AamaGhati Wildlife Resort’s Tryst with Ranthambore’s Tigers

LF Review: ★★★★

Ranthambore is possibly one destination that does not need much introduction. Enticing many with its promise of rare sightings, Ranthambore is one of the best-known wildlife destinations in India.

As the location sprouts up with new luxury hotels, Ranthambore has another luxury address in AamaGhati, where a stay is all about luxe living in the wild.

Nature calling

The highlight about the newly opened AamaGhati is that it is located closest to the National Park’s entry gate. Set amidst the rich diversity of the area, the retreat is designed by a naturalist and apes the different zones of the national park.

All rooms are named after the tigers of the region, and are prefixed with ‘T’, as the tigers of Ranthambore are addressed. With its mud red façade, the space merges seamlessly into the landscape and its meandering paths offer great walking tracks too.

The 5.3-acre resort has been designed by mud architecture pioneers, the late Revathi and Vasant Kamath. Keeping sustainability in mind, the resort uses a special technique involving mud, cow dung and lime plaster, along with thatched roofs and bamboo details that make it sustainable too. The entire resort has been built on an elevation higher than the boundary walls, providing an exquisite 360-degree view of the surroundings.

Room story

The property has 52 rooms in four categories, Evoke, Elegant, Legacy Suites, and Signature Suites. The best part, however, is that all rooms overlook the scenic Aravalli mountains and the aesthetics of every room and suite reflect the outdoors.

Inside the room, look out for local art that has been sourced within a radius of 100 kilometres, so think thikri art (made with tiny mirrors) as well as hand painted columns that add a wonderful local touch.

The surroundings will ensure that you wake up to bird song and a sea of green, the best way to wake up in the morning. The Evoke Rooms are the base category rooms that come with king sized or twin beds, and are ideal for travellers who spend most of their time in the jungles, only coming back for a comfortable stay at night. The Elegant rooms have a large king sized bed and a small living space, while the Legacy suite (where I stayed) is all about superior aesthetics complete with a large living, dining, and bathing space. I cherished the private sit out that overlooks the jungles bordered by the mountains. A large Jacuzzi and two bathrooms are part of the room, perfect for a couple to get ready for an early morning jungle safari.

The most luxurious Signature suites (there are two) are spread over an expansive 2000 sq. ft. and designed for an intimate feel with mood lighting and charming details.

Food story

The retreat offers an eclectic selection of dining venues to satiate your taste buds too. Baradari, the multicuisine restaurant that also serves the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, offers a variety of options for all dietary preferences.

It is the al-fresco Badal Mahal though where more experimental fare is served. The in-house Johra Bar is wonderful to try out eclectic drinks and cocktails. The retreat has a high tea between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. every evening at Naal Ghati, an open space adjacent to a sprawling mango tree, where you can enjoy a selection of curated snacks with tea and coffee.

However, a must try is a dinner experience at High Point, a small space that is accessible by a lift and a winding stairway, where the chef will curate a bespoke meal based on your preference, perfect for celebrating special occasions. The view from this place is quite mind blowing as you can see the entire jungle landscape with a 360 degree view of the surroundings.

Jungle calling

When in Ranthambore, a safari is a given, and it is a great idea to book one in advance so that you are not disappointed when trying to do it after you check in. There are ten zones now where the safaris happen, and both jeeps and canters can be booked. The jungle also has the Ranthambore Fort and Trinetra Ganpati Temple which makes for an interesting early morning trek and offers great insights into the history of the place with panoramic views.

The three-hour safaris happen twice every day – in the morning and afternoon. I was allotted Zone 4, part of the core zone – and had the fortune of seeing not one, but four tigers together! It’s a sight that I will not forget, much like the rest of the visit to AamaGhati. I know I was incredibly lucky, especially since many return without getting a chance to see the mighty tigers in their natural habitat.

Do more

Beyond the jungles, Ranthambore offers many activities. A stargazing experience is one of them. The Stardust Observatory representative will take you on a fantastic astronomical journey through the telescope, teaching you all about learning navigation through stars, planetary and deep sky observations and more. If you want to see how planets appear in the sky – this is the exact activity you must do. I saw Saturn with its rings as well as its brightest moon through the telescope! I was here on a full moon night, and watching the splendour of the moon through the telescope is an experience like no other.

If you are looking for some ‘me time’, book yourself a session at the Sri Sri Tattva Spa, the wellness arm of Art of Living where you can try ayurvedic and alternative therapies like abhyanga, shirodhara, kati vasti and more. It is a great way to relax as the expert masseur will ensure you feel rejuvenated and well rested. The two in-house swimming pools and a gym which will keep health watchers satisfied.

Ranthambore is an excellent destination to remind you of nature’s most majestic creations. But then, who said you can’t enjoy them along with some creature comforts. AamaGhati is wonderful to keep you rooted, while you enjoy the scenery and delights.

LF Review: ★★★★

Coordinates: Sherpur Ranthambore Road, near Govt Primary School, Sawai Madhopur, Kutalpura Maliyan, Rajasthan, India