Being the IT hub of the country, Bangalore houses jaw-dropping skyscrapers, historical monuments, prominent temples, and manmade gardens which are very often thronged by boisterous crowds. However, city dwellers sometimes look for a break from all these maddening crowds and busy schedules and want to go somewhere where the noise, pollution, and mundane life do not bother them much. Luxuriating in the wilderness could be a nice way to unwind from the daily city life. Luckily, Bangalore is surrounded by the great natural splendor of Western Ghats or the Nilgiris in the lap of which wildlife reserves are built to protect nature, and the wildlife as well. There are many eco-friendly, substantial, and best jungle lodges in India built around them that are ideal for those who want to soak in the wilderness and the jungle sounds, watch the birds in all their glory, or spot a shy animal on a safari. We’ve shortlisted some of the best jungle lodges & resorts near Bengaluru. Among the must-include places in Karnataka tour packages.
Bandipur Safari Lodge
Located halfway down the Mysore-Ooty road, Bandipur Safari Lodge is one of the most popular wildlife resorts maintained by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka. It is situated adjacent to Bandipur National Park, one of the 30 Tiger Reserves in India, and is one of the top places to visit as part of the Mysore tour. Bandipur National Park is also forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is one of the last refuges for the endangered Asiatic elephant. Among the few best wildlife resorts in India, Bandipur Safari Lodge allows visitors to explore the wilderness with a sensitive and curious attitude. Built-in contemporary architectural style with all the modern comforts, the lodge has only 22 rooms. Jungle Safari in open-top jeeps, nature walks, bird-watching, and wildlife photography are some of the top things to do in Bandipur.
Book Here : Bandipur Tour Packages
Dubare Elephant Camp
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, Dubare Elephant Camp is another project undertaken by the forest department and jungle lodges & resorts. Every year, a large number of tourists find solace at this camp. Among the most famous places to visit in Coorg, it was built to train the elephants used for Mysore Dussehra and look after these majestic creatures. The camp has 10 hugely spacious cottages equipped with all the necessary amenities that make for a comfortable stay here. While staying at this lovely nature retreat, one can spend a memorable time with elephants by participating in various activities involving elephants like feeding the elephants, bathing them, etc. One can also go trekking, coracle rides, and river rafting here as part of Karnataka packages.
Book Here : Coorg Tour Packages
Kabini River Lodge
Our list of prominent wildlife resorts near Bangalore by JLR is incomplete without mentioning Kabini River Lodge. Located on the southern fringes of the Nagarhole National Park, the resort is named after the Kabini River and is one of the best places to stay in Kabini. The 54-acre property is the former hunting lodge of Mysore rulers that speaks of erstwhile elegance. This jungle lodge is rated as one of the Top 5 Wildlife Resorts in the World by the British Tatler’s Travel Guide. The Kabini River Lodge offers pleasant accommodation in the form of tents, cottages, river-facing rooms, and bungalows all equipped with modern facilities. It also has in-house restaurant, a well-stocked bar, a fully-equipped conference room, and a spa. The exciting safaris in open-top jeeps into the famed Nagarhole National Park, and boat rides on the River Kabini would definitely be a treat for your eyes as many elephants tend to congregate on the banks during most evenings. For the most adventurous hearts, the resort offers trekking, river rafting, coracle rides, and much more.
Book Here : Nagarhole Tour Packages
K Gudi Wilderness Camp
K Gudi Wilderness Camp is another popular jungle stay maintained by Karnataka Jungle Lodges & Resorts, and is among the top places to visit as part of Bangalore tour. It is located in Biligiri Rangana Hills, a hill range that’s stood sentinel since time immemorial, being where the Western Ghats meets the Eastern Ghats. The camp gained high importance among wildlife enthusiasts for its rich surroundings of flora and fauna of B.R.T. Wildlife Sanctuary, among the top places to visit near Mysore. To meet the requirements of all classes of travelers, the resort lets you choose your pick from log huts, tented cottages, and family rooms. The camp is the base for various wildlife expeditions into the park. Open-topped jeep rides, with trained naturalists, are the major attraction of the camp. For those wishing to go by foot, the camp organizes treks within the sanctuary where they can engage in bird-watching and admire the wild landscape around them.
