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Khem Villas is a tranquil oasis on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most famous tiger reserves. This eco-friendly camp offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy cottages to spacious tents, all with modern comforts and rustic charm. Surrounded by lush greenery, lakes and wildlife, Khem Villas is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.
Unique or special aspects
- Khem Villas is more than just a place to stay; it’s a conservation project that has transformed barren land into a thriving habitat for local flora and fauna. You can spot jackals, jungle cats, hyenas, crocodiles and over 200 species of birds within the camp’s 30 acres.
- Khem Villas is run by Dr. Goverdhan Rathore, the son of India’s leading tiger expert Fateh Singh Rathore, and his wife Usha. They are passionate about wildlife and community welfare, and offer guests an authentic and inspiring insight into the region’s culture and history.
- Khem Villas serves only vegetarian food, sourced from its own organic garden or nearby farms. The cuisine is delicious and varied, with dishes from Rajasthan, other parts of India and around the world. You can enjoy your meals in the dining room, on the veranda or under the stars by the bonfire.
Setting
Khem Villas is located on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park, in the state of Rajasthan. The park covers an area of 392 sq km and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, nilgai antelopes and langur monkeys. The park also boasts a stunning landscape of forests, hills, lakes and ancient ruins, including the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort.
Style
Khem Villas combines luxury and simplicity in its design and decor. The cottages and tents are made of natural materials like stone, wood, thatch and canvas, blending in with the surroundings. The interiors are elegant and comfortable, with teak furniture, cotton fabrics, local artwork and en-suite bathrooms. Each cottage has a private courtyard with a plunge pool, while each tent has a veranda with views of the grassland or lake.
Sustainability
Khem Villas is committed to environmental and social responsibility. It uses solar power for lighting and heating water, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, biodegradable toiletries and waste management systems. It also supports local communities by providing education, health care, employment and alternative energy projects. Khem Villas is a member of TOFTigers, a global initiative that promotes responsible tourism for tiger conservation.
Khem Villas believes in empowering local people to protect their natural heritage and improve their quality of life. It employs local staff and trains them in hospitality skills, wildlife knowledge and environmental awareness. It also works with local NGOs to provide free education for children, health camps for women, vocational training for youth and microfinance for entrepreneurs. Khem Villas also encourages guests to visit nearby villages and interact with the locals, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Rooms
Khem Villas offers three types of accommodation: cottages, luxury tents and rooms. All are spacious, airy and tastefully furnished.
Cottages: These are the most luxurious option, ideal for couples or families. Each cottage has a large bedroom with a king-size bed or twin beds, a sitting area with a sofa bed, a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower. The highlight is the private courtyard with a plunge pool and sun loungers.
Luxury Tents: These are perfect for those who want to experience camping in style. Each tent has a bedroom with a king-size bed or twin beds, a sitting area with chairs and a table, a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The tent also has a veranda with chairs and views of the grassland or lake.
Rooms: These are the most economical option, suitable for solo travellers or budget-conscious guests. Each room has a bedroom with a double bed or twin beds, a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
All accommodation options have air conditioning (except for rooms), ceiling fans (except for cottages), heaters (in winter), electric kettles (except for rooms), safes (except for rooms), hot water bottles (in winter) and complimentary bottled water.
Things to do
Safari: This is the main attraction of staying at Khem Villas, as you get to explore Ranthambore National Park and its wildlife. You can choose between a jeep or a canter (open-top bus) for your safari, which lasts for about three hours. You can also opt for a full-day safari, which gives you more time and flexibility to see the park. The best time to visit the park is from October to June, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of seeing tigers are high.
Nature Walk: This is a great way to experience the camp’s surroundings and wildlife. You can join the resident naturalist for a guided walk around the property, where you can learn about the flora and fauna, spot birds and animals, and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
Spa: This is a relaxing way to pamper yourself after a day of adventure. You can choose from a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, scrubs and wraps, using natural ingredients and products. The spa also offers yoga classes for those who want to stretch and meditate.
Wider region
Khem Villas is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, a state known for its rich culture, heritage and wildlife. There are many attractions to explore in the region, such as:
Ranthambore Fort: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 10th century. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the park and offers panoramic views of the landscape. It also houses several temples, palaces, mosques and monuments.
Chambal River: This is one of India’s cleanest and most scenic rivers, flowing through a deep gorge. It is a haven for wildlife, especially the endangered gharial crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, turtles and migratory birds. You can take a boat safari along the river and admire the natural beauty and wildlife.
Dastkar Ranthambore: This is a social enterprise that empowers rural women by providing them with skills and markets for their handicrafts. You can visit their workshop and shop, where you can see and buy products like quilts, bags, cushions, scarves and toys, all made with traditional techniques and motifs.
Getting there
To get to Khem Villas, you can choose between road, rail or air travel from major cities in India. The nearest airport is Jaipur, about 150 km away. The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur, about 12 km away. You can also drive or hire a taxi from Jaipur or Delhi, which are about 180 km and 380 km away respectively. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the airport or the station to Khem Villas, which is located on the edge of Ranthambore National Park.
- Wildlife protection or rescue
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Funds projects
- Local or organic food
- Community based
- Nature
- Wildlife
- Rural
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Tented camp
- Hiking
- Wildlife watching
- Safari or wildlife
- Up to one day
