Abhishek Hissaria, Managing Director, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore in an exclusive interview with Kamal Gill, Editor-Publisher, of Today’s Traveller shares his passion for sustainability and how a unique, environmentally sensitive concept using mud architecture with stabilised mud, thatch and bamboo is adopted across the Resort.
TT Bureau: What makes Aamaghati Wildlife Resort stand out among other luxury accommodations in Ranthambore?
Abhishek Hissaria: The Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is a luxury facility on the edge of Ranthambhore, Rajasthan’s magnificent tiger habitat. The resort is built on a unique, environmentally sensitive concept: mud architecture using stabilised mud, thatch and bamboo.
Today, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort stands proud as a one-of-a-kind property that reflects the beauty of the jungle at every level. Unlike any other resort in its vicinity, the layout is built on an elevated base so that a view of the beautiful forest is visible all around the property, including from the rooms.
Care has been taken to ensure that the entire property is wheelchair accessible. The room interiors are an aesthetic delight with handicrafts and paintings by the local artisans reflecting the flora and fauna, the majestic tigers and the fantastic jungle views outside the windows.
While jungle safaris and tiger sightings are the main attraction, the resort has much else to enjoy, such as two swimming pools, a daily high tea that showcases local culture and music, a wide variety of cuisine that includes unique dishes from the region, a Sri Sri spa that is exclusive to the state besides a host of other activities such as indoor and outdoor games and stargazing under the desert sky.
TT Bureau: How does the resort blend luxury with sustainability and eco-conscious practices?
Abhishek Hissaria: If defined, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is an amalgamation of luxury, sustainability and eco-conscious practices. The 5.3-acre resort has been built in an environment-friendly and sustainable manner. The resort is constructed entirely on sustainable architecture, and the mud plaster used throughout the building saves five per cent of the total energy used. Care has also been taken to minimise carbon footprints and maximise water conservation.
Plastic use has been kept to a minimum, glass bottles are provided for guest use, and the resort has a water bottling plant. ESTP plants have been installed, and rivulets running through the property recharge the groundwater. After treatment, wastewater is utilised to maintain the green cover. All these factors contribute to Aamaghati being the most sustainable resort in this region. The resort is Net Zero Plus.
TT Bureau: How does it resonate with the local culture and environment?
Abhishek Hissaria: Aamaghati is named after the mango tree-lined ravine in one of India’s best forests. It perfectly captures the jungle atmosphere and is rich in local folklore and history while offering luxurious hospitality. Aamaghati Wildlife Resort is where history meets luxury. Every effort has been made to ensure the resort highlights local culture and environment.
From the landscaping to the room design, we’ve incorporated local elements throughout the resort. Instead of ornamental plants, our landscaping features indigenous vegetation like tiger grass and wild bushes, staying true to the surrounding jungle. Paying homage to Ranthambore’s rich history, the resort’s bar and dining hall are named after the Johra Bohra and Badal Mahal, respectively.
Each room at Aamaghati is named after a renowned Ranthambore tiger, and our rooms are numbered in the style used to identify the park’s tigers. We’ve also sourced local art from within a 100-kilometre radius to decorate our rooms. Additionally, our main restaurant, Baradari, offers unspoiled forest views, showcasing the setting where the royal court and family once dined.
Our culinary offerings also reflect the local culture, focusing on traditional Rajasthani cuisine and millets-based dishes. We even have separate kitchens for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, ensuring that our guests can confidently enjoy their meals. Overall, our resort is deeply rooted in the local culture and environment, offering our guests a unique and immersive experience.
TT Bureau: What are the biggest challenges you face operating a luxury resort in a wildlife-dominated area like Ranthambore?
Abhishek Hissaria: One of our most significant challenges lies in striking a balance between ensuring ecological safety and providing an exceptional guest experience. As a responsible hospitality provider, we recognize the sensitivity of wildlife habitats and the importance of safeguarding their sanctity.
To foster awareness, we actively educate our guests about the region’s unique heritage, sharing insights into the park’s iconic tigers and its rich diversity of flora and fauna. We aim to create a deeper appreciation for the natural world while ensuring its protection for future generations.
Operating in a remote area like Ranthambore also poses logistical challenges, such as managing supply chains, maintaining infrastructure, and providing reliable services like electricity and water.
However, despite these challenges, our location in Ranthambore is also one of our greatest strengths. It allows us to offer our guests a unique and immersive experience, surrounded by the beauty and majesty of nature. We take great care to ensure our operations are sustainable and environmentally responsible and contribute positively to the local ecosystem and community.
TT Bureau: How do you envision Aamaghati’s growth and impact in the next 5-10 years?
Abhishek Hissaria: As we look to the future, we envision Aamaghati Wildlife Resort becoming a benchmark for luxury eco-tourism in India. Over the next 5-10 years, we plan to expand our offerings and amenities while deepening our connection with the local community and environment. We will introduce new experiences and activities that showcase Ranthambore’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
As part of this expansion, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of Aamaghati Jungle Retreat, a new boutique retreat nestled deep within the jungle, where guests can truly immerse themselves in nature’s sights, sounds, and beauty.
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