9. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan, India

What more fitting way to begin a quest for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park than to step from the folds of a tent? "Tent," though, is such a modest word, even when it's also called "luxury," as is the case with the 25 tents at Vanyavilas. Three and a half hours east of Jaipur by car, and just outside the park boundaries, these are actually permanent, immovable accommodations inside a walled compound that also shelters more solid structures, such as the grandiose dining room. The tents are air-conditioned and have polished hardwood floors, four-poster king-size beds, and freestanding bathtubs inside the attached oversize bathrooms. And should the quest for tigers prove fruitless? The ever-attentive staff will commiserate, suggesting a dip in the pool, or, if you've had enough of the great outdoors for the day, a drink or game of billiards in the Library Bar before moving on to the dining room, its walls hung with hand-painted frescoes, to debate the merits of guinea fowl versus mutton curry. —Concierge.com's Rajasthan travel guide

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Oberoi Vanyavilas
Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India
Tel: 91 746 222 3999

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