This year is going to go down as the year I went to a National Park for the first time in my life all in the search to spot a tiger. The best place to do that in India? Ranthambore. And the best place to stay at when there? The Aamaghati Wildlife Resort. India's first jungle theme resort that feels like you've stepped into a White Lotus episode the second you cosy up on a buggy ready to drive you through the property to your room.
I spent a couple of days at the Aamaghati Wildlife resort sometime in March and it is truly a place that offers the finest facilities in the district with the park embedded in its soul.
Designed by the late Revathi and Vasant Kamath — pioneers of mud architecture — the resort is a nod to the park boasting of an almost village-like atmosphere with the use of traditional materials like mud, cow dung, and lime plaster, along with thatched roofs, terracotta coloured walls, and bamboo accents, also a testimony to how sustainability can be utilised.
The resort features 52 rooms and suites, each of which is designed keeping the jungle theme in mind, reflecting the tribal surroundings of the area, however not without the finest touch of luxury in the form of stunning mahogany furniture, high ceilings and artworks adored in every room. Another touch which I loved was how each room is named after a famous Ranthambore tiger, right from Mr. Bond, Sundari, to Charger, all of which adds a local touch to the luxurious experience.
Day 1 began with us driving up to the resort late morning where we were immediately greeted with warm smiles and drinks to cool us down. A beat later, a hearty brunch at the Baradari restaurant also had us chalking out our day ahead which mainly consisted of relaxing, unwinding from the drive up, and relaxing some more.
We stayed at one of the opulent Signature Suites that came with a bedroom, living room, one and a half washrooms, a study area and a cosy balcony overlooking the fields on one side, the spa building and the pool on the other, and of course the hills far in the distance — a blend of peace and tranquility making it one of the most restful afternoons away from the hustle of Delhi.
The evening went on to flow into a high tea and a cultural performance where folks from around the resort gathered to take in the sunset, frolic by the elevated pool, and simply relax before heading for dinner at one of the two restaurants — Baradari and Johra Bohra Bar, or indulging in some in-door and outdoor games like pool, table tennis, or stargazing (which I highly recommend!) There are also other activities like pottery, and lac bangle making which you can indulge in! After dinner, you can also set up a late night safari in hopes of spotting a tiger (or more).
Day 2 began early for us in a jeep headed to the safari checkpoint where guests are divided into groups — each group is taken to a seperate zone in the National Park. Two hours, and several spottings of deer, birds, and peacocks later, we returned even though our group did not spot a tiger! However, the tad disappointment of not spotting a tiger soon melted away at the Sri Wellness Spa centre where we indulged in massages that helped us relax and unwind. The evening ended on a rather romantic note with a rooftop candle-lit dinner, probably offering one of the best views into the park from the property. The property is also staffed by a team that will bend over backwards for customers. Day 3 ended with a mid-afternoon checkout after a much needed dip in one of the pools, and wholesome breakfast buffet at the Baradari.
All in all my stay at the Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is one for the books. It's a place that will stay with you solely because of how looked after and cared for you feel. And even if you don't snag a tiger's sighting, you still go back knowing there's always a next time.
How To Reach: Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is accessible by road, with a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Delhi via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and a four-hour drive from Gurugram. The place can also be reached from the Jaipur airport, with several train options available from Delhi and Mumbai to Sawai Madhopur.
Check-in Time: 02:00 PM
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM
For Reservations: +91 982 8888 190, +91 746 2294 200
Social Media: Aamaghatiresort
