gINKgo I RARE Newsletter I Vol 18 I Nov 2020 | November - 2020

RARE INDIA RARE NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER, 2020
 
A Museum of Stories
Way before ‘content is king’ became the marketing mantra, RARE stumbled upon the idea of looking at (not just) hotels through the stories they presented – the story of the destination, of the hotel and most importantly the owner host. Compelling personal stories that inspired us even before we took on the mission to motivate travellers to take the unusual route to explore the subcontinent. We brought ‘Ramathra’ into focus as the story from our epic ‘Ramayana’ as Lord Ram supposedly halted here on his journey to Lanka in search of Sita. It helped that Ramathra Fort formed a tight triangle with Jaipur and Agra; and was close to Ranthambhore. We celebrate River Cruises on the Ganges and Brahmaputra pioneered by Assam Bengal Navigation, sailing through myriad stories of life and living played out upstream and down these majestic rivers. When Shahpura Bagh came on board, we told the fascinating account of their ‘tame’ baby crocodile named Casper, it fascinated travellers as did the story of water conservation though reservoirs built by their ancestors the family has preserved to this day.
 

Some of the hotels, their concept from building ground upwards to preserving heritage or delving into vernacular building traditions became a part of the hotel’s character and inspired awe. While owner stories from their conservation background, to their earlier avatars as photographers, film makers, conservationists, authors, venture capitalists, designers, architects, sommeliers, especially those from a Royal lineage greatly impacted the stories we told travellers. This helped us create an aura about RARE hotels and experiences which precedes travel choices and helps tilt traveller’s decisions. These are timeless stories as compelling and poignant today as they were when we introduced them many years ago, and the joy in telling them is no less. Over a period of time these stories have been overlapped by some new ones or evolved into better representations of the original story we told. Our community of hotels presents a museum, a Museum of Stories appealing to a wide-ranging audience who pick and choose from our collection again and again based on the season and some very personal reasons.

 
Overlander Safaris & Wilderness Camping, Rajasthan
.
.
When you are showing the terrain and communities, and recounting traditions you have grown up around, there is an unmistakable pride in what you can claim as your homeland. Udai and Ajit take you deeper in Rajasthan to show you tribes and settlements discovered during personal explorations with a definite sense of pride. This is essentially the story behind Overlander Safaris, curated and personally lead safaris into rural Rajasthan that gets you up close and personal with communities and landscapes that is as is - teaming with birdlife, grazing livestock and wildlife upto their own stuff, naturally. A private campsite all yours to book in a terrain that reminds you of the African Savannahs, live beautiful crisp nights and outdoor cooking that definitely adds to the camping experience. Read More…

Book with RARE @ INR 6,000++ for Overlander Experience and INR 14,000++ for Overlander Camp
.
Sarai at Toria, Near Khajuraho, Panna, Madhya Pradesh
.
.
Dr. Raghu Chundawat, one of the world’s leading tiger biologists and his wife Joanna Van Gruisen, wildlife photographer, writer and conservationist, are the inspired couple behind Sarai at Toria. Sarai is perched on the western bank of river Ken, close to Panna National Park and is a short drive from the UNESCO world heritage site, Khajuraho. Built with local materials, the architecture of Sarai aims to blend with nature and the houses of the nearby village of Toria. The effect of the thick mud walls and high roof confound guests who imagine the warm interiors must be the result of concealed heating. Set in ten acres of natural grass and woodland, the magic of Sarai's location lies in the chorus of birds, the clouds of butterflies and dragonflies, the padding of small mammals, or perhaps the clean air and star-filled skies with the thought of tigers and leopards roaming the hills nearby. It is a place to unwind, breathe easy, and luxuriate in the peace. Enjoy a tranquil river safari to up your bird count or stroll through the fields to meet the neighbours in Toria village; take a bicycle ride through surrounding hamlets or explore ancient forts and temples; wonder too at the unique geology of Raneh Falls where you can view some of the oldest rocks in the world. Read More…

