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Preparing for Tourism 2021 at Kanha National Park. Courtyard House Kanha
Implementing Covid -19 SOPS has been the next best thing to happen at Courtyard House Kanha a boutique resort situated in wild confines of Kanha National Park.
Situated in the remote confines of Madhya Pradesh at Kanha National Park Courtyard House is a place to chill. A small boutique property it leaves small footprints hence an eco friendly resort. This is one property the owners Neelesh & Kirti Agarwal do not wish to label with a star. The sobriquet boutique amply describes the property and its offerings.
Banyan Tree
The property is well sculpted to create a unique architectural splendour. Built in British and traditional Indian style with a local touch the creation is influenced by the owner himself.
Lobby
A wild dog on the run, monkeys on monkey business, a tiger roaring and a sambar yelling is what you experience when you stay at Courtyard House, well there is much more to the wild events, the hospitality is superb and so is the ambience.
Bonfire
The widespread green ambiance is the first surprise that strikes you as you head for the reception. The boutique resort is virtually cloaked with trees, herbs, shrubs and wild grass.
Dining
The soothing interiors take you back to the past with age old antiquated assemblage of beautiful artifacts that perfectly gel with contemporary surroundings. The elements merge and provide a welcoming grace as you move in further. The interior embellishments are unique at Courtyard House - a well kept surprise for the first time arrivals.
Bath
Bedroom
If you are seeking a wild adventure with a peaceful and serene stay back then look no further, pack your bags and head for this beautiful property in the tigerland.
Tiger Cub
Situated at Patpara village near Kanha National Park the resort is surrounded by dense forest clusters, a jungle road and a small dainty tribal village in the backyard. The forests are inhabited by wild denizens including the enchanting birds.
Yellow Eyed Babbler
Tranquility prevails all over, gone is the hustle bustle of small townships that many hotel surroundings are flooded with. Deep inside yet not very far the accommodation is a fifteen minutes drive to the entrance or the Khatia Gate.
Pool at Courtyard
Comprising of five spacious, cozy and well appointed rooms the stay is comfortable, luxurious and accords lot of privacy. The ensuite bathrooms are stylish, spacious, hygenic and well equipped - you do not have to stretch. What more can you ask for in a place you can call your own.
Patio
The welcoming face of our receptionist is the first interaction. A welcome drink after a long drive is what you have been waiting for. Then you are politely ushered into the accommodation for a short comforting sleep or rest.
If you are seeking some respite from the vagary of the weather head straight for the dainty pool and spread out, take a dip or relax under the canopy. This is the best way to chill after a long tiring drive. Another option is to settle down with a book on wildlife in the library or just hang around to become familiar. If you are the private type move over to the banyan tree where we organise the bush dinners. Under the cool shade take a chair and experience tranquility as you had never. The terrace is also a welcoming place to be on your own and gaze at the enchanting landscape.
Sitting
As you relax, feel refreshed with many amazing mix of fruit cocktails we serve along with yummy snacks. The lunch is besides the pool or under the banyan tree, it is difficult to decide. You are in a tropical paradise.
The towering mahua tree is eager for a picture as you leave for the tiger safari in the park. In company with you is an experienced naturalist to open up the pandora's box that Kanha boasts of. The biodiversity is amazing and our naturalist will enlighten you even when he is busy tracking a tiger.
The evenings are at the campfire in company of the other guests and the naturalist of course. He narrates tales of the wild the ones you would like to hear again and again. Spicy fruity beverages and yummy snacks keep you going as the ember fire comforts you.
The supper is usually in the magnificent settings in our dining room. Cozy, properly lit and comfortable with airy freshness the dining is a place to get together for a happy meal and some light banter with other guests.
Dinner is also organised under the banyan tree, on the terrace as well near the pool with bonfire raging in winters. The food is simply delicious lip smacking and diverse with wide list on the menu. Candlelit dinners under the starry sky are also organised for the couples and groups.
Courtyard House is ideal for a get together, wild weekends, long drawn tiger safaris and bird watching. Our guests are mostly inbound but we host as many Indians. The booking has to be done in advance an we help organise the excursions in the park.
How to Reach
Fly to Jabalpur Airport and drive four hours to Courtyard House at Patpara Village near Kanha National Park in Central India.
In this romantic novel Poonam Uppal the Indian writer pens a chapter on split half and soul mates. The first is example of what is already mentioned in Hindu scriptures dating back to centuries where in Shiva is portrayed as Ardhnarishwar or half women and half men. This role or avatar is to fulfil the desire of reproduction crucial to all life forms. The Lord is one entity but the split into two halves that is Shiva himself and Parvati as a consort is described in the puranas the sacred Hindu texts. in Hinduism in sacred texts like the Vedas and Puranas most esoteric but true phenomenons are described as myths to engage the readers. But in the texts the underlying meaning is based upon true facets of biological phenomena which is life particularly that of humans.
This phenomenon of androgyny is widespread prevalent among humans though little realised. In the book she mentions Moh and Gaurang the two lovers as androgynous form of each other. This also explains their close affinity for each other and justifies their union as destined through ages. Hence when split halves meet it is a true union of destined lovers.
This is the love Moh was seeking all along her life. And their coming together in this large World is attributed to Maa Durga the Goddess in whom she has immense faith. This is an esoteric twist in the romantic interlude and there are many such events described which are attributed to myths and religious perceptions associated with people of India. But this belief in split halves is not limited to India but is also mentioned as phenomenon in Greek mythology and perhaps elsewhere. Albeit the novel is an intense romantic affair between Moh and Gaurang it is the esoteric color that is oft narrated in the book that makes the write up unique and entirely different from the cliche.
