India is blessed with dense forest covers and lush jungles, all home to some of the most exotic wildlife species, bird species, and even a variety of vegetation. With all these amazing wildlife resorts available, it’s a shame not to go explore the deep jungles of India and live out your dreams of a real-life Jungle Book! So, here are some of the top wildlife and jungle lodges in India you must consider staying at for your next jungle escapade.
8 Best Wildlife And Jungle Lodges In India
- Kanha Earth Lodge, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
- Spice Village, Thekkady, Kerala
- Aman-I-Khas Resort, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
- Evolve Back, Kabini, Karnataka
- The Serai, Bandipur, Karnataka
- The Oberoi Vanyavilas Resort, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
- Gir Serai Resort, Gir, Gujarat
- Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura, Madhya Pradesh
1. Kanha Earth Lodge, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha Earth Lodge is tucked away in a small hamlet in Madhya Pradesh, bordering the Kanha Tiger Reserve, and is surrounded by 16 acres of lush forest. Located just 25 minutes from the Khatia Park Gate, the lodge is near the National Park and provides guests with some of the most memorable jungle experiences. The eco-lodge has 12 luxurious cottages, all inspired by the Gond tribe’s architecture with open verandahs, which offer an unhindered view of forests.
Each of the cottages is eco-friendly, ensuring that they do not impact the forest’s ecosystem. You can also enjoy a swim at the lodge’s swimming pool or enjoy some quiet time in the lounge or the reading room. One gets to experience the best of all worlds at Kanha, with jungle safaris, nature trails, biking, sunset walks, and vibrant tribal bazaars. You might be lucky enough to spot sambars, tigers, leopards, and foxes along with numerous colorful birds on your jungle safari through Kanha.
Food Availability
The property has a stunning outdoor dining area, an in-house bar, and a restaurant. You can enjoy gourmet dishes and delicious barbeques while enjoying the incredible natural beauty surrounding the lodge. Along with gourmet food, you can also taste authentic, local dishes made by the chefs here.
Accessibility
The closest airport is Jabalpur Airport which is 156 km away from the lodge. It will take you about 4 hours to reach the airport via car or a hired cab. The nearest railway station is Jabalpur Railway station, located 150 km from the resort. It will take you about 3.5 hours to reach the station by car or hired taxi.
Ideal For: Families, children, solo travelers, bachelors, married and unmarried couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets aren’t allowed at the property.
Rate: The prices at the Kanha Earth Lodge start at INR 18,500 per night.
Location: Kanha Tiger Reserve, Kanha Earth Lodge, P.O. Sarekha, Narna, Madhya Pradesh.
2. Spice Village, Thekkady, Kerala
Set upon the picturesque hills of Thekkady, close to the Periyar National Park, Spice Village is a luxurious resort reimagined as a charming village. The village offers its guests every comfort of the city minus the pollution, noise, and chaos. The resort showcases stunning wooden cottages that are rustic and designed by local artisans. From coir mats to bare stone floors, these cottages might be rustic in decor but are decked with all the amenities of luxury.
What’s more, is that guests can enjoy a relaxing ayurvedic massage at the resort’s massage center. They offer various herbal massages and therapies for several ailments, making you feel absolutely rejuvenated after one session! For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, you can go for a jungle safari in Periyar or spend time at the Interpretation Center, which holds several wildlife exhibits. You can also go swimming, trekking, and exploring the spice plantations. Workshops on paper making and cooking demonstrations are available as well.
Food Availability
The resort has an incredible outdoor dining area set amidst the wilderness for a memorable experience. The in-house restaurant serves an amazing variety of cuisines and dishes and all of the ingredients are sourced from local organic vendors. The chefs here specialize in both global and local cuisines, giving you an exquisite selection of dishes at your disposal.
Accessibility
The Kochi International Airport is the closest airport to the resort, and is located 141 km away. It will take you approximately 4.5 hours to reach the airport by cab. If you plan to travel by train, the nearest railway station is the Kottayam Railway Station, which is 107 km away and can be reached in about 3 hours by road.
Ideal For: Married and unmarried couples, families, children, solo travelers, and groups.
Pet Friendliness: The resort welcomes pet parents and their paw pals with open arms!
Rate: The prices at Spice Village start at roughly INR 10,350 per night.
Location: Kottayam – Kumily road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala.
