Savista

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Packages At Savista

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Camel Back Tours of the Countryside

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Sightseeing In Jaipur

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Movies at Savista's Theater

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The Pool at Savista

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Tennis at Savista

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Yoga and Meditation

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Block-Printing Tours and Workshops

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Birdwatching At Savista

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Traditional Rajasthani Message

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Rooms At Savista

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Personalized Detox and Wellness Programs

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The Library at Savista

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The Haveli Roof

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Rates

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jaipur differently

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Movies At Savista

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Block Printing Tours And Workshops

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Jaipur Literature Festival

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Jaipur Literature Festival

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ABHANERI STEP WELL

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ABHANERI STEP WELL

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Design Aesthetic

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If one were to describe the design aesthetic at Savista in one word, it would be simplicity. Other equally evocative single word descriptions would be: colour. handcrafted. elegant. people. animals. plants. earth. sky. water. flowers. trees. birds. crops. vegetables. Fruits.. sun. moon. stars. clouds. storms. winds. Hyphenated words would be : earth-living. natural-materials. sacred-secular. inside-outside. north-south. local-global. Culturally, Savista is located in an agricultural village in Rajasthan. But aesthetically it is both north and south. Both Rajasthan and the rest of India. Both India and the rest of the world. Both local people and humanity at large. It is this worldview that informs Savista’s design aesthetic.

