20 Best Wildlife Resorts in India That Keep You Closer to the Nature
I will be visiting the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in December and I am already super-excited! All the wildlife sanctuaries in India have now turned into a lush green paradise, and come October, most of them will open their gates to us nature lovers. Nothing can equal to spotting a variety of wild animals during a safari, but staying at a jungle resort may prove to be equally rewarding. Nestled in the lap of nature, you sleep listening to the deer calls at night and wake up to the sweet chirping of birds. Take it from me who has had a wonderful experience, staying at the Tuli Tiger Resort in Kanha National Park.
Image Source: Pxhere.com
In my excitement to visit the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, as a fellow nature lover, I have taken up the “responsibility” of putting together a list of the 20 best wildlife resorts in India. And most of these are tucked away in the woods of the unexplored sanctuaries, overshadowed by the likes of Jim Corbett National Park or Ranthambore National Park. But nonetheless, they are worth visiting. Read on and feel the pull towards these jungle resorts in India.
1. The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir, Gujarat
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The Gir Forest National Park, or Sasan Gir, in Gujarat was established for the protection of the Asiatic lions. Home to more than 2,000 wild species, this reserve is mostly enveloped in deciduous forest. The Fern Gir Forest Resort is your best bet to take in more of the Sasan Gir after a rewarding jungle safari. Offering 40 air-conditioned villas, cottages, suites, and tents, the resort promises a comfortable stay. A swimming pool, spa, gym, library, and a banquet hall are a few other amenities offered at the resort.
Highlight of the stay: Tribal dance of the Siddi community
Approx cost per night: INR 7,400 onwards
Best time to visit: December-March
Hurry up and get the best deals on the Fern Gir Forest Resort now!
2. Maple Resort, Chail Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
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The Chail Sanctuary in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, is an abode of the sambar, the barking deer, leopards, langurs, wild boar, black bear, and many others. Spanning about 110 square kilometers of area, the sanctuary is densely covered by pine, oak, and grassland. Amidst all this greenery, you will find the Maple Resort, with the magnificent mountain ranges in the backdrop. From Super Deluxe Rooms to Executive Rooms, this place has a wide range of accommodation. Standing at the balcony of your room, you will see vast lovely meadows of wildflowers, along with apple, pear, and cherry orchards. Maple Resort also has a kids’ club to keep the children entertained during your stay.
Highlight of the stay: Dining at the onsite multicuisine restaurant
Approx cost per night: INR 4,500 onwards
Best time to visit: March-October
Check availability and get the best of the Maple Resort
3. Forest Escapes Holiday Homes, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
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The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra State, India. A variety of wild species like Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bear, sambar deer, and Indian bison dwell in this verdant reserve. Forest Escapes Holiday Homes in Koyna lives true to its name by being an ideal getaway, cradled by the majestic western ghats. The resort boasts to be a perfect retreat for the nature lovers and bird watchers. Offering deluxe rooms, pool cottages, pool villas, and forest villas for accommodation, this place spoils you for choice.
Highlight of the stay: Guided forest treks arranged by Forest Escapes
Approx cost per night: INR 3,300 onwards
Best time to visit: October
Waste no time and book at the Forest Escapes Holiday Homes now!
4. Jungle Retreat Resort, Masinagudi, Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
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The Mudumalai National Park has five sections, namely Masinagudi, Kargudi, Mudumalai, Theppakadu, and Nellakota. Engulfed in three different types of tropical forests, it is home to around 266 species of birds and 55 species of mammals. Indian leopards, golden jackal, striped hyena, sloth bear, and Indian elephants are the common sightings of the national park. The Jungle Retreat Resort, in the Masinagudi region, showcases a perfect amalgamation of serenity and wilderness. Nestled at the Nilgiri foothills, this resort offers a variety of accommodation, ranging from dorms for backpackers to double bedroom villa for families. The lovely family treehouse will be a fascinating accommodation to occupy at the Jungle Retreat Resort.
