Get Up Close to the Wildlife by Staying in The Best Luxury Lodges in India
by Travelopod
August 14, 2023
India boasts some great luxury properties. Wouldn't visiting one of these on your next trip to India with your family would be nice?
Places At-a-Glance:
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Mary Budden Estate, Almora, Uttarakhand
- Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Wayanad Silverwoods, Wayanad, Kerala
- Evolve Back (Orange County), Coorg, Karnataka
- Orange County, Kabini, Mysore
- Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- The Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar National Park, Gujarat
- Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Pashan Garh, Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Wildlife safari accommodation has come a long way since the minimal, dusty tents that were once the signature of explorers.
Safari professionals in India now offer an array of luxurious lodges, from alluring tents for explorers to stunning eco-friendly camps and colonial cottages.
From outstanding gourmet meals to unforgettable game drives in state-of-the-art open-topped vehicles to expert guides with in-depth knowledge of jungle lore and local culture, these lodges have it all. We give you here a roundup of some of the best luxurious lodges in India that not only offer absolute comfort but will redefine your safari vacation on your trip to India.
Region- North India
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
No list of the best wildlife lodges in India is complete without Vanyavilas. Despite being situated in the forest, distant from civilization, the hotel provides travelers with the finest comfort in luxury tents with sun-kissed private decks, patios, exquisite baths, and private walled gardens. Vanyavilas also features a quiet eating area that can only be reached by strolling through torch-lit trails.
Hotel Facilities
- Free Parking
- Free Internet
- Pool
- Free breakfast
- Billiards
- Entertainment staff
- Babysitting
Location: Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore, Rajasthan
How to Reach
There are two ways to get from Jaipur Airport to the Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort:
- Train
- Taxi/Cab
Best Time to Visit: November to April and October to April
Suggested Visit: 3 Days
Mary Budden Estate, Almora, Uttarakhand
Nestled in breathtaking natural surroundings, it is one of the last virgin expanses of wilderness in the Himalayas, which is one of the best destinations in India. The estate offers you the rarest of luxuries, those of time and space, as well as the enviable opportunity to disconnect and connect deeply, which is one of the best places to travel in India.
Hotel Facilities
- Private Garden
- Dining Room
- Fireplace
- Library
- Yoga Essentials
Location: The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Ayarpani District, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
How to Reach
Mary Budden Estate is well connected with most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand. One can book a flight, train, or travel by road.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Visit: 2 Days
Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Nestled between the Himalayan foothills in the north and the ancient Shivaliks in the south, Jim's Jungle Retreat is one of the best lodges in Corbett Tiger Reserve. The protected forest, Asia’s first conservation effort, extends over 1300 square kilometers of grassland, forest, rivers, and lakes.
Hotel Facilities
- Inhouse Cafe
- Boutique
- Nursery
- Swimming Pool
- Library
- Dining
- Jungle Spa
Location: Village and PO Dhela, Ramnagar Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar S.O., Uttarakhand
How to Reach
There are three ways to reach the location:
- You can book a flight from Delhi to reach Jim’s Jungle Retreat in Pantnagar.
- The drive can take between five and six hours from Delhi, depending on traffic.
- The nearest railhead is Ramnagar (13 km), and you don't have to worry about reaching the lodge as they have pick-up and drop-off services.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Suggested Visit: 2 Days
Region- South India
Wayanad Silverwoods, Wayanad, Kerala
The resort is famous for its hilltop location, which provides a stunning view of the hills and Banasura Sagar. The lodges have a spectacular view of the chattering mountain streams, tumbling waterfalls, extensive organic farms, and myriads of flora and fauna.
Hotel Facilities
- Ayurvedic Spa
- Pet-friendly property
- Infinity Pool
- Dining
- Lobby
- Clubhouse
- Convention Center
- Kids Play Area
- Porter Facility
Location: Manjoora P.O., Vythiri-Tharuvana Rd., Kerala
How to Reach
The easiest way to reach the lodge is by booking a flight to Kerala. The hotel is nearby, and if you need a pick-and-drop service, make sure you book it before your arrival.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Suggested Visit: 3 Days
Evolve Back (Orange County), Coorg, Karnataka
When you enter the gates of Evolve Back, Coorg, you leave one world behind and enter another: the era of the Gentleman Planter. The resort is cocooned in the cocooned comforts of a lush 300-acre plantation paradise, redolent with the delicately enticing aroma of coffee and spice. Come, allow the spirit of the land to infuse your very being, and we will gently coax you on a personal voyage of discovery at one of the best luxury lodges in India.
Hotel Facilities
- Free Parking
- Pool
- Fitness center with gym
- Bicycle rental
- Game room
Location: Orange County, Coorg, Madikeri, Karnataka, India
How to Reach
- The closest airports to Evolve Back, Coorg, are Kannur (CNN) and Mysore (MYS), both of which are an approximate 2-hour drive from our property.
- The next option is to book a flight to Bangalore airport (BLR), which is 275 km (4-and-a-half-hour drive) from Evolve Back, Coorg.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Suggested Visit: 3–4 Days
Orange County, Kabini, Mysore
Named one of the 25 World’s Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Traveler, the Orange County in Kabini is a treat for the eyes. Built-in the style of a traditional jungle lodge in Orange County, Kabini is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of India. The resort offers a variety of activities and amenities that will appeal to a variety of guests.
Hotel Facilities
- Health Club
- Airport Transportation
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Taxi Services
- Campfire/Bonfire
Location: Bheeramballi Village, H.D. Kote Taluk, HD Kote Taluk, Mysore, Karnataka
How to Reach: The best way to reach the lodge is by booking a flight. The nearest airports to the resort at Kabini are:
- Mysore (MYQ): 90 km
- Bangalore (BLR): 275 km
- Kozhikode (CCJ): 210 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Visit: 3–4 Days
Region- East India
Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Diphlu River Lodge, on the banks of the river Diphlu, is one of the best wildlife lodges in India and is ideally near the park's western range. The lodge consists of 12 cottages that have been tastefully and attractively constructed to express the essence of Assamese culture. Cottages have bamboo-shaped cane furniture and fixtures that properly match and emphasize the design.
Hotel Facilities
- Free Parking
- Public wifi
- Lazy river
- Free breakfast
- Bar/lounge
- Airport Transportation
Location: Kaziranga National Park, Kuthuri, Near Bagori Police Outpost, Dist. Nagaon, Assam, India
How to Reach
There are scheduled flights from Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai into Guwahati Airport, and from Kolkata into Tezpur and Jorhat Airports.
Driving times from the airport are as follows:
- Guwahati to the Lodge: approximately 4 hours
- Jorhat to the Lodge: 2 12 hours
- Tezpur to the Lodge: 1 hour
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Suggested Visit: 3–4 Days
Region- West India
The Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar National Park, Gujarat
Gujarat, often known as the Land of Legends, is one of India's most dynamic states. Velavadar, located in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, is a traveler's delight. With attractive scenery, this location is home to one of India's largest national parks, the Blackbuck National Park. This is one of the best wildlife lodges in India, and it is a treat for all nature enthusiasts and ardent travelers.
If you are traveling to Gujrat for the Cricket World Cup 2023, you should add visiting this lodge with your friends or family.
Hotel Facilities
- EV charging station
- Tours and treks
- Free Parking
- Jungle Safari
Location: Velavadar National Park, Distt. Bhavnagar, Bhal, Saurashtra, Gujarat, India
How to Reach
The nearest domestic airport, Bhavnagar in Gujarat, connects Velavadar to and from various other cities in the country.
- Ahmedabad, 150 km
- Bhavnagar: 50 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Visit: 2-3 Days
Region- Central India
Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park, the quietest of Madhya Pradesh's 'big three' wildlife sanctuaries, is the perfect place to live out your Jungle Book fantasy. Known as one of the best jungle lodges in India, it is home to the endangered Indian wild dog and is a wonderful mix of thick canopies of large-leafed teak and mahua, tranquil drinking holes, and wide-open grasslands.
Hotel Facilities
- Colonial bungalows with verandas
- Sleep in your private Machan.
- Jungle safaris with resident naturalists
- Farm-to-fork wilderness dining
Location: Baghvan, Pench National Park, Village Awargani, Post Duria, Tehsil Kurai, Dist. Senoi, Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and Jabalpur Airport are the two top options for traveling. Taxis are readily available from the airport to Pench for a comfortable journey.
Best Time to Visit: February to June
Suggested Visit: 2-3 Days
Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Banjaar Tola, which spans over 90 acres, is a sleek, fashionable, and sophisticated lodge that gives tourists a stay in its exquisite tents in Kanha National Park. Within the lodge's vicinity, the landscapes are spectacular, with vast sal forests, flourishing green meadows, and lush bamboo growth.
Hotel Facilities
- Free Parking
- Pool
- Bar/lounge
- Bicycle rental
- Bicycles available
- Airport Transportation
- Meeting rooms
- Spa
Location: Kanha National Park, Manjitola Mukki Tehsil Baihar, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach: Taj Banjaar Tola is well connected to all the major cities by air and rail.
- It is approximately 150 km away from Jabalpur railway station and airport.
- Other nearby railway stations are Gondia and Maihar.
- If you want to reach Nagpur by air, Nagpur (approx. 250 km) and Raipur (approx. 200 km) airports are the best options for you.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Visit: 3 Days
Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park, named after the highest hill in the area, boasts the world's highest tiger density. Its rough forests of sal trees and bamboo thickets stretch out to sunlight meadows and knolls and shroud the remnants of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort. It is one of the best places to visit in India if you are a travel enthusiast.
Hotel Facilities
- Traditional mud cottages
- Private patio affording wilderness views
- Jungle safaris with resident naturalists
- Farm-to-fork wilderness dining
Location: Mahuva Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park, Tala, Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach: Mahua Kothi is conveniently situated near major airports:
- Khajuraho (230 km) and Jabalpur (190 km)
- Kanha tiger reserve (230 km)
Flight from Delhi:
- Fly to Khajuraho.
- Then drive to the lodge, which is approximately 6 hours and 230 km away.
Fly to Gwalior:
- Gwalior to Umaria by train (approximately 12 hours)
- The drive from Umaria is approximately 40 minutes (30 km).
From Mumbai:
- Fly to Bhopal, with a connecting flight from Bhopal to Jabalpur.
- The drive from Jabalpur to the lodge is approximately 4 hours and 190 km.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for cheap flights to India, make sure to book your tickets at least 3–6 months in advance.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Suggested Visit: 2- Days
Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Rustic, tranquil, and simply gorgeous are three elements that best describe the feeling you will get while staying at this lodge. Samode Safari Lodge, nestled in the woods, is the best luxury lodge in India for exploring the wilderness. It is one of those spots where you can simply sit and read a book by the river while enjoying the breeze and warmth of the sun.
Hotel Facilities
- Free internet
- Pool
- Free breakfast
- Babysitting
- Airport Transportation
- Spa
Location: Village Mardari, Post Dhamokhar, Tehsil Manpur, District Umaria, Village Mardari, Madhya Pradesh, India
How to Reach
One can reach Bandhavgarh either by flight or by train.
- If you are flying, deplane at Jabalpur airport, which is around 200 km from the park, and hire a taxi or pre-booked cab to the park.
- The trip would take a maximum of 4 hours from the airport to the park.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Visit: 2 Days
Pashan Garh, Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Pashan Garh Lodge, located in the wilderness with a view of the Vindhya Hills, is like a private jungle that provides its visitors with a peaceful stay. The resort's skilled in-house naturalists make the guided safari discovery of Panna and its surroundings an unforgettable experience. It is one of the best destinations to visit in India with your family.
Hotel Facilities
- Free Parking
- Internet
- Pool
- Free breakfast
- Bicycles available
- Evening entertainment
- Car hire
- Meeting rooms
Location: Panna National Park, Amanganj Road, Panna, Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach: The best way to reach Panna is to take a flight to Khajuraho Airport, which is only 26 km from the national park. One can take a taxi from the airport to reach Panna.
Best Time to Visit: March to June, November to February
Suggested Visit: 2-3 Days
Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kipling Camp is ideal for people looking to relax in idyllic surroundings while exploring the far-flung forests and villages of central India. Established in 1982 by a family of conservationists on the outskirts of Kanha National Park, it is one of India's finest wildlife camps, with meticulous attention to detail. The camp has grown slowly with the times without losing its wonderful atmosphere.
Hotel Facilities
- Free Parking
- Free internet
- Lazy river
- Free breakfast
- Bicycles available
- Walking tours
- Kids stay free.
- Pets Allowed (Dog/Pet Friendly)
Location: Kanha National Park, Mocha, Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach
- There are daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Jabalpur, from where it is a 2 ½ hour drive (160 km) to Kipling Camp.
- There are also daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata to Nagpur (a 260 km, 5½ hour drive) and Raipur (a 240 km, 5½ hr drive).
- There are good overnight trains to Jabalpur (the nearest railhead) and Nagpur.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Visit: 1-2 Days
Conclusion
India boasts some of the best luxury properties. Wouldn't visiting one of these on your next trip to India with your family be nice? Mentioned above are some of the best lodges in India that can change the way you stay on your trip.
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