|
Welcome To Aman-i-Khas An encampment of just 10 special tents, Aman-i-Khás rests on the edge of Rajasthan’s Ranthambhore National Park, a sanctuary for wildlife and cultural beauty. Primal fantasies, in tented splendour, are played out around the camp’s faithfully rustic outdoor fireplace, surrounded by cushioned, stone-clad banquettes under the magnificence of nature’s twinkling ‘eye’. The beguiling calls of the wild, the breath-taking vistas of the brushwood Aravalli Hills dotted with crumbling ruins and palatial remnants, and a natural watering hole nearby, completes a compelling stage from which to experience an unforgettable adventure. All in sweeping canopied style, reminiscent of the travelling tents enjoyed during the resplendent Moghul dynasty. Location New Delhi, with its broad boulevards and tree-lined avenues, is the main gateway to Amanresorts stays in Rajasthan, India. The international airport is located approximately 35km from the city centre. The secondary international gateway to Rajasthan is Jaipur which is a ½ hour flight away from Delhi. There are daily flights with Indian airlines between Jaipur and Dubai and twice-weekly flights between Jaipur and Bangkok. From Delhi, guests can travel to Aman-i-Khás by train, plane and vehicle, or by helicopter. The train is often the most convenient method and travel time to Sawai Madhopur station, on the outskirts of the park, is approximately 3¾ hours. Guests are accompanied by an Aman-i-Khás batman in a first class compartment for four to six persons. Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are provided. On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, guests are taken on the ¼ hour journey to the camp itself in an open, jeep style vehicle, arriving in time for dinner. Accomodation Tents Ten authentic, appropriately stylish, comfortably elegant tents are pegged complete with modern necessities, tucked beneath their wilderness exterior. The beguiling setting, on the edge of the former Maharajah’s hunting ground, Ranthambhore Park, is pitch perfect. The Tents and Dining Hall and a locally inspired Spa Tent are reminiscent of the splendid travelling Moghul camps which were favoured by the Emperors and their entourage during the hunting seasons of this richly elaborate period. Each tent is expansively designed beneath a soaring six metre canopy: cotton partitions separate the sumptuous bathroom, bedroom, sitting and dining areas in a sweep of cool breezy beige and tan, allowing nature to be observed at close quarters beside delicate fine drapes. The wooden ceiling fan turns in harmony with nature’s mystical sounds, encouraging sound and soothing sleep. Measuring 108m² each, the tents 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 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 cooler chest for drinks. Desert camp What could be more enthralling than waking up to the clean, fresh morning air and walking out of your luxurious tent to watch young lion cubs playing just a few metres away? The scrub of northern India's wilderness lies just outside the camp and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to join a guided nature walk through the low hills. The camp is fully protected and professional safari guides are on hand at all times. Providing privacy within a thick canopy of trees, the Bawadi (step-well) is a series of squared, concentric steps that converge deeper into the pool. Fully lined with natural sandstone, the facility provides refreshing post-safari dips as it blends in with the camp and the surrounding topography. Guided nature walks from the camp led by a naturalist are also available, as is an excursion with a naturalist by SUV to the Banas Riverbed to spot water fowl and wading birds.
The resort Splendid isolation has afforded rich pickings at Aman-i-Khás; wild and home-grown from possible ‘prize’ tiger sightings to crocodiles and antelopes, to sampling the camp’s delectable home-spun organic produce. Nature can be admired behind delicate fine screen drapes in the comfort of one’s tent, or from exciting customised trips in open-top safari vehicles. The 10 air-conditioned tents, with soaring six-metre canopies above draped cotton partitions are designed and decorated in a magical Moghul interpreted style. The subtle hues of creamy canvas, swathes of airy-white cotton, khaki cushions on toffee coloured ‘hide’ contrast in soft elegance against the wondrous colours of Rajasthan; pale lemon-pink dawns dissolve under endless blue skies followed by sun drenched dusty amber dusks, and villagers nearby stand out in mesmerising contrast wearing their traditional primary-coloured clothing. cuisine The Dining Tent serves Indian cuisine and a range of Western dishes with vegetables and herbs from the camp's organic garden. Dinner is often concluded around the outdoor fireplace which overlooks the brushwood Aravalli Hills. lounge Furnished with banquettes, reading tables and chairs, the Lounge Tent provides a wide collection of coffee table books on the national park, the tigers, the history and culture of Rajasthan, as well as other aspects of Indian culture and history. A selection of novels, magazines and board games is also available. Guests may listen to the CDs available with personal CD players. A small range of fabrics and sundries is available for purchase. spa The Spa Tent has two separate areas each with two massage beds. Treatments include massage, scrubs and traditional henna art using local herbs and spices. Aman-i-Khás’ therapists distil millennia of knowledge of the healing arts into healing spa treatments which include a variety of massages, scrubs, stretches, facials and foot treatments designed to soothe and revitalise. For a different taste of India, decorate yourself with traditional henna art using local ingredients, herbs and spices.
Wireless broadband connections are available in the Lounge Tent and some public areas. Safari Twice-daily guided excursions in open-top vehicles take guests into the core of Ranthambhore National Park. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Jaipur, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 with good results in a more stable tiger population. The heart of the park presents excellent opportunities to see not just tigers but leopards, jungle cats, hyenas and sloth bears. Chital 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 with over 350 known species within the park. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view game and the Ranthambhore National Park-appointed guides accompany you on specially customised vehicles for 3½ hour safaris twice a day, every day. The morning starts with tea or coffee at 6am with the vehicles leaving camp by 6:30am. Excursions last around 3½ hours and trips are led by Ranthambhore National Park-appointed guides who take guests on a range of routes through the Park. Snacks and drinks are provided. The morning excursion returns about 10am when breakfast is served either in the Dining Tent or in the privacy of guest tents. The afternoon excursions depart from the camp at around 3pm 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.
organic garden 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 garden.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
