Top 10 Must See Jungle Lodges and Resorts in South India | Jungle Lodges and Resorts: Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana

by Avathi Outdoors | Jungle Lodges and Resorts in South India

Top 10 Must See Jungle Lodges and Resorts in South India | Jungle Lodges and Resorts: Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana

South India’s jungle lodges and resorts offer an extraordinary escape into nature’s embrace. Tucked away in the heart of verdant forests and sprawling wildlife sanctuaries, these lodges provide a unique blend of adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Each lodge is meticulously designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, ensuring that guests enjoy modern comforts without sacrificing the authenticity of the wilderness. Whether it's the thrill of spotting a tiger in Bandipur, watching elephants roam freely in Mudumalai, or listening to the symphony of birds in Periyar, these resorts place you at the center of nature’s grand theater.

But it’s not just about wildlife sightings. These lodges offer a range of activities, from guided nature walks and safaris to bird watching and photography tours. Evenings can be spent around a campfire, sharing stories under a starlit sky, or indulging in gourmet meals that highlight local flavors and ingredients.  What sets South India’s jungle lodges apart is their commitment to sustainability and conservation. Many of these resorts actively support local communities and conservation efforts, ensuring that your stay contributes to the preservation of these pristine environments.

To have the best experience of jungle lodges and resorts, book with Avathi, the trusted booking platform associated with Jungle Lodges and Resorts, an initiative by the government of Karnataka. We offer the best discounts and offers for you to have a great trip. Call us at +918971202915 right away! Dive into a world where luxury meets the wild, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Why Should YOU Choose for a Staycation in Jungle Lodges and Resorts?

Choosing a staycation in jungle lodges and resorts immerses you in mesmerizing nature views, blending the harmony of wildlife with thrilling adventures and activities. Experience the raw beauty of South India's forests while enjoying modern comforts. Spot majestic tigers, playful elephants, and exotic birds on guided safaris and nature walks. Engage in photography tours, bird watching, and evening campfires under starlit skies. These eco-friendly lodges also support conservation and local communities, ensuring a sustainable stay. For a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and nature, jungle lodges and resorts offer an unforgettable staycation experience.

 

The Must See Jungle Lodges and Resorts

 

1. Kabini River Lodge

kabini

History and wildlife blend seamlessly at Kabini River Lodge, a top pick for nature lovers. Nestled on the outskirts of Nagarahole National Park, this former Maharaja of Mysore's hunting lodge is now a luxurious eco-tourism resort. Recognized as one of the Top 5 Wildlife Resorts by British Tatler’s Travel Guide, it offers modern comforts like a bar, Ayurvedic treatments, and conference rooms. Enjoy Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine at the river-facing Gol Ghar. Explore the park’s rich wildlife on jeep and boat safaris. Evenings are perfect for campfires, wildlife movies, and soaking in the serene beauty of the Kabini River.


2. Bandipur Safari Lodge

bandipur

Bandipur is a beautiful stretch of wild terrain, preserved so Karnataka's wildlife can thrive. Once the Maharaja's hunting grounds, it now hosts herds of elephants, swift deer, and flitting peafowl. Nestled at the Nilgiris' foothills, Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park is a key site for tiger conservation. Within its bounds, Bandipur Safari Lodge offers eco-tourism, letting you spot and interact with spectacular wildlife. Each evening, an in-house naturalist guides you through the forest, teaching you to track animals. Bird lovers can enjoy over 200 species, while the forest’s diverse flora, including medicinal plants, provides inspiration for photography and art. Enjoy a twilight campfire barbecue as the jungle comes alive with cicada music.

 

3. K Gudi Wilderness Camp

k gudi

Kyathdevaraya Gudi (K Gudi) Wilderness Camp offers ecotourism in a biodiversity hotspot, surrounded by lush greenery and roaming wildlife. A Jungle Lodges & Resorts property, it balances adventure with nature, allowing guests to experience wildlife up close. Nearby B.R.T Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, gaurs, tigers, and leopards, along with diverse flora. The camp boasts 250 bird species, including the velvet-fronted nuthatch and Malabar whistling thrush. Jeep safaris at dawn and dusk reveal the forest's secrets, while trekking offers encounters with lesser-known flora and fauna. Enjoy twilight campfires (seasonal), wildlife movies, and communal dining. Escape the city's hustle and celebrate wild Karnataka!


