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 ten accommodation tents. Each echoes a rich Mughal 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 all-inclusive
of accommodation, meals and house beverages and run for a minimum of three nights.
FOOD AND DINING
There
are three additional tents – making thirteen 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.
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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. 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 6am 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 10am when breakfast is served. 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.
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 Mughal 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.
Great Indian Wildlife Tours
