Month: December 2013

After a good night’s sleep under heated blankets and a hot shower, It was time to eat my last breakfast at Aman-I-Khas. There was still a bit of a chill in the air, so we chose to eat breakfast inside the resort’s tented restaurant. I’ve grown fond of the Indian food here, and especially the breakfast options. My husband is hooked on the potato curry (poori baji) served with fried bread. I  decided to try the French toast, to see how that dish translated. It had a delightful kick of orange zest, which seemed appropriate for Rajasthan, where saffron hues are pretty much neutrals. The fruit and fresh juices were exotic and tasty. No shocker they also nailed the lassi, the Indian local yogurt drink was also quite tasty. Lassi is served sweet or savory or with fruit, and since mango wasn’t in season, I went with the banana. It tastes like a light breakfast milkshake, but not overly sweet. I was satisfied as I packed up my suitcases.

I didn’t see a tiger. I came close. I saw fresh tracks and heard deer warning calls, but by no means was I disappointed. I was still blown away with my Aman-I-Khas experience. If tiger spotting is really important to you, go on as many game drives as possible and come during March through May, when the weather is hotter, and tigers are active around the watering holes. Ask for Bobby to be your guide. But resort is so incredibly nice and zen, it would be a shame to not stay a bit, relax, and enjoy these surroundings.  My stay was three nights, but I would have happily stayed another day or two  just to relax and fully enjoy the surroundings and enjoy the unique experience of Aman-I-Khas.

The staff at Aman-I-Khas arranged for all of my travel logistics and a driver was ready after breakfast to take my to my next destination, The Amanbagh, another Aman Resort 3 1/2 hours away in Rajasthan.

India is not for the faint of heart, and but my experience with Aman took out all the hassle. I felt I had all of the exotic adventure of India, but none of the petty annoyances I had experienced with my previous visits to the country. Even better, I feel like I got to see the real Rajasthan and meet real locals. No one begged me for money, and the children I met all waved and found me as intriguing and exotic as I found them. I did not fear for my safety for one minute. Much of that had to do with the excellent staff at Aman-I-Khas, and having Bijoy as a dedicated batman. I was sad to leave this fantastic resort, and saying goodbye to Bijoy was the most difficult thing about leaving. Can I get a batman at home in Los Angeles?

Aman-I-Khas offers the highest level of luxury under canvas, making it a perfect choice for an exotic honeymoon, an alternative to an African safari, or just an incredibly memorable trip.  If you’ve always wanted to see India but feared the annoyances and hassles so often associated with visiting.

Much thanks to Dumi, Amit, Bijoy, Bobby the safari guide, and all the staff at Aman-I-Khas for such a memorable and beautiful Indian glamping adventure. In one word: glamptastic!

After we returned from Surwal Village, Bijoy took me to another tent so I could photograph it properly. Anyone who is doesn’t think glamping is for them would be impressed by the tented pavilions at Aman-I-Khas. They are huge, luxurious, and incredibly well designed.

At lunch the General Manager at Aman-I-Khas, Dumi Sakuinje, sat down with us for a bit while we had lunch. He’s originally from Zimbabwe and has worked at several of the camps where I’ve stayed previously. He agreed– the tents at Aman-I-Khas are by far the best canvas around. Dumi asked if we had any luck seeing tigers and we said not yet. He said the best time for tiger spotting when the weather is warmer– April and May, when there is a lot of activity by the watering holes and lakes in Ranthambhore. Dumi has a background as a tracker and has seen tigers recently, but it is indeed more likely when the weather is hotter. There were tiger spotted this morning, near where we had tracked them yesterday afternoon, but we were at Surwal Lake and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss that.

Since the landscaping has matured and the trees on the Aman-I-Khas have grown up and provide a lot of shade, this is the first year the camp is staying open through May. Dumi insisted we were in great hands with Bobby, the safari guide.

We went out on our second game drive after lunch and saw quite a bit of wildlife, including several kinds of deer, sambars, blue bulls, and birds. Sadly, no tigers. But Bobby, who is a photographer himself, has provided me with a few pictures he’s taken of tiger spottings in Ranthambhore.

After our game drive, Bijoy brought gin & tonics to our tent and told us we were having dinner someplace “very special.” A picnic had been set out for us near the pool, with the musicians performing just across the water. It was magical, but kind of dark so I don’t have great images of my lamb chops and eggplant parmesan, but it was delicious. I was so exhausted I almost feel asleep by the pool. I returned to the tent, sad to be leaving the next morning.