Highlight of the stay: Birdwatching tours arranged by Jungle Retreat Resort
Approx cost per night: NA
Best time to visit: October-May
5. InnThe Wild, Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu
Image Source: innthewild.com
I couldn’t resist but list one more forest resort located in the Masinagudi region of the Mudumalai National Park. InnTheWild may offer simple accommodations but it equals to a paradise for all the wildlife lovers. Tree House, Tree Top, Tribal Home, and Jungle Shack are the different types of dwellings available at this resort. Situated right in the heart of Masinagudi wildlife area, it isn’t a surprise to hear deer barks and jackal calls at night. InnTheWild Resort also arranges nature walks and birdwatching tours for its guests.
Highlight of the stay: ‘Forest by Night’ tour arranged by InnTheWild
Approx cost per night: NA
Best time to visit: October-May
6. Tuli Suites, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Image Source: tulisuites.com
If you want to spot leopards, that are rarely seen in other jungles of India, then make a beeline for the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary. Although the sanctuary lies in the Vidarbha region which has scanty rainfall, Nagzira is a lush green park, beautified by breathtaking landscapes. Besides leopards, you will also get to observe wild boar, sloth bear, tiger, Indian gaur, nilgai, chital, and many other animals in the region. Amidst all this raw and wild nature lie the Tuli Suites that offer a lavish stay. The resort sports 10 cottages that define luxury. Other amenities offered here include badminton court, kids play area, swimming pool, and observation tower.
Highlight of the stay: Open air movie screening at the resort
Approx cost per night: INR 5,000 onwards
Best time to visit: February-May
7. Tadoba Tiger King Resort, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
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Located in the Chandrapur district, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra. Home to around 88 tigers, it wouldn’t be a surprise to spot this wild beast, sitting right in the middle of the path, piercingly looking at you. Realize now why I am so excited to visit this place in December?! Staying at the Tadoba Tiger King Resort will be an icing over the cake. Bordering the tiger reserve, this resort is an ideal retreat in the woods. They offer cottages equipped with basic necessities. Different recreational facilities at the resort include swimming pool, spa, and equipment to play indoor and outdoor games.
Highlight of the stay: Traditional dance performances in the evening and visit to the village in a bullock cart.
Approx cost per night: INR 5,600 onwards
Best time to visit: October-May
Book a stay with Tadoba Tiger King Resort and get value for money
8. Tuli Tiger Resort, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
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I can keep on writing about my wonderful Kanha camp. From watching tigers cross our paths to witnessing the culture of the local Baiga tribe, my visit to the Kanha Tiger Reserve was a memorable experience. Fox, hyena, jungle cat, Indian gaur, barasingha, nilgai, and wild boars are the common inhabitants of this national park. The Tuli Tiger Resort, located by the banks of the Banjar River, offers the best stay. They have a total of 26 cottages that are air-conditioned and have internal and external sitting areas. In-house restaurant and spa are other facilities provided by the resort. One of my fondest memory at the resort was waking up to see the sun rise amidst distant trees.
Highlight of the stay: Tribal folk dance around the bonfire
Approx cost per night: INR 5900 onwards
Best time to visit: mid-October-June end
Book at the Tuli Tiger Resort and enjoy a wonderful jungle stay!
9. Ken River Lodge, Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Image Source: kenriverlodge.com
Located in the Panna and Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, the Panna National Park is characterized by well-preserved dense forest and a wide range of animals. During your safari of the tiger reserve, you may spot chital, chinkara, leopard, tiger, bar-headed goose, and king vulture. The Ken River Lodge near Panna lets you live the countryside life. By living in the village style huts or the family cottages, you get an authentic experience of staying the rural way. Occupying 50 acres of area, the property itself is home to many bird species.
Highlight of the stay: Dining in the machan, overlooking the calm Ken River
Approx cost per night: INR 11,000 onwards
Best time to visit: November-May
10. Village Machaan Resort, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
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Did you know that the Pench National Park is considered to be the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book? Located in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, this national park is not only popular for its wildlife sightings, but is also famous for rafting. With the Pench River flowing through the park, there is enough scope to enjoy the adventurous sport. Village Machaan Resort, located in the buffer area of the forest, boasts to be an eco-friendly lodging place. With individual glass cottages and exotic honeymoon cottages, the resort attracts many couples, planning to tour the Pench National Park.
