Slow mornings. Blissful quiet interrupted only by the sounds of the forest. Food for the soul. Natural green and brown hues of nature to soothe screen-weary eyes. Mellow afternoons. Being serenaded by melodious folks artistes under the stars. If you have been craving a get-away of this kind, The Earth at Ranthambore ticks all these boxes.
Nestled close to the edge of the Ranthambore national park and tiger reserve, this luxurious yet humble eco-resort delivers serene experiences for its guests. The property boasts of two USPs – the thrilling tiger safaris next door and the experience of living in villas made of mud.
Built by local artisans using local raw materials, the mud villas mimic traditional living of Rajasthani villages while boasting of modern amenities. It’s the best of both worlds. All villas come with the convenience of air conditioners, but since the accommodations are based on the temperature-control wisdom of yore, the villas stay cool in the summers and are naturally insulated in the winters. What makes the experience even more authentic, says resort owner Rohit Pareek, is that no plastics or metal have been used in the construction of the mud villas as evidence by the lack of sharp corners on the floor, walls and ceilings.
True to its name, The Earth offers villas modelled after elemental or earth concepts. Its ‘Ambar’ villas have high ceilings, ‘Vayu’ villas offer another floor, ‘Tejas’ villas embody the warm hues of fire, and the sough-after ‘Neer’ villa has an indoor pool making it ideal for honeymooning or vacationing couples. The property also offers few wooden cottages for those who’d prefer it.
So why did 37-year-old Rohit Pareek choose Ranthambore to bring his project to life?
“Ranthambore, with its rich tapestry of history, wildlife, and natural beauty, felt like the perfect place to bring The Earth to life. The area is not just a sanctuary for the majestic Bengal tiger but also a place where nature’s wonders and cultural heritage meet. We chose Ranthambore because it offers a unique chance to connect our guests with the raw essence of the wild, while also immersing them in the traditional wisdom of sustainable living. The vibrant landscapes, the call of the wild, and the spirit of Rajasthan all come together here, creating an environment that truly embodies the values of The Earth,” he says.
The resort’s experience offers something for each kind of traveller. For the adventurer, there is the tiger safari as well as few hiking trails nearby. For those looking to unwind in peace, there is a traditional library on the premises. You can borrow a book or bring your own to read in the open expanses of the resort near the swimming pool or under a tree. For those with a green thumb, the resort has a beautiful and diverse kitchen garden where the staff grow lemons, spinach, tomato, chilli, okra, cucumber, peanuts, pomegranate, gauvas, mangoes and even jackfruit. Not only do the staff give you a guided tour of these cultivation but encourage their guests to take part in the process.
In the evenings, the place comes alive with traditional night markets offering attractions like pottery, bangle-making, chaat counters, and performances by folk singers and dancers. A jaw-dropping performance is delivered by the artistes who literally play with fire. If you happen to visit on a moonlit night, the experience is elevated manifold.
Mindful that it owes much of its appeal to the tiger reserve and the national park, also on the itinerary is the screening of Subbiah Nallamuthu’s The World’s Most Famous Tiger, a documentary on the life of Machli, Ranthambore’s most celebrated tiger.
These events and experiences at the resort are tastefully punctuated by the delicacies that keep streaming out of the kitchens. If you are a meat lover, the Laal Maas cooked true to the local style and flavour is a must-try. Dal Bati Churma, Kachori Kadhi, Gatte Ki Sabzi and Papad Ki Sabzi round up the thaali along with other staples like dals, curries, rice and assorted Indian breads. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of Kokum Mojito.
“We want our guests to leave with a deep sense of connection—both to nature and to themselves. At The Earth, we offer more than just a place to stay; we provide an experience that soothes the soul. We want our guests to feel the rich colors of Rajasthan and experience organic living in our sustainably built, eco-conscious mud resort. From the peaceful sounds of nature that greet you in the morning to the beautiful sunsets that close the day, every moment is designed to bring peace and joy. We hope our guests take away memories of warm hospitality, the richness of our culture, and the happiness that comes from living close to nature,” says Pareek.
So what are the best months to visit? “The best months to visit The Earth at Ranthambore are from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the air is fresh and pollution-free, as no industry is allowed here. For those keen on tiger sightings, early summer and summer are ideal times. Even the monsoon has its own charm. With such diverse experiences throughout the year, Ranthambore is truly becoming a year-round destination.”
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