A tale of two Amans

To the uninitiated, Delhi can be a foreboding prospect. For Yonderers, it is a the first, exciting taste of the utter brilliance of India and Rajasthan in particular. You’ll be seamlessly taken to your uber elegant digs at The Lodhi. If you really want to splash out, opt for a suite with its own private plunge pool looking towards Humayun’s Tomb. And when you’ve towelled yourself off, your driver and guide will be waiting to show you mesmerising scenes in the narrow streets of Old Delhi, complete with spice markets, perfume sellers and silk weavers, Gandhi’s eternal flame and Lutyens’ architectural masterpieces.

If you don’t fancy getting up early to beat the notorious Delhi rush hour, why not take the train to Ranthambore National Park? Either by car or locomotive, the constantly evolving scenes along the way will astonish you. Upon arrival at Aman-i-Khas, you’ll be personally greeted by your batman – you’ll soon come to think of him as your personal superhero – and will be taken to your Mughal inspired residence.  You’ll sense the magic from the moment you step out of your car, to a glass of bubbles of course, and with the national park boundary within sight you’ll be itching to set out. With a two early morning and two afternoon game drives your chances of witnessing one of nature’s most spine tingling moments: a rustle in the undergrowth and a wild tiger padding out.

Your next stop, after winding through spectacular rural Rajasthan for a few hours, is  Amanbagh . Nestled in the Aravelli mountains, Amanbagh is stationed in the grounds of a forming hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Even today, leopards and other wild animals roam free. But it is the brilliant combination of stunning accommodation, jaw dropping scenery and mouthwatering food that make a stay so blissfully relaxing. An evening Cow Dust tour around the village and beyond is part of the experience as well the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside either on a tantalising private dining experience or on a cultural expedition. Believe us, you will think after a few days at Amanbagh that you’ve been swept away by your fairy godmother.

The four hours or so in the car on the way back to Delhi will quickly disappear as you take in the never ending changes of scenery. Upon your arrival in Delhi, the familiarity of the Lodhi luxury will make for a welcome feeling. Depending on your flight time, you’ll have the chance for some last-minute shopping, take in any sights that you’ve read about along the journey or have a final immersion in a city that symbolises so vibrantly the spirit of India.