Set in rugged
countryside, Aman-i-Khás is a wilderness retreat located on the fringe of
Ranthambhore National Park, in Rajasthan, India. The park offers
opportunities for sighting leopards, tigers, sloth bears and chittal deer.
Aman-i-Khás is only open for seven months a year from October until the
end of April which coincides with the season for Ranthambhore National
Park.
|
INTRODUCTION
Aman-i-Khás (combining aman, meaning 'peace', in Sanskrit, and khás,
meaning 'special' in Urdu and Hindi) is an exclusive wilderness camp set
in the rugged hills of Rajasthan on the outskirts of Ranthambhore National
Park. The luxury tents are set in a quiet rural area that borders one of
the finest tiger reserves in the world. The camp operates from October
until the end of April – the best period for wildlife spotting.
ACCOMMODATION
The camp lies on a gentle slope against a backdrop of dry, brushwood
hills. It is set up for only seven months of the year and is packed away
in the hot summer. When set up, the camp blends in unobtrusively with the
native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees.
On arrival, guests are taken by
four-wheel-drive vehicle to a walled courtyard. The entrance to the camp
is via a pathway that leads through high walls, opening onto views of the
rocky Aravalli hills that undulate through Ranthambhore National Park.
There are 10 accommodation tents. Each
echoes a rich Moghul style with 'rooms' separated by cotton drapes. The
tents, set on a concrete plinth, measure 108sq m, and are identical in
design. They are constructed of canvas and supported by a steel frame with
the interior walls and ceilings draped in fine cotton. Entry to each tent
is through a screened area that contains an armchair and a dining table
with chairs. Beyond this is the centre of the tent that ascends to a
soaring six-metre canopy under which lies an oversized daybed, ideal for
lounging.
Opening from the central area are three
further sections for sleeping, bathing and dressing. The 'bedroom' area is
fitted with a king-size bed flanked by twin writing desks. The bathing
area includes a shower, soaking tub and separate toilet whilst the
dressing area contains the cupboards with hanging space and twin vanities.
Cotton screens provide complete privacy. Furniture is minimal and
unobtrusive, mimicking the travelling camps of an earlier time. Each tent
is air-conditioned and there is also a ceiling fan and a cooler chest for
drinks.
Camp stays are inclusive of a minimum of
two nights accommodation. In addition, a food and beverages "board
charge", per person per day, applies.
FOOD
AND DINING
There are three additional tents – making 13 in all. The Dining
Tent at Aman-i-Khás is furnished with tables and chairs. Meals
are often served in different locations throughout the grounds and dinner
is most often concluded around a roaring outdoor fire that serves as a
focal point in colder winters. The camp serves Indian cuisine and a range
of Western dishes. Freshness of produce is ensured as most of the
vegetables and herbs are grown in the camp’s organic vegetable garden.
FACILITIES
Lounge and Library: Located adjacent to the dining tent
is the Lounge Tent. This is furnished with banquettes, reading tables and
chairs. The library provides a wide collection of coffee-table books on
the national park, the tigers, the history and culture of Rajasthan, as
well as on other aspects of Indian culture and history. Also on offer is a
selection of novels, magazines and board games. A small range of local
handicrafts, fabrics, CDs, CD players and sundries are available for
purchase.
Spa Treatment: The Spa
Tent consists of two treatment areas featuring twin massage tables. Spa
treatments include massage, scrubs and traditional henna art using local
ingredients, herbs and spices.
Fireplace: Situated at
the upper level of the camp this outdoor spot with its nightly log fires
in many ways serves as an informal lounge and dining area. It is the ideal
location for a cool drink during the day as well as being the pre- and
post- excursion gathering point.
'Step-well'
(Pool): Refreshing dips can be taken in a 'step-well' set within
the camp. The forested area circles a sunning terrace which in turn in
surrounds a square pool which is modelled on the ancient step wells that
are traditional to the area.
EXPERIENCE
The experience at Aman-i-Khás is focused on viewing wildlife, in
particular, the tiger. Ranthambhore National Park was declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1955. It was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajah of
Jaipur. Following the launch of Project Tiger and concerted conservation
efforts to save the big cats, the tiger population is now more visible and
stable.
WILDLIFE
The core of the park, which measures around 400 square kilometres,
presents the best opportunity for spotting tigers, leopards, jungle cats,
caracal, hyenas and sloth bears. Interestingly, tiger sightings at
Ranthambhore are among the best anywhere.
Chital and sambar deer, antelopes and
gazelles can also be seen roaming the savannah whilst the lakes and
waterholes are home to the Indian marsh crocodile. Bird life, both
resident and migratory, is prolific and over 350 species have been sighted
within the park. Aman-i-Khás has its own bird hide in camp, overlooking a
pond and wetlands area where many species can be sighted at guests’
leisure.
The best time to view game is in the
early morning and late afternoon. The camp operates four-wheel drive,
open-top vehicles customised for safari viewing. The morning starts with
tea or coffee at 6:00am with the vehicles leaving camp around 6.30am.
Excursions last around three-and-a-half-hours and take place twice a day.
Trips are led by Ranthambhore National Park-appointed guides who take
guests on a range of routes through the park. The morning excursion
returns at about 10:00am when breakfast is served. The afternoon
excursions depart from the camp at around 3:00pm and generally return at
6.30pm. Excursion times are set by the park authorities as only a limited
number of vehicles are permitted inside the park core at any one time.
OTHER
ACTIVITIES
Ranthambhore Fort: Within the grounds of the park, is the
historic and striking Ranthambhore Fort. Constructed between 944AD and
1110AD, it measures four-and-a-half square kilometres with ramparts
totalling over seven kilometres in length. Strategically located, it was
always coveted by rulers and was the scene of many battles. The fort stood
proudly independent until it fell to the mighty Moghul Emperor Akbar in
the 16th century. Individual tours to the fort are available on request
and travelling time from the camp is approximately 25 minutes.
Camel Safaris: Also
available are camel safaris through the outskirts of the park and
traditional villages.
Nature Walks: To enjoy
the countryside up close, guests can head out on nature walks or visit
Dastkar Kendra, a not-for-profit local women's cooperative.
|
