India Spa.org Spa Resorts in India Aman-I-Khas, Ranthambore

Spa Resorts in India

Aman-I-Khas, Ranthambore

Location || Experience

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 June – the best period for wildlife spotting. The 2003 season starts in November.

Accommodation :

The camp lies on a gentle slope against a backdrop of dry, brushwood hills. It is set up for only nine 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 six 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, with 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 & Dining :

There are three additional tents – making nine 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 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.