8 Of India’s Most Gorgeous Forest Lodges To Be One With Nature This Monsoon
The crackle of a bonfire, leaves rustling, crickets chirping and a nice, cool breeze blowing, sound like your ideal, ordinary camping experience. Sure, ordinary is great, but it can be SO much better. When everything is getting a luxurious makeover, there’s no reason why camping should be left out of the mix! Lets be honest, you can’t deny that having a nice bathroom and bed would be a major perk. It isn’t wrong to want to have nice things, while still being one with nature — which is why we’ve compiled a list of luxury forest resorts that give you experiences and amenities you didn’t even know you needed in your life.
I. Banjaar Tola
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October to June
The Banjaar Tola, part of the Taj Group’s chain of hotels, is a secluded lodge, located right by the Banjaar river. The tented suites at this lodge face the river, allowing you to bird watch, as well as catch animals getting a drink, right from the comfort of your room. Two safari activities are scheduled daily, as part of your package so prepare yourself for a day filled with activity at the Kanha National Park, replete with rich wildlife.
Activities: The safari is naturally your first choice of activity here, but besides that, Banjaar Tola offers you a chance to shake a leg or two with the tribals over dinner, take a personalized cookery lesson from their chef, and of course, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the privacy of your tent or on your private deck.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Quoted as being one of the best safaris by CNN, as well as an ideal honeymoon spot, the Samode Safari Lodge welcomes everyone to their piece of paradise near the Bandhavgarh National Park. Although the lodge stays closed in the monsoons, while they are open, there is a constant buzz of activity. They organize safaris for their guests with trained forest guides, as part of their stay package. Your every need is planned for, ahead of time. They even make an effort to make dinner a surprise, by changing the menu and venue every night. If you’re looking for a worry-free family vacation, or an adventurous weekend away with your loved one or friend, look no further. The staff at Samode have your back.
Activities: The safari should be the first on your list of things to do as it is conducted by trained forest guides, who are part of the staff at The Hotel Lodge. Nature walks, swims, and jogs along nature trails are all daily activities here. For those who would prefer to simply relax, they’ve got a spa too.
III. Aman-i-Khas
Where: Rajasthan
Best Time To Visit: October to May
If you’re in Rajasthan and you’re planning to visit the Ranthambore National Park (one of the largest parks in Northern India), this is where you want to stay. Especially if you want to live like a king. Aman-i-Khas is a luxury resort that is located in a rugged brushwood forest, right next to the Ranthambore National Park. When the resort comprises of Mughal-style tents, bonfires, and the Khandar Fort as part of your view, why wouldn’t you want to spend a night or two here?
Activities: Besides safaris available at the Ranthambore National Park, the Resort itself offers several experiences, including yoga in the wilderness, dinners cooked with produce from their very own organic garden, herbal baths, and massages.
Where: West Bengal
Best Time To Visit: October to May
The Sundarban Mangrove Forest is one of the largest of its kind, in the world. The area is known for its incredible diversity when it comes to fauna. This eco-friendly resort is located along the edge of the Sundarbans, on Satjalia Island. Tribal performances are also a popular attraction, especially the ‘Banbibi Yatra’, which is a local theatrical performance revolving around the local jungle goddess Banbibi. Tribal culture and sustainable living is encouraged here. If you’re looking for an escape from your urban life, you know who to visit.
Activities: Besides the incredible amount of tribal culture available to soak in, you also have the opportunity to go fishing, trek along a nature trail, or simply catch the sunset while you cruise down the river on a boat.
Where: Rajasthan
Best Time To Visit: Through the year
Indian royalty and lavish living has always gone hand in hand. Whether they were in their palaces or on the road, the royals did not believe in anything less than opulent. So if the royal treatment is what you’re looking for, The Oberoi Vanyavilas are where you want to be. Located near the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the property boasts of lush greenery, Rajasthani architecture, brilliant Rajasthani food and a luxury spa. Live folk music and bonfires are also part of the experience, all year round.
Activities: Besides the incredible Ayurvedic and signature Oberoi treatments they offer you, you can attend a yoga session or visit the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
Where: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November to June
Even though Indian neighbourhoods didn’t have any treehouses, we’ve all read about them at some point, and wanted our very own secret tree house. Treehouse Hideaway Resort makes all of our childhood dreams come true, in the best way possible. These luxury tree houses are set amidst lush greenery.
Activities: Jungle safaris are always available, but have specific timings, so don’t forget to book ahead. Picnics, walks, and cycling are also viable activities. If you’re looking for something different, you could try visiting the village, or attending a craft workshop with a local artisan/bamboo weaver.
Where: Karnataka
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Orange County in Kabini isn’t just your average wildlife resort. Although the architecture is inspired by the surrounding tribal villages, the resort oozes luxury. The most difficult decision you’ll have to make while you’re planning your stay there, will probably be about whether you want to go with their Jacuzzi Hut or their Pool Hut. With an infinity pool, a scenic reading lounge and an entire Ayurvedic village at your disposal, this resort is your ultimate tranquil destination.
Activities: Besides access to their ayurvedic village, the resort also organizes a large number of activities such as a Boat Safari, Coracle Ride, Vehicle Safari, Nature Walk, Campfire Tribal Performances, and Night Trails.
VIII. Corbett Leela Vilas
Where: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Jim Corbett National Park boasts of a fascinating wildlife; especially the Bengal Tigers. Located close to the park, are the Corbett Leela Vilas. Surrounded by a mango orchard, although the cottages are fitted with luxurious amenities, they have maintained a rather natural environment. Each cottage also has its very own jacuzzi and a rain shower, for when you get back from a long day at the park. We can’t say for sure, but everyone who visits, raves about their food. So that’s luxury cottages, gorgeous flora and fauna, AND good food. What more could you ask for?
Activities: The resort provides guided walks, evening bonfires, wildlife film screenings and quite a few more activities, depending on the package you sign up for. We’d suggest calling in advance and booking a package based on what activities you want.
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