Offbeat Wildlife Lodges in India
From the high altitude
terrains of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh to the Sunderban delta near the Bay of
Bengal, from the dry scrublands of Gujrat to the lush hills of Kerala, from
luxury abodes to simple lodges, we list some of our favourite wildlife stay
recommendations for your next wildlife holiday.
We have selected only those, where your experience is likely to be extraordinary and immersive. These are not the usual lodges / resorts dotting around the popular national parks. Each of these are situated in gorgeous locations and offer experiential wildlife stays where location, ambience, food, activities and wildlife encounters converge to create a magical time.
Some of these lodges are spartan in nature, but that helps to keep the wildlife areas clean and conserve nature. You will have an unfolding of wildlife ‘magic’ every minute of the day.
We have selected only those, where your experience is likely to be extraordinary and immersive. These are not the usual lodges / resorts dotting around the popular national parks. Each of these are situated in gorgeous locations and offer experiential wildlife stays where location, ambience, food, activities and wildlife encounters converge to create a magical time.
Some of these lodges are spartan in nature, but that helps to keep the wildlife areas clean and conserve nature. You will have an unfolding of wildlife ‘magic’ every minute of the day.
Nomad's Cottage in Himachal Pradesh
The Nomad's Cottage is located approximately 140 kms from Manali, in the untouched wild beauty of Spiti in Losar village at an altitude of 4,090 mt.
Losar is located in the lap of nature with a spectacular 360 degree view of the magnificent valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains with the Spiti river flowing behind the lodge.
The drive crossing Rohtang La and Kunzum La to reach Losar itself is an experience never to be forgotten.
The quaint little Cottage converted from a traditional Spiti home with Spitian-styled windows and well appointed interiors exuding an earthy, natural ambience. The rooms are clean and tidy and some of them offer beautiful views of the landscape outside.
The food served is fresh, hot, simple, nutritious & homely...just the way one would like it in the freezing temeperature of winter months.
Wildlife : Located close to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, the surrounding areas offer excellent chance for spotting high attitude wildlife including Himalayan blue sheep, ibex, wolves and with a stable population of Snow Leopards, it is one of the best places to track them.
Image credit : Nomad's Lodge
Losar is located in the lap of nature with a spectacular 360 degree view of the magnificent valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains with the Spiti river flowing behind the lodge.
The drive crossing Rohtang La and Kunzum La to reach Losar itself is an experience never to be forgotten.
The quaint little Cottage converted from a traditional Spiti home with Spitian-styled windows and well appointed interiors exuding an earthy, natural ambience. The rooms are clean and tidy and some of them offer beautiful views of the landscape outside.
The food served is fresh, hot, simple, nutritious & homely...just the way one would like it in the freezing temeperature of winter months.
Wildlife : Located close to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, the surrounding areas offer excellent chance for spotting high attitude wildlife including Himalayan blue sheep, ibex, wolves and with a stable population of Snow Leopards, it is one of the best places to track them.
Image credit : Nomad's Lodge
Vanghat The Wildlife Lodge in Uttarakhand
Vanghat is
an amazing destination. One of the most remote wildlife lodges in Northern
Indian forests, Vanghat is located on a secluded bank of the Western Ramganga
River deep inside Kalagarh Tiger Reserve division of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The lodge is accessed by a thrilling 1.8km hike or by 4x4 drive and then crossing the Ramganga River on a raft ! The stone and mud cottages inspired by Kumaoni architecture radiate rustic charm.
Vanghat lodge is a wilderness paradise unlike anything else to be found around Jim Corbett National Park. A bird lover's paradise. The silence gets broken only by bird songs, gurgle of the nearby streams, calls of barking deer, langurs and an occasional trumpeting of wild elephants.
Food is fresh and delicious, made in Kumaoni style add to the charm of the stay.
Wildlife: There is no better way to truly experience the forest than by walking through it. There are many walking trails where accompanied by expert naturalists you will encounter wildlife, learn and have the adventure of a lifetime!
Image credit : Vanghat Lodge
The lodge is accessed by a thrilling 1.8km hike or by 4x4 drive and then crossing the Ramganga River on a raft ! The stone and mud cottages inspired by Kumaoni architecture radiate rustic charm.
Vanghat lodge is a wilderness paradise unlike anything else to be found around Jim Corbett National Park. A bird lover's paradise. The silence gets broken only by bird songs, gurgle of the nearby streams, calls of barking deer, langurs and an occasional trumpeting of wild elephants.
