5 luxury wilderness retreats in India to rejuvenate your mind at the end of the year

There has been a major shift when it comes to investing in luxury and travel in the last few years. Travel enthusiasts have begun to view luxury as an experience that should fulfil one internally, increasingly linking it with the value of living wholesome lives—and nature and wilderness have become an incredibly important part of this evolving definition of luxury.

This change in what we now desire out of a truly wholesome experience has created the perfect sweet spot for us to look at luxury wilderness experiences in India and pick five retreats that offer a once in a lifetime experiences that will indulge your senses and refresh your mind.

AMAN-i-KHÁS | RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN 

Ten decadent tents with Mughal-inspired aesthetics against the backdrop of green and gold hues of the Ranthambore National Park will leave you feeling one with your surroundings and completely at peace. Personally curated safari trips through the national park are balanced with unparalleled dining and swimming and spa therapy services within the property, creating everlasting memories of Indian hospitality. 

PASHAN GARH, A TAJ SAFARI | PANNA NATIONAL PARK, MADHYA PRADESH 

Amidst 200 acres of private wilderness, this is a storybook experience of twelve stone cottages huddled on top of a hill with a sweeping view of dense foliage. The stone architecture natural to the region is balanced beautifully with rich textiles and vintage furniture to curate an old world sense of comfort. With a beckoning pool shaded by trees, a lookout tower for spending your days bird watching and nights stargazing, and a night safari experience with resident naturalists, this property truly transports you into the era you seek in novels and period movies.

SUJÁN SHER BAGH | RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN

A pioneer in conservation and social philanthropy, this luxury property not only curates experiences that’ll leave you mesmerised, but also successfully makes a social impact. Celebrating the love that the founding family has for the land where lions roam, Sher Bagh offers a glimpse into the art de vivre of the regal lifestyle of safari’s and camping under the star lit skies. With twelve custom designed tented suites including the resplendent family “Machhli” suite, guests can also experience farm-to-table dining, organically luxurious spa services under their iconic Peepul tree, and personally curated safari experiences. 

AALIA JUNGLE RETREAT & SPA, BANDARJUDH | HARIDWAR, UTTARAKHAND

Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, a nostalgic three hour drive from the capital city—this luxury tent resort is a recent addition to the Claridges family. An evocative reminder of colonial charm married to modern day style, it offers eleven spacious and ultra-luxe tents, an iconic pool, an expansive spa, and fanciful adventures like archery, horse riding, and safari among more. As it shares a boundary with the buffer zone of Rajaji National Park, a tiger reserve, you can take in the unparalleled beauty of nature through safari trips personalised to your desire. 

MAHUA KOTHI, A TAJ SAFARI | BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK, MADHYA PRADESH

Named after the cherished Mahua Tree that calls the region home, this luxury property consists of twelve standalone luxury cottages that celebrate the rich local architecture. The 45 acre private property offers the guests an immersive wilderness experience, a stunning pool shaded by the vivid greenery to cool down in, and a large fireplace to cocoon them into a sense of luxury innate to the natural surroundings. Guests also adore the tradition of picking their choice of fresh produce from the private organic gardens that form a part of the lodge and the vast selection of treatments provided by some of the best in-house masseurs.