15 of the Best Luxury Lodges in India

Whenever planning to go for a holiday, one of the major thoughts that pop into our mind is accommodation. Mostly people try to book an accommodation that can offer them utmost comfort and where they can get everything right away. Evidently, their main purpose of the holiday is to enjoy the fun-filled time without compromising on comfort and luxury. And that’s we have always been doing.

But but but, after reading this blog, surely there’s going to be a change in the way you book a stay. As through it, we will be introducing you to some of the finest lodges, offering equivalent comfort that any luxurious hotel can provide, without lacking any amenities.

I am sure, after reading this a question will come to your mind – WHAT ARE LODGES? Are they resort, a motel or mixture of both?

For all those who are confused about the lodges, well they are the retreats that are committed to isolation, comfort, and style. So as to cut-back carbon footprints, the major of lodges are designed to have the minimum possible impact on the natural environment.

Fortunately, India has some of the best lodges. In order to make most of your surroundings, I have compiled some lodges that are both green and glamorous, and are appropriate for a luxury stay.

1. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Be it the list of the luxury lodges or jungle resorts in India, it is simply incomplete without the mention of Vanyavilas. Despite its location amidst the wilderness, far away from the traces of modernity, the hotel offers utmost comfort to tourists in luxury tents with sun-kissed private decks, patio, luxurious bathrooms and private walled gardens. Another unique thing about Vanyavilas is that it has secluded dining area, which is approachable by walking on torch-lit pathways.

Hotel Facilities:

Since it is associated with Oberoi – best luxury lodges providers in India, luxurious dining areas are quite evident in the hotel. Huge dining area of the hotel that occupies the inner hall and courtyards that offer specially curated culinary experiences. There is a well-stocked bar in the resort where you can enjoy a drink in front of the green marble fireplace. Pool Bar and the other Bar servers best of spirits along with interesting cocktails and mocktails. If you’re too tired after a long safari, you can go to the spa to take Oberoi signature therapies, ayurvedic massage, and holistic beauty rituals. Also, there is a fitness center and open air, temperature controlled swimming pool.

Rooms:

Luxury tents of Vanyavilas can blow your mind as you could hardly expect such extraordinary services amidst the wilderness. Each and every tent has wifi and is taken care by a butler. Television, electronic safe, 24-hour express laundry service, bathroom, bed, fully stocked personal bar with tea and coffee making facilities, and iPod/iPad docking station are some of the amenities of the hotel.

Prices starting at Rs 50,000 (excluding taxes)

Location: Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore, Rajasthan 322001

2. Barefoot at Havelock, Havelock Island, Andaman

Set amidst tropical rainforest over an area of seven acres with a wide variety of birds, and flora, Barefoot at Havelock is one of the finest luxury lodges in India. The major portion of the lodge is crafted out of renewable material and that the reason why it is counted amongst the best eco-lodges in India too. From fine-dine restaurant to well-maintained rooms, the hotel has everything that you can ask from a luxury hotel. Barefoot takes pride in being the favorite place to stay for celebrities. It is now rated as No.1 in the Andaman Islands on Tripadvisor, listed amongst Guardian Newspaper’s 40 best eco-resorts of the world and voted in the top 3 resorts in India in the Readers’ Choice survey of Lonely Planet Magazine.

Hotel Facilities:

An ideal place to stay in Andaman island, Barefoot resort amidst the tropical rainforest offers a rustic ambiance. Spa services like a body scrub, body wrap, facials, and other combination therapies. The spa is open from 07:00 AM to 08:00 AM. Also, the resort offers plenty of adventure tours like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and nature walks. There is a restaurant at the hotel that takes pride in serving the finest seafood fished fresh from the coastline. The hotel has its own farm.

Rooms:

In the Barefoot at Havelock, you can choose to stay either in thatch tents, cottages, or villas, which are approximately 31 in number and all are inspired by tribal homes. Constructed from recycled building materials, the rooms of the hotel has a colonial style furniture , pedestal fan, bathroom, wardrobe, luggage area, safe, and dressing mirror.

Prices starting at Rs 13,500 (excluding taxes)

Location: Beach No. 7, Redhanagar Village, Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211

3. Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

One of the most acclaimed lodge retreats in Corbett National Park. Jim’s Jungle Retreat is sprawling over 15-acre property and borders the southern forests of Corbett National Park and a seasonal river that comes to life during the monsoon. Most unique part of the resort is its location amidst wilderness, which maximizes the thrill. With its impeccable service and warm hospitality, the hotel staff ensures a comfortable stay.

