Khem Villas
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Khem Villas, Sherpur, Rajasthan, India
An ecological oasis close to Ranthambore National Park
Khem Villas

Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve in Eastern Rajasthan. A former royal hunting ground, it is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to the royal Bengal tiger, leopard, marsh crocodile and a plethora of other species, including birds. 

Within the park lies the imposing 10th-century hilltop Ranthambore Fort, a Ganesh Mandir and the Padam Talao Lake, known for its abundance of water lilies. Visit to this area typically includes early morning and afternoon jeep drives in the park to look out for fauna and flora, big and small, and to learn the many facets of the forest.

Perfectly Rare

Conservation is at the heart of Khem Villas with a timeless commitment and a deep devotion to the tiger and other jungle inhabitants a result of the immense understanding of the flora and fauna of the forest. 

Know Your Host

Owners Goverdhan and Usha Rathore purchased land in 1989 and lovingly nurtured it for 15 years, eventually opening Khem Villas in what they believed was the perfect environs for a wildlife camp and lodge in the midst of nature. Delightful hosts, they carry the family legacy of conservation with pride...

Khem Villas is an ecological oasis that is an ecosystem of its own. Comprising open grasslands, densely forested areas and small water bodies, it offers a perfect base to explore the rich flora and fauna of Ranthambore National Park. Spread over an area of 25 acres, this haven of tranquillity has won many awards for its excellence in service.

The main building overlooking a small pond houses one set of rooms as well as The Library & Bar. Along with the garden, they form the main public areas of the property. The cottages, villas and tents are laid out in separate sections in the property with plenty of space for privacy. Some have an outdoor bath and others a private sit-out.

The owners are involved in many social projects. Should you wish to engage in any of them, they would be only too happy to organize visits to see their work. A stay in Khem Villas contributes to these programs; a part of the profit each year is invested to help these programs.

Like all things at Khem Villas, the accommodation is environmentally sensitive. While it exudes a sophisticated charm and elegance, it is earthy and rustic, reflective of Usha’s personal style and touch. Elements of nature feature widely throughout the property, which has been built using locally-sourced material and skills.

Khem Villas has 2 villas, 8 cottages, 10 tents, and 4 rooms.

Elevated and overlooking the Ranthambhore escarpment, the villas offer an uninterrupted view of open grasslands, forests and hills. They also have large open-air private spaces. Spacious and comfortable, the cottages are set together around a central space. The tents are ‘tents’ only in name as they are erected on a wooden platform and supported by a steel frame. They are roomy with minimalistic, modern appointments.

The main building houses four bedrooms that can be hired individually or for a small group to enjoy a private space on their own. The upstairs rooms have large bay windows with views of the surrounding greenery.

Functional yet luxurious, all accommodation features stylish en suite bathrooms (some with outdoor bathtubs) and signature design of wooden flooring, teak furniture, white linen, soft lighting and ample space all around.

Dining

Out of respect to nature, all the food at Khem Villas is vegetarian.

Meals are freshly cooked using produce from the organic in-house farm, some dishes may contain eggs. Farm fresh milk from the local dairy is delivered daily yogurt and cheese is made in-house.

There is always a satisfying selection of Indian, western and oriental cuisine on the table. Usha’s carefully curated menus have earned praise from all their guests, some have even asked her to write a cookbook!

The main attraction of Khem Villas is its proximity to Ranthambore National Park; game drives to the park can be arranged directly. A visit to the Ranthambore Fort inside the park is also recommended. Further afield, about an hour’s drive away, a river safari on the Chambal or a visit to the black buck sanctuary can be arranged directly with Usha

Evening drinks are served in the company of the hosts around a crackling campfire with jungle sounds offering the perfect musical background. Winter nights come with the promise of a starry canopy encouraging camp naturalist Digvijay to set up a spotting scope by the lake.

Usha arranges for a number of activities showcasing rural life that are likely to interest children and young adults. These include a morning lesson in organic farming, visits to the local dairy and school. A bird & butterfly walk and art classes to learn black & white miniature brush painting are some of the other engaging activities that can be arranged. A short camel ride can also be arranged on request to take you through the local terrain.

The only one of its kind in the area, the Age Veda Spa is spread over a thirty-acre plot, with small water bodies, natural grasslands and thick forest. It has over 6 km of walking tracks within the property itself. Or one can opt for yoga, sun bathing and meditation. A selection of massages and herbal baths is also available. Additionally, the nature trails within the property can be rewarding with as many as 180 species of birds and more than 15 species of mammals.

Ranthambore specialises in the unique craft of black & white miniature brush paintings of tigers. This realist technique in pencil, charcoal and watercolour are called works of tiger art. These are available in the hotel shop.

Khem Villas and Ranthambore National Park are an ideal addition to a golden triangle exploration.  Along with Ramathra Fort, they are perfect for first time visitors to this part of India. Its proximity to Jaipur provides easy air access to the rest of the country and by road into other parts of Rajasthan and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh as well.

Perfect For

Anyone wanting a getaway in the lap of nature, including birders, wildlife enthusiasts and star gazers. The accommodation, spread all over the property, offers privacy for individuals, couples, small groups and families alike.

