Aramness

This thoroughly luxurious yet unpretentious safari lodge, located on the fringe of Sasan Gir National Park in western India, was a labour of love for owner Jimmy Patel whose childhood visits to the park inspired him to create this charming 18-suite village retreat. Aramness translates as ‘peaceful village,’ and that’s exactly what you can expect, complete with cobbled streets, courtyard homes and a central Haveli (traditional manor house) all harmoniously integrated within the surrounding teak forest and meadow.

Known as kothis – meaning bungalows/small homes – the suites are spacious double storey buildings with either one or two ground floor bedrooms, plus a lounge and large bathroom with a tub and shower, as well as an outdoor shower. Guests are encouraged to take part in conservation projects, community-centred excursions, culinary classes, traditional crafts and wellness programmes featuring time-honoured Ayurvedic spa therapies. Twice-daily game drives promise glimpses of the rare Asiatic lion, leopards, striped hyenas and pangolins whilst guided jungle walking tours are an opportunity to enjoy a cacophony of birdsong. But it doesn’t stop there!

Additional immersive cultural encounters include dining under mango trees, jungle barbecues, witnessing master potters and the rare privilege of connecting with the Maldhari pastoral community on their own terms. Even children can join in, thanks to the Junior Naturalist Program that transforms them into ‘wildlife ambassadors’ through interactive learning and art.

Back at the colonnaded Haveli, there’s mouthwatering organic Gujarati food waiting to be sampled, strolls through the Edible Garden, yoga and meditation in the pavilion, and relaxed poolside time.

A Note From The Local Expert…

Each moment at Aramness is carefully curated to transform your wilderness journey into something deeply personal. Whether you’re learning the sacred art of pottery from local artisans, picking sun-warmed vegetables from the edible garden for your meal, discovering surprise picnics nestled deep within the forest, partaking in wellness programmes that restore your inner balance, lying beneath an untouched canopy of stars or sharing stories around crackling fires, these experiences weave together to create memories that never leave you.

Your Questions Answered…

• Best Time To Visit & Why: October to February when the weather is cool but sunny and dry with clear skies. The region and park is very easy to navigate during this time.
• Check In / Out Time: 2pm / 11am
• Adults Only? Aramness is family friendly.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are not permitted.
• On-site Restaurants/Bars? Guests may enjoy meals anywhere, anytime in intimate indoor and outdoor dining areas from courtyards to roof terraces and organic gardens. Village Dinners are village-style sit down dinners amidst the mango orchard. Jungle Barbecues provide a wild dining experience under the stars. Haveli Dining is lit by lanterns. The Garden Pavillion, by the organic garden, brings the concept of farm-to-fork alive. The Pool House has bar facilities.
• Dress Code? There is no dress code.
• Car Park & Vehicle Charging? Car parking is available.
• WiFi Access? Free WiFi is available for guests.
• Accessibility? Aramness is not accessible for wheelchair users.
• Anything Else Worth Knowing? Guests staying at Aramness have several choices of how they wish to spend their day: with game drives into the park to view the Asiatic lion with an Aramness naturalist; jungle walks in the teak forest; visiting a Maldhari family in their home; sampling delicious Gujarati food; relaxing in the spa; learning pottery with local artisans; taking a walk in the edible garden; stargazing; surprise picnics in the forest; cultural excursions to Somnath, Junagadh and Girnar; engaging children with inspiring activities at Aramness Playscape; and doing as little as possible whilst soaking up the natural beauty of the park.