Soul Nest at Pyramid Valley International

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Currylines

Jan 24th – 26th, 2025

You have probably heard of Rooms with a view but have you ever experienced a Room with a Wow?

Four giant swings dangle imposingly from the ceiling. A spectacular sight indeed, heralding my entry into a striking lounge which is open on all four sides and ensconced amidst equally enchanting environs of luxuriant greenery.

I am welcomed with a stark red concoction of kokum juice and as I sip the vibrantly hued liquid and gently sway on the swing, I feel my senses surrendering to the soothing aura of this picturesque space.

Furnished with an artistically harmonious blend of comfort and beauty with an eclectic plethora of seating elements with couches, pouffes, divans and their ilk, I could be forgiven for not wanting to move from here but move I must because as always I am on a mission to bring back memories for you and I have to get up to create them!

I am at Soul Nest, a luxury retreat located in the premises of Pyramid Valley International, a globally well known meditation center. This charming resort lies in the Kanakapura Taluk of Ramanagara District in the state of Karnataka, India.

So enter into this tranquil haven with me and heed their persuasive exhortation which urges you to ‘Relax, Recharge and Reconnect’!

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Posted in Domestic travel, Holidays, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurant reviews, Reviews, Travel, Vegetarian, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Pyramid Valley International

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Currylines

Jan 24th – 26th, 2025

The gigantic pyramid towers over the surroundings. Ensconced amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, it stands silent and tall, providing a haven to all those who seek to meditate within its divine precincts.

All around, meditators and spiritual seekers go about their quest in environs that are soothing and peaceful and most conducive to their pursuit.

I am at the Pyramid Valley International, a globally well known meditation center. This gem of a place lies in the Kanakapura Taluk of Ramanagara District in the state of Karnataka, India.

So step into this serene sanctuary and get ready to surrender your cares as you lose yourself in its divine aura and also prepare to be delighted at the latest addition to the campus, a charming resort called Soul Nest which offers a luxurious stay to those who want a more comfortable experience.

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The Open Field – Ranchi, Jharkhand

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Currylines

There is an intense tingling in my being. My tongue has gone numb and I feel a sudden rush of saliva. My heart beats faster and I am nervous about what is going to happen next!!!

No, I am not off on one of my wildlife jaunts where I have come face to face with a large species of wildlife. On the contrary, it is a teensy weensy tame member of the plant family which is enthusiastically generating a similar level of excitement!

At the behest of my host Abhishek, I have just popped this little yellow flower into my mouth and that tiny culprit is creating a buzz on my palate!

I am concerned about the peculiar sensations that are playing around in my mouth but Abhishek reassures me that what I am ingesting is merely a natural digestive and that I have no cause for worry. I realise that I have just had the novelty of tasting the Jhanjhania, a flower whose name in the local dialect, literally translates to tingling (Jhann -Jhann … get it?)

A swift online hunt reveals that it is the well documented medicinal Acmella oleracea plant but more about that later, for my tingling has now turned into one of anticipation as this dramatic start to my evening at The Open Field seems to be just a precursor to the wonderful things I am going to imbibe, both orally and culturally! And if you follow me into the field, you will also partake albeit vicariously of this extraordinary learning experience that I was privileged to savor.

The Open Field is a space situated deep inside the rural region of the Khunti district in the state of Jharkhand, India. Established by its 3 co-founders Dr Manisha Oraon, her husband Abhishek Oraon and their friend Prateek Toppo, the venue is dedicated to showcasing the various facets of the tribal agro-tourism enterprise which they have set up.

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Posted in Camping, Domestic travel, Holidays, Indian Cuisine, Organic, Restaurant reviews, Reviews, Travel, Wholegrain | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

Samvaad, The Tribal Conclave – 2024 Edition

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Currylines

Samvaad – What can I say about this event that I have not already said earlier!

My story on Samvaad 2023 covered every bit of the excitement and thrill that I experienced when I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing a convention of this scale and context in November 2023.

And now in this current blog, I have showcased the November 2024 edition which I was so blessed to again be a part of.

The overview, history and experiences at the event have already been described in great detail in the earlier blog. So here I will restrain myself from waxing eloquent once more and just offer you the visuals that I managed to encapsulate. These are mere glimpses though, of a gathering so grand, that capturing the 5 day cultural and tribal extravaganza in its entirety would be a rather impossible task!

So take a look at the details in the post Samvaad 2023 and then come back to relish the sights in the next edition right here.

Samvaad is an annual tribal convention held in the city of Jamshedpur which lies in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India.

The initiative of Tata Steel Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) division of Tata Steel Limited (TSL), Samvaad is a panorama of tribal cuisine, art, handicrafts, traditional healing practices, music and other elements of tribal culture.

I urge you once more, to go through the Samvaad 2023 post before proceeding.

