Holidaying in India is a versatile experience, with every season bringing a different set of demands either by location or climate. And we readily cater to these whims and fancies (because we’re slaves to our wanderlust) so we’ve regaled you so far with home stays in the mountains spanning the length of the country, and beaches adorning our coasts. We’ve take you through escapades through seaside gazebos and home stays carved in the insides of ancient caves but we had a feeling we were forgetting something. Somewhere between the sunburn and mountain air, there exists an in-between space that is perhaps closer to nature than any other--an airborne space tucked into a unit of nature itself: tree houses.
Monkeying around in a treehouse is an idea that never seems to lose its novelty, regardless of how old you are or whether you’ve done it before. Is there anything in the world that compares to the feeling of rough bark on your hand and falling asleep under the hypnotic texture of a gorgeous thatched roof? There’s only one way to find out. Here are 16 of the most tempting tree houses we found that just whisked us away.
Where: Kerala
Located 70 feet up in the lush green rainforests of Wayanad, these luxurious airborne treehouses at Vythiri Resort are the perfect setting for some downtime in a treetop. You can either take the wooden steps to get up there or, if you’re feeling particularly lazy, just hope on to the crane lift to ascend to your innovative holiday home, replete with a commanding view of the surrounding jungle. You’re unlikely to ever be bored during your stay here, with activities including rainforest treks, trips to the nearby spice plantation, jungle expedition and birdwatching all jostling for your time. If these weren’t reason enough for you, this ecofriendly resort has also won the International Quality Crown Award so you’ll never have to worry about bad service.
Check out their tariffs here.
II. The Machan
Where: Maharashtra
The Machan is the perfect amalgamation of nature and luxury, located just two and a half hours from Mumbai. If you’re looking to take a handful of your favourite people and spend some quality time in nature, look no further; The Machan is tucked away in the middle of the dense Jambulne forest in the Sahyadri Hills, a tree house large enough to accommodate up to six people. Nestled at a height of 45 feet among wild fig trees in the jungle, with a panoramic view of the scenic valley below, the retreat houses four levels. A main deck, a loft, a hanging room and a crow’s nest can each be accessed by a spiral staircase, with windturbines and photovoltaic cells powering the house. Best of all: a whole five kilometres of private walking tracks lead you around the dense jungle around the premises, so get on your running shoes for a charming expedition you’re unlikely to forget.
Here’s the reservation form, just in case you were thinking about it.
III. Tree House Hideaway
Where: Bandhavgarh
Neighbouring one of the world’s most beautiful tiger reserves, Tree House Hideaway is an eco-friendly, rustic getaway with a name that means what it says. There are five luxury treehouses in the 21-acre premises that command a gorgeous view of the Bandhavgarh National Park, a veritable meeting point of luxury and adventure. Amenities is something you don’t have to worry about here, with air conditioning, modern attached bathrooms, power back ups, loungers in the balconies and - that’s right - a mini-bar. Unwind in the cosy treehouse as you spot wild animals roaming the beautiful jungle landscape, or take to the trails with a jungle safari to the national park, visits to the nearby village or excursion trips with a team of trained naturalists - at tree house hideaway, you forget about your worries and your strife.
You know you want to check out the rates for this little haven.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Heading to the North of the country, we have Manali Tree House Cottages, a family-run property offering unreal views of the mountains that you wake up to, even as lush green fields and orchards thrive around the premises. A mere half an hour drive from Manali, these cottages are perched atop an ancient Oak tree, creating an experience that’s inimitable yet retains a sense of warmth and familiarity. The tree cottages include one tree house, two normal cottages and a Swiss tent in the garden so switch it up if you’re staying here a couple of days for the complete experience.
Drop in a line, never hurts to ask, right?
Where: Pondicherry
Three treehouses vye for your attention at this resort located on the Cuddalore main road, 8kms away from Pondicherry. The tranquil surroundings will seem unreal initially, especially if you’ve just come in from the din and chaos of city life, but once you settle in it’s unlikely you’re ever going to want to leave. Sunrise Panorama, Palm House and Nest Bird are each equipped with modern facilities that’ll leave you with a sense of staying in a hotel room that’s been transplanted onto a tree, even as the beach and backwater beckon in the distance.
More details right here.
Where: Jaipur
Sturdy Keekar trees hold aloft the Tree House Resort, the only natural resort in the entire state of Rajasthan. Located at Nature Farms in the Syari Valley, a half hour’s drive from the pink city, this resort is all about indulgence, panoramic views of the Aravallis and strengthening your bond with nature. The urban crowd enjoys special privileges here, as though not to shock them out of their systems, with everything from air-conditioning to television available here. The reputation of the Night Safari at this resort precedes it, and there’s scores of other interesting activities to do including jeep safaris, camel and elephant safaris in the jungle, birding and nature walks.
Here’s how much you’ve got to shell out.
VII. Hornbill Resort
Where: Dandeli
Dense leafy forests frame the backdrop of the Hornbill Resort, as the peaceful river Kali snakes down its path alongside. Located 40 feet above the ground, living in the treehouses is a heady experience you just have to partake in yourself, as the tree house leans slightly into the river as though embracing it. The sound of the river is oddly comforting and relaxing in the way that nature sounds can be, and nights spent by the river as the moonlight dances across the surface has the makings of treetop magic you’ll never forget.
Looking for the reservation form?