Food is fresh and delicious, made in Kumaoni style add to the charm of the stay.
Wildlife: There is no better way to truly experience the forest than by walking through it. There are many walking trails where accompanied by expert naturalists you will encounter wildlife, learn and have the adventure of a lifetime!
Image credit : Vanghat Lodge
Binsar Forest Rtreat in Uttarakhand
Binsar Forest Retreat is an eco-friendly homestay set amidst the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the heart of Kumaon. Located 100 km north east of Nainital in the eastern part of Uttarakhand, the Retreat is at an altitude of 2,420 mt amidst dense forests with spectacular views of the higher Himalayan peaks.
The Retreat is run on solar power. On rainy days there may not be electricity in the rooms and dining even after dark. However, as lovers of nature, one can also be part of the vagaries of Nature. In the rare absence of electricity the lodge becomes even more romantic with candle-lit ambience..
Wildlife : There are over 60 km of varying difficulties walking trails. Walking is the best way to experience the natural splendours of the Sanctuary and the Himalayan scenery. Binsar sanctuary has a wide variety of wildlife – leopards, mountain goats, barking deer, wild boars, porcupines and it is an important Himalayan birding destination.
Image credit : Binsar Retreat
Corbett National Park Forest Rest houses in Uttarakhand
Corbett has landscapes that have few
parallels anywhere in India. Dhikala’s vast grasslands, the wide riverbed of
the Ramaganga, with several small streams flowing in the park, surrounded by
Himalayan foothills and the tall Sal trees.
No other wildlife experience probably can beat the experience of staying in the British era forest rest houses in Jim Corbett national park.
The thrill of staying inside a tiger reserve has no parallel. Your sleep could be disturbed by the trumpeting of a wandering tusker or you may even hear the roar of the tiger !
Some of the rest houses do not have electricity. This makes the stay in those even more electrifying.
Wildlife : Tiger sightings are common, especially in summers. The advent of summer also brings hordes of elephants to the grasslands. Other mammals include four types of deer (chitals, barking deer, hog deer and sambar), otters and wild boars. When it comes to birds, Corbett is a heaven for seeing raptors (birds of prey; more than 40 species have been recorded here!
No other wildlife experience probably can beat the experience of staying in the British era forest rest houses in Jim Corbett national park.
The thrill of staying inside a tiger reserve has no parallel. Your sleep could be disturbed by the trumpeting of a wandering tusker or you may even hear the roar of the tiger !
Some of the rest houses do not have electricity. This makes the stay in those even more electrifying.
Wildlife : Tiger sightings are common, especially in summers. The advent of summer also brings hordes of elephants to the grasslands. Other mammals include four types of deer (chitals, barking deer, hog deer and sambar), otters and wild boars. When it comes to birds, Corbett is a heaven for seeing raptors (birds of prey; more than 40 species have been recorded here!
Chambal Safari Lodge in Uttar Pradesh
An hour's
drive from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of the Chambal Valley, lies an oasis of
tranquility nestling in sprawling acres of reclaimed woodland.
The Chambal Safari Lodge set within 35 sprawling acres of the original heritage plantation, surrounded by farmland is an oasis of peace, tranquility and gracious hospitality.
The accommodation combines the warmth of local homes with the comfort of modern amenities.
Chambal Valley has much to offer and the Chambal Safari help visitors discover many facets of this ancient land. Accompanied by experienced local guides and naturalists explore the Chambal Valley at your own pace: on boats, jeeps or on foot.
Wildlife : Set against a stunning backdrop, framed by the ravines and sandbanks, the calm waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats to enjoy spectacular sightings of the critically endangered gharials, muggers & turtles basking in the sun; the many migratory and resident birds flying sorties and the occasional glimpses of the Gangetic river dolphins breaking surface.
Image credit : Chambal Safari Lodge
The Chambal Safari Lodge set within 35 sprawling acres of the original heritage plantation, surrounded by farmland is an oasis of peace, tranquility and gracious hospitality.
The accommodation combines the warmth of local homes with the comfort of modern amenities.
Chambal Valley has much to offer and the Chambal Safari help visitors discover many facets of this ancient land. Accompanied by experienced local guides and naturalists explore the Chambal Valley at your own pace: on boats, jeeps or on foot.
Wildlife : Set against a stunning backdrop, framed by the ravines and sandbanks, the calm waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats to enjoy spectacular sightings of the critically endangered gharials, muggers & turtles basking in the sun; the many migratory and resident birds flying sorties and the occasional glimpses of the Gangetic river dolphins breaking surface.
Image credit : Chambal Safari Lodge
Sambhar Resort in Rajasthan
Located 70
km from Jaipur and nestled in the foothills of the Aravali ranges, the
elliptical Sambhar salt lake forms the largest inland saline depression in the
country.
The lodge located right at the edge of the salt flats stretching to the horizon, amid windswept undergrowth lends a rough edge to the whole experience.
There are two options of staying here. A colonial ‘circuit house’ built during the British time and luxury tents.
Waking up early in the morning and watching thousands of pink flamingoes flying over the white deserted land will make your day. Other than the birds you can observe salt making process and take a ride on the adorable mini ‘salt train’ that plies in the flats.
Wildlife : The Sambhar Lake is a home for many migratory birds. It is one of the best places in India for bird-watching. The flamingoes in the midst of green water and crystal sand make the view spellbinding. The birds mostly seen at the sanctuary are redshanks, slits, and coots.
Image credit : Sambhar Resort
The lodge located right at the edge of the salt flats stretching to the horizon, amid windswept undergrowth lends a rough edge to the whole experience.
There are two options of staying here. A colonial ‘circuit house’ built during the British time and luxury tents.
Waking up early in the morning and watching thousands of pink flamingoes flying over the white deserted land will make your day. Other than the birds you can observe salt making process and take a ride on the adorable mini ‘salt train’ that plies in the flats.
Wildlife : The Sambhar Lake is a home for many migratory birds. It is one of the best places in India for bird-watching. The flamingoes in the midst of green water and crystal sand make the view spellbinding. The birds mostly seen at the sanctuary are redshanks, slits, and coots.
Image credit : Sambhar Resort
Sarai at Toria in Madhya Pradesh
Surrounded
by history and natural beauty, the uniquely designed Sarai at Toria is situated
on the bank of the beautiful Ken river, close to Khajuraho temples and Panna
National Park.
Stunning
location, delicious ‘farm to table’ food, gorgeous eco-friendly mud cottages
makes it a special place to stay. This is the kind of place you could stay for
days- and not get bored.
The
beautiful grasslands around the lodge, forest and riverine habitats attract a
great variety of birds. Stroll around the property, take early morning river
boat ride or walk down hedge-lined paths through agricultural fields to nearby
Toria village. Bird lovers will be
delighted by the diversity wherever they go.
Wildlife :
The next door Panna National Park is a little known gem. It is one of India’s
most stunningly beautiful forest rich in bird life and also provide wonderful
sightings of tigers, leopards and sloth
bears.
Forsyth Lodge in Madhya Pradesh
Hidden in
dense pristine deciduous forests, Forsyth lodge is named after James Forsyth,
one of the first Europeans to explore and fall in love with Satpura. It is
an eco-conscious jungle lodge offering a unique wilderness stay on the edge of
the Satpura Tiger Reserve. .
The lodge is located in the buffer zone and includes a large area of 44 acres, out of which only 4 acres is used for the lodge leaving the remaining to grow wild and you will see lot of birds and animals right inside the lodge area during your stay.
There are so many ways to enjoy wildlife here – camping in the forest buffer zone, wildlife safari on car or hiking on foot or riding a canoe across the Denwa river and encountering wildlife at every turn.
Wildlife : Satpura is great place for sighting leopards, sloth bear and dhole – wild dogs. Tiger sightings are also rising . Apart from the safari drives, Satpura has utilized it's buffer zone for sustainable tourism activities like boat safaris, night safaris, walking safaris and camping. These activities give an immersive experience to nature lovers unlike any other tiger reserve in India.
Image credit : Forsyth Lodge
The lodge is located in the buffer zone and includes a large area of 44 acres, out of which only 4 acres is used for the lodge leaving the remaining to grow wild and you will see lot of birds and animals right inside the lodge area during your stay.
There are so many ways to enjoy wildlife here – camping in the forest buffer zone, wildlife safari on car or hiking on foot or riding a canoe across the Denwa river and encountering wildlife at every turn.
Wildlife : Satpura is great place for sighting leopards, sloth bear and dhole – wild dogs. Tiger sightings are also rising . Apart from the safari drives, Satpura has utilized it's buffer zone for sustainable tourism activities like boat safaris, night safaris, walking safaris and camping. These activities give an immersive experience to nature lovers unlike any other tiger reserve in India.
Image credit : Forsyth Lodge
Swapangandha Eco Resort in Goa
On the edge
of dense forest and snuggled cozily amidst picturesque setting of the fabled
Western Ghats landscape of Goa at a height of 700 meters above sea level with a
stunning view of the majestic Vazra Sakla, a 143 meter waterfall on one side
and the tranquil Anjunem backwaters on the other is Swapnagandha.
While the rooms are minimalist, they have installed full sized glass windows with incredible views of the gorgeous waterfalls and mountain landscape.
And the infinity pool with a panoramic view is a sight never to be forgotten. Just the pool itself could be a driving reason to visit the lodge.
Wildlife :Connect with a forest where tigers breath the same air as you and horn-bills plant seeds to create complex eco systems. The entire Swapnagandha valley and its surrounding Mahdei region is a recognized Important Bird Area. With the nesting site of the Long Billed Vulture, and the documentation of over a dozen species of Western Ghats endemics including the Nilgiri Wood pigeon, the Malabar Grey hornbill and threatened species like the Sri lanka Frogmouth in the area, Swapnagandha is a birders paradise.
Image credit : Swapnagandha Eco resort
While the rooms are minimalist, they have installed full sized glass windows with incredible views of the gorgeous waterfalls and mountain landscape.
And the infinity pool with a panoramic view is a sight never to be forgotten. Just the pool itself could be a driving reason to visit the lodge.
Wildlife :Connect with a forest where tigers breath the same air as you and horn-bills plant seeds to create complex eco systems. The entire Swapnagandha valley and its surrounding Mahdei region is a recognized Important Bird Area. With the nesting site of the Long Billed Vulture, and the documentation of over a dozen species of Western Ghats endemics including the Nilgiri Wood pigeon, the Malabar Grey hornbill and threatened species like the Sri lanka Frogmouth in the area, Swapnagandha is a birders paradise.
Image credit : Swapnagandha Eco resort
Black Buck Lodge in Gujrat
Velavadar
National Park is a hidden gem. One of the last stands of grassland remaining in
the massive alluvial plain running along the Gulf of Khambatt. The stunning
wild grassland landscape reminds one of the African savannah wilderness. It is
home to varied wildlife apart from the eponymous Black Buck antelopes.
Nestled along the Velavadar National Park, The Blackbuck Lodge is located in several acres of grassland in a riverside setting. The elegant cottages are a vision of the right combination of the rustic and contemporary luxury.
The view from the patio of your room of the grassland landscape changing colors during the different time of the day will leave you mesmerized.
Wildlife : Velavadar National Park, famous for the hordes of Black Buck antelopes and where you have a good chance of sighting Indian wolves golden jackals, jungle cats and striped Hyenas on a jeep safari.
Image credit : Blackbuck Lodge
Nestled along the Velavadar National Park, The Blackbuck Lodge is located in several acres of grassland in a riverside setting. The elegant cottages are a vision of the right combination of the rustic and contemporary luxury.
The view from the patio of your room of the grassland landscape changing colors during the different time of the day will leave you mesmerized.
Wildlife : Velavadar National Park, famous for the hordes of Black Buck antelopes and where you have a good chance of sighting Indian wolves golden jackals, jungle cats and striped Hyenas on a jeep safari.
Image credit : Blackbuck Lodge
Fringe Ford in Kerala
Nothing will
prepare you for your first early morning misty view of the Wayanad’s serene
forest covered hills surrounding the charming colonial styled Fringe Ford
cottages.
Amid the serene setting, the rustic cottages are located in a 520 acre privately owned forest which was formerly a spice plantation. Even some of the bathrooms have walls converted into windows to mesmerize you with the spectacular views.
Set out on a leisurely stroll through the forest path, walk through coffee and cardamom plantations, cross a small stream and then enter the thick emerald forest, Wayanad and Fringe Ford will enchant you.
Wildlife : Wayanad forests are teeming with diverse wildlife that include Indian Wild Dog (Dhole), Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer (Muntjac), Wild Boar, Giant Malabar squirrel, Nilgiri Langoor, Lion Tail Macaque and hundreds of bird species.
Image credit : Frindge Ford
Amid the serene setting, the rustic cottages are located in a 520 acre privately owned forest which was formerly a spice plantation. Even some of the bathrooms have walls converted into windows to mesmerize you with the spectacular views.
Set out on a leisurely stroll through the forest path, walk through coffee and cardamom plantations, cross a small stream and then enter the thick emerald forest, Wayanad and Fringe Ford will enchant you.
Wildlife : Wayanad forests are teeming with diverse wildlife that include Indian Wild Dog (Dhole), Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer (Muntjac), Wild Boar, Giant Malabar squirrel, Nilgiri Langoor, Lion Tail Macaque and hundreds of bird species.
Image credit : Frindge Ford
Sunderbon Jungle Camp in West Bengal
Sunderbans
(Sunderbon) are mystical and mysterious, dangerous but beautiful. In the
morning it is bright and ‘normal’, but when the setting sun turns it into a
faintly glowing green & pristine land, where time stands still, you will be
charmed and mesmerized.
This delta, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest and a natural ecosystem. It is the land of the man eating tiger where you will discover how folklore, wildlife and danger has integrated into the daily life of the locals.
You have to take a 1.5 hour enchanting motorboat cruise to reach the Camp.The Jungle Camp on Bali lies next to a small agricultural settlement, embedded between river and paddy fields. It provides Simple but clean and comfortable accommodation aesthetically designed respecting the local architecture and is a participatory Community Tourism Project.
Wildlife : Enjoy a full day motor boat cruise to see the mangrove forest up close and try to find the elusive tiger.
This delta, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest and a natural ecosystem. It is the land of the man eating tiger where you will discover how folklore, wildlife and danger has integrated into the daily life of the locals.
You have to take a 1.5 hour enchanting motorboat cruise to reach the Camp.The Jungle Camp on Bali lies next to a small agricultural settlement, embedded between river and paddy fields. It provides Simple but clean and comfortable accommodation aesthetically designed respecting the local architecture and is a participatory Community Tourism Project.
Wildlife : Enjoy a full day motor boat cruise to see the mangrove forest up close and try to find the elusive tiger.
Dibang Valley Jungle Lodge in Arunachal Pradesh
Did you ever
wake up to the call of birds ? You did, but how about waking up to the call of
Hoolok Gibbons ? That’s an experience which is likely to stay etched into your
mind long after you have left the Dibang valley jungle lodge.
Dibang Valley is a achingly beautiful destination in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, located on the bank of river Dibang, on a hillside commanding a spectacular view of the Dibang River basin of the Mishmi Hills and Mehao National Park.
The design of the lodge follows the Idu-Mishmi house structure, which looks like a bus, rectangular and raised above two feet from the ground using wooden posts.
Highlights of visiting the lodge is getting to know the Mishmis of Dibang valley and the pristine virgin Mehao National Park.
Wildlife : Home to some rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, Gongshan and muntjac. It is a paradise for birdwatchers too, as the rare Sclater's monal and Blyth's tragopan can be found here.
Dibang Valley is a achingly beautiful destination in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, located on the bank of river Dibang, on a hillside commanding a spectacular view of the Dibang River basin of the Mishmi Hills and Mehao National Park.
The design of the lodge follows the Idu-Mishmi house structure, which looks like a bus, rectangular and raised above two feet from the ground using wooden posts.
Highlights of visiting the lodge is getting to know the Mishmis of Dibang valley and the pristine virgin Mehao National Park.
Wildlife : Home to some rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, Gongshan and muntjac. It is a paradise for birdwatchers too, as the rare Sclater's monal and Blyth's tragopan can be found here.
Pakke Jungle Camp in Arunachal Pradesh
Pakke
blessed with pristine and stunning landscapes teeming with some of the most
secretive and rare species of fauna and flora. Some of these species are
globally threatened, and Pakke Tiger Reserve is one of the last remaining
strongholds left for those. The area can also be termed as ‘Hornbill country’,
as four species of Honbill are found here.
Pakke Jungle
Camp is a community-based tourism model jointly run by the local Nyishi tribal
self-help conservation group. One of the highlight of the trip is to visit the
Nyishi villages.
Spread over
a richly forested land, the Jungle Camp is a cluster of four local style
cottages on stilts made by the local artisans with eco friendly materials. Each
hut has a Spartan but cozy and comfortable double –bedded room and a small
verandah overlooking the forest canopy.
Elephants
pay visit to the surrounding jungle of the campsite frequently, so there is
security fencing at the camp site to keep the curious pachyderms away to a safe
distance
Wildlife :
Pakke Tiger Reserve is a paradise for viewing and photographing four species of
hornbills. The experience of watching hornbills flying to their roost is a must
for every wildlife enthusiast.
Image credit
: Pakke Jungle Camp
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Thank You for Reading 🙏
** These recommendations are based on my experience of traveling to wildife destinations in India over the past 19 years. These are not influenced by any commercial considerations.
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