Chasing Bengal Tigers: An Luxury Safari in India's Ancient Wilderness

Taking a mid-day snack break

Our recent trip to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India was a masterclass in luxury wildlife experiences. The safari itself was thrilling, but what truly elevated the trip was the immersive nature of the stay. We chose to stay at one of the incredible luxury properties that border the national park, where the line between the resort and the wild blurs.

Our "tent" in Sujan Sher Bagh

One of the most striking differences I found was the value proposition. While both continents offer top-tier luxury, Indian safaris are often significantly more affordable, while still providing access to luxury accommodations and impeccable service of a similar experience in Africa. Our accommodations, a luxury tent at Sujan Sher Bagh, a renowned Relais & Châteaux property, felt like a throwback to the days of the British Raj, but with every modern comfort imaginable.

"Bed Tea" delivered in the morning before our safari

The service was nothing short of extraordinary. We were assigned a personal butler who was not shared with any other guests, ensuring every need was met with a level of attention and care that was both discreet and impeccable. From delivering our morning “bed tea” (a wonderful Indian tradition where a hot cup of tea or coffee is served to a person in bed, shortly after they wake up in the morning) before our safari drive to preparing a private dinner under the stars, our butler anticipated our every desire.

Pool at Sujan Sher Bagh overlooking the park

The dining at Sujan Sher Bagh was also a highlight, an unexpected surprise that truly rivaled what you’d find at a Michelin-level restaurant, but we should have expected it since it is a Relais & Châteaux property. The menus were a delightful fusion of Anglo-Indian and European lunches with traditional Indian dinners cooked in outdoor clay ovens. Much of the produce was grown in their own organic garden, providing an incredibly fresh and delicious farm-to-table experience.

Other incredible options like The Oberoi Vanyavilas and Aman-i-Khas are nearby and offer a similar level of opulence, providing spacious, air-conditioned tents with private decks and plush furnishings. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle, knowing that a sloth bear or a sambar deer might be just beyond your canvas wall, creates an unparalleled sense of adventure. It’s an experience that feels much more connected to nature than a traditional lodge, perfectly capturing the spirit of a safari.

Breakfast at Six Senses Fort Barwara

For a completely different, yet equally luxurious experience, a stay at Six Senses Fort Barwara offers a stunning historical immersion. Located about a 50-minute drive from the park, this property is a beautifully restored 14th-century fort. It’s a destination in itself, with its ancient walls, palaces, and temples, offering a deep dive into Rajasthani history and culture. While it doesn’t provide the same immediate proximity to the wild as the tented camps, the opulent suites, world-class spa, and fine dining within the fort’s ramparts create a unique and unforgettable stay. The downside is the daily commute to and from the park for your safari drives, but the incredible sense of history and regal luxury makes it a worthwhile trade-off for many travelers.

On the trail of tigers

The morning safaris were such a highlight. We would set out in an open-air jeep early in the morning as the sun began to peek through the dense foliage, casting a golden light on the landscape. Unlike many African reserves, Indian parks are government-owned and there is a strict no-hunting policy. This means the animals are not skittish and don’t see humans as a threat. We were able to get incredibly close to the wildlife, observing them in their natural habitat without causing them any stress. Ranthambore is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, and we were lucky enough to see these magnificent tigers multiple times and within 10 feet of our jeep. However, the park is also home to a diverse array of other animals, including leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, chital (spotted deer), sambar deer, several types of monkeys, and nilgai (blue bulls). The focus here is more on tracking specific animals and experiencing a sense of discovery, rather than the wide-open game drives of an African savannah.

Three tigers 10 feet from our Jeep

What also sets Ranthambore apart is its varied landscape. While many African safaris are defined by open plains, Ranthambore is a vast park with a stunning variety of scenery. We drove through areas with tranquil lakes teeming with marsh crocodiles, over rugged mountains with ancient forts, and through dense forests. This diversity means that every turn of the jeep reveals a new visual surprise, making each safari drive a truly unique adventure.

Leopard relaxing in the shade

A truly unforgettable safari is built on more than just flights and accommodations. It begins with your vision: what animals and landscapes do you dream of seeing? From there, you choose the perfect camp, the most knowledgeable guides, and the optimal season to make that vision a reality. The difference between a good safari and an exceptional one can often come down to the expertise of your naturalist and the quality of your accommodations. Having a guide who can read the signs of the jungle and a resort that provides a genuine sense of place will make all the difference.

We have personally been to India several times and continue to return, exploring its rich culture and incredible wildlife. A safari in Ranthambore can be seamlessly woven into a larger itinerary that includes other nearby wonders, like a journey to the magnificent Taj Mahal or exploring the historic cities of Jaipur and Delhi as part of a Golden Triangle tour. This allows you to combine the thrill of a luxury safari with the unmatched cultural and historical treasures that make India so special.

A note on accessibility: It’s true that safaris, by their very nature, present unique challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Navigating the rough terrain and getting in and out of the open-air jeeps requires careful planning. However, as with all our travel, these challenges are far from insurmountable. With the right planning and on-site assistance, these safaris can be made very doable. As a wheelchair user, I have been able to explore and experience the full adventure while enjoying the amazing luxury of these tented camps.

If you’re interested in any type of safari (Indian or African) or are considering a luxury trip to experience the wonders of India, we would be delighted to assist you in crafting an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests and creates lasting memories.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check our our India page.