Originally Posted by Ericka

Our flawless Aman-i-Khas experience actually began at the Imperial Hotel, where our batman (butler) was waiting to escort us to the New Delhi station for the 5 ½ hr. train journey...He rode on the train with us, providing drinks and snacks

The batman remained our main point of contact throughout our stay at the resort, arranging activities, serving meals, etc...only 10 tents...Everyone knew us, not just our name, but “knew” us. What we liked, what we didn’t like, where we’re from, what we were doing that day…and there was a closeness and familiarity with the batmen and management that exceeded the other 8 or 9 Amans we have visited before. Service was proactive and they were always one step ahead of us.

The Aman-i-Khas GM, Mr. G. was “poached” from Singita Tanzania and believes in setting up unique experiences for all the guests. He hired the best chefs from Delhi and the food shows it, especially the coriander and garlic naan. These were the best of our trip and we were able to watch them being cooked in a tandoor oven. The food was prepared for a European/American palette, which is, low on spice. But if you do like Mr. Ericka did and order it prepared “the way the chef’s mother would make it”, you won’t be disappointed. As with Amanbagh, many of the spices and vegetables came from the resort’s own garden

We went on 7 different game drives and saw 5 different tigers. 3 game drives had tigers and 4 did not. For this, we credit our excellent Aman-contracted guide who had great tracking skill and loads of insider information. Our jeeps were thoughtfully loaded with blankets (mornings were cold, even in March), water, chai, snacks, etc. and when we returned from the dusty evening game drives, our bathtub was filled with hot water and surrounded by candles.

we were warned by fellow travelers that if we had been to Africa, we could never enjoy an Indian game park. This, for us, turned out to be completely false. If you have read The Jungle Book or seen the movie, then you know what Ranthambhore Park is all about; it was reportedly Kipling’s inspiration. The park is simply not given enough credit. It is strikingly beautiful, dotted with ancient fort remnants, temples and other “ruins”, as well as stunning topography of cliffs and lakes. We found it more beautiful than the game parks we experienced in Botswana and South Africa (except the Okavango Delta)...a guide as good as ours was able to overcome these factors by jockeying for position, and anticipating the tigers’ movements and getting out in front them.

treated to a romantic torch-lit bush dinner under the stars and Mr. G. even arranged a private maharaja dinner for us by the stepwell (pool) which featured easily 50 candles and local Rajasthani music performers. We toured the 1000 year old Ranthambhore Fort and enjoyed a private brunch served in the ruined “honeymoon suite” where the maharaja would entertain his wive(s) and invite friends and family to use it for trysts. This spot overlooks the prettiest parts of Ranthambhore Park and guests often spot tigers from here.