India boasts exceptional jungle lodges that offer unforgettable wildlife experiences, many of which emphasize eco-tourism and conservation. Consequently, the choice of lodge can significantly impact your safari adventure, as the quality of naturalists and transportation can vary. The lodges listed below excel in terms of location, services, and activities. Some are well-known, while others are hidden gems.

Jawai Leopard Camp, Pali District, Rajasthan

Jawai Leopard Camp offers an unparalleled glamping experience in the wilds of Rajasthan where leopards thrive. This exclusive and opulent experiential lodge is enveloped by the Aravalli hills, situated between Jodhpur and Udaipur. What distinguishes it is that the area lies outside a national park, eliminating any restrictions. The camp features nine opulent tents, which are more lavish than mere tents! Moreover, indulge in the royal suite complete with a private heated swimming pool. In addition to leopards, the area is home to over 170 species of birds and crocodiles, making jeep safaris, cycling, and trekking popular activities. Village excursions, yoga sessions, and trips to Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Jain Temple are also available. Outdoor dining under the stars on a private granite kopje is a unique highlight.

• Rates: From 58,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Evolve Back, Kabini, Karnataka

Address

Beerambally, Jakkalli (N. Begur), Karnataka 571116, India

Phone: +91 63669 20434

Evolve Back, previously known as Orange County, is located at the edge of Nagahole National Park, amidst Karnataka’s serene Kabini River. The lodge’s philosophy is to provide exquisite wildlife experiences while preserving the nature and culture of the land. Guests can stay in one of 37 spacious huts that are inspired by tribal village designs. While they may appear subtle externally, they are lavish inside with either private pools or sky-open Jacuzzis.

Facilities encompass a reading lounge, an Ayurvedic center, a family swimming pool, and two gourmet restaurants. Guests have the option to dine by the riverside or on a romantic candlelit cruise. Activities include boat and jeep safaris, coracle rides on the Kabini River, guided nature walks and night treks, and Kuruba tribal performances by the campfire. An exciting feature is the lodge’s resident elephant that guests can bathe and feed!

• Rates: Starting from around 30,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

Spice Village, Thekkady, Kerala

Address

J53C+Q8F, Kottayam – Kumily Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509, India

Phone: +91 75940 12555

Spice Village, an eco-friendly CGH Earth property, is themed around a tribal village, with thatch-roof cottages nestled within 14 acres of spice trees near Periyar National Park. The surroundings are enriching with opportunities for boat safaris, forest treks, bird watching, visits to local tribal settlements, and Kerala cuisine cooking classes. In addition, guests can tackle the Ayurvedic treatment center and outdoor swimming pool.

• Rates: Starting from around 15,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

Singinawa Jungle Lodge, Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Kohka, Tehsil Baihar, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh 481111, India

Phone: +91 73038 85691

Singinawa Jungle Lodge, awarded the title of Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year in the TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards 2016, celebrates the region’s tribal art and culture. The lodge features its own Museum of Life and Art, focusing on the Gond and Baiga tribes. It occupies 110 acres of jungle and actively participates in conservation initiatives. A unique aspect of this lodge is its village experiences, allowing guests to engage with local tribes and learn about their customs and traditions. Additionally, art lessons highlighting Gond tribal art techniques are available.

Accommodations comprise 12 rustic stone and slate cottages along with a four-bedroom jungle bungalow. On-site amenities include The Meadow Spa offering a range of treatments and The Wallow, a swimming pool surrounded by lush nature.

• Rates: Starting around 16,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Chitvan Jungle Lodge, Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Kanha National Park, Post Mukki, Tehsil Baihar, Samnapur, Madhya Pradesh 481111, India

Phone: +91 74405 70854

Chitvan Jungle Lodge is ideally located near Kanha National Park, almost within walking distance from Mukki Gate. This secluded lodge spans 14 acres and seamlessly integrates with its environment. The proprietors transformed farmland into a mini-forest, teeming with over 100 species of birds and butterflies. Their mantra is “Conservation through Tourism,” aiming to use tourism as an alternative economic source for the local community.