3. Aman-I-Khas Resort, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Situated at the edge of the Ranthambore National Park, Aman-I-Khas is a luxurious tented camp that offers the perfect blend of jungle safari and Rajasthani hospitality. The camp is set against the majestic backdrop of the national park’s green hues and the incredible Mughal-inspired, white tents stand in stark contrast. The resort takes luxury to a whole new level with expansive, air-conditioned tents each serviced by experienced butlers.
The resort also offers amazing adventures and experiences from jungle safaris to rejuvenating spa treatments. Guests can opt for a guided jungle safari through the Ranthambore National Park, where you might spot tigers, deer, langurs, and several other animals. Don’t forget to explore the forts located inside the park like the Ranthambore Fort which is one of the oldest forts in India. Guests can also explore the vast grasslands surrounding the camp or indulge in some much-required wellness sessions.
Food Availability
As with the rest of the resort’s theme, the dining experience at Aman-I-Khas is also Mughal-inspired. Guests have the option to either dine at the dining tent with a large communal table and small, outdoor terrace or by the fireside in the outdoor dining area. The menu is carefully curated and offers international as well as local Rajasthani cuisines. What’s more is that the camp’s organic gardens provide the fruits, veggies, and herbs for this stunning menu!
Accessibility
The nearest major airport is the Jaipur International Airport, located 180 km from the resort. If you’re traveling by car then it will take you about 3.5 hours to reach the resort. The closest railway station is the Sawai Madhopur Station which is 11.5 km from the resort and takes only 30 mins to reach via car. The national park is connected by several major highways like NH 8 and NH 11 A to Delhi, NH 76 to Udaipur and Ahmedabad, and NH 3 to Mumbai.
Ideal For: Bachelors, married and unmarried couples, children, families, and groups.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the resort.
Rate: The prices at Aman-I-Khas Resort start at INR 109,450 per night.
Location: Village- Sherpur Khiljipur, near Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
4. Evolve Back, Kabini, Karnataka
Bordered by the Kabini River on two sides, Evolve Back is one of the finest luxury wildlife resorts in South India. The resort takes inspiration from the local Kadu Kuruba tribe and has seamlessly melded tribal village structure with the comforts of a luxurious resort. Instead of traditional rooms, guests are situated in expansive, private huts which boast of modern luxury. The exterior of the huts reflects the tribal architecture with a thatched roof, tall pillars and columns, and an open patio.
The resort has an infinity pool from where the sunrise and sunsets are worth watching. For the home cats who simply wish to curl up in a corner and read, the reading lounge is the perfect spot to be. It overlooks the river and has a relaxing, homely atmosphere. Evolve Back also offers ayurvedic spa treatments like massages and baths that one should definitely indulge in. The resort can’t be called a wildlife resort without some wildlife activities. They offer boat safaris, jungle safaris, nature walks, night trails, coracle rides, and tribal performances for a wholesome and unforgettable Kabini experience.
Food Availability
The resort has two fine dining restaurants located on-site – the Honey Comb and the Kuruba Grill. Both restaurants offer a vast selection of cuisines with both international and local dishes. The Kuruba Grill is dedicated to kebabs and grilled food; these dishes are a must-try at Evolve Back.
Accessibility
The Kempegowda International Airport is the closest major airport to the resort and is 35 km away. It will take you about 1 hour to reach the airport by car or private taxi. For train travelers, the closest railway junction is the Mysuru Railway Junction, which is located 80.5 km from the resort, and takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach via car.
Ideal For: Families, children, solo travelers, married and unmarried couples, and groups.
Pet Friendliness: Pets aren’t allowed at the resort.
Rate: The rates at the resort start at INR 35,000 per night.
Location: Beerambally, Karnataka.
5. The Serai, Bandipur, Karnataka
The Serai is situated close to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, which sits between the Eastern and Western Ghats. Surrounded by tropical deciduous forests, the resort overlooks Karnataka’s portion of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Your stay at The Serai will be an exquisite celebration of wildlife and nature, with a panoramic view of the Nilgiri mountain range from every corner of the resort.
Guests can choose from three accommodation options. You can pick the jungle-inspired Mountain View Courtyard, the aesthetic Log Huts, and the luxurious bungalow residence. Immersed in the best views of nature, each of the accommodation options has beautiful decor and is equipped with the best of amenities. Furthermore, the resort offers a number of exciting experiences like nature walk, bird trails, mountain biking, and massage treatments.
