Keeping guests engaged at a wildlife property involves a mix of immersive experiences, personalised services, and thoughtful amenities
BY BINDU GOPAL RAO
Nestled amidst the serenity of lush landscapes, wildlife properties are making the case for immersive, experiential travel.
Guests at wildlife properties have experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world through a variety of activities like jungle safaris, night patrolling safaris, nature trails and birdwatching trips.
Saily Gokhale, Resort Manager, Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort, Kanha, says, “Our property is a sanctuary for those seeking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Embracing sustainable living practices, the resort champions reducing plastic waste and growing organic vegetables, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the wilderness while treading lightly on the planet. These adventures allow you to discover the rich biodiversity of Kanha, track wildlife, and learn about the fascinating flora and fauna of the region, all under the guidance of an in-house naturalist.”
LOCAL LOVE
Beyond nature, wildlife retreats are a gateway to the vibrant culture of the region. Guests can get involved in local heritage through tribal art and jewellery workshops, connect with the community during village walks, and witness mesmerising tribal dance performances.
Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is a unique property in Ranthambore that has been intentionally designed on an elevated level so that guests can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from the rooms itself. “As most guests visit the property for the game drives, we have created many local experiences within the resort to help guests make the most of their Rajasthan experience. Apart from the local food, we also have an experience of local art and crafts with lac bangle making, pottery and traditional music and dance performances to keep the guests entertained,” says Gaurav Mudgal, Vice President, Commercial, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort.
“We also have the Dastkar, a women led social craft enterprise located close to the resort. A visit to this place is recommended as you can also see the women working here, while you also understand more about the local crafts. This includes the local black stone pottery, chippa hand block fabrics, and more,” he adds.
NATURE’S NUANCES
As wildlife properties lend themselves to experiences rooted in nature. Like Dandeli is a destination that is for nature lovers and all the experiences have been crafted keeping that in mind.
“For guests who are interested in exploring the unique wildlife of the region we have guided nature walks with our in-house staff who takes the guests on a walk around the property at Stone Wood Premier Dandeli. We have a fig tree close to the property that attracts several species of birds which is very popular for bird watching. This apart, we have the jungle safari at Kali Tiger Reserve as well as a nature walk at Timber Depot, which is also popular with bird watchers,” says Shikhar Kumar, MD, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts.
He adds: “As the River Kali is an integral part of the vicinity, we have white water rafting as a popular activity here. Our nature walks are popular as they offer unique insights into the region. Known for its unique biodiversity, the Malabar Pied Hornbill is one of the most sought after birds that is easily seen here, especially in the vicinity of the property. We rely on local staff who are familiar with the surroundings so that guests have an authentic experience.”
GUEST EXPERIENCES
Wildlife properties offer a range of unique experiences designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
Kunal Roy, General Manager, Taj Sawai Ranthambore, says, “Understanding the preferences and expectations of the guests is crucial. Surveys, feedback, and market research help identify what guests are looking for in a wildlife luxury resort. The experiences are designed to highlight the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. This includes carefully curated safaris, nature walks, and bird-watching tours that provide an authentic and immersive experience.”
Creating personalised itineraries based on guests’ interests and preferences, ensuring a tailor-made experience that highlights the best of what the resort
and surrounding area have to offer is what is being prioritised.
VILLAGE VIBES
As many wildlife properties are in rural areas, there is a conscious effort to make the community and its activities part of the guest experience.
Ashok S Rathore, Area Director, Operations and General Manager, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, explains, “At the recently renovated Sawai Madhopur Lodge – IHCL SeleQtions, the legacy of being the former hunting lodge of Jaipur’s royals comes alive with heritage walks, curated bush dinners, and storytelling evenings steeped in history. We also emphasise community engagement, partnering with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to provide authentic cultural experiences. Guests can savour traditional Rajasthani flavours made with locally sourced ingredients, interact with artisans during craft demonstrations, or attend cultural events showcasing local music and dance. This integration of heritage, nature, and community makes every stay distinctive.”
Guests can engage in a variety of curated activities such as pottery sessions, sunset picnics, tribal dance performances all of which makes the wildlife experience holistic.
GREEN FINGERS
Most conscientious wildlife properties bet big on being sustainable especially in consideration of the fact that they are so close to biodiverse regions.
“At The Earth at Ranthambore, we offer an authentic and immersive experience that blends luxury with sustainability. Our eco-friendly mud cottages and villas are the highlight of our property, showcasing Rajasthan’s lost art of mud construction while offering natural temperature regulation, excellent air quality, and a serene ambience. In addition, we provide experiences that connect guests to rural Rajasthan, such as high tea setups on a traditional chulha, food prepared using traditional methods, and interactions with the vibrant local culture. Our guests can enjoy evening activities like magic shows, folk music performances, and wildlife documentaries, adding to the charm of their stay,” points out Rohit Pareek, Managing Director, Earthian Hotels & Resorts (The Earth at Ranthambore).
NATURE CONNECT
The experience at wildlife properties includes experiences like bush dinners under the stars, cosy bonfires, sundowner picnics by the river, guided cycling expeditions through charming village trails and more. These retreats are also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species of birds to be spotted in their vicinity.
Sterling Lontano Waterfront Wayanad, for instance, is a new property with the Karapuzha Dam as its backdrop. The property has a path that runs along the waters that allows for great birdwatching sessions from within the property itself. Likewise, at Sterling Wayanad, you can enjoy a fantastic birdwatching session from the al fresco area of the inhouse specialty restaurant Malabar Pavilion.
Being in the vicinity of the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the resort can help arrange a safari experience as well at the park here. As interest in wildlife and nature grows, hotels are doing their bit to help people experience these destinations more comfortably. And this means that there will be more people seeking these differentiated experiences. A win-win situation, for sure.
