Sunday, October 7, 2018

Amazing Courtyard House Kanha A Review

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.

Website: http://www.courtyardhousekanha.com

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Of Myths & Truth: Split Halves

A Passionaate Gospel of True Love 

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.   

A Romantic Novel 

Courtyard House Kanha : Covid SOPs & Communitive Initiative & Post Pandemic Tourism Blog

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