Aman-i-Khas – Ranthambore

A wilderness camp of 10 tents set on the edge of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khás combines aman, the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, with khás, meaning ‘special’ in Hindi and Urdu. Surrounded by the starkly beautiful Aravalli Hills, the camp provides access to the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park which measures a total of 1,334 square kilometres. Guests of Aman-i-Khás can also explore the region’s ancient forts and colourful rural villages nearby.

Aman-i-Khás features 10 luxury tents identical in style, each set on a raised concrete plinth. They echo the rich Moghul travelling tents of bygone days with ‘rooms’ separated by cotton drapes. Constructed of canvas and supported by a steel frame, with interior walls and ceilings draped in fine cotton, each tent measures 108m². Entry is through a screened area that contains an armchair, dining table and chairs. There is also room to sit outside on the concrete deck. The centre of the tent, with its soaring six-metre canopy, features an oversized daybed ideal for lounging.

Opening out from the central area are three 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 cupboards with closet space and twin vanities. Each tent is air-conditioned and can also be heated depending on the season and time of day. There is also a ceiling fan and a cooler chest for drinks.

Dining : Softly lit by lamps, the Dining Tent is furnished with one large central table and several smaller tables, all surrounded by chairs. Indian cuisine and a range of Western dishes are served, and the freshness of produce is ensured as most of the vegetables and herbs are grown in the camp’s organic vegetable garden. Dinner is most often concluded around a roaring outdoor fire that serves as a focal point in the evenings.

Lounge : Located adjacent to the Dining Tent is the Lounge Tent, furnished with banquettes, reading tables and chairs. The Lounge provides a wide selection of coffee-table books on the National Park, India’s tigers and the history and culture of Rajasthan, as well as other aspects of Indian heritage. Also on offer is a selection of novels, magazines and board games. Guests may listen to the CDs available with personal CD players. A small range of local handicrafts, fabrics and sundries are available for purchase.

Spa : The Spa Tent features a small central fountain with two treatment areas, each with twin massage tables. Spa treatments include massages, scrubs and traditional henna art using local herbs and spices.

Fireplace : Situated in the central area of the camp, this outdoor spot with its nightly log fires serves as an informal lounge and dining area. It is the ideal location for basking in the winter sun, as well as providing a relaxed pre- and post-excursion meeting point.

Step-well : Refreshing dips can be taken in a step-well set within the camp. Modelled on the ancient step-wells that are traditional to the area, the camp’s pool is surrounded by a sunny terrace and grove of trees.