Guest Photos

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What our guests are saying... Savista is exactly the sort of place one hopes to find on a visit to India. The place is a delight, the staff genuinely friendly, the pool extraordinary, the rooms individually designed, and the food delicious. What makes it extra special is that the warm and welcoming hosts treat you like friends. - WENDY W., WALES, ON TRIPADVISOR What a lovely hotel! We were taken back by the location, the peace and quiet and the stunning rooms. I believe it is a new establishment and what a fine job the owners have done.. Rooms: Spotless, tasteful and spacious not to mention comfortable. Service: Nothing is too much trouble for the owners. - DANIELLE D., WALES, ON HOTELS COMBINED.COM I had heard so much about Savista but it exceeded every expectation. A true retreat in a wonderful place. We enjoyed delightful service and surroundings, sunrises, sunsets and the food was far too delicious! Additional benefit was easy access to Jaipur - a fascinating, colourful and characterful city - and miles away in every sense from Europe. - ROSEMARIES C., LONDON, ON TRIPADVISOR Savista Retreat proved to be everything that I had hoped for. A very beautifully restored and furnished country hunting lodge turned ecological retreat by the current family After traveling alone for 3 weeks, I was made to feel as if I had returned to visit good friends from India who are deeply passionate and knowledgeable about their country and local environment. - TINA N., LONDON, ON ALASTAIR SAWDAY’S Our stay at Savista was exactly what we’d hoped for. The comforts of a superior branded hotel with the added charm and character of a lovingly restored, historical home... The beds with their cozy down duvets, were our most comfortable nights in India… Food was fresh and tasty and they were more than happy to accommodate special requests. We booked in for four nights and stayed five. Not to be missed! - VICKI D., CANADA, ON TRIPADVISOR Wonderful and peaceful place to stay in Jaipur, far from the noise and polution. It is a very comfortable place to enjoy to relax, have a rest in an Indian Decor Thanks a lot to the staff and owners for their hospitality. It was just simple and perfect! ABDELAZIZ, BAHRAIN, ON BOOKING.COM This hotel was listed in the guardian newspaper under top 20 best boutique hotels in India... WE AGREE … The owner and staff are what made our stay one of the most amazing experiences of our trip to India (We've been 3 times to India). We thoroughly enjoyed the camel cart ride to meet the local families and drink gallons of delicious chai. - AIBHINN, IRELAND, ON TRIPADVISOR What can I add to the enthusiastic reviews already here -- reaffirmation that they are completely accurate. And more, that the owners/hosts are warm, intelligent people you will be delighted to sit at dinner table with, in animated conversations about your lives, theirs, and world affairs. This is NOT your usual hotel experience! - PETER S., NEW YORK, ON TRIPADVISOR If only we could have stayed longer!... Savista is superb: beautiful lush gardens; a character-filled house with comfortable, clean and spacious rooms; delicious local homestyle meals; and welcoming, personalized and professional service. Being in the countryside enabled us to discover Jaipur by day and mellow out by night. We could not have hoped for a better stay. - ANOUCHKA I., DUBAI, ON TRIPADVISOR We had a brilliant stay at Savista, a quiet, serene, idyllic and eco-friendly place in the countryside. The hosts are a lovely, charming and knowledgeable married couple who are doing great work with and for the local community in this poor part of Rajastan. Learning about their work made the stay at Savista even more enjoyable and interesting. The food was delicious too. Savista was a much welcomed contrast to the business, noise and chaos of Jaipur. A bit tricky to get there, but well worth it when we did. - MARIANNE L., OSLO, ON BOOKING.COM I can highly recommend this hotel for travellers looking for tranquility (no package tour groups!!) and a personal touch to their stay. The hotel arranges transportation to all interesting sites in the vicinity, so no need to worry about that. Do not look further and make the booking. You will not be disappointed! - MADRONA32, SEATTLE, ON TRIPADVISOR We arrived at Savista Retreat after staying at the Trident hotel in Agra .. and found Savista totally different for all the right reasons. It's personal, and it's authentic. The best thing I can say about the Savista Retreat is that during our time there we felt fully relaxed, with all our requirements taken care of by our hosts, and by staff never short of a genuine smile. - RICHARD H., LEEDS U.K., ON TRIPADVISOR I was told about Savista by a friend, and I am so glad that I was! I was finishing up a hectic week in Jaipur and set aside two nights at Savista to take a break. It was just the thing! … The room we stayed in was pristine and beautiful, with a wonderfully warm sun room just in front. The staff is responsive and efficient and everything right down to the lime soda is refreshing and truly rejuvenating. - HAIKU, LOS ANGELES, ON TRIPADVISOR An absolutely wonderful retreat. We stayed for a week, and were sorry to leave, there being so much more to see and do in this part of the region. Savista provides a perfect contrast to the chaotic hustle and bustle of the heart of Jaipur, and it was a joy to return to the tranquility