for stargazing. Pick from a jungle safari into the Nagarhole National Park, boat safari on the Kabini River, traditional coracle rides, and night trails to spot beetles, spiders, owls, moths, and lizards. Tariff starts from INR37,000. Book here.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett (Uttarakhand)
Located in Dhela, the prime zone in Jim Corbett National Park to spot the tiger, Jim’s Jungle Retreat has 18 independent cottages done in the local pastoral Van Gujjar tribe style mixed with Raj-era touches. Find your pick from their jungle cottages and bungalow-style lodges at 15-foot elevation with large wrap-around verandas, living areas, huge bedrooms and en-suite baths. Jungle experiences here include jeep safaris, cycling expeditions, heritage walks, and even an overnight stay in the Terai forest. Once done, lounge at the poolside, relax at the spa, or chill at the Carpet Sahib’s Café. Tariff starts from INR13,200. Book here.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore (Rajasthan)
Falling in the close vicinity of Ranthambore, the best national park to spot a tiger in India, The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort has luxury tented accommodations inspired by the opulent caravans of the royal families of Rajasthan. Teak wood flooring, claw-footed bathtubs, plus upholstery, and lush private lawns paired with spa experiences, fine-dining, and bespoke hospitality are enough to treat you like a royalty. Take jungle drive to track tigers in the wild with their experienced naturalists, go for a stroll around the Chambal River to spot crocodiles, and unwind with a sundowner at their observation tower offering panoramic views. Tariff starts from INR66,500. Book here.
Samode Safari Lodge & Spa, Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh)
Get introduced to the sounds and sights of jungle at the nearby Bandhavgarh while basing yourself at the Samode Safari Lodge. Its 12 plush villas feature outdoor showers, private decks, spacious lounges, dressing areas, among other amenities. Dine at their exquisite restaurant, pack a picnic or try BBQ around a campfire in the jungle, swim in the outdoor pool, and rejuvenate at the spa after a long day of 4by4 or elephant safaris tracking tigers. Tariff starts from INR69,900. Book here.
The Sarai, Toria (Madhya Pradesh)
A uniquely designed safari lodge, The Sarai is located on a beautiful riverside site close to the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The thick mud walls of the traditional hut-style cottages here hide the surprising plush interiors and services inside. High ceilings, children’s room, and a private machan make their Mezzanine Cottage an ideal pick. Float on the Ken River at dawn to spot a variety of birds, enjoy home-grown and organic meals, revisit history by nearby Khajuraho Temples, and of course, get sightings of leopards, tigers, and other wildlings at the lesser-known Panna. Price on request. Book here.
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