“Life is short. There is so much that I still want to see and do. Perhaps it is because I was born and raised in Japan away from my parents’ home country or perhaps it is because I am fascinated by all the world has to offer but as much as I love to stay […]
Guest Stories – Skateboarding as a metaphor for social and cultural change in rural India
Like the title of her book “REMOTE. The Rural Changemakers of Janwaar”, Ulrike Reinhard came across as remote during her two-day stay at Savista! With her windblown hair, faraway look in her eyes and strong determined stride she seemed totally self […]
Guest Stories: A Designer’s Encounter with Savista on her Journey Through Rajasthan and Varanasi
I first had the great pleasure to stay at Savista in April 2017 this year. As a London-based textile designer I was planning a trip to Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) to see the first samples of a new collection of hand knotted rugs I was developing for launch later in the year under my own name. […]
When Travel Leads to Volunteering: Hedda’s Story
“How it all began. I had visited India once before. I spent 4 weeks at a CISV-camp in Lucknow at the age of 12, making new friends and expanding horizons. Although, I didn’t get to see much of the cultural heritage since I spent most of my time in a building belonging to the City […]
Guest Stories: Adriana Velez on How Savista’s Restorative Elixir Changed Her Entire Approach to Travel
“I tend to resist relaxation when I’m on vacation. For me holidays are more an opportunity for adventure. I get restless lounging at the beach. I want to explore, see new places, be surprised, climb those steps, taste what I’ve never tasted. But there are certain risks that come with that approach to travel: stress, […]
BIRDWATCH: The Small Minivet
The Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) is listed among the common birds of the Indian sub-continent. It is to be found everywhere in the country, wherever it can find its naturally preferred habitat of forests, groves, gardens and tree-dotted cultivation. It goes without saying that the one region where Small Minivets are not to be found […]
Jaipur Travel Diary: An Intense and Memorable Weekend: Sara D writes about her trip to Savista and Jaipur.
“One weekend in India, no friends to come along, the desire to see as much as possible but also to find some peace and have some rest. What do I do? I started researching, survey, reading travel blogs… to see what most could fit me and then almost randomly, comes up to my Google webpage […]
Savista’s Guests : Ken and Janine’s Story
Last year, it was at around this time, when the rains had set in but it was not raining everyday to keep the temperature cool, and the days were super hot and muggy. Ken phoned from ‘somewhere in India’ to ask if he and his wife could check into Savista. They were vegans, he said, […]
Retreating…Tania Han’s reflections on Savista Retreat T After two days at the Pushkar Fair, we were desperate for respite from the dust and noise. We hadn’t slept well for some nights now; besides the noise of the fair, it was also an auspicious period in the Hindu lunar calendar so music from multiple wedding parties played […]
Jaipur Travel Diary: The Savista and the “Infectious” Nomad!
Endorsed by the clatter of the birds in their daily song. This oasis steps outside the norms of any hotel but still provides all the desired comforts and conveniences. This is a home. The home of Bhanwar and Radhika who welcome you into their lovingly restored haveli and if you so desire, engage you in […]