Jilling Terraces, Uttarakhand
An 80-year-old mansion, poised gracefully on 100 acres of forestland is nestled in a glorious bloom of rhododendrons and oak plantation. Known as the Chestnut House, this vintage homestay has four rooms, all of which express the fancies of a Polish woman that longed the kinship of her country. The rooms are artistic and give you views of the Himalayas from your cosy room. Inspired by the Himalayan trees of cherry, rhododendron, bayberry, alder and dwarf bamboo, Jilling is a place that manifests all of Mother Nature’s beauty within itself. Staying here involve a lot of local experiences - hikes, swims in the nearby brook, village and nature trails et al. While this all sounds picture-perfect, getting to the Chestnut House involves an invigorating short climb through the conifers, oaks, rhododendrons, chestnuts, peaches, plums and apple trees. And while you are dreaming about this place, let us tell you one more thing, it is more beautiful than the images you’ve already conjured in your head.
Sher Bagh Resort, Ranthambore National Park
Fringed by the dense Ranthambore National Park, Sher Bagh Resort infuses the natural elements of the forest in a royal set up of tents. It strikes an equipoise between man and nature and encourages eco-friendly, sustainable living. With 12 luxurious bedroom tents that have attached verandahs and bathroom, this place is surely a haven for travellers that celebrate nature in an opulent style.
Tigress@Ghosri, Tadoba, Maharashtra
A beautiful villa camouflaged in the thick woods of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve has a unique way with its tigers - a small drinking pit dug out in its lawn is set to welcome these parched wild beasts. A CCTV camera akin to a crafty espionage, broadcasts live updates of these events on the TV mounted in your living room. The mansion’s name is an ode to the tigress called Ghosri, who first came here with her little cubs to satiate their thirsts. If your love for the wild is not marked by any finitude, then the unfenced wilderness of this place is all you need.
Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh
Located in the Bandhavgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, this luxury wildlife resort is perched on five exclusive tree houses spread over a 21-acre land. This place is a residence of birds, reptiles and animals around the forest. You can either remain undisturbed in your room or explore the wild animals and birds in
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
The Wilds at Northern Hay, Tamil Nadu
If you have fancied living in the forest, The Wilds at Northern Hay is something that’ll make your dream true. Built on a 98-acre coffee plantation, this property gives you the rare experience of living in a jungle among the musical melodies of birds and the fretful roars of animals. Once an erstwhile coffee warehouse, the revamped bungalow gives you the best of two worlds - the wilderness of the forest and the comfort of a home.
Wildernest, Goa
Wildernest Nature Resort is three acres of pure bliss shrouded in the sub-tropical forest of the Chorla Ghat. Bustling with waterfalls and a green jungle all year round, this resort is your abode of solace located away from the buzzing chaos of Goa. While you are here, you may enjoy a leisurely walk in the forest or douse yourself in the infinity pool, flummoxed by the beauty of nature.
Author: Winnie Karnik
