Sustainable Jungle Retreats in India

Spotting a wild tiger in the jungles of India is crucial, but taking time to relax after a strenuous 3-hour gypsy journey is equally important. Escape the concrete jungles and plan a stay at these sustainable properties that are close to wilderness and leave a positive handprint.

Ketki Gadre gives you places to escape the concrete jungles and plan a stay at these sustainable properties that are close to wilderness and leave a positive handprint.

Waghoba Eco Lodge – Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Waghoba Eco Lodge offers 14 exclusive luxury cottages inspired by local tribal villages. The Eco Lodge has adopted Environment Social Governance (ESG), the international sustainability criteria for hotels, and is aligned with its commitments. From green architecture to waste treatment, from using local ingredients to wildlife conservation, from energy-efficient cooling to gender equality in staff, the eco-lodge has shown its commitment in a real sense.

The lodge won the prestigious John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2023 in its Outstanding Category, during the 6th TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards.

Address: Waghoba Eco Lodge, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Near Khutwanda Gate, Village Wadala Tukum, Tehsil Bhadravati, Dist Chandrapur, Maharashtra – 442906

Phone No: +91–11-40146400 | +91–11-40132687 | +91–11-40132103

Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa – Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, with its carefully curated tented accommodations, seamlessly combines colonial charm, subtle elegance, and contemporary finesse. Located on the fringe of Rajaji National Park, the tailor-made safari experiences will make the explorer’s heart thump with excitement.

The resort offers a diverse range of cuisines, using locally sourced ingredients and flavours that reflect the essence of the region. The resort also offers mindful activities such as guided yoga and meditation sessions amidst the natural surroundings, fostering a deep connection with the environment. A relaxing and revitalizing spa here also ensures a rejuvenated mind and soul.

Address: Aalia Jungle Retreat and Spa, Khasra no. 192, 193 &194, Village Lalwala Mazbata, Bandarjudh, Tehsil Bhagwanpur, Uttarakhand – 247662

Phone No.: +91 11 3955 5000

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Thoughtfully designed, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is dedicated to wildlife and conservation, seamlessly blending with nature while delivering impeccable hospitality. Located in the buffer zone of the Satpura National Park, the lodge has cottages and luxury tents using locally sourced materials.

The emphasis at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge lies in eco-friendly methods of exploring the jungle and surrounding areas, providing options such as walking, canoeing, cycling, and camping safaris, in addition to traditional jeep and motorboat excursions for wildlife observation. The lodge also offers many curated exclusive experiences involving the local communities.

Address: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge near Sohagpur, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh – 461771

Phone No.: +91 99 81997714 | +91 98 9312 6773

Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding villages, Samode Safari Lodge’s architecture follows the vernacular style of the region, incorporating local principles, aesthetics, and materials that blend harmoniously with the forest landscapes.

Prioritizing sustainability, the lodge has implemented various measures to minimize its environmental footprint, including using low-energy products, maximizing daylight, and minimizing the use of steel and cement. The floors are made from reclaimed wood, there is reasonable use of solar energy, and there is water conservation with rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse in the gardens contributing to the replenishment of the groundwater table.

All of this makes the stay at Samode Safari Lodge after a wildlife safari extremely cozy and relaxing.

Address: Samode Safari Lodge, Tehsil, Village Mardari, Bandhavgarh National Park, Distt, Mardari, Madhya Pradesh – 484661

Phone no.: +91 8319576811 | +91 141-2632370

Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Demonstrating a dedication to conservation, Diphlu River Lodge stands out by eschewing any fencing between its grounds and Kaziranga National Park, preserving the crucial animal corridor.

Emulating the architecture of a Mishing village, an indigenous Assamese tribe, the cottages, and communal spaces showcase construction using natural materials such as bamboo and wood. The lodge boasts a range of sustainability initiatives, including organic farming, meticulous waste segregation and management, and efficient water recycling practices. Furthermore, the lodge consistently employs local weavers from neighboring villages, who skillfully contribute to the creation of tapestries.

Address: Diphlu River Lodge, Near Bagori Police Outpost, Kuthari, Assam – 782136

Phone No.: +91 92092 00013

Woods at Sasan, Gir National Park, Gujarat

Nestled in the breathtaking Sasan Gir forest of Gujarat, Woods at Sasan stands as a pioneering luxury wildlife retreat in India that prides itself on the concept of a nutritional retreat founded on

Sattvic principles. It sets itself apart by embracing the concept of apathy towards nature and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Spanning across 16 acres of mango orchards and lush woodlands, it provides an idyllic haven for those in search of a leisurely, eco-conscious, and nature-immersed lifestyle.

The retreat actively involves itself in the community through social programs, knowledge-sharing endeavors, and skill development initiatives, empowering the locals. Offering crucial healthcare services to underprivileged populations, they ensure that the needs of the community are met with empathy and attention. Moreover, they provide free access to an array of learning resources and programs for individuals of all ages, fostering a culture of continual growth and education.

Address: Woods at Sasan, Sasan Talala Road, Gir – Somnath, Sasan, Gujarat – 362135,

Phone No.: +91 2877 – 281000