Our forests offer much more than just beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Each one has a different story to tell-Raveena Tandon- Actor
The Ranthambore national park, named after the historic 10th century Ranthambore Fort which lies within the park is one of India’s best known wildlife sanctuary, is home to wildlife as diverse as tigers, leopards, striped hyena, sloth bears, mugger crocodile, sambar, chital, birds and reptiles and is easy to get to by driving from Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, by chopper or train.
At the secluded Aman-i-Khas the location is divine and a guest could easily imagine being in a camp in the African wilderness. Its 10 wondrous, spacious and airy tents of about 1000 sq. feet spread over 10 acres has no equivalent hence it remains the first among equals. There is a staff member who on request will be your one point contact and will remain so throughout your stay. All a guest has to do is to wake up for safari in the wee hours of the morning and the friendly staff will take care of the rest.
The open courtyard for dining and the ambience of the sit out by the camp fire in the evening while sipping a glass of wine or downing a single malt on the rocks at the end of a hectic day of safaris is every wild life enthusiast’s dream vacation. The mood is surely enhanced if the sighting has been successful and pics of the predators are recorded on mobile phones and/or cameras, the experience and excitement is shared while clinking glasses with the other guests and the resort’s staff.
I consider myself lucky having had the opportunity to stay at this wilderness camp more than once and my special spot on its premises is the pool designed as a Step well and its deck and despite the presence sometimes of other guests the serenity it offers allows guests to be lost in his or her own thoughts. Similar to Aman Bagh the cuisine is international and local and Aman’s signature organic farm supplies the Chef and the kitchen staff with the choicest of vegetables and fruits and the well trained staff will go beyond the call of duty while your wish is their command.
It is not too difficult to combine a trip to Aman Bagh and the Aman-i-khas if one has at least 4 days or better still 5 days to spare. Do it.. all it needs is a camera, hat, sun glasses, clothes, pullover, jacket to beat the winter and a spirit of adventure.
Getting there
300 kms/178 miles from Agra and driving time of 6 hours
190 kms/113 miles from Jaipur and 3.5 hours
400 kms/238 miles from Delhi and 8 hours
By Helicopter
30 minutes from Agra
45 minutes from Delhi
By Flight
Fly to Jaipur airport and drive 3-3.5 hours
Best time to visit– October to May. It is hot in April and May but the sightings are excellent
Signature dishes at Aman-i-Khas and Amanbagh
Veg
Western-Sous vide Beets-baby beets, garden rocket, walnut oil, horse radish , macaroons –
Starters– Indian- Mushroom galouti-smoked and minced mushroom cakes scented with cloves
Paneer palak Tikka , Tandoori champ -Yogurt and Chili marinated lamb chops finished in clay oven with clarified butter
Mains – western- Pasta-organic basil ,baby tomatoes, pesto –
Pan fried Black cod- coriander crust, egg plant puree, sago pearls, Zucchini, caramelised onion
Indian – Chole paneer- Chickpea and cottage cheese cooked in tea and served with raisin mint naan
Non Veg
Kozhi sukka- a Mangalorean specialty of chicken with butter served with Kerala paratha
Nalli Nihari- A must try- 14 hours braised lamb shanks with pineapple, ginger and onion relish
www.amanresorts.com
