Exquisite themed resorts in India that take you far from the madding crowd

Inspired by history and local culture, secluded in the forests and mountains, these properties deliver a range of experiences far removed from civilisation

India is known to be the land of diversity and has an abundance of natural locations to head off to for vacations. While some are all about trekking and adventure, others are about the sand and the sea. And then, there are the historical and cultural experiences. And then, of course, there are resorts that allow you to explore and experience these themes. All across the country, there are a number of off-beat themed resorts to choose from. For example, Darjeeling has a large number of tea residences that have been there for decades such as the Glenburn Tea Estate Resort. This is set in the middle of a working tea estate established in the 1860s. The resort is surrounded by the Kanchenjunga range and also offers log cabins by the banks of the river Rangeet. The property is designed in the British colonial bungalow style and the best time to visit this place is between October and March. Here is a short list of theme-based resorts across the country. 

Village-themed 

• The Shaam-e-Sarhad Village in Kutch, whose central theme is Gujarati culture, offers old-world ambience with its mud cottages and tents. The speciality of this place is the bhungas, or mud houses with circular walls and a thatched roof. This seasonal property is located in a secluded region of Kutch and is open between October and March. Staying here will cost you around Rs 5,000 a night. 
• Inspired by the Mughals, Amanbagh resort is in Alwar, Rajasthan. The regal look of this place comes from its Indo-Persian architecture, reminiscent of the Mughal Empire. The resort is surrounded by the Aravalli range and is located near the Bengal tiger sanctuary of Sariska and the haunted Bhangarh Fort. Along with luxury, this place provides royalty and a princely experience. Staying here can cost you up to Rs 35,000-60,000 a night. 
• On the banks of the Kabini River in Mysore, Karnataka, is Evolve Back Kabini, a wildlife-themed resort. The property (formerly Orange County Kabini) is on the edge of Nagarhole National Park. Its design has been inspired by the tribal villages and the local Kadu Kuruba tribe. For this jungle and wildlife experience, expect to pay Rs 30,000 upwards a night.

Banasura Hill resort

• Banasura Hill resort is another traditional-style hideaway in the hills of Wayanad. This place is bamboo furnished and comes with mud cottages and coconut palm leaf roofs. The resort is built in the middle of cashew plantations and vast tea estates, to give it an authentic feel. It is also acclaimed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Staying here can cost you up to Rs 13,000 a night.

Beach-themed

• Turtle Bay Beach Resort in Trasi, Karnataka, is on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is covered with coconut palms. It has cabanas as rooms and, as the name suggests, it lets you get up close with sea turtles. The best time to visit is during the monsoons. Staying here will cost around Rs 3,000 a night.

Evolve Back Kabini, Mysore

• The Coconut Lagoon resort in Kumarakom is surrounded by Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat or ferry. The resort has old traditional wooden buildings and rooms that are made to resemble a houseboat. It has its own cultivation and farming area, and has been designed like a small island. September-March is the best time to visit this place. Staying here will cost you around Rs 14,000 a night. 

Forest theme

• Tree houses are made to provide a hideaway from the chaos of city life. Located near the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Jabalpur, Tree House Hideaway resort is, as the name suggests, built on trees. It is situated in the middle of forest land, and it is quite common to see wildlife directly from the tree dwellings. The architecture follows Madhya Pradesh's traditional local lifestyle. Staying here can cost you Rs 12,000-21,000 a night.
• To experience the thrill of living on a tree, visit the Tree House resort in Jaipur. The resort sits on top of keekar trees, and the rooms have branches running through them, which give the place a more natural feeling. In the middle of the greenery, the resort has a rustic look and is surrounded by still water bodies. June-December is the best time to visit. Staying here can cost you Rs 18,000-22,000 a night.
• Wayanad, located in the tropical rain forests of Kerala, holds some of the most secluded resorts from civilisation. Vythiri resort in Wayanad is situated in the middle of the rainforest, and is surrounded by coffee and cardamom plantations. The tree house rooms at this resort are designed to resemble the cottages of planters. Water streams and waterfalls pass by the resort giving it a pure natural feel. The best time to visit this place is June-January. Staying here can cost you Rs 15,000-30,000 with food, per night.

The Machan resort, Lonavla

• The Machan resort in Jambulne, Lonavala, is located two-and-a-half hours from Mumbai. The property is in the middle of an isolated tropical forest in the Western Ghats. It is wooden structured and has different accommodations such as the crow's nest, the loft, the hanging room, and tents. The best time to visit this place is June-September. Staying here can cost you Rs 20,000-73,000 for two nights.

Cave-themed

• Guhantara resort is an underground cave resort in Bangalore. The whole property has a cave-like ambience and architecture. Its bedrooms, restaurants and spas are all built under the cave. This themed resort gives you a caveman-like experience inside out. Staying here can cost you Rs 5,500-11,000 a night.

Guhantara resort

• Brys Caves resort, located in Corbett, Uttarakhand, offers cave-themed cottages, such as Shivalik cave, King cave, and Queen cave. The whole resort is made to look and feel like living in a cave. Staying here can cost up to Rs 12,000 per night.

Most of these themed resorts are located in secluded places, away from the cities and are mostly based on the local resources or local culture, to give them an authentic and natural feel.