Located in the Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan, the Ranthambore National Park is arguably one of the greatest National Parks in North India.
There are a whopping 106 national parks in India spanning over 44,378 square kilometers. This accounts for a total of 1.35% of the geographical area of the country.
That is a lot of National Parks. But whenever you look up the lists for the best parks in India, chances are the legendary Ranthambore National Park will feature in almost all lists—and often, in the top 3 or 5 national parks in all of India.
Why is that, you might ask?
Because the Ranthambore National Park is an abode of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger unlike any other on the planet. This national park has one of the highest densities of these magnificent animals anywhere in the world and is considered one of the best sighting grounds for tigers.
Tigers are the marquee animals for wildlife safaris in India and Ranthambore is one of the best places to spot tigers out in the wild.
Flanked by the Banas River in the North and the Chambal River in the South, the Ranthambore (which is named after an ancient fort of the same name located in the region) is the former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It spans over 1,334 sq km (515 sq miles).
Declared a Game Sanctuary in 1955, the Ranthambore became a National Park a reserve for what is known as the “PROJECT TIGER” in 1973. This flagship project of the Indian Government was launched to preserve and protect tigers in the world.
The Project Tiger has played a key role in the steady growth of the overall tiger population in the country with their numbers reaching an all-time high of up to roughly 3,346 individuals as per the last count in 2018.
Declared a national park in 1984, the Ranthambore was instrumental in bringing about this growth. As per the last count in 2022, it has 25 tigers, 31 tigresses and 24 cubs.
10 Best Luxury Resorts, Lodges And Hotels In Ranthambore National Park
If you are in North India sightseeing and soaking in the cultural immersion of Rajasthan (the land of Kings) or landmark-hopping in the Golden Triangle region (Agra, Delhi, Jaipur), throwing in a wildlife safari to the itinerary mix is a wonderful idea.
Missing out a chance to go on a tiger-spotting adventure is not one regret you want to take home after leaving India.
Here are some of the best luxury safari-inspired hotels and resorts in Ranthambore for a wildlife escapade that you won’t forget.
Even if you are not cut out for the rugged adventures of a jungle safari, you don’t have to worry. These resorts and hotels are nestled on the fringe of the national park and offer the same kind of luxury experience and hospitality that you would get at an urban 5-star contemporary hotel.
Here is our list of the 10 best accommodations in the region.
Contents
- 1. Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
- 2. SUJAN Sher Bagh, Ranthambore
- 3. Amaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
- 4. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
- 5. Sawai Madhopur Lodge – IHCL SeleQtions
- 6. Khem Villas, Ranthambore
- 7. The Baagh Ananta Elite, Ranthambore
- 8. The Kipling Lodge – Nature Kalp, Ranthambore
- 9. The Tiger Villa, Ranthambore
- 10. Fateh’s Retreat, Ranthambore
1. Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
THE AMAN-I-KHAS is modelled after the Royal Hunting Expeditions of the royalty of Rajasthan. Royal Hunting Camps were an extravagant affair equipped with luxuries and comforts becoming kings and queens.
Luxurious tents of the Aman-i-khas come equipped with private dip pools (the premises also has a large outdoor swimming pool), a splendid on-ground spa, multiple restaurants (offering traditional and global cuisines) and all the amenities that you would expect from a 5-star hotel (posh bedding, air-conditioning/heating, wifi, in-room dining, 24/7 room service and front desk service).
2. SUJAN Sher Bagh, Ranthambore
THE SUJAN SHER BAGH calls itself a “Luxury Safari Camp.” It lives up to that name with high-class hospitality and posh amenities.
Sujan Sher Bagh offers 2 Resplendent Suites and 10 royal-class luxury tents that are equipped with custom-made rosewood and teak furniture and accouterments.
These white cotton canvas tents are pitched under a canopy of indigenous trees giving you the authentic jungle themed safari experience.
This fine establishment has a highly-trained team of professionals and guides with in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience of the region to help you make your safari experience even better.
3. Amaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
Priding itself on “India’s First Jungle Theme Resort” the Amaghati Wildlife Resort in Sawai Madhopur is located close to the entry gates of the National Parks. It features a unique jungle-themed designed that is inspired by the tribal architecture of the region.
Amenities offered at the resort are an outdoor swimming pool, a concierge service, a children’s playground, 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, wifi, air-conditioning and a spa and wellness center.
AMAGHATI WILDLIFE RESORT offers a range of outdoor activities other than wildlife safaris at the park. These include traditional folk music and dance performances, live interactive kitchen and other nature-oriented bespoke activities.
4. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
The Oberoi Group of Luxury Hotels is one of the most respected and well-known names in the Indian hospitality industry. Their offering of the Ranthambore region is an exquisite one.
THE OBEROI VANYAVILAS WILDLIFE RESORT offers ‘luxury tented accommodation inspired by the opulent caravans of the royal families.’ It is located 12 km from the Ranthambore Fort and 11 km from the Joi Mahal.
Some of the key amenities this resort provides are a large outdoor swimming pool, a signature Oberoi Spa, a fitness center, a multi-cuisine restaurant and 2 bars.
5. Sawai Madhopur Lodge – IHCL SeleQtions
The IHCL SelecQtions is a well-known brand in the luxury hospitality sector in India.
THE SAWAI MADHOPUR LODGE is a heritage hotel housed in a building that was originally built in 1930 as a hunting lodge for the Royal Family of Jaipur. Now restored to its old glory, you get the authentic royal camping experience at this fine place which sprawls over 16 acres of lush green habitat.
This crescent-shaped Art Deco mansion features chequered floors, distinctive jaalidar patterns, geometric lines and an artistic ambiance. As the stopover for the royals, the property brims with vintage royal artifacts, taxidermy trophies of wild animals, paintings, photographs and other memorabilia.
Among its royal guests of a bygone era are Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburg. This fantastic 5-star lodge features 20 suites and 16 rooms with an authentic heritage feel amidst the wilderness of Ranthambore.
One of the highlights of the premises is its grand old 100-year-old Banyan tree. Amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, an organic garden, a conference room and a banquet venue.
6. Khem Villas, Ranthambore
KHEM VILLAS is a luxury jungle camp that was established in 1989. It is considered one of the best hotels in this part of Rajasthan. Having purchased the land in 1989, the family that owns this luxury camp set about to plant indigenous trees and create small water bodies to turn this vast 30-acre almost barren grassland into an exquisite lush green natural habitat.
This green oasis is now often frequented by jungle cats, hyenas, desert foxes, jackals and a host of other bird species. Khem Villas has zealously stuck to its commitment to sustainability and reforestation.
With eight cottages and seven luxury tents, the Khem Vilas is a modern adaptation of a traditional dwelling. Its exquisite tent rooms and cottages are elegantly adorned with traditional teak and rattan furniture
7. The Baagh Ananta Elite, Ranthambore
Nestled on the periphery of the park at Khilchipur (45 minutes from the National Chambal Sanctuary), the Baagh Ananta Elite offers luxuriant rooms and cottages, a luxury pool, a gym, a grand garden and a banquet hall for events.
Guests can choose from 6 types of options at this luxurious establishment. All its rooms, cottages and suites come with world-class amenities including large LED TVs, wifis, air-conditioning, a well-stocked soft bar, round-the-clock room service and in-room dining service.
Its fine dining restaurant the Oasis offers a wide range of dishes from all over the world.
8. The Kipling Lodge – Nature Kalp, Ranthambore
The great British Writer of the Raj-era, born and bred in India, is immortalized by his books, Kim and the Jungle Book.
The Jungle Book was a seminal event that unleashed a relentless craze and romance for the Indian jungle and its exotic allure.
The word Kiplingesque is bandied about quite often about jungles and resorts in India. Not many places are as Kiplingesque as Nature Kalp (Kipling Resort).
The Kipling Lodge has an on-site swimming pool, a spa, a multi-cuisine restaurant and a grand garden. Each of its 650 sq feet super deluxe rooms comes with a view of the garden and is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
9. The Tiger Villa, Ranthambore
The magnificent Tiger Villa is set against the stunning Aravalli Hills of the Madhopur region. Inspired by a design that is modeled after local Rajputana traditions, its building features high arches and Rajasthan-styled jharokas (small windows).
This fine accommodation offers 14 Deluxe rooms and 4 luxury suites that are tastefully decorated in hand-painted frescoes with authentic Rajasthani furnishings. Each comes with air-conditioning, posh bedding, room service, in-room dining option and a flat TV.
One of the best hotels/forest resort in the region, the Tiger Villas also offers its guests traditional folk dance and music performances in the evenings.
Its fine dining restaurant offers Rajasthani, Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes. It also boasts a fine spa on-site.
10. Fateh’s Retreat, Ranthambore
Named after the famous conservationist and fierce guardian of the Rajasthan forests, Fateh Singh Rathore, this heritage boutique hotel/retreat is a homage to the life and legacy of the man.
The “Tiger Man of India” Fateh Singh Rathore dedicated 50 years of his life to the cause of forestation in Rajasthan and “transformed a degraded forest occupied by a dozen villages into the most celebrated tiger reserve in India.”
Fateh’s Retreat is a unique opportunity for you to stay in Ranthambore in the home of the man who made the miracle of the Ranthambore possible. The wildlife habitat provided by this retreat is often visited by tigers, leopards, sambar deer and other exotic animals.
It boasts five large double rooms, each of which comes with a spectacular view of the forest and the retreat’s beautiful lawns. You will be served homely freshly-cooked meals.
