7 Hidden Safari Stays To Check Into This Summer
Ticking all the right boxes of comfort, luxury, tranquillity, and proximity to the national parks, these properties provide a gateway to exploring the wild
With the summer season peaking, it is time to answer the call of the wild and head to the jungles of the country.
Touted as the best months to observe animals in their natural habitat, summer safaris are the ideal escape from the chaos of the city. While the thrill of spotting tigers and other creatures are the highlight of these trips, a sought-after stay near the parks can elevate the experience tenfold. We share a list of hidden gems for your next safari holiday in India.
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Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore
The allure of a safari excursion in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is not just to spot royal Bengal tigers but also its rich population of marsh crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears and over 300 species of birds. A former hunting ground of the erstwhile maharajas of Jaipur, the park is considered one of the most popular ones in India among wildlife enthusiasts.
With a smattering of stays focussing on safari tourism here, our pick is the fairly new Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, that offers 40 rooms, 19 of which boast of a private plunge pool. The backdrop of the Aravallis and the proximity of 2 km from the park, seal the deal. Blending modern comforts with a touch of Rajasthani opulence, the resort’s offerings include a spa, al fresco and indoor dining, a large swimming pool along with a kids’ pool, and a central lawn that comes with a sunken pit that’s perfect for dinners around a bonfire on nippy evenings. Paying an ode to the state’s famous stepwells is an amphitheatre designed in the same style where local artists perform as you relish an authentic thali meal.
Apart from jungle safaris, the resort also offers trips to other local attractions such as the Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, nearby temples, and craft clusters like Dastkar and Shilpgram. Activities like stargazing, yoga and pottery sessions on request allow one to unwind between the adrenaline-fuelled safaris.
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Woods at Sasan, Gir
Home to the majestic Asiatic lions, Gir National Park in Gujarat is famed for being the only location in India to spot these wild beasts. The gypsy safari here is therefore unlike any other in the country and offers a chance to spot over 40 mammal and reptile species that call this forest home.
Woods at Sasan which is nestled on the fringes of Gir, clubs the thrill of living in nature with the mindful, luxe amenities it offers. From Ayurvedic massage therapies to dining options at its four restaurants, the resort dishes out holistic experiences that guests can enjoy after a tiring safari. Working in tandem with the local communities, Woods at Sasan also has tailor-made itineraries to explore more—think curated lunches in the forest, guided birdwatching trips, or a village day out to discover Sasan’s culture. There’s also farming explorations, traditional Siddi dance, and a cycle ride by the river.
Spread across 16 acres of mango orchards, the 38 stay options at the resort range from studios, pavilions and a three-bedroom villa with a plunge pool. All opening to views of lush greens, whether it is of bamboo groves or the thicket of the forest, the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows to blur the indoor-outdoor divide. Inside, handmade decor pieces, khadi linens, and reclaimed wood furniture add a rustic yet elegant charm.
Coorg Wild Walk by CGH Earth Saha, Nagarhole
Named after the serpentine river, Nagarhole, this national park in Karnataka is bordered by Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Housing herbivores and carnivores such as Asiatic elephants, gaurs, leopards, tigers, sloth bears, and more, the park stays open all-year-round for tourists, offering safaris on elephants, jeeps and boats.
For those looking for an exciting yet private safari vacation, the newly-opened Coorg Wild Walk by CGH Earth Saha makes for an ideal spot. Located near Kutta’s Nanachi Gate, this is a secluded four-bedroom villa in a lush coffee estate, just minutes away from the park’s entrance. Wake up to birdsong, sip freshly-brewed coffee from the plantation, and enjoy the calm as well as the excitement of being surrounded by flora and fauna.
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When here, take a safari to explore the park, indulge in guided walks around the plantation and forest, enjoy a picnic lunch or barbeque dinner, and savour local delicacies prepared by the in-house chef. Each of the four rooms can be booked individually, or for larger groups, the whole villa can be yours too. Stone-clad walls, bamboo accents and wood add warmth while Kodava crafts and artefacts highlight the local heritage. Glass windows let ample natural light in and the addition of common areas give guests enough space to lounge around outside their rooms.
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Satpura Tiger Reserve comprises a national park of the same name, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary. Its rugged landscape is a treat for the eyes featuring rivulets, ravines, gorges, sandstone peaks, as well as waterfalls, streams, and dense foliage where animals roam freely.
