Relax, rejuvenate and bring out the new you

We often hear a complaint that our lives have become mechanical and routine. In spite of the high levels of affluence, life often appears to be chaotic. The confusion at our workplaces, punctuated with hurriedly marked deadlines and timelines, fast paced lifestyles and the evolving complexity of relationships have now become commonplace. To deal with all of these and preserve our sanity, it is imperative that we carve out some 'me time' for ourselves on a daily basis. 

I have found that getting away from the place of work and stay, over a weekend (or longer) gives us space, time and a refreshing perspective. It helps us appreciate all the goodness that we have and count our blessings, notwithstanding the various complications. When it comes to this kind of getaway, often the choices that people make are for exotic places that are expensive and typically distant. We look for destinations in other countries and continents, with the desire to experience something out of the world and extraordinary. While this may be valid, we do sometimes inadvertently miss out on some exquisite places, which may be right here in our own backyard. This may be as good as, if not better, than some of these hyped global destinations that are often touted and marketed as most popular vacation choices. The weather in some of these locations do not even offer the kind of sunshine and clear skies that we take for granted near home. Just as we may have the hunger and thirst to go visit exotic places in different corners of the globe, it is equally valid for us to cultivate a taste for seeking out such beautiful havens of bliss right here, close to where we stay, and plunge into worlds which have their own charm and beauty. These destinations may actually transport us to some carefree time of a bygone era with certain quaint and yet endearing practices, and situations that are recreated for us to soak in the life and experiences of those times.

One such example is Shri Joraver Vilas, which testifies that 'peace is a lifestyle!'. This was once the weekend home of the erstwhile ruler of Santrampur, when the royal family resided at the Rajmahal. But now the property has been lovingly restored by the great grandson of Joravarsinhji, Paranjayadityaji and his wife, Mandakiniji who stay there now. Santrampur is a very ancient town, with the ancestors of the royal family having settled here since the 13th century. While Santrampur is often taken to be one town, in reality, it is in fact two distinct towns - Sant and Rampur, separated by the meandering Chibota river which flows into the Mahi. The very tastefully done up Shri Joraver Vilas homestay, transports us into the life of a bygone era - a completely different time and place, and makes us experience a royal lifestyle, as it was back then. The serpentine and charming road to this villa is flanked on one side by blooming lotuses - a bed of pink and green, which is as pleasing to the eyes as it helps maintain a cool temperature around the villa. 

For those of us who have a flair for history, a walk in the small settlement of Sant, the majestic Rajmahal as well as the Hawa Mahal would be very interesting. Sant also has some ancient temples such as the Shiva-Vishnu temples of the antiquity of the 10th to14th century. Nature lovers can walk, jog or plod in the forest across the lake, with a host of indigenous shrubs and trees, local and migratory birds, including the almost extinct four horn deer! 

So, without much ado, let's resolve to explore and experience some of the most charming, beautiful destinations right in our state, very close to us. It is said that well-thought through aesthetics that weave through local histories and legacies, can entirely transform and elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. As we taste the 'Mahuda Marmalade', swing in the hammock under the moony, cloudy sky and sip the 'Jasood Sherbet' all lovingly made in nature's lap at Santrampur, let's ring out the stress and tumble of our lives and ring in a fresh breath, new charm and poise.

The author is a Harvard-educated civil servant & writer, and has worked in the education sector 
jayanti.ravi.dna@gmail.com