Rural & Wilderness Escapes

Hidden in small villages or amongst densest forests and mountain scenery are a number of rural and wilderness retreats that let you explore the wild and local communities without giving up on man-made luxuries. Many of these places have no cell reception and limited technology, and this means that you finally get to give those aching fingers and your social media profiles a rest.

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Wilderness retreats in India promise to offer a truly distinct and memorable stay. From the majestic mountains of the north to the sleepy backwaters of the south, these retreats are excellent at pampering guests and presenting magical surroundings without compromising on their sense of style.

Waking up to songs sung by birds, spending time doing activities you haven’t tried out in decades, walking for miles without bothering about your mobile phones, exploring nature at its beautiful best, spending a moment of peace away from prying eyes in a country famous for its apparent lack of privacy – these are just some of the things in store for you in the wilderness retreats of India.

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Alwar, Rajasthan – Amanbagh

An oasis among the rugged outcrops of the Aravalli mountain range, Amanbagh is a Rajasthani retreat informed by Mughal style. Just 90 minutes from Jaipur, the Bengal tiger sanctuary of Sariska National Park is a short drive away.

Bandhavgarh NP, Madhya Pradesh – Samode Safari Lodge

Committed to eco-tourism, the Samode Safari Lodge uses natural materials and elements of regional art and architecture, with eco-friendly landscaping and water management systems. It has been designed and built with the lightest possible environmental footprint. The aim was to create luxury in the most sustainable manner.

Banni Village, Gujarat – Shaam E Sarhad Village Resort

The Hodka Endogenous Tourism seeks to promote Local Culture and Craft based Tourism for Sustainable Livelihoods and integrated rural development. Imagine an authentic and charming retreat complemented by the unique experience of being hosted by the local community and the richness of culture that awaits you here.

Binsar, Uttarakhand – Tree of Life Grand Oak Manor

The Tree of Life Grand Oak Manor is nestled in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kumaon hills (Uttarakhand), 25 kms from Almora. It was in 1856 that the then British Commissioner of Kumaon, General Sir Henry Ramsay, cousin to Lord Dalhousie, the Viceroy of India, acquired this piece of land and built his private home.In 1931, the property was purchased by Rai Bahadur Harkishan Lal Sah Gangola and has stayed in the family since.

Chikmagalur, Karnataka – Taj Gateway Chikmagalur

Taj Gateway, Chikmagalur is a rare blend of colonial architecture and contemporary efficiency. With facilities and amenities designed to the taste of modern travellers, Gateway Chikmagalur offers a new-age experience in the lap of nature.

Coorg, Karnataka – Evolve Back (Orange County)

When you step into the portals of Evolve Back (Orange County), Coorg, you leave one world behind, and step seamlessly into another: the bygone era of the Gentleman Planter ensconced in the cocooned comforts of a lush plantation paradise, perfumed with the subtle intoxicating aroma of coffee and spice.

Coorg, Karnataka – Vivanta by Taj Madikeri

Lose yourself in one of the best luxury resorts in Coorg. Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri, Coorg is the perfect place to rediscover yourself. Travel to the bosom of an 180-acre rainforest and take in the glorious sights and sounds of raw, untamed natural environments.The hills of Coorg are alive with more than 250 species of plants. Constructed amidst nature, not a single rock has been displaced. The Coorg-style structures will melt away stress. Sloping roofs, pillars, open-to-sky entrances and mundu mane – a central courtyard surrounded by rooms that open into it are built in a traditional architectural style.

Darjeeling, West Bengal – Glenburn Tea Estate

Glenburn is a heavenly little plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, near Darjeeling overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range. Guests are accommodated in one of our two bungalows, each comprising four suites and common areas, gardens, verandahs and terraces accessible to all our guests.

Dibrugarh, Assam – Mancotta Chang Bungalow

Mancotta Chang Bungalow is located in the middle of Mancotta Tea Estate, just outside Dibrugarh, 5km from railway station; 15km from the airport. This 157-year-old bungalow was built by British tea planters offering six double rooms with wooden floors, king size beds all with ensuite facilities. The accommodation also offers facilities like Laundry, shoe shine, complimentary newspaper and food with cuisine varying from traditional Assamese cuisine, Indian, continental to oriental.

Dindigul, Tamil Nadu – Rajakkad Estate

At 1000 meters above sea level and set in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Rajakkad Estate offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity. Life here has changed very little over the last century. Whilst offering great comfort, Rajakkad remains simple and authentic. Seven bedrooms provide space and elegance with en-suite bathrooms, with an extra bed for a child if requested. All bedrooms are accessed through the main courtyard beneath the flowering trees, each room connecting privately through sliding doors to the garden.

Hassan, Karnataka – Hoysala Village Resort

Far from city life and deep in Karnataka‘s historical hinterland is Belur & Halebid. Let your imagination run wild in the midst of the stone monuments as you are transported into the realms of a bygone era. Nestled in the midst of sunflower fields, Hoysala Village Resort forms the perfect base from which to explore these hidden gems. The use of tall wooden ceilings, four-poster beds and copper tubs gives our discerning guests the true experience of life in the Malnad region.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – Suryagarh

Opposites attract. At Suryagarh, they go hand in hand. Combining the modern and the medieval, the timeless and the timely, the spartan and the sumptuous. For you, this would mean a tryst with wanton luxury, great reasons to indulge your wanderlust, and the sort of pampering that heretofore, was the privilege of princelings. When you really want to get away from it all, sometimes the only thing to do is to get away from it all.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – The Serai

A luxury desert camp and spa, The Serai has 21, large canvas tents set on thirty acres of a hundred acre estate of indigenous desert scrub in the Great Thar Desert. The camp has a pool inspired by a traditional Indian step-well, a Spa created by Raison d’être, one of the leading Spa companies in the world, a Dining Tent, and Lounge Bar.

Kanha NP, Madhya Pradesh – Kipling Camp

Kipling Camp is so much more than just accommodation; this is where the late Mark Shand’ Elephant Tara now lives. I have been lucky enough to meet her and give her a wash in the local watering-hole, it was the highlight of my trip

Karauli, Rajasthan – Ramathra Fort

Ramathra Fort lies between two of India’s internationally famous wildlife reserves, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur. The closest wilderness area, Kailadevi National Park, is just 15 kms away. The fort, the lake, and countryside are the three big attractions of Ramathra Fort. The ideal season to enjoy Ramathra is between the months of July and March.

Kodikulam, Kerala – Dewalokam Homestay

A stay at Dewalokam is a truly unique way to relax and unwind in our peaceful and unspoilt heaven. Enjoy our home grown produce freshly cooked as you sample gourmet traditional Keralan food and join the professional chefs in our state-of-the-art kitchen in informal learn-to-cook sessions.

Kottayam, Kerala – Anurgraha

Anugraha is an elegant homestay in Aymanam, in the central Kerala district of Kottayam. Located near the popular lakefront tourist spot of Kumarakom, this house along the Meenachil River backwaters is an ode to slow living, Keralan hospitality and the natural splendours of this tropical travel destination.

Kottayam, Kerala – Phillipkutty’s Farm

Staying at Philipkutty’s Farm is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the real Keralan experience in a fascinating location, with a caring family to look after you. It is a special place, as it provides something different, especially for those who prefer small, friendly places, and it is the perfect hideaway for the bespoke traveller.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – Neeralaya

Neeralaya, Kullu Himachal Pradesh. Rural retreats in India. Neeralaya is built from old recycled timber, stone and slates sourced locally. Located on the banks of the river Beas, surrounded by forest and orchards on the other two sides, Neeralaya is completely isolated from the crowds that make a beeline for the hills to escape the summer heat.

Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh – Oberoi Wildflower Hall

Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener rebuilt Wildflower Hall which recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Wood panelling and original artwork create an aura of old world charm. Teak wood floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings complemented by spectacular views make the rooms very special retreats.