and homely, luxurious comfort of this beautiful haveli, after days out exploring. Our hosts were extremely warm and friendly, and thoroughly attentive in a relaxed and discrete manner, nothing was too much trouble. The ambience of this beautifully restored ancestral home both during the day and at night was calm and inspiring - colourful and well maintained, and a feeling of contentment emanated. We breakfasted and dined outdoors each day, and all the Indian style food we experienced was delicious and varied, and served with a smile! So all that remains is to set a date for our return, and then with a little more time to allow for relaxation beside the beautiful courtyard pool, and opportunity to further explore the lovely semi arid countryside surrounding Savista. - ANNETTA, EDINBURG, ON HOLIDAYCHECK.COM The owners are genuinely interested in their guests and we left feeling as if we had been staying with old friends. We learned so much about India through our conversation with them. The hotel itself is beautiful and the atmosphere is one of tranquil and informal elegance. - MALIA, AUSTIN TX, ON TRIPADVISOR I have been to Savista twice: once with my family and once alone. Both times were memorable occasions. The service is delightful, the food delicious and the hosts charming… Savista is truly a retreat and I highly recommend it as a place to get away from the bustle of India's cities and enjoy incredible Indian hospitality. - MVERMEER, U.S.A., ON TRIPADVISOR I would recommend this as a place to stay in Jaipur. The drive into Jaipur can take about 45 minutes which definitely adds time to your day - but when you get back to Savista you realize it was MORE than worth the ride. - CAROLINE O., LIVERPOOL, ON TRIPADVISOR If you're looking for an out-of-the-way getaway and willing to pay a little more, I highly recommend Savista. And especially if you are committed to living -- and traveling -- as sustainably as possible, this is a great place to check out. - WAKOT, SAN FRANCISCO, ON TRIPADVISOR Imagine you had to rate and review your childhood home - a place of love and peace, where your every need was met and you learned so much about yourself and the world around you. That is the task I am faced with here, as I am writing about Savista Retreat where I stayed for 7 nights in February 2012. But I shall try to be objective. As a part of my stay, I had booked a yoga-and-massage-detox package. I learned so much about healthy eating, yoga and the balance of mind and spirit. It was rewarding beyond expectations, but even if you are not up for the detox programme there are plenty of reasons to stay at Savista. The surroundings are beautiful as is the hotel itself. And the Jaipur region offers many sights to see and excellent Indian shopping, which my friend an I discovered on our outings with the personal driver, the hotel has provided for us. But the best experiences of my stay were "back home" at Savista. The sun there is as bright as the smiles on the faces of the local Indian women who work at Savista and who took my friend and I on a tour of the surroundings and bestowed upon us the honor of showing us their homes. I am so thankful for this memorable experience that I would never have gotten anywhere else. And the food!! I could go on and on about how excellent it is! If staying there, do eat at Savista. It's the best food I had on my entire trip and it is served poolside in the candlelight. A final mention should be given to our hosts who went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable at all times. When a sudden, unusual, and very unexpected cold front made it a little cold inside the palace, they made sure heaters were in place. When I was so unfortunate as to fall and hit my head, our hosts themselves drove me to their own doctor to make sure that I was okay! They are the nicest, warmest people you could imagine as hosts. In short, I recommend Savista with all my heart. Stay there and get an experience that you will carry with you a lot longer than the beautiful tan you can also acquire. You might even be as lucky as l have been and find a place in a far away land that you can call home. - SIGNE W., DENMARK, ON HOLIDAYCHECK.COM The rooms are clean, spacious and beautifully decorated. We loved the absolutely delicious homemade Indian food prepared fresh for every meal, and this was the only resort we stayed in during our 3 week trip to India where we did not have to drink bottled water… I highly recommend the camel cart ride through the surrounding local villages where the children love to have their pictures taken and you are always greeted with a steaming hot cup of Indian tea - KRYSTEN K., NEW YORK, ON TRIPADVISOR I would recommend this retreat to anyone who wants to relax in a peaceful and pleasant surroundings. Enjoying dinner and breakfast outside... And to just generally chill out. We also went on a camel cart ride which was one of the highlights of our trip - we would highly recommend doing this if you have time. - HOLDYOURHORSES_8, LONDON, ON TRIPADVISOR My husband and I stayed at the Savista Retreat at the beginning of our tour of Rajasthan and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip… Having later experienced other premium hotels in Rajasthan we can also say that it had one of the best bathrooms and by far the best bed! The retreat has a lovely local feel to it- all of the staff come from the village and the food is grown on site. - JOANNA, LONDON, ON TRIPADVISOR

