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Bordering the last wild habitat of fumarole-dry teak forests and the Asiatic lion in Kathiyawadi, an elite 18-kothi safari sanctuary where hand-carved Kutch stone masonry, stepwell plunge pools, and private wildlife corridors define experiential wilderness luxury.
Set across 18 square kilometers of regenerating teak forest on the western fringe of Gir National Park in Gujarat, Aramness Gir stands as India’s most thoughtfully designed wilderness lodge. Conceived by wildlife conservationist Jimmy Patel and brought to life by Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects, the lodge derives its name from the Gujarati words “aram” (rest) and “ness” (forest settlement)—paying direct homage to the region’s semi-nomadic Maldhari heritage.
The architecture is a masterclass in regional vernacular design, drawing deep inspiration from the meandering cobbled streets and courtyard layouts of nearby Kathiyawadi villages. Buildings are constructed using local sandstone, sun-baked clay tiles, and hand-carved pillars. Intricate sandstone jali screens filter the harsh Kathiyawadi sun into dappled, cooling patterns across shaded verandahs, open-to-sky chowks (courtyards), and raised stone otlas.
Accommodations comprise just 18 expansive double-storey suites, known locally as Kothis (single and multi-bedroom options). Each kothi features ground-floor bedrooms with indoor-outdoor showers, soaring timber ceilings, and private courtyard plunge pools inspired by traditional Indian stepwells. Upper-level private verandahs open directly onto winding waterways and dense forest canopies, allowing guests to observe wildlife—from paradise flycatchers to wandering chital—directly from their private decks.
Gastronomy at Aramness celebrates authentic Gujarati and Kathiyawadi culinary heritage with a refined farm-to-table philosophy. Meals are overseen in partnership with culinary experts, utilizing ancient grains, indigenous spice blends, and organic produce harvested straight from the estate’s extensive fruit orchards and vegetable terraces. Signature dining experiences include traditional village-style dinners under starlit orchard skies, open-air jungle barbecues, and thalis accompanied by live regional folk music.
Days at Aramness revolve around the untamed rhythms of the forest. Guests embark on expert-guided morning and evening safaris into Gir National Park to track the elusive Asiatic lion, join naturalists for birdwatching walks across the estate’s re-wilded meadows, or reset at the tranquil Aramness Spa with customized Ayurvedic and botanical therapies. It is a rare, low-impact wilderness retreat that marries uncompromising contemporary luxury with raw ecological conservation.
Aramness Gir redefines wildlife luxury in India. We recommend it specifically to naturalists, conservation-minded travelers, and couples seeking an intimate, architecture-led safari lodge where private stepwell plunge pools, Kutch craftsmanship, and tracking the world's last Asiatic lions create an unforgettable wilderness escape.
Because selecting between Single and Multi-Bedroom Kothis involves coordinating safari permit schedules, arranging connecting transfers via Rajkot or Diu airports, and tailoring wellness itineraries, every detail is managed personally by our curators. Connect with our team to arrange your stay.
Many of our guests combine multiple destinations into one seamless journey. Whether you’re planning a West circuit or travelling further across India, we’ll personally design an itinerary that brings together exceptional stays, private transfers and memorable experiences—tailored entirely around you.