Operational status

Khem Villas remains closed from July to September. Ranthambore National Park is closed for visitors from end June to early October every year.

 

Every guest at Khem Villas has the opportunity to make an impact with their stay. Guests can not only contribute to but also visit one of the many projects the hotel is involved in.

No Single Use Plastic: There is minimal single use plastic one can find at Khem Villas. Water is served in flasks and glass bottles. No plastic bin liners and single use sachets for tea and coffee are used. In case guests insist on packaged bottled water, water packaged in glass bottles are offered.

Safe Garbage Disposal: There are measures in place to ensure waste generated is taken care of. Garbage is segregated, wet waste is composted, items are purchased in bulk and sewage is treated and disposed carefully.

Water Conservation: Waste water is recycled, even from RO filters and sent to the septic tanks and soak pits. Kitchen water is put through grease traps and then run through grass filtration into water bodies or fields.

Energy Efficiency: Within Khem Villas, energy efficient appliances and lighting are in place. They have been instrumental in helping the local community to meet energy demands through bio gas digesters. Cow dung that is abundantly available is converted to methane that is piped into homes to cook meals. In 2005, Goverdhan won the Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy in 2004 (commonly called the 'Green Oscar'). It was given to him by Sir David Attenborough at the Royal Geographic Society in London for his work in the field of alternative energy using cow dung in biogas digesters.

Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation: Growing up, Goverdhan spent plenty of time inside Ranthambore learning about the natural ways of the jungle under the tutelage of his father Fateh Singh Rathore. Although he went on to become a doctor, his passion for protecting the tiger resulted in a comprehensive conservation program involving the local community.

Tiger Watch is a non-governmental organization (NGO) launched by the late Mr. Fateh Singh Rathore. Its primary mission is to augment the resources of the Forest Department managing the Ranthambore National Park. The NGO, launched along with prominent conservationists, has undertaken the unenviable task of protecting the loss of natural habitat at Ranthambore and curbing the menace of tiger poaching, from this park.

Indigenous trees and small water bodies have been created on the vast open grassland since 1989. This has resulted in the area turning into a natural habitat with sightings of jackals, jungle cats, hyenas, desert fox, crocodiles and birds within the camp. Khem Villas supports a seedling nursery that distributes tree saplings to local farmers to grow on their land so that they can have their own renewable supply of timber and fuel wood.

Local Community Engagement: Majority of the staff at Khem Villas come from the local community. At building stage, local artisans were employed and the staff are regularly upskilled and trained even on environmental issues. The engagement goes further with the various programs set up by the hotel for the community.

Light Footprint Tourism: Less than 5% of the land has been used for construction purposes, while the rest has been allowed to regenerate over the last few decades. The food served at Khem Villas is vegetarian with a few egg preparations. The ingredients are sourced from the inhouse organic kitchen garden or locally.

Sensitive Destination Discovery: Activities are centred around Khem Villas and aid in cultural and community preservation.

Heritage Preservation: Intangible heritage is preserved through cuisine and promoting local art forms and artists.

Human Touch: Khem Villas is also actively associated with several community projects that have helped establish a school, hospital, wood for wood project, biogas plant, non-formal environment education, legal aid to combat poaching, and an anti-poaching sting operation along with another NGO Tiger Watch that helped nab some of the most prominent poachers. Another NGO - Prakratik Society began as a mobile health care program and is now has a multi-care hospital to service the locals from the region.

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 Energy Efficiency Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation Local Community Engagement Light  Footprint Tourism Sensitive Destination Discovery Heritage Preservation The Human Touch
RARE Tip
Take the Chambal river safari that is a haven for the ghariyals. Spot birds, and if you are lucky, you may see turtles, skimmer or an osprey too. Alternatively, get involved in any of the conservation projects that Khem Villas is involved in.
Facilities
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Reviews and Location
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

An amazing resort and an incredible experience!
by Bugsy1962 on 03/22/2024

This resort and our two safaris in the Ranthambore National Park were definitely one of the highlights of an amazing trip to India. We stayed for two nights in the most luxurious tent imaginable...

The perfect safari lodge
by Kaciemoran on 03/21/2024

I cannot say enough great things about this place! Khem Villas accommodations and staff were fantastic. From the moment we arrived the staff was very attentive to us. The rooms are cleaned twice a...

A great stay! Tigers too!
by MLCAL2015 on 03/19/2024

A great experience in thisbout of town hotel.Rooms comfortable,service excellent ,food very good.Arrangements for safaris brilliant a hot water bottle and blanket for early morning safari drive plus...

Nearest Airport : Jaipur - 150 km
Nearest Railway Station : Sawai Madhopur - 13 km

Cancellation Policy:

 100% retention is canceled within 15 days of arrival.

Terms & Conditions:

100%  advance to be paid to confirm the booking. Only on receipt of nonrefundable voucher 45 days prior to check-in and full payment 15 days prior to check-in.

All Extras over & above the package to be settled on check out by Cash/ Credit Card.