Words by Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay
India is a land of rich biodiversity and holds almost 80 per cent of the world’s tiger population. Other notable felines in the wilderness of India include leopards, Asiatic lions, snow leopards and the elusive clouded leopards.
While most of the prominent national parks for tiger safaris are located in central India, it would be worthwhile to explore different regions for their incredible flora and fauna as well as their big cat population. We list some of the most luxurious retreats and safari lodges in India that offer a wholesome experience when it comes to the incredible wildlife that is found here.
SUJÁN JAWAI, Rajasthan
The premier luxury resort derives its name from the seasonal Jawai river, which flows through the remarkable landscape in Rajasthan, emptying into the Jawai Bandh, one of the largest reservoirs in the state. A dramatic backdrop of granite hills and kopjes, dated over 850 million years old, situated between rich agrarian fields, sand rivers, scrubland and patches of light forest surround the tented camp which is set on its own private wilderness.
The camp is located equidistant to Jodhpur and Udaipur, which makes this unique and otherwise remote wilderness very accessible to travellers in the know. Well known for its incredibly unique rocky leopard habitats and the fearless residents of the area, Jawai is a must visit when in Rajasthan. Village walks, cycling excursions, temple trails and strolls with the Rabari tribes are highly popular activities during a stay here.
Price: Starts at £990 per night.
SUJÁN Sher Bagh, Ranthambore
SUJÁN Sher Bagh is the ideal base to explore the billion-year-old forest of Ranthambore, with the mighty citadel that lends its name to the reserve rising majestically at the heart of it, the Ranthambore Fort. With ruins of palaces, cenotaphs and follies dotted around the jungle, now inhabited by its wild denizens, with the tiger at the apex, it is a spectacular wildlife haven.
India’s most popular national park, where even the wild cats showcase an attitude of royalty, Sher Bagh has 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 that has given a strong push to tiger conservation in India.
Price: Starts at £830 per night.
Bori Safari Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
A modern hideaway exclusive to the Churna zone of the famed Satpura National Park, 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.
With eight well-appointed luxury cottages, the resort offers a combination of design-inspired living with the comforts of a five-star. Operated by Jehannuma Group of Hotels, this resort is surrounded by lush greenery and houses an in-house spa, a stunning infinity pool and a library alongside indoor and outdoor dining spaces and a well stocked bar. Indulge in dinner under the stars in their organic garden or take a walk with their excellent naturalists to spot migrat ory birds in the locality. The resort offers wildlife safaris in 4×4 vehicles and other interesting eco-tourism activities at an additional cost.
Price: £465 per night for two.
Pugdundee Safaris Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgadh
Adjacent to the Tala zone of Bandhavgadh National Park, there is a hideaway of luxe accommodation on tree tops. In the 21 acres of this Pugdundee Safaris signature property lies an option of experiencing the snug life inside a tree house.
The hideaways – Mahua, Tendu, Peepal, Banyan and Palash are named after the trees on which they are built and you can choose to spend your time hiding in the intimacy of your rooms built on top of trees while viewing its resident species of birds, reptiles and animals residing on the trees. The tree houses exhibit a grunge and sturdy look from the outside, but the door opens to a dose of serious elegance complementing the outside world. The design is a fusion of contemporary luxe and traditional jungle living with earth tones and eco essentials making it a harmonious blend with nature.
Price: £283 per night for two.
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini
While you discover a vernacular dimension to luxury that’s truly liberating, the Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge gives you a unique wildlife experience on the Kabini backwaters of Karnataka. 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 and offers three variety of accommodations, all on standard double occupancy.
Pool Huts and Safari Huts offer an exquisite taste of luxury in the wild while the more luxurious Pool Reserve come with a unique star bed for stargazing. The experiences here gets one closer to the spirit of the land. All the activities here have been designed around the uniqueness of the location and the local culture. Safaris are organised on boat on the Kabini river to spot wild elephants, Indian gaurs and the forest’s famed big cats, both striped and rosetted as Kabini is known for the boldness of its leopards.
Price: Starts at £365 per night for two.
Taj Safaris
Undoubtedly India’s largest and most successful hospitality brand has its presence across the jungles of Central India with prominence. Exclusive properties by IHCL in the form of Taj Safaris in Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgadh and Panna national parks as well as in Kathmandu – Nepal are open to welcome guests in the lap of luxury.
Owned and operated by Taj Hotels, one can expect to have excellent naturalists to guide one into the treasures of the forest when staying at any of these properties. Tented cottages, luxury villas, stone cottages or independent bungalows – a Taj experience will leave you longing for more. Exclusive experiences adds to the charm of living in luxury and safaris are organised with in-house expert naturalists on request.
Price: Starts at £400 per night.
Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgadh
One of the top rated wildlife lodges in India, tucked away in the idyllic nature of Bandhavgadh National Park, Samode Safari Lodge offers 12 independent villas for a luxurious stay in India’s most popular tiger reserve. Each villa has an elegant living area with a spacious lounge, a bedroom with a modern en-suite bath, a dressing area, a unique open-air bath court and a private verandah with a view.
When staying here, dining is an indulgent experience often served outdoors across multiple locations. Safaris, bicycle tours of the Mardari village and a well equipped spa adds to the benefits of staying in delightful luxury at Samode.
Price: £835 per night for two.
Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand
Sharing a wall with the Bijrani Zone of the Jim Corbett National Park, Aahana is a part of the wilderness. Being mindful of the environment is not just one of the founding thoughts here, it is a lifestyle choice in practise. Spread over 13.5 acres, the resort is well nestled in nature and nurtured by it. The Victorian style design of the 10 residential blocks house 48 living units with plush interiors. Several different rooms are designed to accommodate families of all sizes Aahana offers privacy, luxury and relaxation to its guest in a responsible luxury theme.
Price: Starts at £250 per night.
Woods At Sasan, Sasan Gir
Here you’ll find a biophilic retreat with 38 consciously designed luxury cottages surrounded by acres of gently waving grass and thickets of trees. Spread over an eight-acre mango orchard in Sasan Gir, Gujarat, Woods is located close to the main safari gates of Gir National Park where one can see wild Asiatic lions in basking in glory.
The boutique retreat offers a holistic wellness oriented lifestyle when you stay there with luxurious, independent living spaces, each with its own private garden, open skies and impressive details of biophilic design incorporated in each of them. With excellent dining options paired with local cultural performances, a great practice of Ayurveda, yoga and wellness programs, exciting local experiences and a host of on-site nature activities, this retreat is an ideal break from city life while enjoying a truly unique big cat experience that is only found in Gir.
Price: Starts at £470 per night for two.