Book Here : Mysore Tour Packages
JLR Kings Sanctuary
Nestled in the northern fringes of the Nagarhole National Park, JLR Kings Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and pleasure-seekers alike. Awe-inspiring creatures like Asiatic elephants, majestic tigers, leopards, reptiles, and birds are a common sight in this region. The resort is located amid the 40-acre mango orchards and various other Indian fruit-bearing plants and trees. This resort is home to 24 air-conditioned luxury suites and cottages with imported handmade furniture from Thailand and Indonesia. The resort offers a wide range of activities for both adults as well as children, including jungle safaris into the Nagarhole National Park accompanied by naturalists, making the Kings Sanctuary an ideal resort for the serious wildlife enthusiast or leisure travelers looking for luxury in an unspoilt natural environment. The resort also has a swimming pool to let you relax after a tiring day-long safari. It is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.
River Tern Lodge
Set up in the lap of the Western Ghats, River Tern Lodge is a serene wildlife resort maintained by the JLR located on the shores of Bhadra reservoir, a stone’s throw away from the northern boundary of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, among the prominent wildlife sanctuaries near Mangalore. It is an ideal place for people who want to get closer to nature and relax amidst the peaceful environs. The lodge gets its name from the nearby island that attracts hundreds of river terns during the breeding season. The resort has 10 log huts and 14 cottages with its balcony overlooking the glittering waters of the Bhadra Reservoir, among the top places to visit in Chikmagalur. Witnessing the magnificent sunset over the waterbed of Bhadra while sipping a cup of coffee sitting on this open-air balcony is a memorable experience one can get while staying at the resort. A jeep safari to Bhadra Tiger Reserve in the vicinity is an excellent opportunity for tourists to see the magic of wildlife. During your stay here, you can also embark on a boat safari, and nature walks, and try some water sports.
Book Here : Chikmagalur Tour Packages
Bannerghatta Nature Camp
Away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon City, the Bannerghatta Nature Camp within the untamed forest of Bannerghatta National Park stays off the grid and provides its visitors with an all-natural vacation. A perfect getaway for tiger sightings near Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park is the place where the Karnataka Forest Department rehabilitated lions and tigers rescued from circuses and other smaller private zoos. This nature camp has 2 log huts, 1 chalet (wooden cottage), and 8 Swiss tents which are well-equipped and comfortable in every way. The Camp also has a tidy dormitory that can accommodate about 32 persons. India’s first Lion and Tiger Safari is the major standout of this place includes a visit to the Lion, Tiger, and Bear enclosures. You can also take a guided nature trek into the herbivore area of Bannerghatta National Park, among the top Bangalore tourist places.
Book Here : Bangalore Tour Packages
Bheemeshwari Adventure & Nature Camp
Located on the banks of River Kaveri, Bheemeshwari Nature & Adventure Camp is a magnificent place to satiate the hunger of every adventure-loving soul. It is one of the least popular Jungle Lodges in Karnataka, and among the famous places for wildlife near Bangalore. The camp has 2 Cottages, 8 Loghuts, 8 Tents, and 1 Mud House equipped with all the necessary amenities that travelers would require while staying in the middle of a forest comfortably. Vibrant bonfires are lit every night which enriches the whole experience of living in the wild. Besides, you can also enjoy a fun barbecue session. Bheemeshwari is a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish, one of the finest game fish in the world. Several fishing camps have been developed here where professional and amateur anglers can catch mahseer. In addition, indulge in some fun-filled activities like an elephant ride, rappelling, zip-lining, coracle ride, Burma loops, and parallel walking to make your camping experience more adventurous.