Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Aahana - The Perfect Retreat Just 5 hrs From Delhi


The days were going very hectic when I got an invite for the experiential stay at Aahana. It is a good opportunity to take a break from my hectic schedule, I thought, and decided to head to one of the finest Luxury Eco-resorts in Corbett. And, no surprise, I had the most calm and dreamy time of my life!

RELAXING ENVIRONS

Spread over a sprawling 11 acres amidst the wild environs of Corbett Tiger Reserve, it is a perfect place to unwind. The morning walks, simple yet delicious meal served with lots of love and care, the cozy afternoon siesta, the evenings spent by the pool side listening to mild tunes on guitar and the mesmerizing star studded nights - all of this made my stay perfect!


The cool seating arrangement by the pool 

The property overlooks the Bijrani forest and is ideal for bird watching. More than 173 bird species frequent the property.  Just sitting in my balcony I could see more than 15 varieties of birds. 

Morning walk in the campus breathing fresh air laden with lemony scent of citronella, listening to sweet bird songs and cherishing the variety of tree plantations with more than 200 species, I was refreshed to the core. 

 A Well Planned Walking Pathway in the Midst of Nature 

ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE RESORT

Being a responsible traveler, I was thrilled to know it's an ecologically responsible resort. And its not just a claim I saw many such initiatives in the property:

 - The water conservation and waste management system. 
The water treatment plant here is one of the biggest of its kind in Asia. The plant effectively recycles waste water and is used for gardening etc. The pathways have been constructed in such a way that it allows rainwater to seep in and thus maintaining the underground water table. 

The Water Treatment Plant - Biggest of its kind in Asia 

- The Waste Management System
All the biodegradable waste generated within the property is decomposed and utilized as manure for gardens and organic farming. 
The non-biodegradable waste is collected, segregated and sent for recycling, maintaining the ecological balance within the resort. I was highly impressed to see the way my breakfast for the journey was packed in paper bags are made of used newspapers and biodegradable plates made of Areca Nut Palm leaf.

- The Organic Garden
There are gardens that grow organic vegetables, spices and medicinal plants and herbs as well that are used for treatments and therapies in the spa
It was interesting to see how the cow urine mixed with neem leaves is used as pesticide for the plantations. 

COMFORTABLE STAY, DELICIOUS FOOD AND CORDIAL STAFF

Last but not the least, the comfortable well equipped rooms with every minute detail taken into consideration. Like umbrellas in the room, a disposable bag in the bathroom and the usual - robes, slippers, locker and other required accessories.

Comfortable Room Opening Up to The Forest

Another highlight of the stay was simple delicious food cooked from fresh seasonal vegetables locally sourced or grown in in-house organic kitchen garden. Got the taste of local flavors in their Kumaoni cuisine. 


The Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Its good to know that the resort support locals. Out of 105 staff members, 90% are locals. And all of them extremely hospitable. 



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Sunday, September 8, 2019

Living in Harmony with Nature




Recently I was on a trip to village Sunkiya near Mukteshwar. While roaming around in the village, the heaps of Oak leaves mixed in cow dung made me curious. It looked like something I have never seen before. Can you guess looking at the picture below what this might be and what is being done here?


Its the organic manure in making. Vermi-composting of leaf litter mixed with cow dung and other waste.  

So here goes the process - 


The oak leaves and bark are collected from all over the forest during autumn (April - May).
          

These are then used as bed for the cattle. 
  
The leaves/ bark etc mixed with cow dung and urine are then collected and stored. 

It takes a few months for it to convert into organic manure. Litter of the Oak tree leaves is composted and then converted into vermicast by the action of earthworms. This manure is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils year after year.

Yes, it’s so simple yet so alien to city people. We keep talking about organic food, but do not really know what it means. The food grown using natural fertilizers. And here's this natural fertilizer in making.  These simple village people do it so naturally, without even knowing the importance of it. 

It’s amazing to see how the villagers live in harmony with nature. Nature provides them with all they need and inturn they have taken the responsibility of conserving the surrounding forest. They do not let anyone cut the trees and new trees are planted every year.

May this relationship between villages and forests keep flourishing in times to come. 
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