Countryside

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Savista’s unique location in the tranquil eastern Rajasthan countryside offers a welcome relief from the sensory overload of frenetic urban India. The resort’s quiet environs are marked by dense greenery, wooded ravines and undulating cropland interspersed with sand dunes. The climate is moderate desert – brilliant cloudless days and crisp clear starlit nights. The countryside around Savista offers several exciting activities for the outdoor enthusiast:

Leisurely camel cart rides through the surrounding fields, the lush green river-bed of the now-dry Sujalam river, and the hamlets of Sanjharia, Himmatpura and Begas

Guided adventure hikes along ravines and brush landscape, through grazing grounds of nomadic herders of camels, goats and sheep, and wild nilgai

Bird-watching in and around the Savista estate, where over 60 varieties of bird species have been identified to date

The ravines, cut by a now-dry river – Sujalam – that used to flow alongside the estate, lend drama to the landscape around Savista. The dry river bed offers a hiking trail through brush and tall kusha reeds all the way to Bagru (7 km away), a medieval town and erstwhile Kacchawa principality. It is famous today for its block printing craft. Nomadic pastoralists bring their camels, sheep and goats to the ravines to graze, and herds of wild nilgai – protected by the villagers as sacred animals – roam the countryside. Other scenic walking trails pass through fields, little hamlets, and the larger villages of Fatehpura, Himmatpura and Begas. Interested guests can request for guided walks/camel cart rides through the countryside where they have the opportunity to exchange greetings with local people, visit homes to share a glass of tea or buttermilk, observe women churn butter or tend to livestock, watch and talk to women and men carrying out seasonal agricultural operations, or visit any of the schools in Sanjharia village where Savista is located. Agriculture is the main occupation in these parts, with dairying and camel herding as a subsidiary activity. The main crops grown are wheat, barley, chick-peas, beans, millets (bajri, jowar), and seasonal vegetables. The Savista estate is home to a variety of local fruit, flowering and shady trees - lime, amla, pomegranate, guava, bael, parijaat, gulmohur, kachnaar, kanchan, jasmine, champa, neem, khejri, drumstick. Avid birdwatchers have plenty to enjoy here, with over 60 varieties of birds currently identified within the estate. Savista grows much of its requirement of grains and vegetables, free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and sources its remaining needs for milk, poultry, vegetables and grains from surrounding farms.

The Grounds

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The Savista estate consists of 12 acres. Although extremely modest by international standards, it is in keeping with the average size of farms in India. The grounds are filled with trees and ornamental shrubs, flowering shrubs line all the pathways, there are extensive lawns that stretch across the front and sides of the haveli, to the north and west of the haveli the lawns gently give way to cropland, there is a nursery at the rear dedicated to vegetable cultivation, and the estate is ringed with a rough-and-ready walking/jogging track. The trees (shade-bearing, flowering, fruit) - lime, guava, pomegranate, custard apple, neem, khejri, gulmohur, moringa, gooseberry, karanji, ashoka, jacaranda, Siamese cassia - and aromatic and ornamental shrubs - jasmine, champa, parijat, hibiscus, lilies, lotuses, roses, oleander, marigold - are all local varieties, known for their hardiness and low water requirement. The lawns are composed of local varieties of grass that are hardy and suited to the extreme climatic variations of the region. And every year in the monsoon season, new trees and shrubs are planted. This dense tree cover in the estate ensures that the temperature at Savista is at least a few degrees cooler than in the city of Jaipur. The tradition in India of planting neem trees around a dwelling – a practice that we follow at Savista – is based on the belief that it disinfects and cools the air. Almost all the trees at Savista have medicinal properties, again in keeping with the Indian tradition of planting trees around a dwelling that are also a health resource. The seasonal crops grown at Savista are only for consumption within the property. The cereals, legumes, oilseeds grown are: wheat, barley, millets (bajra and jowar), moong and gavaar beans, sesame and mustard seeds, respectively. The vegetables grown are: spinach, carrot, tomato, fenugreek, cabbage, cauliflower, aubergine, okra, spring onions, garlic, radish, turnip, runner beans, French beans, string beans, etc., while cilantro, curry leaves, mint and basil are the main herbs grown. The important thing to mention is that all the above crops are organically grown. The Savista soil is naturally rich, helped by the fact that sections of the farmland are left fallow by rotation. Organic (farmyard) manure is the only fertiliser used, and neem-based (natural) pesticides are employed. One of the fallouts of the tree cover and organic practices is that Savista is home to an ever-growing population of local birds which, at last count, were at around 85 varieties. Our birds are as important as the humans at Savista, and a source of much of the joy and serenity that Savista exudes. The grounds, thus, are what sustain Savista. They offer numerous seating and relaxation and activity options for guests outside of their rooms: hammocks, garden seats and benches, string beds, swings, and basket chairs; tennis, birdwatching, foot reflexology, walking, jogging. This is in addition to the multiple communal relaxation and socialization spaces within the haveli itself. Breakfast is served in the open – in the eastern court - in all weathers, under the trees and surrounded by flowering hibiscus. In cool weather, dinner is also served in the outdoors – under the gazebos or in the courtyard. Only for four weeks during the coldest period of the winter are dinner and drinks served in the indoors restaurant with its log fires and candles softly lighting the interiors.

