An evening in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali

A few days after Diwali, on the occasion of Kartik Purnima - a Hindu festival - the ghats (banks) of Varanasi are illuminated with tens of thousands of diyas in the evening. Evening boat rides are a lovely way to see the ghats under the setting sun; on this auspicious day of Dev Deepawali, our guests, while enjoying a sunset cruise in the gently swaying River Ganga, will see the lights on the ghats slowly starting to flicker. Post-dusk, the earthen lamps, diyas, lighted in the event of the Dev Deepawali celebrations. At one point, the artificial lights are switched off, and the ghats come alive with the glimmering, golden luminescence creating a mystical yet celebratory aura in the ghats, mesmerizing our guests. The sheer brilliance of the moment evokes spirituality and oneness with the creator amongst beholders. Each of the ghats are bedecked with flower rangolis (traditional designs) carefully arranged around the diyas. This boat-ride brings them closer to the ghats during the marvelous spectacle that is the aarti, an evening ceremony dedicated to the River Goddess. Aarti during Dev Deepawali is an absolute wonder to behold where more than 50 priests and priestesses perform the rituals with their stupendous lamps as sacrosanct chants and hums, and perfumed smoke from incense sticks lend an ethereal air to the already divine ambiance.

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Mandala making and more in Bhutan

Bhutan, one of the world’s happiest countries, is famed across lands for its gorgeous landscapes, Buddhist monuments, rich culture, and the lesser known yet equally enriching craftsmanship. During a visit to this beautiful country, guests, perhaps would like to engage in a variety of traditional Bhutanese art, like Buddhist Mandala painting and Thangka painting at a renowned art and craft school under guidance of expert local painter. Mandala is a cosmic diagram depicting a perfect world. These perfectly-proportioned circular, geometric patterned works of art can be done on scrolls with paint. They are, however, traditionally done by the Buddhist monks with coloured sand, while others chant mantras, thus releasing positive energy of these mandalas into the universe.

During the workshop, guests learn not only about the uniqueness of the art but also about its history, its symbolism and significance of each design, and how it has been passed down from one generation to the other, from master to student.

Write to us to include a Mandala making workshop in your Bhutan itinerary.

Click here to find out more about Bhutan.

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Gyan Museum: Jaipur’s brand new offering

Gyan Museum celebrates almost 3000 years of cultural heritage. Its collections include works of art of both Indian and foreign origin, textiles, miniature paintings, metal art, silver hookahs, antique jewellery, vintage eyewear, rare inscriptions etc. Conceptualised by the celebrated designer Paul Mathieu, our guests will enjoy not only admiring the exotic pieces but also learn about history and its import in the bygone eras.

In the museum itself is a workshop that creates unique pieces taking inspiration from the ample materials showcased in the museum. Be it the distinctive shape of a 17^th-century scroll or the elaborate lattice-work done on a 19^th-century window, inspiration comes in many forms to the craftsmen (karigars) in the workshop. An expert takes guests around the workshop explaining the ethos of each of the art forms. If guests so desire, they may even buy a few pieces to take back home.

To include this museum in your Jaipur itinerary, let us know.

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From the gardens to your cup – the journey of tea in south India

Tea produced in south India may, perchance, be lesser known than their more popular north-east Indian cousins, but it is just as fragrant and richly flavoured. The verdant hills of South India spread over Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are home to numerous tea estates producing aromatic tea. While touring the region, guests may opt for an interesting half-day or a full-day visit in a tea estate.

A warm welcome awaits them with a steaming cup of white tea made from the local tea leaves. Then, after donning a traditional tea plucking outfit, they trek a short distance to take part in a tea-plucking exercise aided by an expert. Later, they indulge in local lunch at the Estate itself. Post-lunch, a visit to the estate’s tea factory will educate guests about tea processing, which ranges from withering and rolling to fermentation, drying, and sorting. Guests will enjoy a session of tea-making followed by a gourmet tea tasting exercise. Here, they will understand the nuances in flavours of the local tea, their differences from the tea produced in Darjeeling, Kangra and Assam, and its technique of preparation.

If your guests are tea aficionados, include this interesting option in the itinerary.

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Mysore – A day spent off the beaten track

From the city’s colourfully garbed people to the vibrant buzz of the language, from the delectable local cuisines to the many-hued temples and buildings, guests get to immerse themselves in the day to day life of a local in Mysore. The day’s journey begins at the 125-year old Devaraja Market that exhibits a treat for all the five senses. Guests see an interesting mélange of vibrant colours, breathe in the mingling aroma of pungent spices, while joining a multitude of locals in shopping. They may opt to buy bangles, garlands made from fresh flowers, and bindis (a coloured dot fashioned in the middle of the forehead), all to be used later as accessories for a private photography session.

Mysore is known globally for its beautiful silk sarees. Guests visit a century old saree factory; an expert will guide them through the factory, explaining the history, the processes, and the different types of textile. Later, they visit the shop, explore the lovely creations, and buy a few extraordinary pieces.

The afternoon awaits with a traditional epicurean experience when guests can join a local family at their home for lunch, which is to be handed on a banana leaf; over lunch, the family members will explain their ways of life, the various methods of cooking, and the purpose of each tradition. They will also teach guests how to drape a saree. They will then enjoy a photography session decked up in the local garb complete with the accessories bought earlier in the morning.

Post-lunch, guests will have yet another interesting experience visiting the artisans of Mysore in their ateliers. The inlay artists and the stone carvers have had their intricate artform passed on for generations; a specialist will point out the nuances of statue-carving and guests may observe the ornate pieces on display

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A tribal experience near Anantya Resort, Kanyakumari

Perched on the banks of the Chittar Lake in Kanyakumari amid verdant lushness, Anantya Resorts beckons travellers peace and tranquility, wellness treatments, and interesting experiences. One such fascinating experience is a guided visit to a nearby tribal village with an expert. The Kanis are a small tribe of approximately 12,000 people living in the forestland of Kanyakumari, and are known for their deep knowledge of medicinal plants found in the forests. A young member of the tribe takes guests around the dwellings, bringing them to a performance of oral storytelling, an engaging tradition of the tribe. This is followed by their healing music sung in the presence of indigenous Kani instruments. The tribe believes that their songs will ward off evil spirits while inviting positive energy.

To include this activity in the itinerary, get in touch with us.

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