4. River Tern Lodge

river tern

Located on the edge of Bhadra Reservoir in Chikmagalur, River Tern Lodge is a sanctuary for wildlife and bird lovers. The lodge, named after a nearby island, sees hundreds of river terns during breeding season. Enjoy jeep safaris to Bhadra Tiger Reserve, home to leopards, tigers, elephants, and over 200 bird species. Nearby Sakrebyle Elephant Camp lets you interact with Asian elephants. The lodge offers activities like kayaking, guided swimming, and sunset boat rides, all supervised by experts. After a day of adventure, relish delicious meals at the Gol Ghar buffet, featuring fresh vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.


5. Dubare Elephant Camp

dubare

Dubare Elephant Camp, on the banks of the Kaveri River, is known for its sprawling elephant camp. Once the training ground for Mysore Dussehra elephants, it now houses around 150 elephants under Karnataka Forest Department care. Visitors can observe, learn, and participate in activities involving elephants, guided by in-house naturalists. Enjoy grooming sessions, scrub baths, and feeding routines with these gentle giants. The surrounding forests are home to gaurs, leopards, wild dogs, and more. During monsoon, enjoy river rafting on the swollen Kaveri. Savor delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals at the Gol Ghar, including local delicacies.

 

 

6. Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp

bheemeshwari

The Cauvery River, flowing through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from the Western Ghats' Talakaveri, features gorges, waterfalls, rapids, and dense forests. Near this majestic river, Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp, just two hours from Bangalore, offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Enjoy zip-lining, kayaking, and rope-walking, or explore jungle treks to spot elephants, deer, crocodiles, and 200 bird species. The camp's highlight is the Mahseer fish, a thrill to watch in the river. Visit post-monsoon, August to February, for lush greenery and vibrant birdwatching, making it an enchanting getaway.


7. Bannerghatta Nature Camp

bannerghatta

Looking for a wildlife escape near the city? Just outside bustling Bangalore, Bannerghatta Nature Camp offers a close encounter with nature at Bannerghatta National Park. Only 25 km away, this park is home to lions, tigers, bears, elephants, deer, and diverse bird species. The camp provides a surreal break from city life, allowing you to reconnect with nature. Ideal for corporate events, the camp includes facilities for meetings and seminars. Explore the herbivore region with an in-house naturalist and visit Asia's largest butterfly park. Enjoy delicious local, Continental, and Chinese cuisine at the Gol Ghar, surrounded by lush greenery.


8. Gopinatham Mystery Trails

gopinatham

Want to experience the wildlife of two states at once? Near Gopinatham, on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, Gopinatham Mystery Trails Camp offers a unique wildlife adventure. Nestled in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, this camp lets you explore a vibrant ecosystem. Spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and more along the Cauvery River, which nourishes the diverse flora and fauna. Encounter reptiles like the mugger crocodile and Indian python, and admire endangered birds such as the white-rumped vulture and Nilgiri wood-pigeon. With grassy hills and deciduous forests, the sanctuary bursts with life, especially during the monsoon. Nearby, the Hogenakkal Falls offers a memorable coracle boat ride.


9. Kali Adventure Camp

Kali adventure

In Dandeli, the Kali River snakes through gorges, valleys, forests, and meadows. The Kali Adventure Camp in Dandeli, named after this majestic river, offers a wild adventure. The camp, with its sprawling bungalow by the frothing waters, balances adventure sports and ecotourism. Specially equipped for whitewater rafting, the camp's experts ensure safety and educate guests on Dandeli’s wildlife. Besides rafting, enjoy coracle rides, birdwatching, nature walks, jungle safaris, and sightseeing. The Kali Tiger Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, offers sightings of spotted deer, gaurs, hornbills, and the elusive black panther.

10. Hampi Heritage and Wilderness Resort

hampi heritage and wilderness resort

The Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort offers guests a dual experience of Hampi’s heritage and wildlife. Located near the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, the resort is home to majestic sloth bears and other wildlife like wild-naped hares, pangolins, porcupines, jackals, and leopards. The forest drive and watchtower views are unforgettable. Bird enthusiasts can spot peafowl, spurfowl, bulbuls, and more. Explore Hampi’s heritage trails, including the Sacred Centre, Royal Centre, Urban Core, and Suburban Centre. Visit Anegundi, or Kishkinda from the Ramayana. End your day with a delicious meal at Gol Ghar, overlooking the ancient red city and river.

 

Karnataka’s Jungle Lodges and Resorts offer an unparalleled experience, blending adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty. From the majestic sloth bears at Hampi to the thrilling whitewater rafting in Dandeli, each destination promises unique encounters and lasting memories. Whether you’re trekking through dense forests, spotting exotic birds, or immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage, these resorts provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

To ensure you get the best prices and deals for your next adventure, book with Avathi. Avathi offers unbeatable packages and expert planning to make your trip truly unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the ultimate wildlife experience in Karnataka!

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