VanyaVilas, Ranthambore

Between the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges in South-Eastern Rajasthan lies the Oberoi Vanyavilas. Set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens, lakes and fountains, the resort borders on one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves in the world, the Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve - home of the magnificent Indian tiger, deer, leopard, and crocodile.
The main building recreates the glory of a Royal hunting palace with hand painted gilded frescoes, murals of elephants and peacocks, marble and chandeliers. When Indian princes went hunting, they did it in style.
 

Getting There

By air: The closest airport is Sanghaner airport in Jaipur, which is 180 km and 3hours 30minutes drive from the hotel.

By road: The resort is just 10 minutes from Sawai Madhopur railway station.

By rail: Sawai Madhopur is on the main rail line between Delhi and Mumbai and is also well connected to Jaipur. The travel time from Sawai Madhopur to Jaipur is approximately two hours and thirty minutes.

Things to do

Ranthambhore Fort
Perhaps the only one fort, which is not visible from a long distance. The Fort is a massive enclave and quite high. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754 AD and since then it was maintained as the private hunting preserve. Much later, Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh were part of the Royal Hunting, who stayed here too.

Jogi Mahal
Jogi Mahal is a forest rent house, some 250 years old, and commands the view of Padam Talao or the lotus lake on one side and the ramparts of Ranthambhore Fort. Adjacent to it is one of India’s largest banyan trees, fondly known as `walking tree’ because over the years it has sent out so many branches thereby increasing its shade area.

Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar
This Lake attracts thousands of migratory birds during winter and is especially exciting for bird-watchers. In these areas you can even find a herd of black buck, the rarely seen antelope of this arid region.

Rajbagh Lake
Carpeted with lotus flowers and is filled with lotus-eaters, Rajbagh Lake has the highest density of sambar deer and marsh crocodile. The back pools and like little nurseries for chital and sambar whose young ones can be found here in large numbers.

Highest Point
This point gives you a virtual `aerial’ view of the Park and is well worth the time it takes getting there. You can see the dramatic hill ranges of the Aravallis and the Vindhyas from here.

Sultanpur Ki Kui
This is a lovely road full of tendu trees and is one of the most scenic drives in the Park. In the fruiting season of the tendu in March, the sloth bears of Ranthambhore feast along this road.
Fort of Khandar

On the far side of the Reserve is well worth a visit. This imposing fort commands a stunning view of the area.

Spa

The Spa is set over the lake, past turquoise and lapis blue tiled pools, in a fountained courtyard. Here you will find steam rooms, showers and private therapy suites.
Guests can choose from a long ‘menu’ of spa treatments, massages, facials, manicure and pedicure. For example, the stimulating Indian Spice Wrap and a delicious Orange Wrap. All the massage and aromatherapy treatments are aimed at relieving stress and promoting a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. Perfect after an exciting day's tiger spotting in the Reserve.
The Fitness Tent is located at the Pool level. Guests may use any of the equipment free of charge. As you might expect, there is an exercycle, rowing machine, steppers and a treadmill.

Accommodation

Twenty-five luxury tents, each 790 sq ft. All have private gardens and an outside deck for sunbathing.

The tents feature king size four-poster beds, freestanding roll top baths and separate showers. All the tents have wooden floors and embroidered interior canopies and are furnished in regal style. Each tent has a DVD player and minibar.

Eating
 
In the Dining Room and Inner Courtyard a very high standard of Western, Thai and Indian cuisine is served from a constantly changing menu. Much of the fresh produce and salad comes straight from the kitchen garden at Vanyavilas.

The exquisitely decorated restaurant features hand painted frescoes of flowers and animals. Outside is the walled terrace of the Inner Courtyard that is lit at night by a massive log fire.

Guests may choose to dine wherever they wish. Although officially there is no room service here, in practice, as with all Oberoi resorts, staff does their utmost to meet guests every need.

Facilities

Dual line telephones with data port
Personal bar
Tea and coffee maker
Air conditioning
Electronic safe
DVD player
Hairdryer
Voltage 110-220
Internet access
Business center
Concierge
Car rental
Beauty salon
Laundry and valet service
Doctor on call
Outdoor Swimming pool
Steam and Sauna
Spa
Fitness Center