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Special feature: Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India

Departing Aman-i-Khas in Ranthambore, we drove nearly four hours north to Aman‘s other Indian outpost, Amanbagh, set at the foothills of the Aravali Range, a lush, green landscape in otherwise arid Rajasthan. Recent improvements in Indian infrastructure have made this hotel slightly more accessible than before, now only a two-hour drive from the Rajasthani capital city of Jaipur – but when it opened, this modern interpretation of a haveli, or traditional Rajasthani mansion, was truly secluded, hours from even the villages and towns of Ajabargh and Alwar. Still, even today, the rural retreat, set within the walls of a former hunting grounds, maintains an air of solitude, as the sound of chirping birds and chattering of monkeys interspersed with the silent still of nature takes over from any audible sounds of vehicles, mankind or civilisation. Amanbagh Grounds At Amanbagh, there is as much or as little do as you wish. A vastly different experience from many of IndiaÂ’s and RajasthanÂ’s top luxury palace-hotels, a stay here can be a relaxing retreat or an extended cultural tour exploring the dark legends of the haunted fort, and the charming hospitality of the villagers nearby, or another safari as the resort sits only a short drive from Sariska National Park, which features more wildlife as well as a healthy tiger population (many of whom have been relocated from Ranthambore National Park). Amanbagh Pool Pavilion Following long drives and an enjoyable but exhausting stay at Aman-i-Khas (where we awoke early every morning – read our review here), we decided to do as little as possible at the 40-room Amanbagh, which means ‘peaceful gardenÂ’ in Sanskrit. We were welcomed to the foyer with a traditional Indian ceremony with an ancient Sanskrit well-wishing prayer that is commonly used in welcoming guests to a home, and shown to our accommodation. Our pool pavilion, the highest category of rooms at the resort, feature a 203 sqm (2,185 sqft) standalone mini-haveli with Mughal-inspired domed cupolas, a spacious garden courtyard (occasionally populated by monkeys) and a 9m x 3m swimming pool (kept cool in summer and heated in winter), a large bedroom, foyer and bathroom, at the centre of which lies an enormous bathtub carved from a single slab of Udaipur green marble. Hilariously, but certainly required at Amanbagh, each pavilion or haveli is equipped with a large ‘monkey stickÂ’ that can be used to tap the floor to ward off intruding and curious monkeys that can congregate in the back garden. Amanbagh Interior The retreat is designed by my favourite architect and designer, Ed Tuttle, creator of many Amans, and his masterpiece is always the main pool and structure – here, a modern interpretation of a haveli in pink marble sandstone finish reflected beautifully in a calm 33-metre-long emerald-green marble pool. Both the main structure of the resort and the rooms are decidedly luxurious, but finished with touches of AmanÂ’s signature restraint that mix understated luxury with minimalism, often with hints of traditional influences or modern takes. The resort itself sits within a walled compound, a verdant oasis of palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees. Keeping in theme with Amanbagh as a relaxing retreat, the resort has wellness immersions that include yoga and meditation classes and several South Asian spa treatments that have been around for millenia, and rejuvenation through Ayurveda – a term combining ‘life’ and ‘science’ in Sanskrit, and an experience which is all-encompassing including Ayurvedic spa therapies, a meal plan and yoga and meditation based on your type (determined by the Ayurvedic physician). Amanbagh Main Structure For the more actively inclined, rural Rajasthan is a special place, and an underrated area when it comes to tourism in India, much of which we got to see and experience with brief stops during our long drives. Excursions at Amanbagh include a tour to nearby temples, a wildlife outing to Sariska National Park and a trip to Ajabgarh Fort. But visitors are certainly urged to visit the supposedly haunted 17th-century Bhangarh Fort, which tells a chilling tale of a curse that wiped out the entire town of Bhangarh, such that no one is allowed to remain in the precincts of the fort at night – as suggested by a notice from the Archaeological Survey of India. The ‘Sunset Cowdust TourÂ’, another of AmanbaghÂ’s key excursions, starts in the late afternoon and offers the chance to visit the nearby village and enjoy a cup of afternoon chai with the locals and the women dressed in a range of bright coloured saris (which the region is famed for), who exude warmth and genuine hospitality. Amanbagh Dinner Food at Amanbagh, in classic Aman-style, is a refined take on homely regional Indian cuisines that sticks deeply with its roots, with a focus on Rajasthani fare. The only restaurant at the retreat, housed in the main structure, overlooking the pool with pockets of outdoor seating, serves seasonal specials from the resortÂ’s 8,000 sqm organic gardens. The gardens also offer a chance to experience cooking workshops in authentic Rajasthani village style. Amanbagh Special Dinner But while dining in the serenity of the main pool sounds enticing, it is the private dining venues at Amanbagh that elevate the resort to its position as one of IndiaÂ’s finest. While our private dining experience was a special set up featuring a traditional Rajasthani thaali (plate) in our pool pavilion due to inclement weather, we did get a chance to scope out the other private dining venues, including: Jhilmil Baada, an open ground amid tall elephant grass and bamboo mashaals, where the royal cooks once served sumptuous feasts from the hunt to the Maharajas decorated by lanterns and fire; picnic options include the wilderness of Sariska National Park or the mud-walled guwaadi near the garden or near Bhangarh; but the resortÂ’s most splendid experience is the ancient chhatri, a dome shaped pavilion or canopy, near Ajabgarh dam. Amanbagh Chhatri Dinner After early morning safaris and long hours though, we were quite happy at Amanbagh to sit by the pool, sipping their finest homemade ginger ale in the warm sun. For travelers to India looking to extend their stay in India or experience something beyond RajasthanÂ’s series of forts, palaces and fort-/palace-hotels, AmanÂ’s wildlife tented camp and retreat is the perfect alternative or addition to the traditional Rajasthani itinerary. Disclosure: Our stay was courtesy of Amanbagh.