Highlight of the stay: Taking a pottery class in the potter’s village of Pajhdhar
Approx cost per night: INR 5,000 onwards
Best time to visit: November-May
A glass cottage in the middle of the jungle sounds interesting, right? Check it out now!
11. Red Earth, Kabini, Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
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The Nagarhole National Park is situated in the Mysore and Kodagu district of Karnataka state. Blessed with verdant greenery, the national park is dotted with hills, valleys, cascading waterfalls, and streams. It is home to around 270 species of birds, and the animals that you may find here include chital, four-horned antelope, Bengal tiger, gaur, wild boar, and Indian elephant. The Red Earth Resort is located by the backwaters of the Kabini dam. The USP of this resort are its accommodations that are built using mud and have roofs made of grass. All the 20 cottages of the resort have private jacuzzi. On-site cafe, restaurant, and bar are the other facilities available at the resort.
Highlight of the stay: Cultural performances and bullock cart ride
Approx cost per night: INR 12,000 onwards
Best time to visit: April-May
Book with Red Earth and get an authentic experience of staying in the jungle
12. Aranyak Resort, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
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Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. Located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, it is known to have a large biodiversity. While it is one of the places with the highest population of tigers in India, it is also an abode of 32 other mammal species, 250 bird species, and several reptiles. Being famous, there are many jungle resorts near the Bandhavgarh National park. Amongst these, the Aranyak Resort is your best to enjoy a stay in the forest. There are 16 luxury cottages on the property that come along with many amenities. Swimming pool, library, conference room, and on-site restaurant are a few other facilities of Aranyak Resort.
Highlight of the stay: Wildlife film shows, folk dance performances, and campfires under thatched roof
Approx cost per night: INR 4,300 onwards
Best time to visit: October-June
Enjoy a stay at the Aranyak Resort and get worth of every penny spent!
13. Aamod Resort, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
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The Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district of Rajasthan is covered in dry deciduous forests and scrub-thorn arid forests. It is marked with rocky landscapes, verdant grasslands, and hilly cliffs. While wandering through the reserve, you may spot Indian leopard, jackal, striped hyena, chital, wild boar, and many other wild animals. The Aamod Resort in the Alwar district is popularly known as the Alwarbagh and offers breathtaking vistas of the majestic Aravalli mountains. The property is spread over 7 acres and has 4 clusters of villas. Other on-site amenities include restaurant, spa, and swimming pool.
Highlight of the stay: Camel cart rides and village visits upon request
Approx cost per night: INR 5,500 onwards
Best time to visit: October-March
Enjoy a princely stay at the Aamod Resort, surrounded by greenery
14. Hornbill River Resort, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
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The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place to visit if you love birdwatching. The sanctuary is home to more than 200 species of exotic birds and is more popular for the sightings of the hornbill. During your safari through the forest, you may spot the black panther if you get lucky. Other animals that are found here include barking deer, Indian jackal, sloth bear, and Indian pangolin. To enjoy the beauty of this sanctuary, the Hornbill River Resort serves as a perfect retreat. The riverfront resort has tent house, tree house, and cottages for its guests. With a serene ambiance, the resort promises to de-stress and relax you.
Highlight of the stay: Adventurous activities like rafting along the Kali river
Approx cost per night: INR 7,000 onwards
Best time to visit: April-June
15. Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad National Park, Kerala
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The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is another feather in Kerala’s cap. Adding beauty to the lovely state in India, this sanctuary is a home of the Indian bison, tiger, elephants, deer, bears, and a variety of wildlife. Amongst different birds, you will particularly spot the peafowl in this area. While visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, there can be no better accommodation than the Banasura Hill Resort. Praised as the ‘mud’ resort of India by BBC, it is also supposed to be the largest of its kind in all of Asia. The resort has gained praise from all over the world for offering unique accommodations that include Earth Rooms, Log Hut, Suite Rooms, and Twin Villas. All these are constructed using mud that keeps them cool throughout the year. Swimming pool, spa, and restaurant are other available facilities.