Food Availability
The Serai has a stunning restaurant and bar located on-site. The Sanctuary restaurant offers a carefully curated menu of both international and authentic local flavors. You will also find a bar – Moyar’s Edge, located on the Moyar gorge that serves some of the best drinks and snacks. Guests can also opt for outdoor dining beside the Bandipur jungle for lunch or dinner.
Accessibility
The closest major airport to Serai is the Kempegowda International Airport, which is located 289 km away and can be reached in about 6 hours by cab or private car. If you’re planning to travel by train, the nearest railway station is the Udhagamandalam station, which is 55 km away and will take you approximately 2 hours to reach by cab. If you’re traveling by road then the NH 766 runs through the Bandipur National Park and is the closest major highway to the resort.
Ideal For: Families with children, married and unmarried couples, solo travelers, and groups.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, your furry friends aren’t allowed at the resort.
Rate: The rates at The Serai start at INR 18,000 per night.
Location: Kaniyanpura Village, Mangala Post, Gundlupet, Taluk, Mysuru, Karnataka.
6. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Resort, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Located close to one of the most popular national parks in India, Oberoi Vanyavilas offers visitors luxurious tented accommodations and royalty-like hospitality. The resort is situated close to the Ranthambore forests and boasts stunning royal tents like those of the kings and queens, and is indeed one of the top wildlife and jungle lodges in the state. These super spacious tents showcase elegant interiors and are fully furnished, providing guests with every modern amenity possible. The highlights of these tents are the claw foot bathtubs, teak wood floors, and the spacious garden area surrounding them.
Apart from its incredible accommodations, Oberoi also offers guests a plethora of activities to make the most of their experience. Guests can enjoy enchanting jungle drives, observe the sunrise and sunset from the resort’s private observation tower, or explore the private mango orchards and gardens. You can also indulge in some of the activities that are planned at the resort like yoga sessions, cooking classes, and art and craft workshops. That’s not all, the resort also offers bird-watching tours, nature walks, and even river safaris for adventurous souls.
Food Availability
The resort has an in-house restaurant that serves exquisite Indian and continental dishes. You must try authentic Rajasthani cuisine during your stay here. Guests can either dine at the dining room of the resort or avail themselves of private dining set-ups near the lake or the open garden. For drink connoisseurs, the resort has a regal bar area and a beautiful lounge area to sit back and enjoy your drink.
Accessibility
The closest major airport is the Jaipur International Airport. It is located 172 km from the resort and will take you about 3 hours to reach by road. For train travelers, the nearest railway station is the Sawai Madhopur Railway station which is located 4 km from the resort, and is only 10 mins away from Oberoi by car. Ranthambore is connected by several major highways like NH 76 to Udaipur and Ahmedabad, NH 8 and NH 11 A to Delhi, and NH 3 to Mumbai.
Ideal For: Bachelors, families with children, groups, married and unmarried couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets aren’t allowed at the resort.
Rate: The prices at The Oberoi Resort start at INR 83,500 per night.
Location: Ranthambhore Rd, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001
7. Gir Serai Resort, Gir, Gujarat
Perched upon the banks of the River Hiran and surrounded by the luscious Gir forest, the Gir Serai resort is a magnificent safari destination. Moreover, it is also one of the top wildlife and jungle lodges in India. The resort is cut off from the hectic chaos of city life, allowing you to unwind and relax here with no care in the world. Surrounded by thick forests, you’d be waking up to the calls of birds and the first sight you’d see is the gurgling river’s views. The fresh unadulterated air scented of the woods simply adds to the whole experience.
The rooms are quite spacious and equipped with every modern amenity you can think of. The suites open into the resort’s lush gardens and swimming pool. The resort is a great place for families to bond over games like basketball, badminton, chess, and other activities. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts can indulge in open-jeep safaris to experience the best of Gir’s natural beauty. You might spot lions, leopards, jackals, and antelopes during your Gir exploration.
Food Availability
Gir Serai has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant – the Gum Tree that serves select global cuisines and authentic Kathiyawadi dishes.
Accessibility
The closest major railway station from Gir Serai is the Rajkot Railway Junction, which is approximately 156 km from the resort. It will take you about 4 hours to reach the station by car or hired cab. The nearest airport is the Rajkot Airport (157 km) and it would take about 4 hours by car. Though Rajkot airport is the closest, there are no direct international flights from here. Instead, you can go to Ahmedabad International Airport (360 km), which will take you 8 hours by road.