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Posted in Domestic travel, Event reviews, Heritage, Holidays, Hotels and Resorts, Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Trishvam Tapovana – Sakleshpura

Posted on February 11, 2024 by Currylines

The serene countenance of the Buddha greets me as I enter the large gates of the property. Seeming to exude a peace that diffuses through the surroundings, this certainly is an apt figure to represent the equally tranquil and placid environs within which it reposes.

The lush verdant slopes of the plantation glisten in the morning light. Draped in vibrant green with intermittent bursts of deep red from clusters of ripened coffee berries which valiantly peek through the green dominance, the landscape is truly a sight for thirsting eyes that are weary from dreary urban sights.

Kissing the startlingly bright blue skies in the background, the rolling stretch of the Western ghats stand sentinel as if stoically watching over the space which lies within their protective realm.

Nestling in the lap of this natural splendor, lies the Trishvam Tapovana by TGI Hotels and Resorts. This is an elegant and very aesthetically pleasing getaway, with undulating paths flanked by charming cottages and other structures designed in the eye catching style of Malnad architecture.

Located near Sakleshpur, a well known town in the Hassan district in the state of Karnataka in India, this resort offers luxurious and refreshing options for visitors who seek sanctuary in the heart of nature, away (but not too far) from the cities that they are fleeing from, to obtain that much needed respite, brief though it may be.

So join me on my latest discovery and revel in the charms of Trishvam Tapovana where your spirits are guaranteed to be uplifted as high as the mountains that are always within your view!

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Kshemavana – Naturopathy Treatment Center

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Currylines

The gigantic tortoise looms large as you approach.
Gently beckoning me towards its protective canopy, it seems to reinforce the mantra that slow and steady is the way to go to win the prize of good health. Cliched though that may sound, it is indeed the motto which one needs to follow in order to attain wellness and mental peace.

This apt symbol of a life led at a reduced pace, is the single most distinctive structure that greets me as I enter the tranquil and healing environs of Kshemavana.

I step in and breathe deeply of the air that seems a far purer version than from where I come from! My body tingles in anticipation of the detoxification and cleansing that it will undergo and I surrender myself to the potential powers of naturopathy.

Kshemavana is a Wellness and Naturopathy Retreat and is the latest offering from the portfolio of the well known Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara (SDM) Group. This oasis of tranquility lies alongside the Bangalore Hassan highway, in the surroundings of Nelamangala in the Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka, India.

Come join me within the luxurious environs of this elegant retreat and get ready to be cajoled and pampered into wellness under the personalized guidance of the doctors and the indulgent attention of the various therapists who are devoted to taking good care of you.

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Cicada – Luxury Villa Stay

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Currylines

It is a wintry December night and the crackling fireplace takes center stage, casting a glow that spreads across the room and flickers off its glass walls. The golden fingers of fire beckon me enticingly, drawing me like a moth to a flame and urging me to take refuge from the chill outdoor air … air that is clean and pristine but too cold for my delicate being!

‘Come hither’ it says … so I go thither, where the blazing logs sacrifice themselves to ensconce me in a gentle embrace of warmth and tranquility, shielding me from the sting of the icy outdoors. The earthy hues of the wooden fixtures and grey stone floor render a medieval touch to the ambience and I am transported back to a time when life was simpler and more at peace.

Deep inside the forest, the world is hushed and still and the silence is broken only by the faint grumbling of the burning wood and the gentle strumming of the guitar by the visiting musician, blending into a melodious symphony of harmony.

The smoky aroma from the barbeque in the adjacent porch, vies for my attention as it wafts towards me in apparent competition to the fireplace. I sit there snugly, unwilling to budge from my wooden stool, torn between the desire of giving in to the temptation of devouring the succulent titbits and not stepping out of my secure cocoon of warmth. The food loses the contest … for now.

But as the flames eventually consume their prey and as the chunks of wood burn down into the hearth and transform into dying embers, I finally relinquish my cozy perch and make my way to the live embers of the grill which has been patiently safeguarding its meaty morsels for me.

We are in the enchanting environs of Cicada Villa which is bestowing upon us magical moments to cherish and remember.

From the creators of Strelitzia Villas comes yet another luxury brand, Cicada Leisure which is designed to pander to the discerning traveller who seeks quietude and quality, in the serene lap of nature!

Come join me in this elegant home, as we unwind in its splendorous ambience and stylish setting.

Located in Chikmagalur (or Chikkamagaluru) district in the state of Karnataka in the southern part of India, this homestay joins the list of burgeoning luxury options in this region albeit being of a more private and personalised category just like its sister brand Strelitzia and that is what sets it apart from most of the other resorts and getaways.