Mere 20 minutes away from the reserve is the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge designed sensitively with luxury cottages and tents that allow one to feel one with nature without compromising on modern amenities. Built with indigenous materials, the cottages come with viewing decks and large bay windows while the tents feature a separate living room apart from a bedroom. An in-house restaurant and bar create the perfect setting to enjoy a meal or tipple indoors or under the trees, while a pool, spa and library offer a chance to relax post a game drive. Run by a team of naturalists, the lodge offers interesting outdoor activities to give one a wholesome jungle experience.
Think tranquil boat safaris to spot birds and crocodiles, horseback safaris and anthropological expeditions to nearby villages. There’s also canoeing, birdwatching and a nature walk within the tiger reserve. If bush breakfasts and sundowners in a remote, serene setting are your jam, this property hits the right spot with its offerings.
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Utsav Camp, Sariska
Looking to explore a lesser-known park in the country? Consider Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan which lies in the Alwar district, and was a former hunting reserve for its royal family. After its tiger population became extinct in the early 2000s, some tigers were successfully relocated from Ranthambore National Park to Sariska.
Each numbered, the radio-collared tigers are monitored through tracking devices, to keep track of their movement around the reserve. Just 7 km away from its gate 2 lies Utsav Camp, a luxury retreat with forest bungalows, villas, and stone cabins. Fringed by huge boulders, the stay offers panoramic views, opening into groves, or trees finding their way into the property—a result of building around nature without disturbing it. Private patios, beds for stargazing, a spa, wildlife-inspired wallpapers and warm hospitality are part of its charm.
When here, check out its curated experiences such as a candlelit bush dinner, boulder sundowner, horse rides, wilderness drives and walks, all within or in close proximity of the property. If time permits, drive down to nearby attractions like the ancient Neelkanth Temple or the Kankwari Fort that gives a bird’s eye view of the national park. Known for their eerie past and architecture, the ruins of Bhangarh Fort are also not too far.
Voco, Jim Corbett
The famed Jim Corbett National Park is the first one in the country that was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park but later changed to its current name in 1956, after the naturalist. Over 500 species of resident and migratory birds, herds of elephants, a high tiger population, and wild yet serene vistas make this park a popular choice.
With a string of hotels in every budget around it, we recommend checking into the recently-opened Voco Jim Corbett, a wildlife resort in the Dhikuli region. Resting on the foothills of the Mailani Range along the Kosi River, the property is spread across 13.5 acres and is located close to the Bijrani gate. Known for its expansive grasslands and dense sal forest, this zone is often touted as a good one for its tiger sightings. 70 rooms designed in a contemporary manner overlook different views including the river and mango courtyard.
Creature comforts such as a spa, swimming pool, gym, and an all-day dining restaurant are peppered around the property between pockets of greenery. Another bar and kitchen offers scenic riverside and al fresco seating. Those looking for other things to do when here can explore the Dhangarhi Museum to learn more about the region and the life of Jim Corbett, or pay a visit to the Sitabani and Garjia temples nearby.
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Bagh Vilas, Kanha
The largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha–Kisli National Park or Kanha Tiger Reserve boasts of a significant population of royal Bengal tigers, along with other animals like blackbucks, leopards, swamp deer, bears, Indian python, around 300 bird species, and 500 insect species. With elephant and jeep safari offerings into its sal and bamboo forests, a trip here makes for an adventure-filled journey.
Providing an authentic jungle camp experience with a dose of luxury, Bagh Villas finds its spot near the Mukki gate of the national park. Taking design inspiration from hunting expeditions and battle campaigns of maharajas, the accommodation here is primarily tented camps and suites, and two lakeside cottages with adjoining verandahs. Made of recycled wood, metal and bamboo, the tents are pitched on an elevated platform, with a lake running alongside each of them. An infinity swimming pool, a spa, and a library offer a chance to rejuvenate your senses in the lap of nature. Savour local and multi-cuisine meals prepared using vegetables and herbs grown at the property’s organic farm or sourced from farmers in the local community.
In addition to safari sessions, Bagh Villas also curates activities like nature trails on foot, birdwatching, visits to nearby hamlets to observe tribal settlements, and guided biking trails to witness Kanha’s unspoilt beauty.