It's Safari Season, and These Are India’s Most Luxurious Safari Stays
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September has slowly retreated, and the beginning of October marks two of the greatest joys in India, the festive and safari season. With the monsoon on its way out, it’s time to start planning your safari stays with early-morning drives, long afternoons in the wild and, naturally, a beautiful place to return to afterwards.
This year, the safari experience comes with a little more indulgence. Think luxury tents tucked into the wilderness, heritage properties with stories of their own, and intimate forest retreats where the wild is never too far away. From tiger country in Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh to leopard country in Jawai and the rhino-filled forests of Assam, here are the safari stays we’ll be dreaming about this season. Because after a game drive, coming back to somewhere beautiful is part of the fun.
Vojara, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Ranthambore is getting a new address this season. Opening in October 2026, Vojara, spread across four acres, is a 10-suite safari-style lodge in Bhadlao Village, founded by wildlife photographer and entrepreneur Arjun Anand. Set across four acres that have been thoughtfully afforested over three years, the property is designed around wildlife, photography and a slower pace of stay.
The focus here goes beyond the usual safari. Guests can explore Ranthambore with personalised wildlife and photographic experiences, while back at the lodge there’s a swimming pool, spa, dining spaces and The Boma for bonfires and live cooking. The Outpost is dedicated to photography, with equipment assistance and interactive sessions, making Vojara an interesting new option for travellers who want to spend as much time looking closely at the wilderness as they do chasing the perfect tiger sighting
Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
An elegant tented camp on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khás puts you close to one of India’s most exciting wildlife experiences. Twice-daily guided safaris take guests into the park in search of Bengal tigers, while leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles and chital deer are among the other wildlife you might encounter. The Aravalli Hills and ancient Mughal ruins make for a pretty spectacular backdrop.
Back at camp, the mood shifts gears. Its 11 Mughal-inspired tents are spacious and private, with classic leather and mahogany furnishings, marble bathtubs and hot showers beneath the canvas roofs. There’s a lounger-lined stepwell-inspired pool, spa, library and dining tent serving Indian and Western dishes, with produce from the camp’s own organic gardens.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Close to Panna National Park, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace makes a rather grand base for exploring the wilderness. Set inside a restored 350-year-old Bundela palace, the property stands atop the Maniyagarh Hills, forests and lakes, bringing a little royal history into the safari experience. From the Royal Villa with a private pool to the Kohinoor Suite with a private pool and a serene garden sit-out to spacious rooms with Mughal inspired arches, the property promises luxury beyond the wild.
Come autumn, the Ken River draws mugger crocodiles to its sandy banks, while chital, sambar and nilgai move through the forest. November also brings migratory birds to Panna, including bar-headed geese and ospreys diving into the river for fish. As winter sets in, the cooler weather brings the possibility of spotting leopards and the elusive Indian wolf, making a stay here about more than just the safari drive. Being one of India’s most thriving tiger reserves, it is home to over 90 tigers and sightings are often just a glance away.
Storii by ITC Hotels, Jawai, Rajasthan
In Jawai, spotting a leopard comes with a rather dramatic backdrop. Ancient granite hills rise above the dry landscape, with the Jawai reservoir below and Rabari herders moving through the scrub. Storii by ITC Hotels, Jawai sits right in the middle of it. A 15-key retreat overlooking a natural lake and the rocky hills where leopards make their home.
Head out in open-top gypsies with local guides who know the terrain well to traverse Jawai’s dramatic granite hills on guided safaris, renowned for awe-inspiring leopard sightings in a unique shared landscape. Leopards are the main attraction, but you may also come across nilgai, jackals and plenty of birdlife around the reservoir. Back at the lodge, there are garden and plunge-pool cottages, deluxe suites and tented safari villas, while the Storii Box brings together Rajasthani favourites such as laal maas, gatte ki sabzi and ker sangri.
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh is the kind of place where you can spend hours looking for a tiger and still come away fascinated by everything else you saw along the way. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas puts you close to the national park, with safaris taking guests into the forest in search of the Royal Bengal tiger and the other wildlife that calls this part of central India home.
The resort itself is designed around the wilderness, with accommodations inspired by the surrounding landscape, alongside thoughtful dining and wellness experiences for the quieter hours. After an early morning exhilarating wildlife safari in search of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, there’s something rather nice about having somewhere beautiful to return to. Luxurious rooms with contemporary interiors, a green and lush wilderness expanse, exceptional dining experiences and rejuvenating wellness offerings help guests unwind amidst nature.
Aramness, Gir, Gujarat
There’s something special about arriving at Aramness Gir and spotting wildlife before you’ve even left the lodge. Set on the edge of Gir National Park, the property sits within 18 sq km of protected teak forest, where chital, nilgai and plenty of birdlife are often seen wandering around. Then, of course, there are the Asiatic lions. Game drives head into the park with expert naturalists and forest guides, with leopards and more than 300 species of birds also part of the landscape.
