In 1952 the future Queen Elizabeth went to stay at Treetops Hotel, a tree-house hotel in Kenya. During the night her father died and she learnt the news while she was still surrounded by greenery and overlooking a watering hole where wild animals gathered. It was later written that she “went up a princess and came down a Queen”.

From that it’s obvious that tree-house hotels have been around for quite some time. But they are relatively new to India where, in the past, people would have probably said that tree-house hotels were for the birds. But consider the immense possibilities. Imagine waking to the sounds of chirping birds at remarkably close quarters — maybe you won’t be sleeping late — and a canopy of green all around you.

THE TREE HOUSE RESORT, JAIPUR

With Aravalli hills as backdrop and a thick forest cover, this is an ideal place for a peaceful holiday. The resort, located on the Jaipur-Delhi highway is the brainchild of three eco-entrepreneurs — Sunil Mehta, Uttam Kumar Tharyamal and Mantosh Das. There are 24 tree-houses built atop thick keekar trees at a height of 25ft.

The rooms are luxurious, equipped with all modern amenities. Says Mehta: “One can also go for jungle safaris, trekking, bird-watching and boating.”

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The Woodpecker Suite, with a separate sit-out area, costs Rs 10,000 per night on twin-sharing basis. The other cottages are priced at Rs 8,000 per night on twin-sharing basis. Tariff includes all meals and activities. Mail to info@naturefarms.in.

SAFARILAND RESORT, MASINAGUDI

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then try this one out. It was set up three years ago by Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, an avid conservationist and environmentalist and a member of Hyderabad’s royal family.

This jungle getaway is located in the Nilgiri biosphere at Masinagudi (30km from Ooty), bordering the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Six tree-houses are built atop rosewood trees, 40ft above the ground, with great views of the forests and the hills. There are two deluxe tree-houses, built over a stream, two exclusive tree-houses and a twin tree-house with two separate rooms for two couples.

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The deluxe tree-house costs Rs 6,500 per couple per night. The exclusive tree-house is priced at Rs 4,500 and the twin-tree-house at Rs 3,500 per couple per night. Tariff includes jungle safari and evening campfire. Meals cost extra. Mail to info@safarilandresorts.com.

CARMELIA HAVEN, VANDANMEDU

The resort is set amidst 50 acres of spice plantations in Vandanmedu, 23km from Thekkady, Kerala. Says Bijil Thomas, executive, reservations: “There are a lot of green activities in the resort like organic-farming and vermi-culture.” There are two tree-houses built at an elevation of 17ft with luxurious interiors.

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The deluxe tree-house costs Rs 6,000 while the standard tree-house costs Rs 5,000 per night on a twin-sharing basis. This includes breakfast, jeep safari and spice plantation tour. Mail to carmelia@nivalink.co.in.

ELA ECOLAND, MUNNAR

This eco-resort in Kuruzhupara on Mankulam Road near Munnar in Kerala, is ideal for nature lovers. Presently, there’s only one tree-house at a height of 40ft, surrounded by cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. The interiors consist of a bedroom with attached bathroom, a living room and a sit-out area.

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One night is priced at Rs 2,500 per couple, including breakfast. Tariff includes bird-watching, trekking and bonfire nights. Mail to elaecoland@gmail.com.