Indian Tiger Safari Hotels & Lodges: Honest Reviews

Where We Stayed During Our Indian Tiger Safari

Choosing the right lodges is a huge part of any tiger safari in India. Comfort, location, and atmosphere can make all the difference between a good trip and a great one. Here’s where we stayed during our 12-day adventure:

During our tiger safari in India, we stayed at the following places:

• Delhi: Novotel Aerocity Hotel

• Corbett National Park: Jim's Jungle Retreat

• Kanha National Park: Kanha Earth Lodge

• Bandhavgarh National Park: Bagh Tola Tented Camp

Delhi: Novotel Aerocity Hotel

We chose Novotel New Delhi Aerocity for one main reason—convenience. Located just one I picked this hotel for one reason—convenience. We were only going to spend several hours here on Day 1 and then two overnights in transit to the other parks. Novotel is less than a mile from Delhi Airport, very clean, and comfortable.

The breakfast buffet was huge and delicious, with lots of Indian-inspired dishes, ripe fruit, and baked goods. I especially loved the huge shower—it was perfect after 21+ hours of travel! While we didn’t use the pool, this hotel was a great base for short overnight stays in Delhi.

Corbett National Park: Jim's Jungle Retreat

I really enjoyed this lodge. It was located at the edge of a small village outside the park but surrounded by big green trees, so once inside you felt completely immersed in the jungle. Gravel pathways led the way, with small wooden signposts pointing you around the property.

Our room was a standalone cottage with a small sitting area, steps leading up to the bedroom, and a compact bathroom. The space was comfortable, with a large bed and a desk that was perfect for charging cameras and phones. While the room was a little dated, it felt charmingly rustic—like stepping back in time and away from modern life.

The main lounge had couches, colorful pillows, and books showcasing the beauty of India. This was also the spot where we met every morning for pre–game drive coffee, tea, and biscuits. The dining area was a large covered patio next to the pool, which we used almost every midday break. The food was tasty, though alcohol wasn’t included, so a cold beer or glass of wine was extra.

The best part about Jim’s Jungle Retreat? It was only a five-minute Gypsy jeep ride to Corbett National Park’s entrance.

1. 

   Gypsy jeep during our tiger safari in India

   
   

Kanha Earth Lodge

This was my second favorite lodge of the trip. The entire property was tucked deep into the forest, so you truly felt like you were in the jungle. Our room was very spacious, with a comfortable bed, a patio (though our chairs were broken), and a large bathroom with two toilets on opposite sides. The unique semi-outdoor shower added to the experience.

The lodge itself had a cozy bar, a fireplace, a classroom-style space where naturalists gave talks in the evenings, and an outdoor dining patio. I loved the naturalist talks before dinner—they made the experience feel even more connected to the park.

The food here was incredible—the best of the whole trip. Meals came on large trays with multiple small dishes, plus unlimited warm naan. They even made their own ice cream, which was absolutely delicious. (One tip: when they say “cottage cheese,” they mean paneer!)

The pool was another highlight. I’ll never forget swimming while monkeys leapt through the surrounding trees—it was surreal to be in the middle of the Indian jungle watching wildlife just going about their day.

The only “con” was the 30-minute drive to the park entrance, but passing through villages and seeing the “Entering Tigerland” signs on the way always built excitement.

Gorgeous pool in middle of Indian jungle during our tiger safari

Bagh Tola – Bandhavgarh National Park

“Bagh” means tiger in Hindi, so staying at Bagh Tola (Tiger Land) felt perfect for our Bandhavgarh adventure. This luxury tented camp reminded me of safaris in Africa, which I loved. Each tent had a shower, toilet, sink, and electricity, plus strong Wi-Fi. The beds were large and comfortable, and I especially enjoyed sitting on the front patio under the Flame of the Forest trees with a book.

The dining tent was spacious and the food was delicious. My favorite part was the big oak tree where we gathered each morning for coffee and biscuits before our drives, and again in the evening for drinks after long days in the park. The staff here were excellent, always greeting us with a cool drink when we returned from safaris.

Like Kanha Earth Lodge, the only downside was the distance to the park entrance—about 25 minutes over a bumpy road. But seeing the tiger signs along the main road made every drive feel exciting.

One unforgettable moment happened here. One night, just after we returned from a drive, our guide suddenly rushed us back into the Gypsy jeep. He had heard monkey alarm calls—meaning a tiger was nearby. We drove into the darkness, headlights off, and listened in silence until we heard it: the deep, low growl of a tiger. Even without seeing it, the experience was thrilling—knowing a tiger was just beyond the camp walls.

Bagh Tola ended up being my favorite lodge. Even without a pool, it felt the most “safari,” the most wild, and the most connected to the jungle. Midday breaks spent reading on the patio or up on the Machan viewing deck were perfect.

• If you want ultimate convenience → Novotel Aerocity.

• If you want closest access to the park → Jim’s Jungle Retreat.

• If you want the best food and jungle setting → Kanha Earth Lodge.

• If you want the most “safari” feel and authentic experience → Bagh Tola Tented Camp.