Discover the extraordinary unique stays in India.

We are conditioned to believe that our accommodations are not a part of our travel experience. Even today when we think of traveling somewhere, we seldom put a lot of thought into our stays adding something more to our journey. However, imagine if your stay could be the highlight of your trip. While we as travelers are getting difficult to please with the same old 4-walls of traditional hotel rooms, more thought is put into curating a special stay experience. It may come off as a surprise to you that India has offbeat stays like living on the water, or a tree, in palaces, and every exceptional staycation you can think of.

Without wasting a lot of time let’s quickly have a look at some of the most unique and unusual stays in India:

1. Hobbit Hole by Aventura-Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

If you have adored the Lord of the Ring series, here’s your chance to be Bilbo Baggins. You can experience the magical world of hobbit holes in the heart of Ooty and live in one! Additionally, these amazing pods are a part of a camping site and give you your much-needed privacy if you are a solo traveler. The 10 hobbit holes have cozy beds, blankets, and lighting. One hobbit hole can accommodate 2 adults and 1 toddler.

2. Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh:

If you love your striped big cats and often set out on jungle safaris, this is a must-visit unique stay in India for you. With the Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve just a few minutes away, this treehouse resort is spread across 21 acres of land. A very rustic, edgy, as well as woody cottage setting blends in with the jungle flora and fauna.  Besides, the room tariff would cost you around Rs 14,000 per night and the resort will book you a safari if you like.

3. Guhantara Cave Resort, Bangalore:

This is nothing like the Flintstone life but is a luxurious take on it. This very earthy 3-star resort is as grounded and humble as it gets- pun intended. The rock cave-themed resort is carved into a natural cave and gives the vibe of a den. The rooms are categorized into Primitive, Lithic suites, and cave suites with boulders visibly being a part of the interior finish and touch.

4. Raas Chhatrasagar Luxury Tents, Rajasthan:

A Luxury tent resort that sits on and faces lake Chhatrasagar? We are game for it. With 16 stunning luxury tents that spell royalty in every possible way, this unique accommodation has a king-size place in our hearts. The 4 family tents can accommodate up to 4 people in each tent. The 12 luxury tents accommodate up to 2 people each.

With such unique stays, don’t forget to visit the best marketplaces in Rajasthan!

5. Houseboats of Kerala:

Imagine your stay on a houseboat cruising through the calm backwaters of Kerala. You can observe the slow-paced lifestyle of Kerala households, take in the glory of giant coconut trees while sipping on coconut water. These houseboats were called ‘Kettuvallams’ back in the day. 

6. The Machan, Lonavala- Maharashtra:

This 3-star treehouse resort is one of the finest of its kind. India’s most renowned treehouse resort with multiple awards and recognitions redefines luxury, comfort, and oneness with nature. Further, with treehouses 30-45 feet above ground level, bird and animal observation machans, this stay raises the standards for a unique hotel experience.

Explore the offbeat places of Maharashtra while staying at the Machan.

7. Coconut Lagoon CGH, Kerala:

This stunning resort property sits beautifully on the backwaters of Kerala. What’s the catch that makes it unique? To get to and get out of the resort you can only use the boats and waterways. Walking down is not an option when you have to cross a river. It is astonishing how it’s a normal part of the locals day to day life but atypical for a traveler.

8. GlampEco Stays, Manali:

The first of its kind geodesic dome structured resort in India, this one is the best when it comes to winter resorts. Although it is operational throughout the year, the resort is at its best in winters when the dome is covered with a thick blanket of snow. At a height of 2600 meters, the resort offers domes, mud houses, private mudrooms, and dormitory beds.

9. The Taara House, Manali:

The Chalet of your dreams and the wooden cabin that brings outdoors indoor, this is a must-visit unusual staycation in India. Although the cottage encompasses only 2 bedrooms, the grandeur of the property at 6600 feet hilltop will leave you in awe of it. 

10. Tantra Beach Shacks and Huts, Goa:

If you are looking for a place to just lay down and stay the night, these shacks are a unique alternative to lodging boardings. The shacks overlook the beach and have a stacked floor-like bedding system. Although the room concept is not evident, the shack successfully maintains every visitor’s space. 

11. Barefoot Scuba Resort, Havelock, Andaman:

If you are looking for a Rainforest resort, this is one of the most innovative resorts and unique stays in India. Located at the award-winning best beach in Asia- Radhanagar, the resort has ac duplex cottages, fan-cooled tent cottages, sea view cottages, and huts.

12. Ahilya Fort Heritage Hotel, Madhya Pradesh:

Relive the history of this fort by visiting this regal fort resort. One-of-a-kind 4-star hotel today still stands tall with its fortresses. 19 rooms are opened for guests and visitors to book in 6 buildings available at the property.

13. Sukoon Houseboat, Srinagar:

Every traveller dreams of visiting Dal Lake and being on a Kashmiri shikhara. In fact, the Sukoon houseboat is a perfectly unique stay experience. With 5 rooms and 1 staff room, the houseboat built-in 1979 out of cedarwood can take care of all your needs.

14. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling:

With two bungalows that have 4 suites and common areas, this tea estate has a breathtaking view. The property is owned and preserved by the Prakashe family who has been in the tea business for years. You could take a tea tour and learn the art of how the tea gets its final processed form.

15. Jamtara wilderness camp, Madhya Pradesh:

If you are into extreme adventures and want a thrilling stay experience, this is a good choice. Moreover, the resort offers a bed in the forest setting with a mosquito net and all facilities to make your outdoor night more comfortable. Further, what makes this special is the star bed experience wherein you can sleep under the stars. 

To put it all together briefly, never worry about a boring monotonous outing again ever. With these unique stays in India, you will certainly have the time of your life as they add up to your complete wholesome experience.

Wish to travel solo? Look out for some affordable stays for solo travelers in India.

Also follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by Megha Sapre.