Elephant Welcome, Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, India

Many guests of the Oberoi Vanyavilas, a luxury tented camp near Ranthambhore National Park, in Rajasthan, have one goal for their stay—to see tigers in the wild. But their first encounter will be with gentle giants: Two elephants named Laxmi and Mala greet new arrivals by touching the top of each hotel guest's head with their trunks. A love tap from an elephant (a maharaja's welcome) is thought in India to be an auspicious blessing for a happy life, or, at the very least, a happy vacation. A formal dining room that serves Indian, Western, and Thai cuisine; private butler service; and the 25 tents (outfitted with four-poster beds, roll-top baths, and private decks and gardens) stack the deck in your favor, too.

Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore
Rajasthan, India
Tel: 91 7462 22 3999
Rooms start at $885 per night; the elephant welcome is complimentary.

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