As travellers rethink what the festive season should feel like, Christmas spent in the wild or surrounded by nature is emerging as one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate. Instead of crowded brunches
or bustling malls, more people are escaping to mist-soaked forests, snow-covered villages, quiet riverbanks and wildlife-rich landscapes. From tiger reserves and Himalayan hamlets to tea estates and serene backwaters, nature-led retreats across India are witnessing a surge in holiday demand. These destinations offer what the season often lacks stillness, connection and a renewed sense of wonder.
With cosy lodges, intimate bonfires, warm regional cuisine and immersive wilderness experiences, they create a Christmas atmosphere that feels both grounding and magical. For those seeking adventure, serenity or simply a refreshing change, here are some nature-first escapes to consider for your Christmas getaway this year.
1. Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh
Tucked into 21 acres of untouched forest, Tree House Hideaway in Bandhavgarh offers a rare blend of seclusion, adventure and festive warmth, perfect for a Christmas getaway. Its five handcrafted tree houses, named after native trees, rise above the jungle canopy, giving you a cosy perch from which to savour misty mornings, birdsong and the soft winter sun. Spend quiet hours wrapped in the comfort of your wooden hideout or head out for exhilarating tiger safaris through one of India’s most iconic reserves. Evenings bring hearty, locally inspired meals served around a century-old Mahua tree and the charm of a crackling bush dinner under starry skies. With its intimate setting, immersive wilderness experiences and soul-warming cuisine, this retreat transforms Christmas into a magical celebration in the heart of nature.
2. Snow Leopard Lodge, Ulley
Set high in the remote village of Ulley, the Snow Leopard Lodge offers a Christmas escape unlike any other, one wrapped in pristine silence, snow-draped mountains and the thrill of exploring true wilderness. As the only dedicated wildlife lodge in Ladakh, it provides a warm, comfortable base for tracking the elusive snow leopard with expert spotters who understand every nuance of this rugged landscape. Heated rooms, hearty meals, hot water bottles and cosy lounges ensure comfort during the high-altitude winter, while panoramic views and crisp mountain air create a festive atmosphere. Days are spent scanning ridgelines for ibex, foxes and the ghost of the mountains; evenings bring camaraderie over films, stories and steaming cups of tea. For those seeking a Christmas filled with adventure, serenity and unforgettable natural beauty, the Snow Leopard Lodge is the ultimate winter sanctuary.
3. Utsav Camp Sariska
Just minutes from Sariska National Park, Utsav Camp Sariska offers a peaceful Christmas escape where wilderness, comfort and serenity come together beautifully. Tucked amid the Aravalli hills, ancient boulders and lush forest, the camp features thoughtfully designed Stone Cabins, Forest Bungalows and luxurious Forest Villas—each offering a cosy, nature-immersive stay ideal for the winter season. Crisp December mornings are perfect for birdwatching, wilderness walks or a sunrise horse ride, while evenings invite you to unwind over high tea at Baithak or a magical starlit dinner by the boulders. With private outdoor experiences, rejuvenating spa therapies and a soothing digital-detox ambience, the camp provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet, restorative and memorable Christmas holiday—far from the city yet deeply connected to nature’s warmth and wonder.
4. Kanha Earth Lodge
Kanha Earth Lodge offers a serene Christmas escape, cradled by 16 acres of natural forest and designed in harmony with traditional Gond architecture. Its twelve eco-luxe cottages, crafted from mud plaster, local stone and recycled wood, open onto wide verandas with uninterrupted views of Kanha’s wilderness, an idyllic setting for slow mornings with a warm cuppa or quiet afternoons in the winter sun. Thoughtfully appointed with spacious lounges, organic toiletries and elegant en-suite bathrooms, each bungalow blends comfort with sustainability. After a day spent on safaris, nature walks or cycling trails, return to hearty, locally inspired meals and cosy evenings by the infinity pool or reading lounge. With its immersive jungle setting, environmentally conscious design and calming festive ambience, the lodge transforms Christmas into a peaceful, nature-embraced celebration.
5. The Lodge at Wah, Palampur
Set amidst the rolling tea gardens of Palampur, The Lodge at Wah offers a warm and soulful Christmas retreat rooted in nature and craftsmanship. Built entirely with local mud, slate, river stone and reclaimed wood, the cottages blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a comforting, earthy ambience ideal for the winter season. Each room is designed with cosy bedding, all-weather heating and electric warmers—perfect for crisp December nights. Days unfold with tea estate walks, tea-tasting sessions, yoga in the gardens and quiet moments in the Tea Room, while evenings come alive with bonfires, stargazing and intimate candlelit dinners. With its eco-friendly ethos, serene setting and personal hospitality, The Lodge at Wah promises a Christmas getaway filled with warmth, simplicity and the gentle charm of the Himalayan countryside.
6. Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga
Nestled on the edge of Kaziranga National Park, Diphlu River Lodge offers an intimate Christmas retreat where the wilderness feels close enough to touch. With only twelve charming stilted cottages, some overlooking the river, others facing golden winter paddies—the lodge creates a warm, secluded ambience ideal for a festive break away from the rush. Thoughtfully crafted with bamboo, wood and local artefacts, each cottage opens onto a private verandah where you can sip Assam tea as birdsong fills the crisp December air. Days unfold with immersive safaris, serene river moments at the Machan or relaxing treatments at the jungle spa. Evenings bring fireside gatherings, cultural performances and hearty meals that celebrate the flavours of Assam. For a Christmas holiday wrapped in nature, comfort and quiet wonder, Diphlu River Lodge is an unforgettable choice.
7. Denwa Backwater Escape, Satpura
Denwa Backwater Escape is a tranquil retreat set along the shimmering backwaters of the Denwa River, surrounded by ten acres of lush Satpura forest. Its contemporary safari-style cottages and tree houses crafted from stone, baked tiles and recycled wood offer warmth, comfort and sweeping views of the river, hills and grasslands. Spacious verandas, handcrafted décor and cosy interiors create the ideal setting for slow winter mornings and starlit festive evenings. What makes Christmas here especially magical is the immersive connection with nature: boat safaris through misty backwaters, canoe rides at sunrise, walking safaris, birding trails and night patrols that reveal the park’s nocturnal secrets. Between adventures, unwind at the pool, browse the library or savour hearty meals inspired by local flavours. Seamlessly blending eco-luxury with wilderness charm, it is a peaceful, soul-stirring escape for the holiday season.
8. Windermere Estate, Munnar
Tucked away on a quiet cliffside in Munnar, Windermere Estate offers a Christmas escape filled with warmth, serenity and old-world charm. With just eighteen handcrafted rooms built around the historic Planter’s Bungalow, the estate feels more like a welcoming home than a hotel. Misty mornings, sweeping tea-valley views and the scent of cardamom create an atmosphere perfect for slowing down during the festive season. Days can be spent wandering through plantations, curling up with a book in the storybook-style library or soaking in the winter sun in the gardens. Evenings bring the magic of communal bonfires under the iconic boulder, home-style meals at The Barn and quiet moments by the fireplace. Intimate, nature-rich and deeply personal, Windermere Estate is an idyllic setting for a peaceful, heartfelt Christmas retreat.
9. Bookmark Resorts Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore
Nestled on the edge of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Bookmark Resorts Jogi Mahal offers a Christmas escape where wilderness meets understated luxury. Surrounded by serene forests and the soft winter light of Rajasthan, the resort feels both indulgent and deeply calming—an ideal setting for a festive break away from crowded cities. Spacious rooms infused with Rajasthani warmth, private plunge pools and views of the Aravalli hills create a cosy haven for the season. Days unfold at a relaxed pace: sunrise safaris, leisurely breakfasts, soothing spa rituals or simply unwinding by the pool. Evenings bring refined dining at Sawai Café, where regional flavours and global classics receive thoughtful attention. With its quiet atmosphere, elegant design and proximity to nature, Bookmark Resorts Jogi Mahal is a perfect place to celebrate Christmas in tranquil luxury.
10. jüSTa Lazy Haven, Corbett
Nestled in lush greenery near Jim Corbett National Park, jüSTa Lazy Haven Corbett offers a peaceful Christmas escape where nature and comfort align beautifully. Its spacious rooms and cottage-style accommodations feature private balconies overlooking serene forest views—perfect for crisp winter mornings with a hot cuppa. Spend your days on thrilling safaris, scenic walks or ziplining adventures, and return to unwind by the open-air pool or indulge in rejuvenating spa therapies. Evenings are best enjoyed around a warm bonfire on the lawns, followed by festive meals at Sabor’s alfresco dining space. Ideal for couples, families and small groups, the resort’s intimate setting, soothing ambience and immersive wilderness experiences make it a wonderful choice for a calm, refreshing and nature-embraced Christmas celebration.