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Posted in Camping, Domestic travel, Holidays, Home Stay, Hotels and Resorts, Pet Friendly Stay, Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Samvaad, The Tribal Conclave – 2023 Edition

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Currylines

The sprawling ground is abuzz with excitement. The circular Gopal maidan is a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, lights and energy, pulsating right in the heart of the city.

Salutations of ‘Johar’ ring through the air, as the word that means ‘Welcome’, warmly greets visitors from near and far.

The thronging crowds cannot seem to get enough of the action, as they hover around the umpteen stalls, undertaking the overwhelming task of choosing from innumerable options spanning myriad delights that range from art and crafts, regional dishes, traditional herbal medicines and much more.

Taking centre stage is the electrifying beat of tribal music that fills the air and intensifies the vibrant atmosphere, heightening the overall aura of festivity.

I am thrilled to be a part of Samvaad, which is an annual tribal convention held in the city of Jamshedpur which lies in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India.

This is my first ever visit to Jharkhand and obviously to Samvaad too and it is my utmost pleasure to witness the 10th edition of this yearly tribal festival which promises 5 glorious days of immersion into the various facets of tribalism, encompassing music, art, cuisine, culture, folklore and the like.

While I am here to focus primarily on the cuisine, I must confess that I am unable to resist the temptation of revelling in all the other aspects of the festival and I marvel at the wonderful tapestry of the various elements of tribal living that have been so skillfully woven into a one stop display by the well curated event.

Come say ‘Johar’ to Jamshedpur as we go stall hopping to explore the delights of our bountiful tribal treasures.

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Kabini Jungle Safari at Nagarahole National Park

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Currylines

Tiger Tiger burning bright 

In the sunny afternoon light

(with due apologies to William Blake, with whose poem I am messing 😉)

She glided out into the glade, from deep within the dense woods. I had come for her but had not expected her to show herself so soon and so easily. Holding my breath, I tried to capture her every movement. She was at quite a distance and I worked hard to make the most of the opportunity, hardly expecting her to grace me with a closer presence.

But that day she was in a very generous mood and mode and as she nonchalantly sauntered nearer and nearer towards me and sashayed right past my safari bus, I thanked my stars (and her stripes) and as the driver cruised skillfully and gently alongside, my hyper active camera  greedily seized her every frame until it had had its fill of her.

But can one really have one’s fill of the tiger in the wild? As she swished her tail and eventually strolled back again into the cover of the forest, I gazed longingly at her retreating rear, wishing that the magic would continue and that she would turn and return to do the cat walk for me once more … at least once more.

Yes, spotting animals in the wild is an insatiable thirst but I had to be satisfied with what was considered a very fortunate 10 minute sighting, on my maiden safari in the Kabini region of the Nagarahole National Park and I thanked the glorious jungle for its magnanimous gesture.

This was my first safari in South India and in addition to the Diva whom I just spoke of, I also encountered many other exciting jungle beings and if you are curious to know about them, then all you have to do is read on!!!

Kabini refers to a section of the Nagarahole National Park and this lies in the Mysore district of Karnataka state in India. Since this is the part that I visited, my narration will cover my experiences here. Hopefully I will have the pleasure of exploring a different safari via the other gates of this forest in future.

Edit – Also please read about my second trip in Feb 2025 to Kabini

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Posted in Birds, Domestic travel, Holidays, Jungle Lodge, Reviews, Safaris, Travel, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

RathnaPrabha Farm

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Currylines

The lone tree stands sentinel, its barren arms dramatically reaching out to the sky, as if frantically beseeching its avian guests to adorn its starkness.

And as if unable to refuse the compelling plea, birds of several species obligingly descend upon it, flitting in and out of the network of dry branches, sometimes pausing to perch and at times hopping or flying away, just to return in moments. Of course it is an added incentive that a wild berry tree has intertwined itself with the base of the dry giant, enveloping its lifeless torso with its living presence, enabling a combined and complete package of boarding and lodging for its feathered friends.

The iconic symbol with its multitude of potential perches, is synonymous with the little farm on whose ground it rises out of. This eye catching specimen looms into view as soon as you enter the place, framing itself against the distant view of the serene blue Kabini backwaters and the horizon which it hugs alongside.

This is the vista that greets you at the charming little homestay called the RathnaPrabha Farm, a cozy home which lies in the Heggada Devana Kote taluk of Mysore district in Karnataka, India (and which similarly provides boarding and lodging for its human guests 😎)

One of the popular budget stays for visitors who arrive mainly with the intention of embarking on the Kabini jungle safari, this little farmstay also contributes its mite towards keeping its guests entertained in between jungle jaunts and if you want to know how, then stay by my side as I take you inside to explore this pretty property.

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Posted in Domestic travel, Holidays, Home Stay, Hotels and Resorts, Jungle Lodge, Pet Friendly Stay, Reviews, Safaris, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments