Dera Amer
6
Dera Amer Wilderness Camp, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Walking with the wild
Dera Amer

Set in the shadow of Amber fort, Dera Amer is a small camp in a private farm surrounded by the hills of the Nahargarh National Park. The habitat is rocky and semi-arid, with a mix of open scrubland. Small rural hamlets dot the area and comprise a mix of pastoral and farming families. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the birds and smaller animals that share the camp space. And of course, the main attraction is not one, not two but three gentle giants: rescued and rehabilitated elephants.

The property is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. Being the gateway to one of the most culturally rich states of India, Jaipur has ample to do and see. As much as you’d like to explore the city, Dera Amer offers that perfect respite from holidaying hordes in the popular haunts of Jaipur. Here, you are away from the colourful and chaotic bazaars, and monuments, and still in touching distance if it’s on your list. The Nahargarh surrounds in the foothills of the Aravalli hills are cooler, soothing and promise a real break.

Perfectly Rare

Dera Amer wonderfully combines an exclusive wilderness experience with ethical animal interaction. En suite tented accommodation is set in a rustic location, easily accessible from Jaipur and the much-visited Amber fort. The stay is centred around three rescued and rehabilitated elephants providing...

Know Your Host

When Udaijit Singh first acquired this 120-hectare property, he knew little about elephants. As a keen animal lover, he wanted to provide an experience immersed in nature and so turned away many a lucrative offer to create a hotel or resort on this land.  The concept behind Dera Amer was never...

Acquiring 180-acres of largely neglected scrubland in 1981, Udaijit Singh and family committed to turning this stretch of land to one of untouched natural beauty and painstakingly and lovingly worked on it for over thirty years.

 

For guests, Dera Amer is glamping done right, spacious tents have all the trimmings for a good night’s rest. Each tent is away from each other for total privacy. Each tent is extremely comfortable and beautifully furnished with vintage furniture and hugely comfortable beds. They also have a verandahs to relax in and state of the art attached bathrooms. The experience centres around special interaction with the rescued elephants, camels and friendly dogs, making it a must for animal lovers. Living a quiet life with their mahouts, the elephants who once walked tourists up and down Amber fort now come out to interact with guests a few times a day in peaceful surroundings. Curated experiences offer immersions into the surrounding countryside by jeep or camel cart.

Six sumptuous safari style  luxury tents are dotted around acres of wild scrubland, providing guests with creature comforts in the most peaceful setting. Fitted with bespoke furniture and furnishings, reflective of the Raj, the tents are a perfect harmony of form and function, and created by local artisans, they offer a luxe camping experience. Each tent is fitted with a double size teak wood bed, deep snoozer mattresses, quality linen, large rugs, a desk and chair, charging points, a safe, heating in winters and air coolers in warmer months as well as an outdoor seating area, with the services of a private butler. Ensuite bathrooms offer round the clock hot and cold water with pressure, heating, Forest Essential toiletries, a hair dryer as well as bath slippers with bath robes.

There are simpler, more rustic tents, which emulate a camping style with common functional bathroom. The tents are already assembled on clean platforms with bed linen, and a seating area – quite comfortable if you are a seasoned camper. Even if you are not, you are around premium amenities and comfort.

Free Wi-Fi is available on request.

 

Dining

The food at Dera Amer is simple, home style and delicious. Fresh ingredients from the organic garden and nearby village markets are used to create dishes that are mostly a mix of Indian favourites and some Rajasthani delicacies like Dera Mutton. Food is laid out buffet style and on occasion includes some continental dishes as well.

There is no dining tent at Dera Amer. Meals are served al fresco, in the day under a shady tree and in the evenings under a canopy of stars, especially on a clear night and their twinkling combined with the flickering light of lanterns, diyas (oil lamps) and bonfire creates an enlivening atmosphere. Local musicians and sometimes dancers add melody and rhythm to the evening, as drinks served by the butler and hot barbequed meats and paneer (cottage cheese) fresh off the grill is added to the buffet table.

Breakfasts are special; the elephants come around and one can partake in feeding them their favourites, banana and sugarcane while you await your eggs made to order or hot parathas will all the usual accompaniments.

Dera Amer’s activities are centred around its elephants and apart from enjoying their company whilst feeding, bathing or walking with them, there are a number of other activities suited to people of all ages.

This is a haven for local and migratory birds. Take an early morning birding walk with the in-house naturalist and birding guide. Binoculars are available to loan and you’ll be surprised by how many birds you tick off the birding list.

Explore the local countryside in the traditional mode of transport in a camel cart; visit the local dhani’s (settlements) of the Meena tribals who love a chat and will treat you to a cup of chai (tea) made with goat milk.

A jeep safari with Udaijit or his nephew Bharat is an experience to remember. As you tour the rugged landscape in a private 4×4 jeep, see the wilderness, hamlets and the village school. Or head cross country for an unforgettable off the track ride to the magnificent Amer Fort.

For experienced riders, a Horse Safari can be arranged in the surrounding countryside, with at least 24 hours’ notice. A camel safari is also possible, but only with the resident camels, Sonu and Raja (also rescued). The safari is only around the local area to give you a flavour of life in Rajasthan.

Perfect For
Anyone who loves the outdoors and a peaceful getaway in the wilderness. Individuals, groups of family and friends, birding enthusiasts and people who love animals in general and elephants in particular.
 
Operational status
Open from October to mid-April each year.

Dera Amer was set up to house rescued, sick, and overworked elephants. Standing firmly for responsible tourism, it is a contrast to other ‘royal experiences’ where animals are exploited. The untouched natural surroundings of 180 acres are an effort to conserve the natural vegetation of the land instead of building more luxury camps.

No Single Use Plastic: Water is served in glass bottles, and refillable dispensers are used in the bathrooms. Paper straws are available, and no tea, coffee, sugar, or milk sachets are provided.

Water Conservation: Water is sourced through tube wells; grey water is reused; and waste water is disposed of carefully. The natural swimming pool at Dera Amer has been built using local materials while keeping the design simple and rustic. The overflow of water has been created in such a way that it nourishes the arid jungle and provides water for the wild animals around. The pool is filtered using a sustainable plant that is manually controlled, restricting any wastage of water. The staff, community, and guests are educated on the importance of conserving water.

Safe Garbage Disposal: A solid waste management system is in place, garbage is segregated with wet waste composted and dry waste recycled or carefully disposed. The sewage treatment plant uses natural materials for treatment, and waste is then carefully disposed.

Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation: Dera Amer was set up with the aim of rehabilitating elephants. Today, there are many other rescued animals that are given shelter here. The supervised interaction between guests and animals helps travellers understand the hardships that these animals might have gone through. The landscape has been allowed to regenerate over a decade, and that has brought in local flora and fauna. Active forestation, clean-up drives, and working with officials to ensure the land is protected continues along with the removal of invasive species to maintain the biodiversity of the region.

Local Community Engagement: The local community is actively engaged through hiring of staff and supporting local businesses. Local artisans are given a space free of charge to display and sell their products. Narrators and guides are trained from the local community.

Light Footprint Tourism: Dera Amer is set on 180 acres, and the number of tents has deliberately been kept low. Organic vegetables from the farm are used for cooking. At the design phase, all materials were sourced locally, and local design and aesthetics have been incorporated. There are plenty of non-motor activities for guests.

Sensitive Destination Discovery: All activities are centred around Dera Amer, and interactions between guests and the local community are facilitated sensitively.

Heritage Preservation: A 300-year-old cenotaph has been restored and is looked after at Dera Amer using local craftsmen and materials. One of the staff members is from the Bhopa tribe, and guests are educated on his tribe and the stringed instrument that they are known for, the ravanahatha. Additionally, Kalbeliya dancers and the Kawa band are brought in to showcase their art.

Human Touch: The local village school is supported by Dera Amer. Women are employed, and fair wages are given to all staff. The staff is regularly trained and upskilled. Women from the village are encouraged to hone their henna application skills to generate income for them.

The RARE Sustainability Quotient is a self-audit tool that is used by our hotel partners to measure, document, and assess their planet and people friendly practices and is based on the RARE Touchstones.

No Single Use Plastic Safe Garbage Disposal Water Conservation Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation Local Community Engagement Light  Footprint Tourism Sensitive Destination Discovery Heritage Preservation The Human Touch
RARE Tip
A glamping experience in the company of elephants who were stressed, abandoned or sick. Meals at the pavilion, overlooking the elephant stables are truly special and memorable.
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Reviews and Location
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Simply the best.
by 22timeout on 03/11/2024

My two daughters and myself were so lucky to experience an overnight stay here, it felt as if we had entered an enchanted world of peace and tranquility. The tent itself was like a Tardis, the photos...

Wonderful time at Dera Amer
by Synolda on 02/15/2024

We had a wonderful overnight stay at Dera Amer. Meeting and feeding the elephants was very special, as was our elephant walk where we became aware of a leopard watching from a high crag! It walked...

Fabulous one night stay
by bina1961 on 03/26/2023

Had a wonderful, one night stay at the wilderness camp. Our tents were luxurious and comfortable and the bathroom had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The highlights were the elephants...

Nearest Airport : Jaipur- 30kms - 1.5 hour
Nearest Railway Station : Jaipur- 23kms - 1 hour
Nearest Bus Station : Amer - 5kms - 10mins

Cancellation Policy:

48 hours before full refund - After 48 hours no refund

Terms & Conditions:
Check-in 2.00 pm – Check out 12.00 am