The concept behind Chitvan encourages guests to escape the hustle of worldly life – with “chitt” representing the mind and ego, and “van” symbolizing forest. Luxurious cottage accommodations are named after natural elements: Agni (fire), Prithvi (earth), Jal (water), and Akash (ether), each boasting stunning views of the surroundings. Unique features include open showers and private patios. Moreover, meals are crafted using organic produce sourced from within the lodge. A range of activities, from jeep safaris in the national park to birding and cultural experiences, are on offer.

• Rates: Starting from around 6,500 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Kanha Earth Lodge, Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Kanha Earth Lodge, P.O. Sarekha, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Narna, Madhya Pradesh 481111, India

Phone: +91 11 4014 6400

Kanha Earth Lodge is another esteemed eco-lodge positioned near Kanha National Park, sprawling across 16 acres of forest adjacent to a tribal hamlet bordering the buffer zone. It’s located approximately 30 minutes from the park’s main entry gate, Khatia Gate, and harmoniously merges eco-sensitivity with local village collaboration to offer a remarkable wilderness experience.

This lodge features 12 luxury cottages, effectively utilising traditional Gond tribal architecture. A noteworthy feature is that it’s managed by Pugdundee Safaris, whose knowledgeable naturalists and well-maintained vehicles promise an exceptional safari experience.

• Rates: Starting from around 12,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Tehsil, Village Mardari, Bandhavgarh National Park, Distt, Mardari, Madhya Pradesh 484661, India

Phone: +91 83195 76811

Samode Safari Lodge is located within close proximity to Bandhavgarh National Park, part of the renowned Samode Hotels portfolio. Known for its luxury heritage hotel group, the lodge features 12 eco-friendly cottages inspired by the vivid architecture of surrounding villages. Guests can enjoy dining at various locations with diverse culinary offerings that showcase daily changes in lunch and dinner menus. The accommodations are luxurious while providing excellent wildlife safari experiences led by knowledgeable naturalists.

• Rates: Starting from around 66,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh 484661, India

Phone: +91 22 6601 1825

Mahua Kothi, a luxury lodge under the Taj brand, is nestled in Bandhavgarh National Park and derives its name from the Mahua tree. This spacious lodge occupies 40 acres, positioned approximately 20 minutes from the park entrance. The property consists of renovated and newly constructed guest huts, designed in a central Indian village architectural style, accessible through private courtyards with traditional mud flooring.

Besides morning and afternoon jeep safaris, conducted by the lodge’s naturalists and vehicles, guests can partake in guided nature walks, village tours, and stargazing experiences. Special mahua martinis made from tree flowers are served in the evenings.

• Rates: Starting from around 35,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

Forsyth Lodge, Satpura, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Satpura National Park, No.14/1, Village Bija Kheri, Sohagpur, Dist Hoshangabad, Sohagpur, Bija Kheri, Madhya Pradesh 461771, India

Phone: +91 91524 54581

Forsyth Lodge, situated at the edge of Satpura National Park, is an excellent destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. The lodge is set on 44 acres of reclaimed jungle and features 12 self-contained cottages arranged in a circular layout. Notably, the lodge itself is constructed from rammed earth, housing dining areas, a wildlife library, a lounge, and ample lounging options. Facilities include an eco-friendly swimming pool for relaxation and telescopes for stargazing.

While tiger sightings are rare in Satpura National Park, it offers unique experiences such as elephant, canoe, and walking safaris, guided by the lodge’s expert naturalists. Interestingly, it is one of the few protected forests in India where walking safaris are allowed, and additional excursions include trekking expeditions and an immersive jungle craft course.

