![A Wild World's Secret Oasis](https://cdn.magzter.com/Outlook Traveller/1688047393/articles/ra9jBvUUz1688558928707/A-WILD-WORLDS-SECRET-OASIS.jpg)
FOR A CITY PERSON, ANY CHANCE TO VENTURE into the wild is an invitation into the unknown. A world with its own rules and rhythms-where the frailties of everyday existence fall apart.
I realised this as soon as the car veered off the smooth metalled roads and suddenly pulled itself onto the uneven path, running through the dense teak forest fringing the Gir National Park.
I rolled down my windows, desperate to take in as much as I could, even though it had only been a few minutes since I entered the unknown and despite having another night in its embrace.
Suddenly, the silence of the three-hour journey was broken by a piercing call-a fitting welcome to my luxurious sanctuary at Aramness, just a few miles away from Asiatic lions' only home. Veiled by night, Aramness's deep-red facade was yet to reveal itself; however, the two massive lion brass figurines, placed proudly at each end of the tall and wide restored antique door opening up to the haveli, instantly conveyed Aramness's oath to honour Gir and Gujarat, with elan.
While "aram" translates to comfort or rest in Hindi, the second half, "ness," is a local term used by the Maldharis (a tribal community native to Gir) to refer to a cluster of houses. And ness it is, with 18 double-storey kothis-three among them include two rooms, parted by an expansive living room-spread over 12 acres, modelled after the villages of Gujarat.
The Many Treasures
I was guided by my private butler-present round-the-clock for any assistance-to my room. And behind another antique door lay my elegant and spacious abode.
Even though all I had dreamt about in the last hour of the car ride was a cosy hotel bed, the huge hand-carved wooden framed mirror hung on the walls of the pathway and inspired by a peacock's fanned feathers caught my attention with its aged beauty.
This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![JHARKHAND IN A SIP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/H1sCi3Vy81718092383558/JHARKHAND-IN-A-SIP.jpg)
JHARKHAND IN A SIP
IN VAST URBAN SPRAWLS where life pulsates frenetically, we often surrender to the convenience of pre-packaged sustenance.
![SWEET SIN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/mm-o_iecT1718092545908/SWEET-SIN.jpg)
SWEET SIN
FROM THE LEGENDARY STORES IN OLD TOWN TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST CHOCOLATE MUSEUM, FOLLOW THIS CHOCOLATE TRAIL THROUGH ZÜRICH TO DISCOVER HOW A MISTAKE GAVE THE WORLD THE IRRESISTIBLE SWISS MILK CHOCOLATE
![FROM INTENT TO ACTION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/y4MOkJqi91718091818076/FROM-INTENT-TO-ACTION.jpg)
FROM INTENT TO ACTION
IT'S DIFFICULT TO CONVINCE TRAVELLERS AND INDUSTRY PLAYERS TO PRACTICE SUSTAINABILITY. CAN THE FIELD OF BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE SHIFT INDUSTRY-WIDE ATTITUDES TO MAKE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THE NORM?
![LAND OF THE SKY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/RhIjy5YOO1718088415019/LAND-OF-THE-SKY.jpg)
LAND OF THE SKY
MONGOLIA'S VAST LANDSCAPES BECKON WITH SWEEPING STEPPES AND RUGGED BEAUTY, WHERE NOMADIC TRADITIONS HARMONISE WITH UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS
![Of Mountains And Lakes](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/DM88I9ZK81718091203732/crp_OF-MOUNTAINS-AND-LAKES.jpg)
Of Mountains And Lakes
Slovenia Is A Charming European Getaway With Lovely Cities, Spa Towns, Nature Parks And Cool Party Hotspots At A Price That Won't Make You Bankrupt
![Can Travel Insurance Be Your Friend?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/pWfdrYZ0s1718092818849/crp_CAN-TRAVEL-INSURANCE-BE-YOUR-FRIEND.jpg)
Can Travel Insurance Be Your Friend?
Tapan Singhel, Md And CEO Of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Talks About The Importance Of Buying A Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy And How It Can Ensure Your Mental Peace
![KENYA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/238hKCqo01718093270027/KENYA.jpg)
KENYA
If you want to experience a diversity of environments, visiting Kenya should be on your bucket list.
![PEARL OF THE DANUBE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/PP4nDYqbs1718093070069/PEARL-OF-THE-DANUBE.jpg)
PEARL OF THE DANUBE
WITH AFFORDABLE ATTRACTIONS, IMPOSING ARCHITECTURE, EXCELLENT STREET FOOD AND VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE, BUDAPEST MAKES FOR A VALUE-FOR-MONEY EUROPEAN DESTINATION
![SECRETS OF SIRPUR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/-gvcYGyuv1718092164000/SECRETS-OF-SIRPUR.jpg)
SECRETS OF SIRPUR
STEPPING OFF THE PLANE in Raipur, the sweltering sun greeted me with a stifling embrace.
![A SLICE OF ITALY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/245/1729516/rMnJsvk8B1718092074401/A-SLICE-OF-ITALY.jpg)
A SLICE OF ITALY
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE in Naples is Diego Maradona. His face appears as graffiti on the walls under bridges, as murals covering the side of buildings, painted on café chairs, imprinted on bedroom sheets, and even marketed on energy drinks.