Where to stay in India
Around the popular parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore you can find options ranging from rustic guest houses and treetop hideaways to luxury lodges and tented camps with handcrafted furniture. For the more culturally orientated Indian holidays, a range of luxurious Indian Palaces and Forts in are available to relax and recuperate after your wildlife or tiger safari. Below you will find a selection of our favourite properties, but in a country so vast there are countless options we can discuss with you to create your dream itinerary. Complementing the obvious cultural charms that it has to offer, India is also home to a truly impressive range of accommodations depending on the area of travel.
1. Sixth Senses Fort Barwara
2. The Postcard Hotel
The Postcard Hotel in Gir is a luxury retreat located in the heart of Gujarat, India. The hotel is situated in close proximity to the Gir Forest National Park, which is home to the endangered Asiatic lion. The property is spread over 24 acres of lush greenery and offers guests a luxurious and immersive experience in nature. The rooms and suites at The Postcard Hotel are elegantly designed and come equipped with all modern amenities. Each room features a private balcony or terrace, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can indulge in a range of wellness therapies at the hotel's spa, take a dip in the infinity pool, or relax in the library lounge. The hotel's restaurant serves a range of local and international cuisine, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also take part in cultural activities, such as cooking classes and traditional dance performances. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, The Postcard Hotel is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking a luxurious and authentic experience in the heart of India's wilderness.
3. Sujan Sher Bagh Camp
12 Luxurious double tents sit in a semi circle around the garden and tented Pavilion, all en-suite with their own little private veranda. Naturally blending with their surroundings, these ‘tents’ provide wonderful accommodations to guests looking for a really authentic Indian jungle safari. Situated in Ranthambore National Park on a private estate, Sherbagh Camp is one of the best places in India to find the majestic tigers and a wonderful spot to relax in a traditional safari atmosphere in completely unique luxury. The luxurious tents feature handcrafted, campaign style furniture made from rosewood and teak, all of which has been made especially for the camp. Each tent has its own veranda and wonderful bathrooms with twists of green marble and sandstone. Bathrooms have hot and cold running water as well as a sunken shower and specially made soaps. The main lodge has a clean, spacious and airy feel to it, with 2 floors. The second floor includes a library/bar area, the perfect spot to relax with a drink between jungle adventures. There is also a swimming pool, surrounded by sun loungers with a spectacular view over the edge. Activities here are into Ranthambore National Park. Part of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve – The Sawai Modhopur Sanctuary, has now been opened to visitors and half/full day excursions can be organised. The 8th Century Fort, within the park, is well worth a visit as is the old city of Sawai Madhopur, known for its jewellery, old temples and perfumes.
4. Sujan Jawai, Jawai Bandh
Spectacularly set in a dramatic wilderness, Sujan Jawai blends sophistication and ecology. There is no better place to discover one of India’s most enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. This camp allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain insight into some of our exemplary conservation and community projects. There are just ten tented suites at Sujan Jawai, from the luxurious Tented 'Rock' Suites, with their own private site out, en-suite bathrooms and sweeping views of the Jawai wilderness, to the Family 'Felidae' Suite, a suite is a set of two tents that share a common plinth and verandah and the Royal 'Panthera' Suite, set in seclusion with a private heated swimming pool, separate lounge and dinging tents as well as a private jeep for wilderness drives. There is also a dining tent, lounge tent, boma, swimming pool, spa and in room treatments are available, bicycles, a safari chic boutique, complimentary wi-fi and laundry & pressing. There are plenty of wilderness drives that can be taken at Sujan Jawai, with a great attraction of leopards and birds, on customised jeeps. There is also the option to ride horses and journey though the wild on horseback. Take part in Rabari Walks with expert guides and trackers to explore the magnificent plants and landscapes, or take part in the Temple Trail.
5. Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari
Situated on the banks of the Banjaar River, Banjaar Tola overlooks Kanha National Park - a reserve which is part of a tiger protection program and renowned worldwide for its excellent tiger viewing. Accommodation at the lodge is uniquely designed showcasing 18 luxury tented suites which are split between two camps, maintaining an intimate and private feel. This well-appointed lodge serves excellent food and the facilities include a library and several viewing decks.
