The 7 Best Glampsites in India

La Mangrove is the labour of love of Maud and Thibault, two Europeans who fell in love with Goa and never left. The eco-luxury retreat has four elegantly furnished tepees with private bathrooms. But you’ll probably find that the riverside lounge overlooking the mangrove forest is the most beautiful space in the entire place. While it’s perfectly fine to spend the entire day doing nothing but revelling in the serene surroundings, the hosts are more than happy to arrange activities like snorkelling, canoeing, golf and yoga lessons should you feel the need for some physical activities. The popular beaches of South Goa are also located very close to the resort.

If you could visit only one Himalayan village in India, it has to be the magnificent Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Encircled by verdant forests and snowy mountains, the valley is one of the most picturesque locations in the country. You can soak in the breathtaking beauty of Sangla from Kinner Camps, which offers 25 luxurious Swiss cottage tents. The glampsite is located amid an apple orchard and is just a five-minute walk to the Baspa River. The camp organises a variety of adventure sports in and around the campsite, like rock climbing, rappelling, nature trails, bird watching and river crossing.

Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh was once the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. However, today it is renowned for hosting one of the largest Royal Bengal tiger population in the country. Located on the edge of this famous national park is Taj Mahua Kothi, a 45-acre glampsite with 12 luxury cottages inspired by the traditional style of architecture of Central India. Nature enthusiasts can take jungle safaris and have gourmet picnics in the lush forests. Culture buffs, on the other hand, can take time out to learn more about the local Baiga tribes. Moreover, at the end of a tiring day, you can pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage before you get set for another memorable day filled with new experiences and adventures.

Wayanad, one of the greenest regions in all of Kerala, is brimming with forests, wildlife, and plantations. Tucked in amid this verdant cover is the cosy glampsite of Grassroots, which offers five spacious and fully equipped tents. A trek to the nearby peaks is a must-do activity for adventure seekers. You can also hike to the beautiful waterfalls that surround the glampsite or discover diverse fauna at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. A visit to the various tea, coffee and spice plantations and paddy fields is another major attraction here. Grassroots provides an ideal base camp from which to explore the scenic district of Wayanad.

Located at the base of Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, the guests at Chamba Camp wake up to the soothing sound of prayer chantings every morning. As they step out from the opulent tent, they’re greeted with the spectacular view of the mountains, which tend to change hues according to the movements of the sun. While at Chamba Camp, you can try your hands at sports like archery and horse polo, which were favoured by the royal family of Ladakh. You can also hike around the beautiful landscape dotted by quaint hamlets and get an insight into the distinct lifestyle of the locals. The camp stays open from May to October.

SUJÁN Sher Bagh, one of the very first luxury camping sites in India, sits just on the border of Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan. The 12 hand-stitched canvas tents here are adorned with elegantly designed campaign furniture evocative of the 19th century colonial era. The list of things you can partake in during your stay at the modern safari camp is endless. Discover a variety of wild animals in their natural habitat while on a tour of the Ranthambhore National Park. Explore the nearby Ranthambhore Fort, which was built back in the 8th century. Ramble along the countryside and experience the rich culture of the locals living in the area. You can also join the chefs in the outdoor kitchen for a fun cooking session.