• Rates: Starting at around 22,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Sohagpur, Raini Pani, Madhya Pradesh 461771, India

Phone: +91 755 266 1100

Reni Pani is another excellent option close to Satpura National Park. It features 12 luxury cottages located across three unique environments: alongside a seasonal stream, within the forest, and atop a hillock. The cottages are constructed with local materials and boast private viewing decks. The lodge itself is enveloped in 30 acres of forest, with thick trees, a wide meadow, and seasonal streams attracting diverse birdlife and wildlife.

Activities include bird watching, nature walks, jeep safaris, elephant safaris, boating excursions, and more.

• Rates: Starting from around 16,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

Sherbagh, Ranthambhore, Rajasthan

Sherbagh is a luxurious tented camp on a family-owned estate abutting Ranthambore National Park, a prime destination for tiger enthusiasts. Established by a local family committed to conservation efforts for over 40 years, the camp features 12 opulent tents designed to resemble 1920s safari lodges, embellished with antique furniture. Guests receive a comprehensive introduction to the park’s wildlife and conservation initiatives, and the lodge provides exclusive safari vehicles and wildlife trackers for an exceptional experience.

• Rates: Starting from around 46,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.

The Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar National Park, Gujarat

Address

Velavadar National Park Bhavnagar, Bhal Saurashtra, Gujarat 364313, India

Phone: +91 90990 79965

The Blackbuck Lodge is advantageously located along the Velavadar Blackbuck National Park’s lush grasslands, once a private hunting ground for the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. This protected region is now a refuge for blackbucks, and lodging here allows guests to enjoy stunning views from their villas.

The 70-acre property features 14 opulent villas characterized by modern architecture and aesthetics. The lodge offers guided safaris into the park and stays inclusive of local attractions and activities.

• Rates: Starting from around 12,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast included.

Asiatic Lion Lodge, Gir, Gujarat

Address

Sasan Gir, Haripur – Bhalchhel Rd, Haripur, Gujarat 362150, India

Phone: +91 90990 79965

Opened in 2014, Asiatic Lion Lodge provides eco-friendly accommodations near Gir National Park, home to these majestic lions. Managed by Terra EcoTourism, the lodge offers serene surroundings nestled in the Gir jungle. The accommodations are designed from sustainable materials, and the on-site restaurant caters to guests with delicious north Indian and regional Kathiawadi cuisine using organic ingredients when available.

Activities include nightly documentaries on wildlife, guided nature walks highlighting the local flora and fauna, and excursions into the park for lion sightings.

• Rates: Starting from around 4,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast included.

Pench Jungle Camp, Pench, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Tehsil – Kurai, District Seoni, Avarghani, Kohka, Madhya Pradesh 480881, India

Phone: +91 99997 42000

Pench Jungle Camp features luxury tented and cottage accommodations on 12 acres of forest adjacent to the entrance of Pench National Park. The camp also has a dedicated ecological park covering 38 acres, inhabited by a variety of wildlife. Guests can explore the park on foot, horseback, or bicycle. Naturalists at the camp provide guided birdwatching excursions and jungle safaris as well.

• Rates: Starting from around 6,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

KTDC Lake Palace, Thekkady, Kerala

Address

Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685536, India

Phone: +91 471 272 1243

KTDC Lake Palace isn’t just your typical government property; it offers unique experiences in several ways. Located on Lake Periyar, it is accessible solely by a 20-minute boat ride and was formerly a summer retreat for Travancore kings. This intimate establishment features only six guest rooms, built in 1927, maintaining its old-world charm. Although the rooms may seem vintage, they all provide breathtaking views of the lake and jungle—perfect for wildlife sightings.

Situated within the park, Lake Palace also provides exclusive nature-based activities such as wildlife boat cruises, nature hikes, elephant rides, and more. Additionally, activities beyond the lodge include plantation tours, farm visits, and local spice market shopping.

• Rates: Starting at 10,000 rupees per night, plus tax. All meals are included.