Aman-i-Khás

I have long been a fan of the Aman Group. Their 23 resorts are small & intimate, situated in remote & often exceptionally beautiful locations. Aman-i-Khás is an exclusive wilderness camp set in the rugged hills of Rajasthan on the outskirts of Ranthambhore National Park in northern India.

A natural watering hole nearby lures smaller wildlife & twice daily safaris into the National Park are offered for those who want to see the tigers (tragically numbering only about 35 today) in the Nature Reserve.


The Lounge Tent is furnished with banquettes, reading tables and chairs.

And the Dining Tent serves Indian cuisine and a range of Western dishes with vegetables and herbs from the camp's organic garden.

There are 10 luxury air-conditioned tents which have soaring 6m. canopies and draped screens of fine cotton, which separate the tents into different areas for sleeping, dressing, bathing and living. The bathing area includes a shower, tub and separate loo & the dressing area contains cupboards with hanging space and twin dressing tables. Cotton screens provide complete privacy.

The bedroom area is fitted with a king-size bed flanked by twin writing desks for daily diary entries.

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. Each tent has a dedicated attendant who sees that you have everything you need.

The step-well pool is designed in the traditional Indian style of a series of squared, concentric steps that converge deeper into the pool.

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.

The Camp is set in a quiet rural area that borders one of the finest tiger reserves in the world. Operating only from October until the end of April, it lies on a gentle slope against a backdrop of dry, brushwood hills. Aman-i-Khas is set up for only those seven temperate months of the year and is packed away in the hot summer.

As dusk falls, enjoy a rustic Rajasthani thali featuring fresh produce from the resort’s organic gardens.

Dinner is often concluded around the outdoor fireplace which overlooks the Aravalli Hills. Then sit under the stars with the other guests around the communal fireplace before retiring to your tent.

Ranthambore is a natural habitat for tigers in the core of the park, but on the outskirts where Aman-i-Khás is located, visitors are encouraged to join a guided nature walk through the low hills.

The morning safari starts with tea or coffee at 6am, with the vehicles leaving camp by 6:30am. The guides take guests on a range of routes through the park, and snacks and drinks are provided. The morning excursion returns at around 10am, after which breakfast is served either in the Dining Tent or in the privacy of your tent. The afternoon excursions depart from the camp at around 3pm and generally return at 6:30pm.

India is a country famed for its exotic colour and vibrant cultures.

Images : Aman Resorts & Flickr