MONTHLY MUSINGS
Basant is a Sanskrit word while Bahar is Persian, both refer to the spring season. We share the top 5 reasons that make Basant in India a treat for all your senses.
DANCE:
Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj– In 1912, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo, the king of Mayurbhanj (now a district in Odisha) choreographed and presented the unique martial Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj to King George V and Queen Mary in Calcutta. The international media described it as a grand spectacle. The name Chhau is believed to have derived from the word chhauni (military camp) and evolved from the mock fights and drills by the Odia soldiers to keep themselves battle-ready.
Where to see: Chaitra Parva in Mayurbhanj held during the second week of April every year
Where to stay: The 215-year-old Belgadia Palace, the residence of the former Mayurbhanj royals
MUSIC:
The Melody of Spring - Did you know that Indian classical music has an instrument called Surbahar dedicated to the spring season? There is also a raga (pattern of notes) called Rag Basant Bahar which extols the beauty of Spring.
Where to see: Sankat Mochan Dance and Music Festival held during the second week of April in Varanasi
Where to stay: The 208-year-old Brijrama Palace on the banks of the River Ganga
FOOD:
Alphonso Mango - From now until the end of June the Alphonso Mango becomes a sort of a national obsession in India. This succulent variety called the King of all mangoes has captured the imagination of chefs worldwide. You'll find it on the dessert and cocktail menus of top-notch restaurants and bars around the world.
Where to eat: The Aamras (juicy mango pulp) of the 75-year old Shree Thaker Bhojanalay of Mumbai. Many Michelin-starred chefs have come to this iconic no-fuss Gujarati restaurant to sample its Aamras.
Where to stay: The 119-year-old Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba, opposite the Gateway of India and overlooking the Arabian Sea.
ATTIRE:
The colours of Spring - Did you know that in Rajasthan there is a certain colour and design dedicated for every month? The month of Chaitra in Rajasthan (March-April) is all about Orange and Golden
Where to see: A walking tour of the old city of Jaipur provides great insight into the story of colours in Rajasthan.
Where to stay: The 187-year-old Ram Bagh Palace, the former residence of Maharani Gayatri Devi
NATURE:
Gardens of Spring – Spring is at its best in the flower-filled gardens and sanctuaries across India. They make for some prettiest springtime havens best enjoyed with a picnic hamper.
Where to see: The Tulip Garden of Srinagar, Kashmir. Spread across 30 hectares of land, the garden is home to as many as 1.5 million tulips with 68 different varieties of gorgeous colours.
Where to stay: The 100-year-old Karan Mahal, the former residence of the Kashmir royals
Spring is here, Where are You?
WHAT’S NEW
Vivanta Sikkim Pakyong, Sikkim
Located about an hour’s drive from Gangtok in the foothills of the Himalayas, Vivanta Sikkim Pakyong sits amidst lush, terraced paddy fields and dense Bamboo forests. All fifty living areas have a beautiful view of the valley and mountain peaks. A Zen Garden, Sky Lounge, Multi-Cuisine restaurant, and a temperature-controlled pool add to the luxury and charm of this pleasant getaway. Travellers seeking an enlightening experience can visit age-old monasteries, quaint village markets, local crafts and produce, and try delectable local cuisine, all of which provide a holistic experience.
Weaving it into an itinerary
Routing: Kolkata – Bagdogra - Darjeeling– Pelling – Pakyong – Delhi
Brijnest, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Nestled amongst large trees, Brijnest Jaipur is a boutique hotel located just five minutes away from Jaipur Airport. The hotel has sixteen tastefully equipped suites dispersed across the premises to provide a comfortable stay in this regal historic city. Guests can enjoy their favourite breakfast dishes while reading a book at the Library Café, dine under the stars, or partake in some of the unique activities offered by the hotel, such as a guided tour of the poly-house, hands-on farming or gardening experience, to mention a few.
Weaving it into an itinerary
Routing: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Tilar Siro, Andamans
Break free from the stressful hustle and bustle of the typical tourist circuits and escape into the tropical realm of a heavenly archipelago of Andamans with a minimalist island stay at Tilar Siro, Andamans. The retreat hosts twenty-five spacious rooms that offer unpretentious luxury and bounty of peace and tranquility. Nestled between a verdant rainforest and gorgeous white sand beaches, CGH Earth’s Tilar Siro is a joy for adventurous spirits and nature lovers. Fresh seafood and regional cuisine are the highlights of the menu to tantalize your taste buds. Situated on the Vijaynagar Beach of Havelock Island, this resort is approximately 3.5 kms away from the Havelock Island Jetty.
Weaving it into an itinerary
Routing: Kolkata - Port Blair - Havelock Island - Neil Island - North Bay Island - Port Blair - Chennai