Pool Court

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The haveli rises in two levels around a central pool-court, overlooked by balconies and terraces that girdle the entire complex. The 20-metre swimming pool is of environmentally conscious design, refilled each day with fresh, cool water that is continuously recycled to irrigate the surrounding gardens and farmland.

Haveli (Main House)

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Haveli is the term used for a private mansion in South Asia, usually one with historical and architectural significance. The word haveli is derived from the Arabic haveli, through Persian hawli, meaning "an enclosed place." Havelis share similar features with other mansions derived from Islamic architecture such as the traditional hawlis in Morocco. The Savista haveli blends traditional architectural design with comfortable modern interiors. It houses 14 bedrooms and a state-of-the-art recreation and dining complex that includes a library, movie theatre, music room and several spacious, breezy lounges. The haveli is set in its own gardens of jasmine, parijat, kanchan, gulmohur and neem trees. The library has a rich collection of reference books on Indian history, religion, culture and travel, as well as fiction by Indian and international authors. Our intimate movie theatre, complete with cushions and Rajasthani quilts, is ideal for a relaxing evening, with an extensive collection of Hollywood and Indian films, documentaries, and TV shows. The haveli is Wi-Fi enabled, and guests can connect to the internet anywhere in the complex via their laptops, tablets, or mobiles.

Blog

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About Savista

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Eco-Friendly

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Savista-Logo_burned

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Sightseeing

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Our Haveli

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Home

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Welcome to Savista

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Savista is a homely, family-run boutique property located in the Jaipur countryside, about 45 minutes from the city center. We are passionate about experiential travel, and are committed to giving our guests a unique experience of Rajasthan that is not on offer at larger hotels. We are not a typical hotel. Each of our rooms is different, filled with crafts and antiques hand-picked from all over Rajasthan. We grow our own vegetables, recycle, and use solar power. We only have 14 rooms and prefer it that way, as it gives us a chance to get to know our guests better and ensure the quality of their experience. Our location offers an ideal balance of experiencing the Rajasthan countryside with easy access to Jaipur’s forts, palaces, and bazaars. After a hectic day of sightseeing, guests can unwind by the pool at Savista, watch movies, play tennis, or take leisurely walks through the neighbouring villages. We also organize a range of unique activities and experiences for guests, including block printing workshops, yoga lessons, hiking, bazaar walks, and day trips to fascinating nearby places such as Pushkar, Abhaneri, and Tilonia. Savista is the ancestral home of its owners, who come from the Kachhawa Rajput family of Jaipur. After long careers in academia and international development both in India and abroad, they decided to return home to indulge in a new experiment in sustainable living and experience-based travel. Savista is that experiment, and we guarantee that your stay here will leave you feeling like you’ve acquired a second home.

Gallery

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Rooms

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The Runaway Prince

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Seasonal Information

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Test

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36 Hours In Jaipur

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Blog

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Staying At Savista

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Savista is a boutique heritage hotel in Jaipur. Nestled in the Rajasthan countryside, this estate of an erstwhile Kacchawa Rajput chieftain combines the luxury of a traditional haveli with state-of-the-art amenities and a modern ethos of eco-friendly travel.

Our location offers an ideal balance of experiencing the tranquil countryside with easy access to Jaipur’s forts, palaces and bazaars. Most importantly, it is a respite from the sensory overload of India's crowded cities and traffic.

At Savista, have our fleet of drivers help you fulfill all your travel desires within and around Jaipur, Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra. Or let yourself get lost in the peace and tranquility of the Rajasthan countryside. If artisanal creativity is your passion, feed your soul through Savista's guided tours/workshops. With only 12 rooms, each guest's stay at Savista is built completely around them. Forget what you know about anonymous hotels. At Savista, you are a guest in our haveli and our home. We look forward to changing the way you think about travel.

Note: Savista has a clear policy of not offering overnight parking or accommodation for commercial drivers and their cars. Commercial drivers are known to frighten away guests hiring them to reach Savista, with "It is too far", "It is too lonely there", etc., and to offer to take them to city hotels instead. This is because we do not pay commissions to drivers, touts and other middlemen. In order to facilitate our guests, Savista offers a car service at a very competitive rate. The service includes the entire range of pick-up, drop, city sight-seeing, and inter-city travel (Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar etc.).

(Click below to find out more)

(taxes as applicable)

Savista featured in...

Activities-old

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As a guest at Savista, our 12 acre property is yours to explore. After your day in Jaipur, let us show you a different side of Rajasthan. If there is any aspect of Rajasthan that strikes your imagination that we do not yet offer, we are happy to build custom trips and programs around your stay.

A • Camels -Take a camel cart ride through the Rajasthan countryside. Tours can stop and explore local villages, and visit the family farms where our locally sourced food is pulled out of the ground.

B • Sights - Visit Jaipur's famous forts (Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort), palaces ( City Palace) and Pink City bazaars. The walled Pink City is India's first historical planned city that is an ancient hive of trade and business. Savista is located 22 km from the center of modern Jaipur, and Savista's drivers both speak English and are very knowledgeable about the Pink City.

C • Movies -Savista has a small movie screening room if you want to spend the night with a western or Hindi film. Resident film buffs and Savista's owners (B&R) are more then happy to help curate your entrance into Indian cinema.

D • The Lake -The Savista pool is filled with natural safe water from our deep bore well. Set in our courtyard, it is like descending into a natural lake rather then a hotel pool.

E • Tennis -Savista's tennis court sits between many of our local flowering trees. Rackets and balls can be borrowed from Savista. In addition to tennis, Savista also has a gym, and a staff that would be eager to teach you cricket.

F • Yoga - Guests interested in yoga and meditation can book private classes at any level. (conditional on our yoga teacher being available; please ascertain this at the time of booking. )

G * Gym - Savista has a fully equipped gym (cardio and weights) that is set in a grove of flowering trees.

H * Hikes - Savista sits in the midst of miles of farmland that is picturesque and safe for long walks/hikes.

I • Birdwatching -Savista has over 82 varieties of exotic birds that share the grounds with us. Each year we find newer birds coming. This could be because of our organic horticulture practices. Help us identify new varieties.

J • Blocks -Savista can arrange both intensive workshops or casual visits to the ancient fabric printing center of Bagru. Interested guests can see how blocks are hand carved and pressed, and can work under a master printer in his family workshop (see our brush with blocks package).

K • Detox -Personalized detox programs are available for interested guests. Savista can help design a food and wellness program around your stay, and can teach heath practices that you can carry with you beyond your time in Rajasthan (see our detox package ).

L • Library -Savista's family library contains hundreds of volumes, and will make sure you're never caught without a good book. We have an extensive collection of plays, classics, works of history, religion and music. Savista also has a cd library filled with Indian classical favorites.

M * Massage -Savista offers traditional Rajasthani massage by appointment in its spa. Expect local women and men practitioners ( not Western style)

N • The Roof -Many of our guests' favorite place, the roof at Savista offers 360 degree views of unbroken countryside. Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise, or enjoy a drink as it sinks beneath the haveli.

