Deers drinking at a lake, elephants walking around lazily, and tigers peering through the bushes: this is just a small glimpse of what you could experience in jungles in India. Birds chirping or cawing, perched on branches of trees looking down at you. All while your jeep cruises through jungles and stops only to admire magnificent animals in the wild.
India’s diverse terrain includes jungles that are rich with the most breathtaking wildlife, making it a top destination for wildlife safari. You can spot different flora and fauna in their natural habitat, and staying in a forest resort in India can be a different experience as well. If you are planning an adventurous holiday, jungles, and lodges in them are something worth considering. After all, a jungle safari can be a transformative experience and teach you a lot about life in the Indian jungles.
An adventurous holiday could mean many things: farm getaways, or even living at eco-friendly and sustainable retreats in India. But there’s truly nothing like a jungle safari hotel.
Jungle lodges in India to experience wildlife
1. Banjaar Tola, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the heart of Kanha National Park, Banjaar Tola is a luxurious jungle lodge that offers a secluded and intimate safari experience. This Taj property sits on the banks of Banjar river, overlooking the park, and is spread across 90 acres of the sal forest. The lodge's design is inspired by traditional Gond tribal architecture and features elegant tents with private decks and breathtaking views of the park. Guests can also enjoy guided nature walks, one of the best jungle safari in India, and cultural experiences with the local Gond community. You can also sample the tribal flavours during your stay at this jungle lodge.
2. Diphlu River Lodge, Assam
Nestled in the lush forests of Kaziranga National Park, Diphlu River Lodge is an eco-friendly jungle lodge that offers one of the best wildlife safaris in India. The lodge's thatched cottages are inspired by the architecture of the Mishing tribal homes and blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Offer stunning views of the park's diverse wildlife, this forest resort in India was where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stayed during their India tour as well. In addition to offering one of the best jungle safaris in India, the jungle lodge also offers nature walks, elephant rides, and birdwatching tours.
3. Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Karnataka
Located in Nagarhole National Park, Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is an award-winning jungle lodge offering a luxurious wildlife safari in India. The Kabini river flows on two sides of this jungle lodge, making this a picturesque landscape to live in. The lodge's tented villas are designed to look like tribal hamlets. Spacious and comfortable, the villas also feature private balconies with views of the Nagarhole jungle’s wildlife. In addition to being one of the best jungle lodges in India offering a safari experience, the forest hotel has boat rides, nature walks, and cultural experiences with the local Kuruba tribe.
4. Jim's Jungle Retreat, Uttarakhand
Located in Corbett National Park, Jim's Jungle Retreat is a family-owned and operated jungle lodge in India that offers a personalised jungle safari experience. Channeling the architecture of the Van Gujjar tribe, the lodge's cottages and tents are comfortable and rustic. Offering views of the jungle’s lush greens and wildlife, this is easily one of the best jungle lodges in India to have an adventurous experience. During your stay here, enjoy one of the best jungle safari in India, guided nature walks, and birdwatching tours. And, partake in cultural experiences with the local Garhwal community.
5. Pench Tree Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
With six treehouses perched 18 feet above the ground, and ample luxury cottages that are roomy enough to have a comfortable stay. The Pench Tree Lodge in Madhya Pradesh is one of the best jungle lodges in India, offering a unique jungle experience. Located in Pench National Park, the luxury jungle lodge offers a serene and intimate wildlife safari experience in India. Pugdundee Safaris’ Pench Tree Lodge's stunning views of the jungle and lodges will make you fall in love with this forest. From offering one of the best wildlife safari in India to night trails, village walks, cycling, and other activities; Pench Tree Lodge is a forest hotel that will make for a beautiful stay in the jungle.
If you want to double the fun, consider a trip to Tadoba nearby and live at the eco-lodge in Tadoba’s Tiger Reserve.
6. Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
On the periphery of Satpura National Park & Tiger Reserve, the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge offers an immersive wildlife safari in India. This jungle lodge in India is one of the most exquisite conservation and wildlife-focused jungle lodges. With 12 cottages and four luxury tents, the gorgeous views of the jungle, and the luxurious amenities make a stay at this lodge worth your money. You can experience the wildlife in the jungle, the life of the local Gond and Baiga tribes, and their cuisine along with experiencing one of the best jungle safari in India.
7. Sujan Jawai, Rajasthan
Share a cultural experience with the Bhil and Rabari communities while staying at one of the best jungle lodges in India. For a luxurious wildlife safari experience, the Sujan Jawai offers 10 tents complete with a bathtub and a marble shower. The Jawai Bandh jungle offers one of the most beautiful backdrops you could hope for when holidaying in Rajasthan. Go on a tiger trail, ride on horseback, and explore this stunning green jungle in India’s most arid state. The Rabaris will also give you a guided walk around the forest, introduce you to the wildlife of the region, and ensure that you have one of the best jungle safari experiences during your stay at the forest hotel.
8. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Rajasthan
Claw-footed bathtubs, teak floors, and spacious tents contribute to a luxurious experience at The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort. Sitting within the boundaries of Ranthambore National Park, it makes for a perfect base for one of the best jungle safari experiences in India. You can opt for a luxury tent or book a stay in one of its villas that come with private plunge pools and outdoor showers. During your stay, head out for one of the best wildlife safari in India to track tigers. You can also go for a Chambal River safari to spot crocodiles. This forest hotel in India also has an observation tower where you can catch stunning views of this mighty jungle in India.