The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort
Ranthambore

Located just ten minutes from the entrance to Ranthambore National Park, The Oberoi Vanyavilas offers a supremely comfortable base from which to explore one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves. Nestled amid the natural beauty of the region’s rolling hills and fringed by lush jungle, this luxury tented camp harks back to the grand days of the Raj and the opulence of maharaja hunting expeditions.

Each of the spacious tents is carefully positioned across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens to ensure privacy and tranquillity. Under finely embroidered canopies, the interiors are lavishly appointed with teak wood floors, free-standing bathtubs and richly coloured fabrics. Private walled gardens attached to each tent offer a peaceful space for a morning coffee or an evening nightcap, surrounded by birdsong and the scent of frangipani. While the tents are sumptuously comfortable, it’s worth noting that the décor favours a more traditional, heritage aesthetic, some might find it a touch dated, but for many, it only adds to the romantic charm and immersive atmosphere of the camp.

The heart of the resort is the main lodge, styled as a royal hunting palace with vibrant frescoes, intricately carved columns, and richly detailed interiors. This is where guests will find the excellent restaurant and cosy bar, both of which evoke a warm and regal ambience. Dining is a highlight, with international and Indian dishes served both indoors and in the candlelit courtyard accompanied by live folk music.

The resort setting is picture-perfect and beautifully curated, complete with a sun-drenched swimming pool, a superb Oberoi Spa flanked by a peaceful lily pond, and even a small fitness tent tucked into the grounds. Nature walks, private jungle drives and expert naturalists enhance the overall experience for those keen to spot Ranthambore’s famed tigers or immerse themselves in the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Although the wilderness of Ranthambore is the main draw, the resort offers a peaceful retreat in its own right, with just 25 tents ensuring an atmosphere of space and quiet. Service, as with all Oberoi properties, is exemplary: discreet, polished and genuinely warm. Whether you're here for the thrill of tiger tracking or simply to relax amidst nature with all the comforts of a world-class hotel, The Oberoi Vanyavilas offers an effortlessly luxurious safari experience, combining impeccable hospitality with an authentic sense of place.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson