The team of local chefs cook up three daily
gourmet meals of exhilarating freshness. I
dine al-fresco, whilst catching glimpse of
shimmering sequins of a canary yellow sari in
sunlight; local women marching back to the
village from market, carrying food baskets on
their heads. Their chocolate sun-worn skin
contrasts beautifully with the bold bright saris.
Early morning game drives are preceded by
freshly brewed masala tea or coffee brought
to rooms. Post game-drive, weary bones rest
on sumptuous cushions and chaises longues
in a stylish lounge, for movie night. Here,
what’s witnessed in the forest during the day is
brought to life with context, as the large screen
projects wildlife documentaries highlighting
local conservation issues. Light hunger is
temporarily dissipated with freshly cooked
masala paneer and tea. In the silent night after
dinner, the Manager assists guest to a solitary
spot where he’s set up a telescope. I’m moved
as he excitedly points out stars and entire
constellations, wowing with his knowledge; a
fitting end to a blissful retreat.
6
Ride on wild crocinfested waters in a
bamboo boat
On the banks of the crocodile-infested Kabini
reservoir, my skinny Indian skipper points to an
oversized handmade bamboo saucer. It stands
out; it’s sheer simplicity a posed contrast to
the murky waters beyond. I laugh out loud,
knowingly, thinking I’ve got the joke. No joke.
That is a Coracle ‘boat’. And I’m supposed to
get in! As I step in, it tips, rapidly forcing me to
a seat in the deep bowl. With one single oar,
‘Kumar’ steers us to the centre of the lake. The
edge of the bowl is literally an inch above the
water line. From my perspective, the water is
almost at eye-level, a prospect I find unnerving.
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In fact, water has already seeped in and I have
a soggy bottom. Once in the centre of the
reservoir, I keep a keen eye out for the largerthan-life aquatic reptiles, only to be dazed as
Kumar rows rapidly in a circle. We spin around
in one spot, twirling like the fairground ride.
Succumbed to fate, I squeal in dizziness and
delight and actually enjoy the buzz. They say
the best thrills are the simplest!
7
Spend sunset at
a world heritage
temple
The historical heart of Hinduism, bedrock
of Dravidian architecture and foundation
of ancient spirituality, art, music and dance;
Thanjavur city is treasure chest. The main
attraction is the honey-coloured Brihadesvara
Temple, the tallest temple in India. Flanked by
30m high Gopuram entrances, covered
in ornate carvings of Hindu deities, the
temple is fortified.