The 18 double-storey kothis bring a distinctly Gujarati touch to the stay, with sandstone jalis, Kutchi lippan art and locally woven textiles. The design language balances the scales between traditional influence and elegant simplicity. Each has its own shaded courtyard, plunge pool and first-floor verandah overlooking the forest. Come evening, you might even hear a lion’s distant roar.
The Maharaja’s Lodge, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
A day at Taj Hotel's The Maharaja’s Lodge begins with the promise of a tiger sighting and ends with a little bit of royal history. Built in 1933 as the private home of the Jaipur royal family, the property is now a Taj hotel spread across 16 acres of lawns, kitchen gardens and old trees.
Safaris head into Ranthambore National Park, where tigers, leopards, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, sambar and chital inhabit the dhok forests and grasslands. Back at the intimate 39-room retreat, the royal past is still very much part of the experience, from the teakwood-lined dining room and archival photographs to the former royal quarters, now the two-bedroom Presidential Suite. At their restaurant 1728, the Rajasthani thali brings laal maas, ker sangri and dal baati churma to the table.
The House of Rumbak Wildlife Lodge, Ladakh
For a safari experience that looks a little different from the usual, The House of Rumbak takes you into the Trans-Himalayas, where snow leopards share the landscape with blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan wild asses and red foxes. Rumbak sits close to Hemis National Park, making it a base for exploring Ladakh’s high-altitude wildlife. The region is home to around 33 species of mammals and 276 species of birds, including the black-necked crane, which nests and raises its young here.
Around 40 km from Leh airport, the drive winds through narrow valleys along the Indus before reaching the lodge, set on a plateau overlooking the Rumbak River and snow-capped mountains. Its six cottages use local materials and come equipped with floor heating, wood stoves and double-glazed windows. The common dining and lounge area serves Ladakhi, Indian and international dishes, with a traditional wood stove keeping things warm and freshly baked treats from the in-house bakery.
Bagh Tola & Founders Camp, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh (Top Spot on The Style List's 50 Best Boutique Hotels 2026)
At Bagh Tola, there are two ways to settle into Bandhavgarh. The original Jungle Lodge offers an intimate, wildlife-focused stay near the Magadhi Zone and Khitauli Gate, while the newer Founders Camp takes things up a notch with more space, privacy and a distinctly luxurious feel. Set across 30 forested acres adjoining the national park, Founders Camp has just a handful of tented suites, each nearly 1,000 sq. ft., with jungle-facing decks, bathtubs and plenty of room for families. And the wildlife doesn’t always wait for the safari to begin. Tigers have been known to visit the camp’s waterhole, while mornings come with the sounds of langurs and spotted deer.
Across both stays, guests can head out on private safaris and guided forest walks, or try stargazing, machan viewing and photography tours. Back at Founders Camp, wood-fired meals, jungle-inspired thalis, forest breakfasts and dinners under the stars round out the experience. Whether you choose the cosy original lodge or the more expansive Founders Camp, the wilderness remains very much at the centre of the stay.
Banjaar Tola, Kanha, Madhya Pradesh
Set along the Banjaar River beside Kanha National Park, Banjaar Tola, a Taj Hotel, makes a strong case for letting the setting do the talking. Eighteen guest huts are spread across two camps, East and West, each with its own bar, lounge, dining room and pool, while the forested riverfront brings the wilderness right to your doorstep.
Daily safaris with expert guides take guests into Kanha in search of tigers, while back at the lodge, the experience is deliberately unhurried. The tented huts feature jungle-facing bathtubs, walk-in showers and woven bamboo or canvas walls, with local Bastar-inspired metalwork adding character. Meals draw from the lodge’s organic garden, and the river views can bring their own surprises, from children splashing in the water to the occasional leopard high in a tree across the bank.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett, Uttarakhand
For a safari stay that feels as much about slowing down as it does about spotting a tiger, Jim’s Jungle Retreat is a good place to settle in. Bordering Jim Corbett National Park, the retreat is surrounded by forest and built around reconnecting with nature. The naturalists are present on-ground to introduce guests to the region’s wildlife and ecosystem.
The lodges and cottages take their cues from Raj-era bungalows and old forest lodges, with plush fabrics and plenty of thoughtful details. There are no televisions in the rooms, but there’s a library, pool and jungle-inspired spa to help you slow down. Food at the property draws from the Nawab’s kitchen in Rampur, Kumaoni traditions and Raj-era recipes. For something a little more memorable, the team can arrange a bush dinner among the tall grass or beside the pool under lantern light.