This is a different kind of love story which albeit simple in written expression moves through a labyrinth of deep layers of esoteric India. The love wades through innumerable traditions, myths and beliefs with amazing alacrity and ease.
Written with flair the book unravels the intrigue that life in India is. The affair navigates through complex maze of theatrical events happening throughout the story. The potpourri of beliefs and associated myths reflect avidly as the narrations transcends from nascent stage of innocence to a captivating period of romantic interlude.
A Passionaate Gospel of True Love is a different type of romantic saga which becomes evident the moment you start reading the book. For western audience the novel accords a unique opportunity to understand Oriental mind especially that which flourishes in Indian perspectives.
The book takes the reader from early stage of life of Moh Lal Rai into adulthood. The story revolves around not only Moh's lover but all around the family and friends that impact her life. Though it is an intoxicating love story the narrations transcends to deeper expression of true love with the sprinkling of spiritualism and religiosity that is central to life.
The romantic novel moves through facts and fiction the former being the Indian Author's own experiences perhaps. This is the most captivating aspect of the book,the riddles though esoteric are placed in a simple format that explains the truth every time. The divinity and spirituality expressed in the book is nothing unusual coming from India but its entangle with romance has been for the first time.
The esoteric and the myths associated with the characters accord robust color to the narrative and along with Moh's deep seated affirmation of faith. In the process of reading one could easily lose self enmeshed deep within the surroundings. The popular book is the latest romantic novel based in India. This is a love story of a unique kind which avid readers of romance should pursue.
A friendly smile greets me on my arrival. The man at the reception is Dharmagiri the lodge naturalist and host. He looks after the arrivals whence not guiding in the jungle. After experiencing the carefully maintained exterior, I am impressed by the spacious welcoming reception.
Tiger
The ambiance is blissful and serene the decor is enchanting with arts and crafts and sittings all carefully organised. There is plenty of leg space and I sit down to consume my welcome drink as formalities are being processed.
Reception
I glimpse around and am pleased with the way things have gone. Well after a short drive from Nagpur Airport I am yearning for a dip in the refreshing pool. As soon as the formalities are complete I am ushered into my suite.
Everything at Pench Jungle Home spells space and good amount of it. The suite is not cramped and offers plenty of space. The sleeping ensemble, bed, linens, and pillows look inviting but I am for the pool. I have a quick look at the green exteriors from the suite window and then leave for the pool.
Evening Sit Out
Restaurant
The cook has done his work well and the food is delicious as I devour my lunch in the well equipped and finely embellished restaurant. The pool has done me good and I am hungry. The service is quick and the waiters are nice and polity. Raju Bhai the owner has seen that perfect attributes stay fit in the accommodation.
After lunch, I stroll around the garden to work on my lunch and feel light. I check list some interesting birds as well. This evening a tiger safari is arranged and I am eager. Dharamagiri accompanies me into the forests and the drive in open jeep is enchanting and a big success. Tiger, deer and plenty of birds what more do you wish for. The jungle landscape is amazing with diverse flora and terrain. The Pench River flows through the forests and enchants you. It is the lifeline of this ecosystem in Central India.
Suite
Suite Interriors
The evenings are fun at this three star lodge. The bonfire is perfect and the naturalist regales you with thrilling jungle lore and accounts of his encounters with the magnificent wildlife of Pench. I am pleased to the bones with wonderful amenities and services of this accommodation in the wilderness. Those who wish for indoor games for recreation can play at the pool table or relax in the spa at the gaming zone.
Pench Jungle Home Night View
Evening over I fall asleep thinking of an adventurous day ahead.
Pool
Accommodation at Jungle Home Pench in Madhya Pradesh comprises of twenty six air conditioned perfectly appointed suites and luxury tents. The luxurious hotel in Pench National Park is situated near the Turia Gate.
The hotel accommodation can reached by a short drive from Khawasa at Nagpur Jabalpur Highway. Distance from Nagpur is eighty kilometres and from Jabalpur it is two hundred kilometres.
The romantic book written by Poonam Uppal based in USA was born and brought up in India. Naturally she carries the traits of her birth and it is amply visible in the narration.
The main character Moh Lal Rai is born in India and spends her nascent years amidst a conservative, traditional, religious and patriarchal family. Constrained from birth she undergoes miraculous character development to become a fashion Diva and the a Love Goddess using the divine powers of Maa Durga. The transformation is avidly described in the book but unfortunately the past lingers on and so do the people associated with her since childhood. The characters have been aptly described by the author Poonam Uppal with all the associated traits and idiosyncrasies. This is an interesting aspect of the romantic interlude. She has also described in vivid details her leaning on Hinduism with all its affluent colors and aroma. Her leaning towards the mystic and esoteric arises from her belief in karma and inclination for the supreme. The rites and rituals associated with every Indian from the days of the Vedas are more subtle in modern personifications but yet evident through actions and subtle nuances in daily life. Thats is why like her country men she is a Vedic soul associated with numerous age old rites and ritualism which to many would seem bizarre.
But that is life in India it could never be organised, plain and simple or devoid of intricacies of life. The plethora of beliefs and the freedom to pursue what one believes in is an inherited. The author too is in no state of denial and has narrated life here with aplomb which is what imparts esoteric fervor to the novel as it progress.
Romantic Author
The past never leaves Moh who in the process of emancipation remains shackled. Her failed marriage keeps her tied to the unfortunate past like so many events doe. Nevertheless hope augurs more hope as bits of shine emerge now and then. As per the announcement during a fashion show in Las Vegas Maa Durga informs Moh that she will meet her true love in India. This is an exhilarating revelation....
Author Poonam Uppal
Read what happens whence she meets her true love Gaurang in Chennai in India. The book is engrossing to the last word. The esoteric romance story is a must read for people interested in this genre.
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