Five Luxury Camping Stays in India

There is a surreal calm that you find in being close to nature. Think fresh air, open surroundings, and access to varied flora and fauna.

While being so close to nature does require being more sensitive to the environment, the experience, on the whole, doesn’t have to be meager.

Glamping is the word for a rich amalgamation of luxury and camping. So, while it takes you closer to nature, you do not have to give up the creature comforts that we all love in our daily lives. In fact, glamping takes it up a notch by adding grandiose to your back-to-nature adventure.

Initially a Western concept, glamping has slowly become popular across Southeast Asia and is on the rise in India. Intrigued and looking for that perfect amalgamation of outdoorsy fun and modern-day conveniences? Check out these five luxury camping stays in India that bring you unbridled luxury in the wilderness.

Sujan – The Serai, Jaisalmer

Quite literally an oasis in the middle of the desert, Sujan – The Serai is your ticket to all things extravagant. Imagine royal tented suites, heated pools, sundowners, musical evenings, and walled private gardens right in the middle of a 100-acre private estate.

Located a short distance from the golden city of Jaisalmer, The Serai is your gateway to the Thar. With a total of 21 tented suites, it is designed in line with the royal caravanserais that would have dotted the arid along the bustling silk road that once passed through Jaisalmer.

Reflecting the flavors of the land, the food here is made with homegrown organic ingredients and a heartful of love. The vast estate gives you the freedom to dine anywhere, and their highly acclaimed spa provides a diverse set of therapies to indulge your senses.

The Ultimate Traveling Camp, Ladakh

Ladakh, known for its pristine and edgy charm, is widely known as a destination where you have to rough it out. Breaking that notion, The Ultimate Traveling Camp (TUTC) helps you experience the snowcapped mountains, rugged Martian landscape, striking monasteries, and the region’s culture in style!

Both their camps, Chamba Camp Thiksey and Diskit, offer opulent heated tents that have hardwood floors. Decorated with Kashmiri carpets, classic colonial furniture, grand chandeliers, mini-bars, and hot-cold showers, local aesthetics merge beautifully here with contemporary facilities. All this with 24-hour butler service!

Enjoy three-course meals while gawking at the sheer beauty of this high-altitude desert or under a starry night sky. Experiences like watching a polo game, river rafting, exclusive monastery visits, and a peek into village life away from the tourist humdrum are in store for you when you choose to go glamping with TUTC.

La Mangrove, South Goa

La Mangrove is an intimate stay overlooking a river and has all the ingredients for a dreamy holiday away from the tourist buzz, affording you a personal private corner. Adding a twist to your romantic escapade to Goa is the bohemian vibe on offer here through its luxurious teepees.

A peaceful oasis on the river, it offers you a cozy nook on the terrace to lounge with your bae or a book. The teepees offer understated luxury in a pristine setting, complete with king-size beds and curtains for privacy. Complementing their setting is a collection of sumptuous dishes from around the world, made with organic ingredients.

The bathrooms, though private for each teepee, have an open to sky shower. Moreover, the retreat, having only four teepees, is meant for a quiet and relaxed holiday without the usual touristic commotion. As for beach lovers, Agonda and Palolem are only half an hour away. 

Khem Villas, Ranthambore

The jungle is right at your doorsteps when you stay in one of the seven tents on this 25-acre property. While they also offer rooms, villas, and cottages, the luxury tents provide enthusiastic guests with an authentic Jungle Book experience.

The generously proportioned patios offer ample space to watch wildlife right from the comfort of your tents. While minimalism is their mantra, comfort and luxury aren’t compromised in any way. The attached bathrooms offer privacy and functionality with a rustic charm.

Khem Villas’ jungle safaris, river safaris, and nature walks are the perfect opportunity to get closer to the animals that call this national park home. The management can also arrange trips to explore the nearby villages and the Ranthambore Fort. And after a day of exploration, you get to cool off at their spa, followed by a lavish meal consisting of international and continental classics.

Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Pench National Park

If you hear the call of the wild while you stay at this luxury tented camp, you are not hallucinating. Located in the remote wilderness, at the edge of Pench National Park, this 10-tent camp is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The Jamtara Wilderness camp brings a unique blend of jungle safari and fine living to the rural heartland of Pench, taking you back to the days of the Raj. Having grown from a passion for conserving nature, the property proudly adheres to eco-tourism practices that provide comfort with responsibility.

All guests have the option of sleeping inside their luxurious tents or out on the patio covered with mosquito nets; a chance to sleep under the star-studded sky in nature’s lap. Made with repurposed and recycled wood, the interiors are elegantly designed and blend seamlessly into their surrounds.

Away from the humdrum of tourist activity, these camps offer their guests an unforgettable experience without having to rough it out. Glamping provides comfort, style, and luxury, making your holiday a genuinely indulgent respite.

Photos: Unsplash