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini, Karnataka
Inspired by the Hadis, or traditional tribal villages, Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge brings together local craft and contemporary luxury, with the Kabini River bordering two sides of the property. Set at the cusp of Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, the lodge is a base for exploring a landscape home to Asian elephants, tigers, leopards and wild dogs, alongside seven species of ungulates, two species of primates and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
But there’s more to Kabini than the usual game drive. Guests can visit a Jenu Kuruba settlement and hear stories of the community over a cup of jaggery kaapi, take a coracle or bullock cart ride along the river, or join a naturalist-led night trail to discover the insects, amphibians and reptiles that come out after dark. Back at the lodge, the riverfront setting and stories of the local community bring another side of Kabini into focus. The stay in Kabini is inspired in design by the Hadis or tribal villages; the Pool huts are inspired by the dwellings of the Kuruba tribes and The Safari Hut subtly incorporates the colours and textures of the landscape.
Brij Tara, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Opening in October 2026, Brij Tara is a new 17-key retreat spread across nine acres at the edge of Ranthambore National Park. Designed around the rhythms of a Rajasthani home, the property brings together luxury villas, cottages and suites, each with a private garden or heated plunge pool. At its centre is a private lake, making a rather beautiful spot to slow down between safaris.
Beyond the tiger safari, guests can head out on Chambal crocodile safaris and river cruises, go birdwatching at Surwal or explore the landscape on horseback, on guided treks and nature walks. Back at the property, Arama Spa, Sunrise Yoga and a mix of local experiences, from lac bangle making to cooking sessions, keep things interesting. Dining follows the same regional thread, with Rajasthani recipes and open-fire cooking at Tara Mahal, cocktails inspired by the forest at Mehfil and private dinners by the lake.
Tipai Wildlife Luxuries, Tipeshwar, Maharashtra
Tipai sits on the edge of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary across 34 acres, making it a sanctuary for the soul. The forest is very much part of the stay, with safaris in search of tigers, sloth bears, deer, peacocks and birds, although there’s plenty to notice even when the tiger stays hidden. Wake up to the gush of our seasonal stream, the hush of the forest or the buzz of cicadas at the Forest Villa or stay at the Pool Residences to sight the rivulet that meanders between the forest.
What makes Tipai particularly memorable is how much of the experience comes back to the land around it. Vegetables and herbs grown on the farm find their way into the kitchen, while Palaash, the forest restaurant, puts a modern spin on Vidarbha flavours. There’s also Aaste, the spa, for Ayurvedic treatments using native ingredients. It’s a stay that gives you plenty to do between safaris, without ever feeling like you need to rush.
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura, Madhya Pradesh (Part of The Style List's 50 Best Boutique Hotels 2026)
At Reni Pani, is set close to Satpura Tiger Reserve and the conservation-focused lodge offers walking, canoeing, cycling and camping safaris alongside jeep and motorboat excursions. Its tents sit around a perennial waterhole, so wildlife sightings can begin right from the property, while the surrounding teak forests, rugged hillocks and seasonal nullahs make for a striking setting.
For something a little different, guests can also explore the forest on horseback, riding along sandy trails and through teak and bamboo forests. After a morning in the saddle, breakfast under a mahua tree makes for a rather lovely way to return to the lodge.
The Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa, Pobitora, Assam (Part of The Style List's 50 Best Boutique Hotels 2026)
If you’re heading to Assam for rhinos, the Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa Pobitora puts you close to the action. Set beside the Brahmaputra and on the edge of Mayong village, the retreat is near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to one of the country’s highest densities of greater one-horned rhinos. Jeep and elephant safaris head into the sanctuary, while winter brings migratory birds and the chance to spot Gangetic dolphins along the river.
Back at the retreat, the 16 log-hut cottages take their cues from traditional Assamese architecture, with gabled roofs and rooms raised on stilts for the monsoon. Assamese flavours take centre stage at Baan Kaahi, while village walks and river cruises offer a closer look at local life. And when the day winds down, there’s the Brahmaputra to watch from your balcony.
Red Panda Outpost, Eastern Nepal
For a safari experience that goes beyond tigers and leopards, Pugdundee Safaris’ Red Panda Outpost takes you into the high-altitude forests of eastern Nepal. Set at 10,000 feet in Jaubari, right on the India–Nepal border, it’s surprisingly accessible from India, with a five-hour drive from Bagdogra Airport. The six-room lodge was once a local teahouse and now combines cosy mountain interiors with Nepali craft and local textiles.
The real draw is the red panda. Tracking takes place across the border in Nepal, with teams heading into the forest in search of these elusive creatures. When you finally spot one curled up high in an oak tree, the wait feels entirely worth it. Back at the lodge, a wood-fired bukhari and regional Nepali meals are exactly what you want after a day in the mountains.
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