Hotel Facilities:

The resort features a classy and sophisticated dining space, which is made entirely of thatch and mud hall and serves scrumptious Kumaoni delicacies. There is also a boutique, which sells products made from elephant poo, and scrap cloth toys made by the handicapped. There is also a spa room, swimming pool, and a recreational room that organized photography workshops now and then.

Rooms:

In totality, there are three types of accommodation in Jim’s jungle retreat, some of which were once the occupied by the Britons and have an old world charm. Jungle lodge, Jungle cottage, and family cottages are the three types of resorts available in the hotel. Each room has an attached bathroom, and furniture, crafted to perfection by local craftsmen using renewable materials. Century-old lithographs and plates of Indian hunting scenes decorated on the walls of the room give it more of a sophisticated touch.

Prices starting at Rs 15,000 (excluding taxes)

Location: Village PO Dhela, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715

4. Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Possibly because of its rustic charm, Diphlu River Lodge manages to capture a lot of celebrity and media attention; even Prince William, and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have stayed here on their trip to Kaziranga. Set in the rice fields, overlooking the river, the lodge has a collection of environment-sensitive cottages that promises to offer utmost comfort and a plethora of activities to enthrall your every sense. If lucky, you might get an early morning visit from a bird, or an animal.

Hotel Facilities:

To make tourists stay a memorable one, Diphlu river lodge offers a good number of facilities like an in-house restaurant, and outdoor cafe area. Also, the hotel takes the environment issue seriously, thus here one can see natural materials like bamboo and wood in the construction of hotel room. The raw material of the food that is served in the restaurant comes from an organic farm within the hotel.

Rooms:

There are eight individual cottages and four semi-detached cottages in the resort, which are raised on natural materials like bamboo and wood. All the bathroom attached rooms of the hotel feature cozy bed, spacious seating area, writing desk, mini-bar and a small fridge topped with an electric kettle, dressing area, and wardrobe.

Prices starting at Rs 10,000 (excluding taxes)

Location: Kaziranga National Park, Kuthuri, Near Bagori Police Outpost, Dist. Nagaon, Assam, India

5. Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The gorgeous vistas of legendary Pench National Park have down the centuries hosted many visitors-kings and commoners, alike. Start planning your journey to the Pench National Park by booking a stay in the Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort. Located in the shadow of trees and hills, this 292-square-mile (757 sq km) property has 12 quaint standalone suites as well as a spacious sitting room. For adventure seekers, activities like wildlife safari and nature tours are also organized by the lodge. This luxury safari lodge in hardly 5 minutes drive away from Pench National Park.

Rooms:

For stay, here you can find 12 spacious air-conditioned bungalows; all of them furnished with private airy rooftop deck or machans. Bathrooms with bathrobes, bath salts, and leather hanger; 24-hour in-room dining; 24-hour laundry service, and direct-dial telephone are some of the amazing services available in each bungalow.

Hotel Facilities:

A luxury holiday lodge in the beautiful Pench National Park of Madhya Pradesh, Taj Baghvan Wildlife Resort offers state-of-the-art amenities for guests like a library, spa center (Jiva Spa) and fitness club. In the case of medical emergency, a doctor or nurse will be available at your service 24 X 7. The guest area is equipped with a swimming pool overlooking the ‘nullah’ ( stream ), shaded decks, interactive kitchen, library and a safari shop.

Prices starting at Rs 11,985 (excluding taxes)

Location: Baghvan, Pench National Park, Village Awargani, Post Duria,Tehsil Kurai, Dist. Senoi, Madhya Pradesh – 480881

6. Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Photo: https://goo.gl/DIc49L

Extending over 90 acres, Banjaar Tola is a chic, stylish, and sophisticated lodge that offers visitors stay in its elegant tents in Kanha National Park. Within the vicinity of the lodge, you can see spectacular landscapes dotted with vast sal forests, flourishing green meadows and lush bamboo growth. A unique part about the hotel is its private dining space, which is arranged next to the river. In fact, you can savor your food wherever you want, but it has to be in the vicinity of the hotel.

Rooms:

Banjaar Tola features nine exotic tented suites with opulent services that can you expect from every luxury resorts in the city. A bathroom with crafted bath amenities like an antique mirror, hair dryer & shaver socket are attached to every tented suite. All the rooms open to a chaupad where you can play marbles and bring out the inner child in you.

