Palatial Palaces and Mughal Marvels Highlighted by Cultural Excursions Make Amanbagh A Must-Visit Destination
Once used by the Maharajah of Alwar as his base for tiger hunting expeditions, today Amanbagh’s lush compound shelters guests in a modern-day Mughal palace, carved out of local pink marble and sandstone, with scalloped arches and cupolas paying homage to India’s golden age.
Details of Rangoli with rice, a long-standing tradition folk art in which patterns are created on the floor.
A sanctuary in the arid Aravalli hills, the property is surrounded by mature palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees, which shade the emerald-green pool. Beyond the palatial suites, spa and gardens, guests will discover welcoming villages, majestic forts and ruins, and the jungle of Sariska National Park, where tigers still roam free.
Laid out across two stories, Amanbagh’s suites and pavilions all enjoy private outdoor spaces and an aesthetic that references the property’s regal past. Vaulted entrances, domed ceilings and scalloped windows provide the framework for the palatial interiors, which feature intricate lattice screens and green Udaipur marble. Living areas are furnished with daybeds and writing desks, while the king-size beds, raised on plinths, are surrounded by Mughal arches.
Evoking the grandeur of the Mughal era, Amanbagh’s elegant Pool Pavilions feature lofty ceilings, marble finishes, spacious gardens, courtyard and private swimming pools in a peaceful and private setting.
Relaxation and rejuvenation are a focal point of your stay at Amanbagh. The central 33-meter pool is surrounded by lush gardens, with a 12-meter wading pool just beyond. At the Spa, highly-skilled therapists offer a range of therapies, from facials and massage to henna art and Ayurveda. Wellness immersions of up to 21 nights provide a personalized program of Ayurvedic healing, comprising diet, movement and meditation drawing on amillennia of history. Yoga and meditation can also bepracticed within Amanbagh’s grounds, or at scenic spots in the countryside.
The resort’s Chhatri next to the Ajabgarh dam offers splendid isolation for private dining with panoramic views.
Cultural excursions are plentiful at Amanbagh. Take an early-morning or afternoon safari into Sariska National Park for the chance to spot tigers in the wild. One of the most popular activities is the cow dust tour, which involves a Jeep ride into the local village in the afternoon, when cows, goats, sheep and buffalo are being herded home, or at sunrise to the scent of cooking fires being lit as the village comes to life. Guests always receive a warm welcome from Amanbagh’s neighbors, who will often offer chai in their homes.
Amanbagh is surrounded by ancient sites, from the forts of Ajabgarh and Pratapgarh to the temple town of Neelkanth and the spiritual site of Narayani Mata. The legendary Bhangarh – a town built in the 16th century, then swiftly abandoned after being cursed by a court magician – is also nearby. Further afield, day trips can be arranged to the temples of Virit Nagar, or to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Marvel at Mughal tradition and ignite your senses in this remote valley of rural Rajasthan.
Amanbagh is located in Rajasthan, India. For more information visit www.aman.com/resorts/amanbagh. Photos courtesy of Aman Hotels and Resorts.
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