Maharaja's Lodge, Ranthambore
Step back in time at Maharaja's Lodge, a Taj hotel in Ranthambore, Rajasthan, once the royal hunting ground of Jaipur's maharajas. Built in 1933, this
lodge offers a nostalgic experience with vintage decor and artifacts from its past. Located near the national park's core zones, it provides a prime base for tiger and leopard safaris. The property features cosy rooms, a grand dining hall offering authentic Rajasthani thalis like lal maas and dal bati churma, and amenities such as a spa, pool, and a bar. This heritage property allows guests to immerse themselves in the region's rich history and wildlife. The Presidential Suite notably hosted Maharani Gayatri Devi and Queen Elizabeth II.
Rhino & River Retreat, Assam
Experience the unparalleled density of Greater One-Horned rhinoceros at The Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa in Pobitora, Assam. Situated on 5 acres with the Brahmaputra river at its doorstep, this newly operational resort offers a boutique experience. Its 16 log hut cottages, designed by Aku Zeliang, reflect traditional Assamese architecture on stilts. Guests can enjoy a spa offering Northeast healing rituals, a dining area overlooking the pool, and Assamese cuisine focused on rice, fish, and citrus at the Baan Kaahi restaurant. Activities include village walks in Mayong, bird spotting, and river cruises. Elephant safaris offer close encounters with the over 100 rhinos in the sanctuary, alongside wild buffalo, boars, and pangolins. Rare Gangetic dolphins and migratory birds are also highlights.
Brij Sone Bagh, Bandhavgarh
Nestled within 32 forested acres bordering Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Brij Sone Bagh provides an immersive wildlife experience. Its five villas are constructed using local stone and timber, adorned with cane, bamboo, and tribal textiles, echoing the Vindhya hills. Each villa is uniquely themed around a native animal, featuring artwork inspired by Madhya Pradesh's folk traditions like Bagh Print and Gond art. Guests can enjoy private sit-outs, plunge pools, and uninterrupted views of the sal forest. The retreat is conveniently located five minutes from the park's Tala gate and offers nature walks, village trails to Bijhariya, Rancha, and Tala Bazaar, cooking classes featuring regional recipes, and block printing workshops. Culinary offerings draw from Bandhavgarhi practices, including fish steamed in bamboo and chutneys from seasonal fruits. The Elephant Bar and an old Jamun tree provide serene outdoor dining spots.
Red Panda Outpost, Jaubari
Pugdundee Safaris presents Red Panda Outpost, perched at 10,000 ft along the Indo-Nepal border in Jaubari, Nepal. This retreat, originally a local family teahouse, has been revitalized while preserving its mountain character. The property blends seamlessly with village houses, distinguished by prayer wheels and a signboard. Inside, it features vibrant wooden walls and floors designed for warmth, with an aesthetic inspired by Nepali teahouses but elevated for comfort. An eight-member team manages the property, with an in-house naturalist from Chitwan, Nepal, enhancing guest experiences with local knowledge. The accommodation includes six bedrooms spread across two levels. Meals are a fusion of contemporary and Nepali cuisine, served in a communal dining area. Its prime location offers access to Singalila National Park, a biodiversity hotspot with over 350 bird species and mammals like the clouded leopard and Himalayan black bear, crucial habitat for the red panda.