Hotel Facilities:

Apart from all the amenities that are required for the comfortable stay, the hotel features a swimming pool, spa center with private massage decks, fitness center, interactive kitchen, dining decks with a stunning river backdrop, library, interpretive space and a Safari Shop, within its premises. For the guest, the lodge also offers safari tours, which are headed by experienced guides, who will reveal to you the secrets of the park, and ensure you have a deeply satisfying experience. Also, village tours and nature walks are organized by the resort. The basic amenities provided by the resort are room service, internet, 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, baby sitting, travel desk, 24-hour security, parking and a doctor on call.

Prices starting at Rs 30,000 (excluding taxes)

Location: Kanha National Park, Manjitola Mukki Tehsil Baihar, Balaghat , Madhya Pradesh – 484661 INDIA

7. Orange County, Kabini, Mysore

Named as one of the 25 World’s Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Traveler, the Orange County in Kabini is a treat for eyes. Built like a typical jungle lodge. For the protection of the environment, the resort has taken up multiple initiatives like installing STP (Sewage treatment plant) with stream-water standard output; sending unutilized plastic, paper, glasses and metal cans for recycling and restricting the number of guests entering the resort.

Hotel Facilities:

To ensure a comfortable stay to the tourists, the lodge offers multiple services such as reading lounge, infinity pool, family pool, and Ayurveda village. Boat safari, Vehicle safari, guided nature walks, coracle ride, and night trails are the special attractions of the resort. The lodge features multi-cuisine restaurants too like Honey Comb, Kuruba Grill, and By the Kabini. The hotel also organizes a Candlelight Cruise, one of a kind boat-dining experience designed to literally set your love and longings afloat.

Rooms:

In Kabini resorts, two types of rooms are available at the resort – Pool Hut, and Jacuzzi Hut; adorned with the sumptuous exteriors and ethnic interiors in tribal pattern. All the huts are tastefully decorated and have features like a bedroom, bathroom, living room, wired & wireless broadband internet access, refrigerator, television and private jacuzzi/ temperature controlled swimming pool.

Prices starting at Rs 20,000 (excluding taxes)

8. Mary Budden Estate, Almora, Uttarakhand

Photo: https://goo.gl/4teopz

With an untrammeled view of Himalayan peaks, the gracious Mary Budden Estate is a private retreat high above the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. A perfect choice for those who seek joys of staying in the more gracious era, Mary Budden Estate is a balm for frantic urban travelers. Operated by a family, this colonial home-turned-lodge is a great place to catch up with family and friends. It is one of the five privately owned estates in Binsar.

Hotel Facilities:

Mary Budden Estate offers all the facilities for a comfortable stay. The lodge has yoga retreat, badminton court, and table tennis table. While staying at the resort, guests can also go for bird watching tour, and a day trip to the temple. Facilities like color television, internet access, safe, telephone, in-room menu, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and writing desk are available for a comfortable stay.

Rooms:

For stay, the accommodation facilities is divided into three categories – Cosmos, Wisteria, and Wild Rose. Interiors of each and every cottage is tastefully decorated with a pinewood ceilings, fireplace, and elegant furniture. And of course, the breathtaking view of the Himalaya from each room is the cherry on the cake. Every room has a well-maintained attached bathroom.

Prices starting at Rs 22,900 (excluding taxes)

Location: The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary P.O. Ayarpani District, Almora, Uttarakhand

9. Mahua Koti, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

If getting to the charming hotel is the half the work, the 40 acres Mahua Kothi promises the heaps of it. Located hardly 20 minutes away from Bandhavgarh National Park, the resort is another proud presentation of Taj. To offer the tourists an extraordinary safari experience, the hotel has collaborated with Palaces with &Beyond, who’s naturalists have a wealth of wildlife knowledge. All the cottages in the lodge are well-furnished with a rustic touch.

Hotel Features:

Jiva spa center with private massage deck, large outdoor pool, and in-room gym are some of the prompt facilities available in the lodge. The lodge also offers provision for nature walks, jungle safari, and village safari. You can also indulge in a shopping spree at the safari store. Like other resorts of the Taj, here too you can enjoy the option of enjoying food anywhere in the hotel. Dining in the hotel is unique and private. You can choose to relish food either next to the park, where you might get a private visit by any animal or under the star. For couples, there is special dining region under the shade of lush mahua trees.

Rooms:

There are 12 air-conditioned cottages in the lodge with complimentary wifi access, bathroom, furniture, and private courtyard. Rich textiles in shades of rust and burnt orange reflect the accents of this exotic land.

