Aman-i-Khas

Aman-i-Khas is a wilderness camp located in a rugged brushwood forest on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park. Combining the Sanskrit word for 'peace' with the Hindi word for 'special', khas Aman-i-Khas offers accommodation in 10 luxury air-conditioned tents each with soaring canopies draped in the Moghul style.

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-Khas can also explore the region's ancient forts and colourful rural villages nearby.

Luxury Tents
Aman-i-Khas 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. 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.

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.

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.

Internet
Wireless broadband connections are available in the Lounge Tent and some public areas.

Safari
The experience at Aman-i-Khas is focused on viewing wildlife. There are twice-daily guided excursions in an open-top vehicle that transports guests on wildlife safaris into the core of Ranthambore National Park. The best time to view game is in the early morning and late afternoon from open-top safari vehicles. The morning starts with tea or coffee at 5am with vehicles leaving camp shortly thereafter.

Excursions last around 3.5 hours and take place twice a day. Trips are led by National Park-appointed guides who take guests through the park on a variety of routes. Snacks and drinks are provided. Camel safaris in the outskirts of the park and through traditional villages are also available.

Trekking at Khandar fort
Khandar Fort is one of Rajasthan's most dramatic ruins. Perched on a hill, 300 metres above the plains, it remained unconquered for generations. Guests can enjoy a half-day experience with a scenic 1½ hour drive. The guided trek begins above the village of Khandar and winds its way up an ancient stone road to the summit. The plateau on which the fort is built is littered with fascinating ruins of palaces, temples and step-wells. Exploration of the fort is followed by lunch served in a magical location.

Bird life
It is also possible to view the region's prolific bird life without leaving the camp. Red wattled lap wings, pond herons, cattle egrets and kingfishers, amongst many others, are often spotted.

Ranthambore fort
Not far from the camp is Ranthambore Fort, believed to have been founded in 944 and therefore one of the oldest forts in the country. The fort was besieged many times over the centuries and it was the besieging armies who are mainly responsible for the construction of the many stone mosques, walls, step-wells and other buildings that still dot the countryside today.

The Old city
The Old City situated within the outer perimeter walls of Ranthambore Fort has largely been forgotten by tourist guides. This means that guests of Aman-i-Khas will have it mostly to themselves. The city offers visitors who pass through its ancient gates the chance to witness time perceptibly slowing down: Camels remain the preferred mode of transport and dozens of eclectic shops with food sellers, perfumeries, gold and silversmiths, carpenters and cobblers line the narrow main thoroughfare.

Banas River bed experience
The Banas River is located just 11/2 hour's drive from Aman-i-Khas. During the region's dry season (winter), the river dwindles to a stream with the occasional deep pool. The pools are fringed by water grass and decorated with lilies, creating an excellent feeding ground for wading birds and other water fowl. Guests can enjoy a half-day excursion to this birder's paradise, strolling the banks of the river with a naturalist or enjoying a riverside camel ride.