cultural trails
In the countryside surrounding Amanbagh, there lies evidence of a lost empire whose historical ambition still echoes in the remains of grand architectural ruins. Excursions on a cultural trail within a 30km radius of Amanbagh include visits to the nearby Ajabgarh Fort and Temple which were built in 1635 AD and are connected by an underground passageway. Nearby, the Baba Kapoor Shah Mosque was erected in the 17th century in memory of the great Sufi mystic of the same name. 15km from Amanbagh and built in the mid-1600s, Bhangarh is of great archaeological importance: a national heritage site that comprises an entire city of bazaars, palaces, gardens, temples and bathing pools that was deserted overnight by its inhabitants as the result of a curse.
Explore the countryside by camel cart, horseback, elephant, bicycle, jeep or Shikara boat. Amanbagh organizes a variety of safaris with different forms of transport including the unique Malwari horses of Rajasthan, stabled on the property, local camels, or even Amanbagh’s very own pet camel, Babu. Venture out by bicycle and discover the rural charm of the local villages and farming hamlets.
Amanbagh also offers many walking trails ranging from easy valley walks through rural villages to more challenging hikes high into the dramatic Aravalli Hills. These walks can be combined with our cultural trails and picnic lunches in spectacular locations.
5km away, on the edge of Sariska National Park lies Narayani Mata Temple, one of Rajasthan’s most sacred sites dating back to 1058 AD. Inside Sariska National Park, once the personal hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Alwar and now home to panthers, leopards, deer, wild boar, and a variety of birdlife, the temple town of Neelkanth provides a spectacular view from the plateau on which it sits. The site of many beautifully carved temples dating from the 6th century, its most famous temple, Neelkantheshwar, predates even these. In the heart of Sariska, Kankwari Fort was built sometime in the 16th century and is a remarkable site surrounded by jungle and palm trees. Once used by the Maharajah of Alwar as his Winter Palace, a picnic lunch can be arranged for Amanbagh guests on the Fort’s turret tops.
Daytrips to the Pink City of Jaipur for shopping and sightseeing can be arranged and combined with a sunset elephant safari on the way back to Amanbagh.
The famed Taj Mahal in Agra and lesser known abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri are both fabulous historic sights. A daytrip can be arranged upon request.