Prices starting at Rs 11, 985 (excluding taxes)

Location: Mahuva Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park, Tala, Madhya Pradesh – 484661

10. Wayanad Silverwoods, Wayanad, Kerala

Photo: https://goo.gl/0lXwgy

Wayanad Silverwoods as lovely as its name suggests. The resort is particularly is distinguished for its location at a hilltop, which offers the perfect contrast of hills and Banasura Sagar. All the rooms and villas of the resort offers a perfect view of the chattering mountain streams, cascading waterfall, sprawling organic farm and myriads of flora and fauna. Authorities of Wayanad Silverwoods ensures sustainability like they use water conservation techniques and energy efficient bulbs. Also, usage of plastic is not allowed.

Hotel Features:

To relax and rejuvenate after a long day sightseeing in Wayand, there is ayurvedic spa center. The lodge is a treat for the business travelers also as the facility of the convention center is available. For kids, there is a clubhouse to enjoy indoor sports activities and play area with Basketball Single Net, Badminton Court, Swimming Pool, and dart boards. The in-house multi-cuisine restaurant of the lodge serves delicious food. Also, there is a coffee shop, poolside dining, and bakery shop. Provision of boat ride, and trekking is available at the lodge.The woodwork in the restaurant, Spanish snacks bar and cottages are designed from blocks of solid wood.

Rooms:

The resort offers a good variety of accommodation options with wooden floorings – Emperador Villas, Royale Villas, Sky Romantico Villas, Romantico Villas, Primero Villas, And Primero Villas. The well-appointed villas in the lodge with amenities such as air-conditioning, LCD TV, mini bar, tea coffee maker, telephone, safe, hot & cold water, fine linen, hair dryer and heater facility. And some have a private balcony area too. Most products used in the hotel are brought from the different corners of the world.

Prices starting at Rs 5600 (excluding taxes)

Location: Vythiri -Tharuvana Road, Manjoora P.O, Pozhuthana, Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala 673575, India

11. Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Rustic, serene and simply beautiful- these three words can best define the feeling that you will get when on a stay in this hotel. Located amidst the forest, Samode Safari Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy the wilderness. It is one of those places where you can simply relax, and read a book at the riverside in peace as you experience the wind and warmth of the sun.

Hotel Features:

State-of-art facilities offered by the hotel can make your stay a memorable one. Here, you can find amenities like a doctor- on call, travel desk, and car rental. The in-house restaurant of the hotel serves scrumptious tangy cuisines. A well-stocked library, a recreation room, art gallery, swimming pool, and fully-equipped spa are some of the other facilities of the hotel. Also, the lodge offers the provision of safari, which will be headed by a guide, who will introduce you to the treasures of the park.

Rooms:

Most distinctive feature of the lodge is its 12 spacious independent villas, each offering a beautiful view of lush landscapes. All the 12 rooms have an elegant living area, lounge, bedroom, en-suite bathroom, dressing room, an open-air bath court and a private verandah.

Location: Village Mardari, Post Dhamokhar, Tehsil Manpur, District Umaria, Village Mardari , Madhya Pradesh India

12. Pashan Garh, Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Located amidst the wilderness with a view of the Vindhya Hills, Pashan Garh lodge is like a private jungle that offers its guests a comfortable stay. You will start feeling special the movement you will step out of the chauffeured driven car, and courteous staff will greet you with a big smile. The resort has knowledgeable in-house naturalists making the guided exploration on safari, of Panna, and its surrounds, truly a memorable one.

Hotel Features:

Since its the property of Taj Group of Hotel, the essence of luxury is quite prominent. Along with the twelve stone clad cottages of the hotels attached with a private verandah and gazebo, the lodge features a safari shop, library, restaurant, and a guest area with cozy seating room. The restaurant of the lodge serves scrumptious Indian cuisine at the location of your choice – on a lantern-lit deck, your private verandah, by the pool or in an ox cart. The menus here features meals with its new organically grown veggies, fruits and herbs. Also, the hotel is in collaboration with &Beyond, who’s naturalists will make sure that you have an intimate and meaningful interaction with nature.

Rooms:

There are 12 well-laid cottages in the hotel with private verandah, gazebo, living room, bedroom, well-stocked private bar, electronic safe and en-suite bathroom have amenities like telephone, 24-hour laundry service, mosquito repellent, 24-hour on-call doctor & nurse, Daily housekeeping and turndown service. All the cottages in resort are made of dry-packed stone in the local Panna style.

