World Tiger Day 2026: 8 Luxury Forest Lodges In India For An Unforgettable Tiger Safari

They say although there is no guarantee of you seeing a tiger on your safari, there is a high chance that they are watching you. A pug mark, a scratch on the tree, the screech of the monkeys or the calm of the deer drinking water signifies either they have already been around or might come anytime soon. With 3,6882 wild tigers in India as of 2022, the enthusiasm of seeking the big cat is ever-increasing. Resorts and forest lodges are being built closer to their habitat to give guests the semblance of living in a forest while being in the safety of a luxury property. To satiate your wildlife enthusiasm, visit these forest lodges in India as we celebrate World Tiger Day 2026. 

The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh

Once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh is now one of India's premier destinations for tiger spotting. Its landscape, comprising ancient sal forests, bamboo groves, and dramatic rocky outcrops, creates a spectacular setting for encountering the charismatic big cat in its natural habitat. Nestled in the fringe zone of this forest is the Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort. Spread across 20 acres, the resort offers just 21 accommodations, ensuring an exclusive experience while minimising its environmental impact. One of its highlights is a serene lake that creates a haven of peace within the property. The open-air restaurant and the 18-metre infinity-edge swimming pool further enhance the resort's charm, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its surrounding natural environment. Although monsoon keeps the core zone closed, the buffer zone is open the year round for visitors to have a memorable safari experience.

Baghvan, A Taj Safari, Pench National Park

If you have grown up reading “The Jungle Book,” then you are already familiar with the fictitious rendition of this forest. Spanning across the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench is known for its high density of prey animals. A few minutes away is Baghvan. It has 12 standalone colonial bungalows hidden among the trees near a dry riverbed, which becomes a pathway for animals living along the forest fringes in the summer. The resort is complete with a machan, or lookout area, from where you can scan the forest, and a bird, a monkey, a distant jackal or maybe the tiger’s roar will be your companion. Core zones are shut during monsoons, but you can enjoy a safari in the lush forests of the buffer zone.

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini Forest Reserve

Further south, we have the Kabini Forest Reserve, part of the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. Large herds of elephants and the elusive big cats like leopards and tigers frequent this forest. Stay at the Evolve Back, a luxury eco-resort on the edge of the river with a design inspired by the indigenous Kadu Kuruba tribe. You can enjoy vehicle or boat safaris in the Nagarhole National Park, guided walks with naturalists or enjoy the property with its blend of traditional mud walls and thatched huts with high-end modern comforts. Kabini Forest Reserve remains open year long.

Brij Sone Bagh, Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh is also the origin place of all captive white tigers in India. Open from October to June, it is another favourite destination for wildlife enthusiasts in India. The Brij Sone Bagh, nestled in the Vindhya hills, is the ultimate hideaway which offers guests an intimate exploration of the forests, ancient forts and tribal culture. Sustainability is at the core of this retreat as they integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations. Passive cooling techniques, wildlife-friendly lighting, and the use of natural materials ensure the retreat remains energy-efficient and in harmony with the natural world.

Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Jim Corbett National Park

This is the oldest national park in India established in 1936, and located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. Jim’s jungle retreat is located between the Himalayan foothills in the north and the ancient Shivaliks in the south. The resort comes with the forest and mountain vistas, countless bird spotting opportunities and a range of walks and safaris to choose from. The gastronomic experience also pays homage to the cuisines from Kumaon, the Raj and the newabi kitchens of Rampur. Although core zones close during monsoon, buffer zones like Jhirni Dhela and Sitabani generally stay open year long.

Svasara Jungle Lodge, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Tadoba comes from the name of the god, “Tadoba” or “Taru” worshiped by the tribal people who live in the dense forest of the region. Andhari comes from the river Andhari that meanders through the forest. According to legend, Taru was a village chief who was killed in a mythological encounter with a tiger, post which he was deified and a shrine dedicated to him exists beneath a tree on the banks of the Tadoba Lake. Svasara is the first jungle lodge in the conscious luxury chain, located just 2 hours away from Nagpur. While tiger safaris continue to remain one of the prime attractions of Tadoba, do not forget to admire the oriental spiny orb-weaver spider which can be found in these forests. There are also a range of butterflies and insects which make it equally a treat for nature enthusiasts. Core zones are closed during monsoons but buffer zones remain open year round.

Tathastu Resort, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Another resort in Tadoba that brings you closer to its majestic wildlife is the Tathastu Resort. This nature-inspired getaway features an in-house spa, a woodpecker-themed restaurant, bonfires, boating, kayaking and birdwatching experiences. If that is not reason enough to visit, Tadoba recently witnessed the sighting of two tigresses, Choti Madhu with three cubs and Kajri with four cubs, making now a specially exciting time to plan a safari in the reserve.

Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore

This national park in Rajasthan grew around a 10th-century royal fortress and former imperial hunting ground. From its beginnings as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 to becoming one of India's first Tiger Reserves in 1973, and later a National Park in 1980, Ranthambore has evolved into one of the country's premier destinations for tiger safaris. Sightings here are not confined to the forest alone, they often occur around the fort and even along nearby village roads, making Ranthambore an appealing choice during the monsoon, when only the buffer zones remain open. Located close to these entry gates, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is an ideal base for those seeking a luxurious stay paired with authentic local cuisine. Complete with traditional folk performances and starlit bush dinners, the resort offers an immersive experience that captures the spirit of the jungle.

With the increasing popularity of wildlife tourism, comes a greater responsibility of being a conscious traveller. While the big cats are the chief attractions in many reserves of the country, the preservation of the big cats ensures the sustenance of an entire ecosystem of flora and fauna. So the next time you check-in and get to say hello to the tigers, do not forget to be a gentle guest in their homeland.  

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