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 Facilities:
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 & Other Services:
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 own vegetable garden.
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 therapies include massage and
traditional beauty treatments such as scrubs, wraps and
foot baths all of which use 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.