Book with RARE @ INR 15,400++
.
Wild Mahseer, Balipara, Assam
.
.
Located within the bio-diverse haven of the Eastern Himalayan Botanical Ark, Wild Mahseer is a reflection of the lifestyle of colonial tea planters. It is a collection of plantation bungalows set in 22 acres lush with vegetation, old wide canopied trees, well-maintained lawns, driveways, bamboo thickets, and is set in the Addabarie tea estate, which was established by the British Assam Tea Company in 1864. Enjoy a delicate mix of Anglo Indian, Assamese and North Indian cuisine, or take an informal but hands on cooking class in the bungalow kitchen. Named after the toughest game fish in the world, Wild Mahseer offers immersive experiences including slow cycling and jungle walks. Nameri National Park is within thirty minutes while Kaziranga is a two-hour drive. Signature activities are Tea tours, festivals, bird watching, community interactions and forest bathing. Read More…

Book with RARE @ INR 13,750++
.
Svatma, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
.
.
With the exquisitely sculpted Brihadeeshwara temple, a UNESCO world heritage site as a neighbour, Svatma is a homage to Tamil arts, architecture culinary heritage and culture. Opened as a boutique hotel after a decade of painstaking restoration of a 150-year-old residence, Svatma offers lovingly restored rooms and suites in the heritage wing complemented by a new millennium wing. In an expression of its name which means "one's soul", Svatma helps you discover the beauty of ancient Tamil culture through curated experiences. Immerse yourself in Vedic chanting, spiritual Vedantic discourses, classical music and dance, the art of bronze sculpture, Tanjore painting, the craft of making the Veena (an ancient string instrument), silk weaving, culinary demonstrations and much more. Read More…

Book with RARE @ INR 10,625++
.
Chapslee, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
.
.
Entering Chapslee is like stepping back in time. It is one of the oldest buildings in Shimla and connected with its history. Evocative of a bygone era, Chapslee was built in 1830 and had many residents before the Kapurthala royal family took it over as their summer residence. The Chapslee experience is the comfort and allure of valuable and time-worn furniture and objet d’art; and to appreciate their elegance that assert character and reveal the charm of history. An ambience of gentility, romance and finesse pervades the air accentuated by the service of courteous staff. Bells to call 'room service', bed tea served in fine bone china, dinner in the large dining room it’s walls adorned with wall paper dulled with age but which glows to the light of candle at night, to be served by gloved bearers – a throwback to times you have only read about. Every evening fireplaces glow with log fires; whiskey, Gin and Tonic served in cut glass decanters and you retire to beds warmed by hot water bottles or electric blankets, endearing services that reflect the warmth and gracious hospitality at Chapslee. And every Christmas, it’s time to call at Chapslee – gaily decorated, the silver out for dinner, some traditions intact, it’s a celebration like no other. And if the elements co-operate it surely is the perfect white Christmas. Read More…

Book with RARE @ INR 19,200++
.
Chanoud Garh, Pali, Rajasthan
.
.
It’s unlike any fort you can imagine, for Chanoud Garh sits squat at ground level and takes you from one courtyard to the other through a maze of verandas and ante-rooms. The main entry is through two low Bhurj (towers) on either side to a brief drive, the façade at this point is no indication of what the fort is all about. Around the next courtyard the living space has been fashioned for guests, ten suites and many rooms to dine in, sit-outs, and discreet lounge spaces. Chanoud Garh is located almost midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, and is a beautifully restored fort that was built over 300 years ago. Known for their cuisine, private rural experiences and run by the family as an intimate boutique stay, the story of the restoration is a private walk with the hosts who take you through every detail of their incredible journey. Festivals at Chanoud Garh are special, Holi and Diwali, you celebrate with the family. Read More…

Book with RARE @ INR 18,000++
.
.
For a great booking experience call or write,
call +919810265781 or write to bookrare@rareindia.com.

www.rareindia.com
A Collection of the finest 'Conscious Luxury Hotels'.
 
FOLLOW US ON
instagram icon facebook icon youtube icon linkedin icon twitter icon