India is renowned for its rich biodiversity and the country is home to some of the most luxurious safari lodges and tented camps that offer an unparalleled experience of the wilderness. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the finest safari lodges in India, which serve as the perfect base for launching your wildlife-safari adventures. Get ready to indulge in the lap of luxury while discovering the incredible flora and fauna of India.
1. SUJÁN JAWAI, Rajasthan
Location and Accessibility
Situated in the stunning landscape of Rajasthan, SUJÁN JAWAI derives its name from the seasonal Jawai river. The resort is located equidistant to Jodhpur and Udaipur, making it easily accessible to travelers.
Accommodation and Experiences
This premier luxury resort is nestled amidst dramatic granite hills, agrarian fields, and patches of light forest. The tented camp offers a wholesome experience and is well known for its unique rocky leopard habitats. Village walks, cycling excursions, temple trails, and strolls with the Rabari tribes are some of the popular activities during a stay here.
Website: thesujanlife.com/jawai
Price: Starts at £990 per night.
2. SUJÁN Sher Bagh, Ranthambore
Location and Accessibility
Located in the heart of Ranthambore National Park, SUJÁN Sher Bagh offers an ideal base to explore the billion-year-old forest and its majestic wildlife.
Accommodation and Experiences
The resort features seven Jungle Suites, one Family ‘Machhli’ Suite, one Royal ‘Sher’ Suite, and one Imperial ‘Raj Bagh’ Suite, all named after iconic locations and characters of the famed forest. Enjoy safaris in the national park, where even the wild cats showcase an attitude of royalty.
Website: thesujanlife.com/sher-bagh
Price: Starts at £830 per night.
3. Bori Safari Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
Location and Accessibility
Bori Safari Lodge is an enchanting safari lodge nestled in a 7.5-acre farmland in Dhapada village, approximately 150 km from the nearest airport in Bhopal city.
Accommodation and Experiences
The resort offers eight well-appointed luxury cottages, combining design-inspired living with the comforts of a five-star. Surrounded by lush greenery, Bori Safari Lodge houses an in-house spa, infinity pool, library, and indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Indulge in dinner under the stars or take a walk with the excellent naturalists to spot migratory birds in the locality. Wildlife safaris and eco-tourism activities are also available at an additional cost.
Website: jehannuma.com
Price: £465 per night for two.
4. Pugdundee Safaris Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh
Location and Accessibility
Adjacent to the Tala zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, Pugdundee Safaris Treehouse Hideaway offers a luxurious experience of living in tree houses inside a 21-acre property.
Accommodation and Experiences
The hideaways are named after the trees on which they are built, offering a unique experience of staying in the intimacy of tree houses while viewing resident species of birds, reptiles, and animals. The design is a fusion of contemporary luxury and traditional jungle living, with earth tones and eco essentials.
Website: pugdundeesafaris.com
Price: £283 per night for two.
5. Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini
Location and Accessibility
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is located on the Kabini backwaters of Karnataka, offering a unique wildlife experience in a picturesque setting.
Accommodation and Experiences
Inspired by the Hadis or tribal villages, the resort offers three types of accommodations, all with standard double occupancy. Pool Huts and Safari Huts provide a taste of luxury in the wild, while the more luxurious Pool Reserve features a unique star bed for stargazing. Safaris are organized on boats on the Kabini river to spot wild elephants, Indian gaurs, and the forest’s famed big cats.
Website: evolveback.com
Price: Starts at £365 per night for two.
6. Taj Safaris
Location and Accessibility
Taj Safaris has a prominent presence across the jungles of Central India, with exclusive properties in Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna national parks as well as in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Accommodation and Experiences
Owned and operated by Taj Hotels, expect excellent naturalists to guide you through the treasures of the forest when staying at any of these properties. Tented cottages, luxury villas, stone cottages, or independent bungalows are available, providing a luxurious experience that will leave you longing for more.
Website: tajhotels.com
Price: Starts at £400 per night.
7. Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh
Location and Accessibility
Tucked away in the idyllic nature of Bandhavgarh National Park, Samode Safari Lodge is one of the top-rated wildlife lodges in India.
Accommodation and Experiences
The lodge offers 12 independent villas for a luxurious stay, each featuring a living area, bedroom, en-suite bath, open-air bath court, and private verandah with a view. Dining is an indulgent experience, often served outdoors across multiple locations. Safaris, bicycle tours of Mardari village, and a well-equipped spa add to the delightful luxury of Samode.
Website: samode.com
Price: £835 per night for two.
8. Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand
Location and Accessibility
Sharing a wall with the Bijrani Zone of the Jim Corbett National Park, Aahana Resort is an eco-friendly luxury resort spread over 13.5 acres.
Accommodation and Experiences
The Victorian-style design of the 10 residential blocks house 48 living units with plush interiors. Aahana offers privacy, luxury, and relaxation to its guests in a responsible luxury theme. Take part in jungle safaris on elephant back and explore the national park.
Website: aahanaresort.com
Price: Starts at £250 per night.
9. Woods At Sasan, Sasan Gir
Location and Accessibility
Located close to the main safari gates of Gir National Park in Gujarat, Woods At Sasan offers a biophilic retreat with 38 consciously designed luxury cottages.
Accommodation and Experiences
Spread over an eight-acre mango orchard, this boutique retreat offers a holistic wellness-oriented lifestyle. Each cottage comes with a private garden, open skies, and impressive details of biophilic design. Enjoy Ayurveda, yoga, wellness programs, local experiences, and on-site nature activities while experiencing the unique big cat sightings only found in Gir.
Website: woodsatsasan.com
Price: Starts at £470 per night for two.
10. The Ultimate Travelling Camp’s Chamba Camp, Thiksey, Jammu & Kashmir
Location and Accessibility
Located in the unforgiving landscape of Ladakh, The Ultimate Travelling Camp’s Chamba Camp offers an oasis of luxury with 360° views of the Stok Kangri and Ladakh mountain ranges.
Accommodation and Experiences
The camp provides well-furnished tents and a range of activities such as archery, river rafting, polo, and birdwatching. Enjoy a unique glamping experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Website: tutc.com
Price: 4D package doubles from Rs1.02 lakh.
In conclusion, India offers a plethora of luxurious safari lodges and tented camps that cater to the discerning traveler seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience. These lodges, with their exquisite accommodations, world-class service, and immersive activities, will transport you into a realm of natural beauty and adventure. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey into the wild while enjoying the utmost comfort and indulgence.
