If you’ve been googling ‘the best wildlife resort in Maharashtra’, chances are you’ll find many hits, and many more misses. Perhaps a better way to find what you’re looking for is to first define the experiences you are seeking. While every luxury hotel, lodge and resort will guarantee the most thrilling safaris, we at Wildlife Luxuries believe that there’s much more to a deeply satisfying wildlife getaway than just the promise of a sighting.
The sanctuaries and national parks of Central India draw thousands of travellers every year but those in search of a luxurious holiday tend to find it far away in the Mara and the wilds of Serengeti. Our country has so much to offer, and slowly but surely, a new kind of wildlife getaway is finding expression — off the tourist map, sustainably designed and intentionally niche.
Tipai: Not just safari and three meals
Breaking the mould of a wildlife holiday as the world knows it, a Wildlife Luxuries experience is a departure from the expected standards of packaged tourism. Consciously choosing places that are untouched, we seek to build destinations. Meticulously curated for individual guests with exceptional access to the region’s highlights, no two Wildlife Luxuries experiences are ever the same.
Tipai, our flagship property is a luxury resort set in a 34 acre expanse in the fringes of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers guests a choice of plush villas and private pool residences. Designed in tune with the natural landscape, spaces are built by the people of neighbouring villages using local materials and sustainable techniques like rammed earth construction. Every detail, within the villas and across experiences, is handcrafted exclusively for Wildlife Luxuries by artisans and like- minded boutique brands.
Imagine a villa, tucked away in the fringes of a wildlife sanctuary, alive with the sounds and smells of undisturbed nature. Far away from the city, but with all the creature comforts you desire. And just a buggy ride away, the freshest produce is cooked to perfection — whether you are in the mood for a pizza, a Maharashtrian thaali or a 10 course degustation menu, curated just for you.
Fresh off the land and served round the clock, dining at Tipai is tailored to your taste.
And when you want to venture into the wild, you hop on to our Gypsies, kitted out with everything you need — from binoculars to cameras, and a wellness kit to stay fresh throughout your game drive. To know all about tipeshwar, read this article Tipeshwar guide.
Immersive wildlife experiences
We believe that sustainable wildlife journeys can be a force for good; but no one, neither travellers nor the wildlife they want to see, gains from overcrowded safari routes and the Gypsy jams that have become all too familiar in the Kanhas of the world. Tipeshwar, being relatively small and remote, is quiet and truly wild — and we’re doing our best to keep it that way. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the forested basalt hills of the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary are a treasure trove of biodiversity in western India. This 150 sq.km deciduous forest is nestled between Maharashtra and Telangana, falling within the larger Tadoba Tiger Reserve biosphere.
Bespoke safaris:
Led by naturalists who know the park like the back of their hands, a Tipai safari is bespoke. With nearly all of the park open for safari, fewer tourists and no zoning system, our naturalists map out routes based on guests’ interests — be it a particular avian species or a seasonal damselfly. Equipped with Solognac 8×42 binoculars in customised Gypsies designed for comfort and 360°views, the Tipai Safari is an experience for all the senses.
Junior naturalist:
A wildlife holiday is a great way for children to learn about the natural world. Start them early with our Junior Naturalist program, where they can learn to identify plants, butterflies, birds, and pug marks through engaging and safe activities. For more reasons why a family safari is a great idea, check out this article on family safari holidays.
Nature trails and birding:
Take a guided walk through Tipai’s habitat with your naturalist. Stroll through rustic village roads winding through the scrub bushes and farmlands. Spot birds while taking in the scenic beauty of the Gondwakdi lake.
Camera trap trails:
Try this citizen science activity especially if you are travelling with children. Learn about nocturnal creatures and how to observe wildlife and select observation sites. We set up our cameras around dusk and transfer the data to our database which helps build a record of the wildlife of the region.
Fishing:
Relax by our rain fed pond that has almost 2000 fish of different breeds and species. Our naturalist will assist you in learning fishing techniques and share knowledge about fish ecology.
Stargazing:
In seasons where the night skies are clear, watch stars glitter across a vast expanse. Guided by our passionate naturalist, use our powerful Celestron telescope to identify constellations or wish upon a shooting star.
Enjoy the wilderness, responsibly
Sustainability is core to everything we do at Wildlife Luxuries. We appreciate that our discerning guests care as much for the environment, and this is one of the many reasons they choose to stay with us. Some of the small but significant ways we reduce our ecological footprint include:
We grow our own food organically.
Our apiaries contribute to biodiversity, and our seasonal menus.
We have reforested Tipai with a palette of 300 native trees, shrubs and grasses. Our self-cleaning bio-pools are 100% chemical-free.
Almost all our landscaping needs are met by harvested rainwater.
We have rejuvenated groundwater reserves with scientific building of check dams, percolation pits and more.
Naturally cool rammed earth and stone villas reduce our carbon footprint.
Most of our electricity is harnessed from the sun that shines generously on Tipai all year long.
Make memories for a lifetime
“We had a rare sighting of a beautiful tigress up close and the team was incredible — they knew all the dos and don’ts and advised us not make a sound or eye contact — it was surreal!”, say Kitty and Navin who had the most extraordinary experience as tigress Talaowali visited the resort early this year. While all safety protocols are in place, our location in the fringes of of the buffer zone of Tipeshwar is full of birds and butterflies with the occasional wilder visitor. “Tipai is a photographer’s paradise. The outstanding feature for us is the total involvement of the attentive, prompt and caring staff. The visit to the hideaway machaan was thrilling”, say Mr and Mrs Jain.
Perfect for those looking for a weekend getaway with luxury accommodation, if a wildlife trip is on the cards, rest assured we’ll serve it with a generous side of adventure. An easy drive from Hyderabad with great air-road options from Mumbai, Tipeshwar is among the best wildlife sanctuaries for an unusual holiday in Maharashtra. Our spacious villas are ideal for fun family holidays, reunions with friends and a quiet retreat for couples. To plan your trip, explore our Pool Residences and Forest Villas and make your reservations with ease.