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8 Comments

  1. Amazing photography! I was here in this place one year ago. This post begins some of my sweet memories. People around here were really helpful to me. Thanks Chinmoy for this fascinating writing. loved it:)

  2. I love your travel blog! I read almost every single post I see on Twitter, Pinterst, etc. I follow you on almost all social media and re-post or re-tweet many of your articles. The only thing I would change/love for you to do is to make your site mobile friendly. I’m sure, I’m not the only one that feels this way, as eyes tend to get strained after reading for long by periods, especially on a phone. I used to sell websites for a division of This msg n Reuters, and based on research over 80% if not more, of people search or read online using their phones. It gets frustrating zooming in & out to read your articles, but I do it because I love be them. If you invested a bit more to make your website mobile friendly, I am 100% sure the -# of readers would significantly increase and your existing reader base would be a lot happier :)

    Many thanks for your wonderful blog and having pity on the 50+ generations that have poor eyesight.

  3. Thank you, Laura… I’m glad you mentioned this as it’s actually something we’re working on at the moment. Watch this space, and thanks for bearing with us! :-)

    Paul

  4. Laura makes a very important point here. I hardly ever use a phone to browse but then I am in my mid-40s and it sounds like the minority when choosing a browsing device.

  5. Wonderful images and review, the pink marble is magnificent. When I was in Rajasthan I stayed in Sardargarh in the Rajsamand district. Its one of the most magnificent fort in Rajasthan that you can stay in! The fort was built during 1738 to 1743! The history of India amazes me, the architecture leaves me breathless.
    Most don’t realize the level of luxury one can experience in India. Truely a remarkable place.

  6. Rajasthan has lot of ancient,heritage places.They following their culture very nicely..even hotels,resorts too..Thanks for posting this..

  7. Hi again, Laura… it’s been a lot longer than we planned, but just to let you know the mobile version of the site is pretty much ready now. We should be switching over within the next few days… finally!

  8. Rajasthan is the best place to plan vacation in India with your family and friends. Photographs are really amazing. Thanks for the information.

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