Ideal For: Families, children, married and unmarried couples, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Bring along your furry friends, Gir Serai is a pet-friendly resort,
Rate: The rates at the resort start at INR 10,600 per night.
Location: Near Sinh Sadan, Sasan Gir, Gujarat 362135
8. Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura, Madhya Pradesh
The Reni Pani Lodge is located close to the largest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura National Park. The lodge focuses on the conservation of the surrounding ecosystem and boasts a wildlife-focused structure. The location of the lodge is an ideal spot, overlooking the Satpura ranges and thick forests. The property features twelve luxurious cottages that showcase distinct tribal architecture. Other than cottages, you can also opt for luxurious jungle tents.
Reni Pani offers several activities for its guests like exploring the wilderness. The resort provides you with experienced guides who provide you with facts and interesting information about the wildlife and the reserve. The lodge has several adventure activities for adventure junkies like canoeing, camping, jeep safaris, and motorboat excursions. One of the must-try facilities here is the massage center, where you can indulge in relaxing spa treatments and refreshing massages.
Food Availability
The resort has an in-house restaurant, Gol Ghar that offers a magical experience for all foodies. The restaurant offers a multi-cuisine menu and also has a vibrant bar where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails.
Accessibility
The closest major airport is Bhopal International Airport, which is located 140 km from the lodge. The nearest railway station is the Bhopal Railway station which is 139 km away. However, to reach either of these places, it will take you about 3.5 hours by car or private cab. If you’re planning to travel by road, NH 12 is the major highway running towards Satpura.
Ideal For: Bachelors, married and unmarried couples, families with children, and small groups.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, your paw pals aren’t allowed at the lodge.
Rate: The prices at Reni Pani Lodge start from INR 28,000 per night.
Location: Near Sohagpur, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh 461771
Summing Up
India has some of the most exotic and diverse forests that house magnificent animals, stunning vegetation, and pristine landscapes. And if you’re planning to explore the wild side of the country, then you must stay at these top wildlife and jungle lodges in India. With outstanding facilities, luxurious accommodations, and wholesome activities, your jungle experience will certainly turn into an unforgettable vacation!
FAQs
Which Is The Best Month For Kanha National Park?
If you’re hoping to spot tigers, then the hot months of April and May are the best time to visit the national park. The months from November to March are ideal as the climate is considerably cooler and the landscape turns lush green after the monsoon season.
What Is Thekkady Famous For?
Thekkady is a small plantation town near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border that’s famous for its dense evergreen forests, deciduous trees, and even lush grasslands. You will certainly find herds of elephants, sambar deer, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, and the famous Nilgiri langurs here.
Which Month Is Best To Visit Ranthambore?
The national park has its tourist season during the winter months from October to March, though it remains open up until June. The months from October to March are the best time to visit Ranthambore due to the pleasant weather conditions.
How Many Days Are Enough For Ranthambore?
Typically, a tour in Ranthambore is a minimum 3-day trip as it includes exploring the various wildlife zones throughout the national park, treks to the Ranthambore fort, and other adventure activities. The best way to go about planning your Ranthambore trip is to club it with your Rajasthan vacation.
What Is Kabini Famous For?
Kabini is famous for the Kabini river, its wildlife sanctuary, and the numerous adventure activities that tourists can try out. You can explore the wildlife, go on jungle safaris, boat rides and canoeing, nature walks, and camping by the Kabini river.
Is Bandipur Road Closed At Night?
In February, this year the Karnataka government decided to close roads through the national park during the night. Besides, night travel is banned through Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, and the Mysuru-Mananthwadi road and Kudlu-Ooty road are also closed at night.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Gir National Park?
The national park remains closed in the months from June to October and opens for tourists during the winter season. This is the best time to visit Gir (from November to March) as the climate is best suited at this time for sightseeing and safaris. The summer months can be quite hot but are ideal for wildlife photography and spotting various animals.
What Is Satpura Famous For?
Satpura is known for its spectacular mountain ranges, the valley carved by River Narmada, and its rich diversity of flora and fauna. One can certainly spot animals like leopards, sambar deer, Nilgai, four-horned antelopes, black bucks, and flying squirrels here. Satpura is a great destination for nature and wildlife lovers.