Prices starting at Rs 29,000

Location: Panna National Park, Amanganj Road Panna, Panna, MP 488001

13. The Blackbuck Lodge, Velavadar National Park, Gujarat

Located along the Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Blackbuck Lodge promises to offer an unforgettable wildlife vacation. Despite its location that is far away from modernization, the lodge offers unsurpassed services to its guest. Spread over 70 acres of unspoiled verdure, the resort has chosen to put up just 14 cottages. But each of these provides guests with every comfort- beautifully done rooms, delicious meals, and library. The secluded setting is ideal for family vacations and weekend getaways.

Hotel Features:

All the major amenities that one can expect in a five star are available in the resort. The highlight of the resort is the arrangement exclusive meal venues, some of which right below the tree, while others are beside a water body. Also, the resort has a well-stocked library. The waterfront facing glassed-in dining room, the proposed new pool and spa, the water bodies and a look-out point on a mound from where the guest can view some wildlife.

Rooms:

The lodge features 14 stylish cottages with a classy bedroom and bathroom, which promises utmost comfort to tourists. There is an open deck with every room, which offers the sweeping view of nearby surroundings. The interiors are the right blend of the rustic and contemporary elegance. To make the interiors more classy, the lodge authorities has decorated walls with framed photo illustrations. Open air bathroom is a unique part of the lodge as you can shower right under the start in absolute privacy. Each room has a phone, fridge, tea-coffee maker, hair-dryer, high-quality bath linen and robes, and luxury toiletries including disposable loofah, slippers, shower caps, shampoos, conditioners and soaps of reputed brands.

Prices starting at Rs 10,000

Location: Velavadar National Park, Distt. Bhavnagar, Bhal, Saurashtra, Gujarat, India

14. Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

A perfect pick for environment conscious people, Kipling Camp has 30 residences in close proximity to the Kanha National Park. The camp was established by two famous wildlife conservationists- Anne and the late Bob Wright in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park. Serving up delightful view of the Kanha National Park, Kipling Camp manages its food, energy , and food requirements responsibly, and employs 80% of its staff from local communities. Also, there is a sewage treatment plan that filters the water using sand and other natural elements.

Hotel Features:

The hotel has features like restaurant, conference room, and spa center. Also, you can visit the library to up your quotient about the wildlife as here you can find a good number of books. For adventure seekers, various activities such as bird watching tour, games drive and safari are organized by the lodge.

Rooms:

To offer a comfortable stay to tourists, the lodge offers a stay in 26 rooms (11 deluxe and 15 double rooms). Each room has amenities like well-laid bathroom, internet access, sitting room, bedroom, and patio offering a beautiful view of the surrounding forest.

Location: Morcha Village, P.O. Kisli – Kanha National Park, District Mandla, Madhya Pradesh 481768, India

15. Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Coorg, Karnataka

Here comes another eco resort, fondly known as Rainforest retreat in the Western Ghats of Kodagu (Coorg) district. Built way back in 1994 by the botanist couple, Sujata, and Anurag Goel, the resort is rightly meant for the conscious travelers who want to experience a harmonious existence with nature. Inside the resorts, guest can book a stay in tents, deluxe cottages or the plantation cottages, each made of natural materials and powered by eco-friendly 12V solar lighting. The bamboo, banana, and fragrant coffee and orange plants in the resort are home to a vast population of crawlies like wasps, dragonflies, frogs, lizards, spiders, and snakes.

Rooms:

Tents, plantation cottages, and Deluxe guesthouses- these are the three types of accommodation options available in the resort. Each accommodation has a separate bedroom and a bathroom. To give the lodge an eco touch, the cottages are made of natural materials and powered by eco-friendly 12V solar lighting. All the cottages have television and telephones. Wi-Fi is zone nearby.

Hotel Features:

Considered as one of the top eco-resorts in India, Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation combines sustainable agriculture with ecotourism and environmental education. Authorities of the lodge use organic waste to electrify the kitchen. Meals in the resort are served in the dining area.

Prices starting at Rs 1500

Location: Mojo Plantation Galibeedu, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201

Note: The lodge remains close for monsoon from July 15 to August 30.

Mentioned above rare some of the best lodges that can definitely change the way you stay on your holiday. These lodges make sure that you don’t sacrifice your comforts and practice responsible tourism. If you think, we are missing any hotel, let us know by commenting below.