Highlight of the stay: Living in the mud rammed rooms without A.C or ceiling fan
Approx cost per night: INR 8,000 onwards
Best time to visit: September-April
16. Sunderban Tiger Camp- Wildlife Resort, Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
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One of the largest reserves of the Bengal tigers, the Sundarbans National Park is a gem of the West Bengal state in India. The designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is engulfed in dense mangrove forests and is an abode of macaques, leopards, wild boar, Indian grey mongoose, chital, jungle cat, and many others. Situated close to the Datta River, the Sunderban Tiger Camp- Wildlife Resort is the perfect option for living close to nature. The resort has luxurious cottages offering a comfortable stay to the guests. It also has a multicuisine restaurant, games room, and a lush green garden.
Highlight of the stay: Traditional folk dance performances
Approx cost per night: INR 13,000 onwards
Best time to visit: September to March
Book a room with Sunderban Tiger Camp that opens to verdant green views
17. Aranya Nivas, Periyar, Periyar National Park, Kerala
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The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by the magnificent Cardamom hills. It is located near Thekkady in Kerala and is known to have a large population of Indian elephants. Bengal tigers, white tigers, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, blue-winged parakeet, and great hornbill are a few amongst the many animals and birds found in this park. The Aranya Nivas in Thekkady boasts to be a premium jungle resort. Being located inside the national park, it promises of an authentic forest stay. Starting from deluxe rooms to suites, Aranya Nivas makes sure that its guests enjoy a comfortable stay. Ayurveda therapies, swimming pool, restaurant, and handicrafts emporium are other facilities provided by the resort.
Highlight of the stay: 3-hour bullock cart ride and visit to tea factories
Approx cost per night: INR 5,000 onwards
Best time to visit: September to April
Check availability and book an exotic jungle stay with Aranya Nivas
18. Blackbuck Lodge, Blackbuck National Park, Gujarat
Image Source: theblackbucklodge.com
Comprised of the grassland ecosystem, the Blackbuck National park is marked with flat land and dry grasses. It is located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. While the blackbuck stags are found in large number here, you will also spot fox, jackals, hyenas, and jungle cats during your safari. The Blackbuck Lodge is widely praised to be one of the best wildlife resorts in Western India. There are 14 cottages in the resort, all of which come with a patio, sitting area, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, a bedroom, and a balcony. One of the prime features of the resort is the manmade lake, located at the center of the property.
Highlight of the stay: Visit to the villages and pastoral settlements of the Bhal grasslands
Approx cost per night: INR 14,000 onwards
Best time to visit: December to March
19. Country Club Wildlife Resort, Bandipur National park, Karnataka
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The Bandipur National Park is considered to be one of the best national parks in South India. Also one of the premier tiger reserves in India, this sanctuary in Karnataka is dominated by the dry deciduous forest. Indian elephants, tigers, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes, jackals, and dholes are the other endangered wildlife species protected by the Bandipur National Park. Situated along the edges of the Bandipur Wildlife Park, the Country Club Wildlife Resort is a fine place to enjoy your jungle stay. Offering deluxe rooms at a budget price, this is an ideal place for families. There is a plethora of other amenities here that include tennis court, swimming pool, conference hall, and kids’ play area.
Highlight of the stay: Bonfire nights
Approx cost per night: INR 5,500 onwards
Best time to visit: March to May
Stay at the Country Club Wildlife Resort and be in the heart of nature
20. The Birder’s Inn, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is now popularly known as the Keoladeo National Park. It is located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. This is a bird-watcher's paradise as it is home to more than thousands of birds belonging to almost 230 different species. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is comprised of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. Offering modern comfortable accommodation, The Birder’s Inn is just a stone’s throw away from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. You may choose a standard room, a deluxe room, or a suite to enjoy your stay here. Outdoor deck for dining, on-site restaurant, and a dipping pool are a few other facilities provided by The Birder’s Inn.
Highlight of the stay: Interaction with the residential naturalists
Approx cost of the stay: INR 3,400 onwards
Best time to visit: October-March
Book with the Birder’s Inn soon and avoid missing out the best deals!
To enjoy a perfect wildlife holiday, choose to stay at any of these best jungle resorts in India. While a few will let you have a luxurious stay in the woods, other will give you a taste of the rural life. But, all of them will certainly reconnect you with nature and wildlife.
