Where to Stay High Up in the Jungle in a Tree House in India

India tree house hotels, apart from being unique places to stay, are an absolute delight if you're a nature lover. You'll find these tree houses dotted all over the country. They range from luxurious to rustic, and are perfect for a romantic getaway or just relaxing in peaceful surroundings. Here are the best ones.

1. The Machan, Maharashtra

The Machan is perfect for those looking for an isolated getaway, especially families or friends traveling together. It's a huge three bed room, four level, tree house located in the midst of a private tropical forest in the Western Ghat mountains, near Lonavala (around two and a half hours from Mumbai). The house hangs over the edge of a precipice, providing a breathtaking view of the valley below. There are five kilometers of walking tracks, accessible only by guests, in the forest to explore. Rates are 25,000 rupees during the week and 30,000 rupees during the weekend, for the whole house (up to six people). Dinner and breakfast are included. A minimum two night stay is necessary on the weekend. Note: other smaller machans are also available for 10,000-12,000 rupees per night.

2. Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh

The Tree House Hideaway is an intimate property featuring five exclusive tree houses, spread through 21 acres of dense jungle bordering Bandhavgarh National Park (one of the best places to see a tiger in India). The tree houses are earthy and well appointed with modern attached bathrooms, hot water, living area, air conditioning, power back up, and mosquito netting. Their balconies overlook the national park, which is great for animal spotting. Rates are 14,000 rupees per night for a double, including meals, or 23,000 rupees with a jungle safari to the national park. (Note that the property remains closed from July 1 to October 15).

3. Vythiri Resort, Lakkidi, Kerala

Located at the gateway to the Wayand district of Kerala, a lush mountainous region that stretches along the Western Ghats, Vythiri Resort has five tree houses (including one that's child friendly) buried in the middle of the jungle. This substantial 150 acre property is built around a stream, and the tree houses have been hand-crafted by indigenous tribal people using locally available materials. The resort has an Ayurvedic spa, swimming pool, games room, and health club, Expect to pay 16,000 rupees per night for a double tree house, and 17,000 rupees for a luxury double tree house, with all meals included. The luxury tree houses are higher (70 feet!) up and have a private Jacuzzi.

4. Tranquil Resort, Kolagappara, Kerala

Also located in Kerala's Wayand district, Tranquil Resort is in fact a luxurious coffee plantation homestay. There are 12 walking trails on the property and more than 100 species of birds have been spotted. Facilities include outdoor swimming pool and Ayurvedic massages. The resort has a tree house and a 1,000 square foot tree villa, which is more like a spacious bungalow. The villa is, notably, insect proof (this is a rarity) and has two bathrooms. Both of these accommodations are popular, so do book early! Expect to pay around 15,000 rupees per night for the tree house and 17,500 rupees per night for the tree villa. All meals are included, and they're home-cooked by the hosts and eaten in a common dining area. Fresh coffee from the estate is also served. The owners have gone on to establish a new boutique homestay in Wayand called Amaryllis, also with luxury tree houses.

5. Marmalade Springs Plantation Resort, Kalpetta, Kerala

The Wayanad district certainly is a popular place for tree house hotels in India -- here's another one! This breathtaking resort is set on a 30 acre coffee plantation next to one of the area's oldest tribal colonies (guests can enjoy a night of tribal dance and food). The accommodations consist of 12 nature based cottages, including one tree house. It's built and furnished completely out of teak wood, and has its own verandah and a sitting area below the room. The view of the plantation is magical! Expect to pay 12,000 rupees, plus tax, per night.

6. Rainforest Resort, Athirapally Falls, Kerala

If the thought of a bird's eye view of Athirapally Falls (Kerala's largest waterfall) appeals to you, then book yourself into the tree house at the boutique Rainforest Resort, tucked away in the Sholayar rainforest. The resort is set on seven acres of unspoilt jungle, and the tree house has been uniquely designed by a Swiss architect. It's not cheap though. Expect to pay around 20,000 rupees per night, including breakfast and tax.

7. The Himalayan Village, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

The highly rated Himalayan Village, located near Kasol in Himachal Pradesh's pristine Parvati Valley, sits amidst towering deodar trees. This remarkable resort has been traditionally constructed in Kathkunia style, by the dry stacking of stone and wood without cement. Its machan tree houses, which are wooden structures called bhandars, are perched 50-60 feet above the ground. There's no need to sacrifice comfort or luxury to stay there: they offer king size beds, sitting area with sofa, study, separate dressing room, rain showers, and mini bar. The resort also has multiple restaurants, bar, and Ayurvedic spa and sauna. Expect to pay 10,000-14,000 rupees per night, depending on whether meals are included.

8. Tree House Resort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Situated around 30 minutes drive from the pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, the Tree House Resort is the largest resort in the world of its kind. It's located at Nature Farms in the Syari Valley. The idea behind it is to bring people back to nature, but with the same trappings of an urban existence. The accommodations are divided into a number of luxury "nests". Some even have tree trunks running through them. All are air conditioned, and have wireless Internet, satellite TV, and plasma screens. Rates start from 12,000 rupees per night, including all meals and taxes. Activities include jeep safaris, birding, nature walks, or simply relax by the swimming pool.

9. Nature Zone Resort, Munnar, Kerala

Nature Zone, secluded on one of the highest peaks of the Munnar hills around 30 minutes from Munnar town (the resort's jeeps ferry guests to and fro because of the terrain), is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience of nature. The resort has its own trained naturalists and a diverse range of wildlife. Challenging treks are a specialty. There are five rustic tree houses on the property, three of which are clustered in a group. One is in a dense jungle area and is only used on demand. Expect to pay approximately 9,500 rupees per night, including tax and meals.

10. Safari Land Resort, Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu

Nestled into the foothills of the Nilgiri mountain range (famous for its toy train that goes up to Ooty) near Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Safari Land Resort is spread over five acres and has five different types of tree house accommodations. These include honeymoon, family, and skyscraper tree houses. Rates are quite reasonable and range from 5,000-14,000 rupees per night. The resort offers plenty of activities such as nature walks, trekking, bird watching, horse riding, elephant rides and safaris.

11. Manali Tree House Cottages, Himachal Pradesh

Manali Tree House Cottages is a family-run property with one tree house, two other normal cottages, and a Swiss tent in the garden. It's like a home away from home. The tree house is set atop an oak tree on a farm near Katrain village, surrounded by orchards and lush fields, around 30 minutes drive from Manali. The hosts are warm and friendly, and home cooked meals superb. Accommodations are basic but comfortable. Expect to pay around 2,800 rupees per night for the tree house. (If you go in winter, you'll be able to enjoy snow).