ROOMS & SUITES: 6

The experience at Aman-i-Khas 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. Open for only seven months of the year, Aman-i-Khas is a wilderness camp located in a rugged brushwood forest on the fringes of Ranthambhore National Park. The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Jaipur. The camp blends in unobtrusively with the native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees. Accommodation is in ten luxury air-conditioned tents, each with soaring canopies draped in the Moghul style. Furniture is minimal and unobtrusive, mimicking the travelling camps of an earlier time. There are also three separate tents for dining, massage and reading. Meals are often served in different locations throughout the grounds and diner is most often concluded around a roaring outdoor fire. Twice-daily, guided wildlife viewing excursions take guests into the park in open four-wheel-drive vehicles to spot indigenous game, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles and chital deer.

AFFILIATIONS

Visa Signature Collection

ACCOLADES & ARTICLES

Zagat Survey - Top International Hotels, Resorts and Spas - #1 Notable Newcomers - 2006

AWARDS

A-List - Luxury Travel Magazine Awards

INSIDER TIPS

Aman-i-Khas is open for only 7 months during the year, from October 1st to the end of April, which coincides with the season for Ranthambhore National Park.

ACCOMMODATIONS

6 Luxury Tents - Each echoes a rich Mughal style with "rooms" separated by cotton drapes. The tents, set on a concrete plinth, measure 108 sq.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.

FACILITIES

Spa

LEISURE

Camel Safaris
Nature Walks

SPA

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.

EXPLORE

Ranthambhore Fort

The core of the park, which measures around 400 sq. km., presents the best opportunity for spotting tigers, leopards, jungle cats, hyenas and sloth bears. Interestingly, tiger sightings at Ranthambhore are among the best anywhere. 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 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 jeeps customised for maximum comfort. The morning starts with tea or coffee at 5am with the vehicles leaving camp shortly after. Excursions last around four-and-a-half-hours and take place twice a day. Trips are led by Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve appointed guides who take guests on a range of routes through the park. The morning excursion returns at about 9.30am when breakfast is served. The afternoon excursions depart from the camp at around 3.30pm 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.

AIRPORT

Jaipur-Sanganeer International Airport (JAI)

AIRPORT DISTANCE

90 minutes

HIGH SEASON

November through April

GETTING THERE

Helipad available.

Supplementary costs: Entry pass to Ranthambhore National Park (US$30 per person per entry), train transfers between Delhi and Aman-i-Khas (US$100 per person one way), plane transfers between Jaipur and Jodhpur (US$100 per person one way).