7 Wildlife resorts in India that promise an adventurous escape and hours of leisure

This World Wildlife Day, rewrite your travel bucketlist with some design-forward vocabulary of wildlife resorts in India that promise adventure, leisure and some nerve-tingling wildlife sightings.

Whether you are yet to tick off that first wildlife staycation or have already been on the trail of getting around the most exciting such wildlife getaways, ELLE DECOR India brings you a definite list of 7 wildlife resorts in India that merge the beauty of wild and the need for comfort with an aesthetic touch of good design and plenty luxury! Scroll and bookmark your pick…

Sujan Jawai, Rajasthan

All about responsible luxury, Sujan Jawai, a member of the global network of Relais and Châteaux, has ten tented suites that celebrate the great outdoors. With top notch interiors – mostly furnished in black and white with splashes of red, there are three categories you can choose from. The newly revealed Eden at Jawai is a double bedroom suite that has a private entrance, heated pool, and large deck. 

Tipai – Wildlife Luxuries, Maharashtra

Located near the Tipeshwar Wildlife sanctuary, Tipai materialises a design language that is governed by the surrounding landscape, or shall we call it the wildscapes? The 34-acre property has plush villas and private pool residences designed by principal designer and EDIDA India winner Ariane Thakore Ginwala. Rooted in localisation as a core design philosophy, the space follows a low-impact construction with furnishings handwoven by Magankhadi, and the rammed earth walls balanced with conical tiles vaulted ceilings.

Mihir Garh, Rajasthan

With a total of nine suites, Mihir Garh is a boutique hotel, also a member of the global network of Relais and Châteaux, located between Pali and Jodhpur. The property has been built using local materials and has bespoke luxury objects of interest crafted by local artists. One can see Lippan art, handwoven kilims, embroidered cushions, appliqué curtains, horse-shaped lamps, and furniture from Jodhpur as part of the interiors. This property makes a compelling case for the construction and crafts of rural India and gives every reason to make a detour for the the love of adventure and culture, combined!

CGH Earth Wayanad Wild, Wayanad

A holiday in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots, is best experienced with CGH Earth Wayanad Wild. A 3.5 km offroad drive brings you to this serene space that has 33 rooms ensconced within a forest. The spacious rooms at Wayanad Wild done up in hues of green, brown, and white merge with the forest theme quite seamlessly. Rooms are spacious with balconies that look out to the lush forest. The rooms do not have air conditioning as the elevated height of this retreat ensures a cool climate through the year. The decor is in tune with the surroundings and you will notice salvaged ship-wood and bamboo accessories that are used in the sloped terrain here. All meals are served in the in-house restaurant where you can enjoy the company of the Malabar giant squirrel and several endemic birds. Take guided treks, cooking lessons, night walks and you will come close to amphibians, snakes and more that make for an exciting break out of the cityscape!

Aramness, Gir

Talking about wildlife resorts in India and to not name this magical property may be a disservice! An ode to the rooted charm of villages in Gujarat, Aramness Gir has 18 rooms (called kothis) designed by Nicholas Plewman Architects and Fox Browne Creative. Each room envelopes two levels and uses local materials like the clay tiled roof, jaali screens and sandstone in its built architecture. The ground level has bedrooms, sitting room, bathroom with a tub and shower, as well as an outdoor shower. The courtyard in the room is a key design feature and a veranda with views of the waterways and dense teak forest on the first floor makes these rooms comfortably impressive! A swimming pool inspired by the stepwells are part of the kothi. Meals are an ode to Gujarati cuisine and bets big on wholesome and fresh fare. The edible kitchen is a big draw for the farm to table meals. A guided jungle walk here is highly recommended and of course, the spa that overlooks the meadows and swimming pool.

The Untamed Bandhavgarh by TUTC, Madhya Pradesh

Located near the Bandhavgarh National Park, The Ultimate Travelling Camp’s (TUTC), The Untamed Bandhavgarh is all about colonial safari-themed luxury tent adventures. This is where you can indulge in glamping in 12 uber luxury tents that have a private patio. The spacious interiors have large, netted windows for an abundance of natural light. The tent is furnished with modern amenities like a writing desk, mini-fridge, spacious wardrobes, comfortable beds, and ensuite bathrooms. The dash of orange and pink comes from the furnishings — runners and rugs that add a pop of colour in the otherwise muted colour scheme. Take short cycling trips, go on bird watching trips, enjoy outdoor meals and relax at the spa when you are here.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura

With 12 luxury cottages that have three distinct structural designs, Reni Pani in Satpura has the advantage of being located near a perennial waterhole making this a delight for wildlife lovers. One of the best wildlife resorts in India, the rooms are warm and cosy with a comfortable bed, seating by the window, wood furniture, Gond art and red hued cushions and rugs for a snug feeling. Tuck into delicious food at Gol Ghar that has a fireplace and large dining, lounge and bar spaces. Apart from the in-house spa, a dip in the swimming pool here is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Head out on an anthropological expedition, go for a guided bird walk, take a nature walk or a unique horseback safari. Boat rides and Canoeing experiences make a visit here full of adventure.

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