VIII. Green Magic Resort
Where: Kerala
The charm of the bustling rainforests of Wayanad has the power to turn anyone with a fondness for pristine peace into a regular visitor and with this resort, you’re unlikely to leave at all. Sprawling 30 acres, this is a great place to explore the mind-boggling biodiversity in god’s own country in a picturesque green getaway. Perched at a dizzying height of 80 to 90 feet on strong Ficus trees, thatched roofs adorn the luxurious treehouses here, which are spread over two levels. Illuminated with the glow of traditional lanterns, the property has been done up with gorgeous bamboo decor and as you unwind in your treetop haven plush tropical rainforest rolls out around you in every direction lending tangible meaning to the idea of a getaway. Getting up to the treehouses is a whole fun exercise in itself; you can either scamper up the rope bridge or use a water counterweight lift in an experience that’s bound to be the first-of-its-kind for many.
Tariff details right here.
IX. Vanya Tree House
Where: Thekkady
The next time you’ve had it with the concrete jungle rut, say goodbyebye to city drama, and hello to the boundless peace that could be yours at The Vanya Tree House in Thekkady. A single tree on the face of the hill is home to this tree house, tucked away in the dense forest of the Western Ghats. With 10 acres of giant trees and plantations, the tree house is also located just next to Periyar Wildlife Park, in a safe pace where the trappings of city life can’t touch you.
This leafy little haven is just a click away.
Where: Munnar
Embracing your inner Tarzan or Jane is not so hard when faced with jaw-dropping beauty and soul-soothing calm of Munnar. Nature Zone Resorts is the wildlife enthusiast’s fantasy, a place of serenity that’ll restore a balance and have you leaving it a far happier person. The hospitable naturalists here will take you on a journey of a lifetime, with a chance to explore the mysteries of nature with sightings of wildlife including wild elephants, leopard, barking deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, squirrels and Indian bison. And yes, we definitely think you should turn your phone off!
Turn down for what?
Where: Kerala
Plantations are perhaps some of the most underrated holiday destinations dotting the hills of our country, aromatic havens of gorgeous climate and oodles of produce you should be making the most of. The Shola Periyar Tree House is situated on an actual banyan tree, very close to the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border, and is surrounded by tea, coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations. Fresh coffee brewed the way the locals do it, and enjoyed overlooking the rainforests? Yes, please.
Cost: Starting at Rs 20,000 a night, this is one treetop indulgence.
Where: Mudumalai
Definitely not the average getaway even for the seasoned wildlife enthusiast, the tree houses of Mudumalai constitute some of the most unique and extraordinary experiences. Although we at Homegrown are wary of cloying romances, we have to admit that this resort located nestled in a corner of a 300 acre coffee estate is the stuff of legendary trips. Located at a height of 950 metre in a natural scrub forest, Wild Canopy Reserve adjoins the Madumalai wildlife sanctuary and National Park at Masinagudi, and the lush greenery also means that the climate is always agreeable and slightly nippy. Plus, with season being all through the year, the idea of bidding farewell to the sweltering summers of Bombay for this subtropical nature reserve should have you packing your bags already.
Where: Masinagudi
The foothills of the scenic Nilgiri mountains are home to this tree top experience, in Masinagudi town which is close to the Mysore-Ooty road. A range of treehouses are available at heights of 10-40 feet, so you can customise your trip just the way you want it - whether it’s a romantic, honeymoon vibe you’re looking for, or a twin tree house, in which two treehouses are a part of the same tree. The latter’s the one we’re really lusting after, and this definitely seems like the kind of place you should to head to with a group of friends who’re as enthusiastic about nature as you. They probably won’t need much convincing to come along though, with panoramic views of the mountains, punctuated with fascinating spottings of species ranging from the Asiatic elephant and the Royal Bengal tiger, to the Indian Gaur and a myriad species of deer and birds. The calls of the Nilgiris thrush and the Malabar Squirrel are the natural wake up calls in the lush wilderness here.
Details right here.
XIV. Eagle Eye
Where: Chikmagalur
The Eagle Eye really knows how put up a strong case; situated at a majestic 2900 feet above seal level, it sprawls over 130 acres of land, including coffee and spice plantations. Deep within the Western Ghats, it takes the getaway experience up a notch with offerings of all sorts of activities from rock-climbing to natural trail trekking to target practising. There’s also Ayurvedic rejuvenation and beauty treatments when you want to take a break from all the jungle adventures, with the end of the day witness a bonfire in the fire pits as you unwind to the crackling and warmth of the fire and those nature sounds you just can’t get enough of. The tree house itself - if you end up spending any time there at all - is a charming home-away-from-home set-up, complete with a bedroom, bath and portico to enjoy that freshly brewed coffee on.
Enough with the screen time, here’s what the real thing’s for.
Where: Munnar
Yes, we know, we’ve just been a little bit obsessed with Munnar this whole list. Constructed without infringing upon nature in any way or disturbing the jungle ecosystem, the tree houses have been built with coir mats, bamboo poles and hay straws. Tree houses were earlier utilized by the tribals in forests of Kerala, and this one in particular is located at Chinnakkanal in Munnar. The sit-outs of these tree houses are charming places of conversation and laughter, overlooking pristine valleys, a large area of tea plantations as well as the wildlife sanctuary.
Sort out the nitty-gritties so you can get there already.
Where: Wayanad
A comfortable drive from Bangalore and Calicut, The Tranquil resort-Plantation Hideaway is yet another treasure in the well-endowed state. Lush rainforest, views of the tea estate and coffee plantations, all coupled with the intimacy of a homestay. You can also get to indulge in some of the best most delicious local cuisine here made from ‘grandmother’s secret recipe’ served on plantain leaves. Definitely time to tear yourself away from the screen and head out down South.
What are you waiting for? Here’s how you get there.
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