"Is it a male? A female? Oh, wait—there isn’t just one! There are four of them!"

　　After a gruelling two-hour safari under the scorching sun, bouncing through the rugged terrain of Ranthambore National Park in a green Gypsy, we had finally spotted them—a tiger family. A mother and her three cubs lazily lounging in a small water body as if enjoying a private pool party.

　　"These cubs will stay with their mother for just another year or two," our guide explained. "After that, they'll separate and claim their own territories. That’s how nature works. If needed, they will even fight each other—sometimes to the death—to establish dominance over an area."

　　This statement underscored the harsh reality of tiger life. These solitary creatures fiercely defend their hunting grounds, leading to inevitable conflicts when another tiger encroaches. Male tigers, in particular, engage in deadly territorial disputes, vying for mating rights and access to females within their domain.

　　For a few precious minutes, we watched them in awe. But as word spread, more and more canters rolled in, their passengers jostling for the perfect shot. The increasing noise and commotion finally seemed to get to the tigers. One by one, they rose, stretched, and walked off effortlessly, blending into the dry mustard-yellow grass. Were they annoyed by the intrusion? Or did they simply not care?

　　Either way, with the safari time drawing to a close, it was time for me to return to my own retreat—the Aamaghati Wildlife Resort.

　　A Nature-Inspired Retreat

　　Located in the heart of Sawai Madhopur, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort offers one of the closest stays to the entry gates of Ranthambore National Park. Spanning 5.3 acres, the resort has been designed to reflect the essence of the forest, seamlessly blending into its rugged surroundings. The name "Aamaghati" comes from a ravine within the Ranthambore Sanctuary, a nod to its deep-rooted connection with the land.

　　"Our vision was to create a retreat that feels like an extension of the wilderness," said Abhishek Hissaria, Managing Director and Owner of Aamaghati Wildlife Resort. "Built on an elevated terrain higher than the boundary walls, the resort offers guests uninterrupted views of the forest from every room."

　　The architectural philosophy behind Aamaghati is equally compelling. Designed by the late Revathi and Vasant Kamath, pioneers of mud architecture, the resort embraces traditional and sustainable building techniques. "We have extensively used mud, cow dung, lime plaster, thatched roofs, and bamboo, deliberately minimising cement to ensure harmony with the environment," explained Hissaria.

　　The guest rooms are designed to reflect the tribal heritage of the region, with exteriors that resemble village homes, enhanced by hand-painted murals of forest landscapes and tiger portraits by local artists. Even the artefacts carry intricate, handcrafted details, reinforcing the rustic yet immersive jungle aesthetic.

　　Aamaghati also offers a range of experiences that bring the wilderness to life. Guests can enjoy traditional folk performances, live interactive kitchens serving regional delicacies, and curated activities that allow them to soak in the beauty of the Aravalli range and the dense forests of Ranthambore. "In addition, the resort features two swimming pools—a large infinity pool and a smaller one for guests to unwind. We also house Rajasthan's only Sri Sri Ayurveda spa, offering a range of treatments," added Hissaria.

　　The Rooms

　　Aamaghati Wildlife Resort offers four categories of accommodations—Evoke, Elegant, Legacy Suite, and Signature Suite—each designed to provide a balance of comfort and luxury while keeping the essence of Ranthambore alive.

　　Adding a touch of local charm, each room is named after a famous Ranthambore tiger—guests can stay in suites named Mr. Bond, Sundari, or Charger, with every room number prefixed by "T" (e.g., T-17), mirroring the identification system used for Ranthambore's tigers. The design reflects a traditional village home, featuring bamboo and wicker roofs, teak log accents, and earthy textures without compromising on modern amenities.

　　I stayed in the Legacy Suite at Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, which is designed to offer both comfort and luxury with panoramic views of the Aravalli mountain range. The suite features a king-size bed and modern amenities to ensure a convenient stay.

　　Mornings at the resort begin with the chirping of birds and the soft glow of sunrise over the forest. The suite's two bathrooms are a practical feature for guests heading out early for jungle safaris, as they allow couples or groups to prepare simultaneously, ensuring that everyone is ready on time.

　　Food Offerings

　　Aamaghati Wildlife Resort offers diverse dining experiences, each designed to bring guests closer to nature. At Baradari, the resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant, I found myself drawn to the large windows that frame sweeping views of the forest. The interiors were just as captivating—walls adorned with paintings by local artists featuring forest landscapes and tiger portraits, while hand-painted artefacts added a touch of rustic charm. For a more outdoor dining experience, I opted for a meal at Badal Mahal, an inviting space with wicker chairs and open-air seating. The ambience was relaxed, and the menu was a mix of innovative and diverse flavours, perfect for those with adventurous palates.

　　The resort’s bar, Johra Bohra, continues the local theme with thoughtfully designed décor. It features a large screen for wildlife film screenings, sports broadcasts, and entertainment and offers a selection of premium spirits for a relaxed evening. For a truly elevated experience, High-Point, the rooftop terrace, serves as a spectacular observation tower, perfect for taking in the beauty of the jungle at any time of the day. This space also offers private dining for small groups, while Rang Mahal, a smaller conference hall, can accommodate larger gatherings for private meals or events.

　　Not Just Luxury

　　Beyond its luxurious offerings, Aamaghati is deeply committed to sustainability. The resort's architecture incorporates mud plaster, which helps reduce energy consumption by five per cent. "We have minimised plastic use across the property," said Hissaria. "All guest rooms are provided with glass bottles for drinking water, and we've set up our water bottling plant. Additionally, sewage treatment plants ensure that treated wastewater is repurposed to maintain the green cover." The property also features rivulets designed to recharge groundwater, enhancing its eco-conscious approach. Sustainability extends to the resort's culinary practices as well. The kitchen prioritises locally sourced ingredients, reducing the carbon footprint while offering guests a taste of the region's flavours.

　　Aamaghati also supports the local artisan community, ensuring that traditional crafts thrive. Guests can interact with a lac bangle maker, who demonstrates the intricate craft and customises bangles on request. A selection of handmade bangles and other local crafts is available for purchase. For a more hands-on experience, the resort hosts pottery workshops, where a local artisan guides guests in shaping pots on a traditional wheel—a great way to engage with the region's artistic heritage.

　　The Information

　　Address: Sherpur Ranthambore Road, near Govt Primary School, Sawai Madhopur, Kutalpura Maliyan, Rajasthan 322001

　　Phone: 084408 88111

　　For more information or booking-related queries, visit aamaghatiresort.com