6. Samode Safari Lodge
Samode Safari Lodge sits among wild and untamed beauty in the heart of tiger country, Bandhavgarh National Park. The design of this luxurious and sophisticated lodge is based around the concept of each lodging, villa or suite being individual and private, but all with the same high level of comfort and Indian design. The 12 elegant suites and villas are all individual looking, with air conditioning and heating, large bedrooms, a sitting area, a private terrace with stunning views and wide windows embracing the outdoors. All have both open and covered bathrooms, a natural stone sunken tub outside here you can bathe in privacy under the stars, separated by a wall of glass from the indoor bathroom. The lodgings all have all the mod cons you could want; such as plasma screen TV’s and DVD players, however they are kept hidden away for those who want a more authentic safari feel.Game drives will allow you to spot tigers, but also other wildlife such as the barking deer, cheetal and wild dog. There is also fantastic birding, watch for the black ibis, egret and white-eyed buzzard. All wildlife excursions are done with a highly trained, dedicated and knowledgeable naturalist. You also have the opportunity to visit the local village and temples, as well as take advantage of the luxury spa and pools at the lodge
7. Shergarh Tented Camp
Shergarh Tented Camp is a luxurious wilderness retreat located in the heart of Rajasthan, India. The camp is situated in close proximity to the Ranthambore National Park, which is known for its population of Bengal tigers. The property is spread over 30 acres of lush greenery and offers guests a unique and immersive experience in nature. The tented accommodations at Shergarh Tented Camp are spacious and elegantly designed, with all modern amenities. Each tent features a private verandah, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can indulge in a range of wellness therapies at the camp's spa, take a dip in the pool, or relax in the library lounge. The camp's restaurant serves a range of local and international cuisine, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also take part in cultural activities, such as village walks, birdwatching tours, and traditional dance performances. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, Shergarh Tented Camp is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking a luxurious and authentic experience in the heart of India's wilderness. The camp's expert guides and naturalists provide an immersive and educational experience, giving guests a deep understanding of the local ecosystem and the tigers that call it home.
8. Samode Haveli
Samode Haveli is a luxurious heritage hotel located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The hotel is a restored 19th-century mansion that features a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, providing guests with an authentic and luxurious experience of living like royalty. The rooms and suites at Samode Haveli are designed with traditional Rajasthani decor and modern amenities. Each room features unique and intricate designs, providing a comfortable and luxurious space to relax and unwind. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's beautiful swimming pool or indulge in a range of wellness therapies at the spa. The hotel's restaurant serves a range of local and international cuisine, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the hotel's bar or take part in cultural activities, such as traditional Rajasthani dance performances and puppet shows. Samode Haveli is located in close proximity to many of Jaipur's popular tourist attractions, such as the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Amber Fort. The hotel also offers guided tours of the city and the surrounding countryside, providing guests with an immersive and educational experience of Rajasthan's rich culture and history. With its beautiful architecture, exceptional amenities, and prime location, Samode Haveli is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking a luxurious and authentic experience of Rajasthan's rich heritage and culture.
9. Oberoi Amarvilas
The best hotel in Agra, the Amarvilas is truly splendorous; with a sweeping torch-lit driveway, ornate water fountains, and large opulent rooms, you will feel utterly indulged during your stay in this luxurious palace with unrivalled views of the Taj Mahal.
10. Jamatra Wilderness Camp
Jamtara Wilderness Camp is a permanent, tented camp situated in a unique location within Pench National Park; you will have the opportunity to explore many different areas of the jungle. Although the main emphasis at Jamtara is the incredible wildlife living within the surrounding area, the aspect of comfort has not been forgotten with each tent traditionally furnished including a four-poster bed. There are 12 lavish, en-suite tents available at Jamtara Wilderness Camp, the canvas fronts of the tents are able to be rolled up in order for you to be closer to the animals which also call the camp site home. For the more adventurous traveller there is also the opportunity to sleep beneath the stars on your own private patio. There is a genuine focus upon wildlife at this camp; therefore the main activities on offer are guided walking safaris which are led by the knowledgeable guides from the local area. The camp also has its own 4x4 safari vehicle in order for you to take part in day and night drives to witness the stunning flora and fauna of the area.