...we invite you to fill in the rest of the alphabet

Block Printing Workshops

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“A Brush with Blocks” Savista offers its guests the opportunity to learn textile block printing as taught by the artisans of Bagru. A majority of the brilliantly-coloured and printed cotton fabrics of Jaipur - for which the city is justly famous - are a product of this block printing craft. Bagru is a village located just 8 km from Savista, that has been the seat of this highly evolved textile block printing industry. While the industry has had an unbroken presence in Bagru for the last at least 350 years, some historical sources trace it to the over-4000 year-old Indus valley civilization. The craft uses mainly hand-woven fabric made from natural fibers, hand-crafted wooden blocks, and custom-made vegetable and mineral-based dyes. The quality of the water, soil and plant resources of this region all had a role to play in the evolution of the craft. Guests who opt for this two night package will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional work environment of the artisans, where master craftsmen will introduce them to the processes of washing, dyeing, color fixing, block carving, printing, and textile finishing. For Whom & Why The workshops ought to be of interest to the following audiences: Those traveling to India, who wish to cover the golden triangle, i.e., Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. By adding a few extra days to their itinerary, travellers have the opportunity to strike an ideal balance between visiting monuments and savouring these major cities, and adding a new dimension to their personal growth, i.e. experience local culture while living in the Rajasthan countryside in great comfort, learn an ancient craft at its source, and understand a micro economy that has global linkages; Those inclined to explore textile block printing as a hobby,and who are looking for a readymade opportunity to do so. This could cut across persons of all age groups who are looking for a new creative experience: high school and college graduates on fellowships or who have taken time off between pursuing further studies or choosing a professional career, older adults taking a break from routine jobs or businesses; and, those in middle age or retired persons wishing to re-ignite their creative urges; Those in the field of professional design. The opportunity to learn more about this centuries-old craft, and source beautifully-crafted textiles straight from the workshops of the artisans, might open up new avenues for the application of the craft to the mutual benefit of both the artisans and themselves; Budding entrepreneurs Budding entrepreneurs who see a business opportunity in the fields of design and procuring and marketing of textiles/garments; particularly those who are oriented toward fair trade and sustainability and who wish to create a network of like-minded individuals: artisans, designers, retailers, and suppliers; Just about anyone who has ever worn a block printed garment, and is curious to come up close to the craft in its traditional cultural context. Global Synergy Alongside personal enrichment, guests will also have the great satisfaction of: Undertaking travel and developing a hobby/skill that has perfect synergy with the local micro economy; Introducing and sharing creative designs across cultures and continents, and gaining design perspectives from many points of view simultaneously; Helping imperceptibly establish global linkages for the Bagru micro economy. At the moment, the artisans lack in the understanding of international designs and fashion trends. The “dialogues” between artisans and diverse participants from across the world will help increase awareness of new fashion trends, and of the available technologies for environmental sustainability. The dialogues are also expected to create an environment for building entrepreneurial, financial, and marketing capability in the Bagru micro community, and capacity to engage in design innovations to keep pace with changing market preferences. This could be an important feel-good factor; Community Give-back From the proceeds of this initiative, Savista Retreat plans to institute a scheme of scholarships and financial grants, through which it hopes to motivate meritorious young women and men of Bagru. There will be two scholarships: one for a person who has shown interest in growing her/his small business, and the other for a youth who wishes to continue her/his education but does not have the means to do so. The Jaipur Block Printing Workshop “A Brush with Blocks” will involve a two nights stay at Savista. It will be customised to accommodate guests' dates of stay at Savista, skill levels, and specific interests if any. On Day One, participants will have an overall tour of the Bagru printing, dyeing, colour fixing and washing process; learn about block carving, printing, and natural plant and mineral-based colours. They will also select a wooden block of their choice from the wide range available, and begin printing. On Day Two, they will continue printing the length of fabric of their choice, using the block(s) that they have selected and finish any remaining work on their textile. For more details on inclusions, costs etc. email info@savista.com Other printing options: Half day workshop; Longer-duration experience/training in block printing. Email info@savista.com for more information.

Contact Us-old

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The easiest way to make a booking is directly through Savista; we promise to respond to emails in less then 12 hours. If you book through one of our travel partners, we encourage you to email us and let us know about your travel plans so we can best customize your Savista experience.

Call: +91-9829214453

Email: info@savista.com

Address: Sanjharia ,P.O. Thikaria | Off Ajmer Road, Jaipur 302026, India

Getting To Us

Savista is 22 km from the Jaipur city center and airport, located off National Highway 8 (also known as the Jaipur-Ajmer road). For those coming from New Delhi or Agra, it is conveniently located 12 km from the crossing where these roads meet the road to Jaipur city.

Savista also offers easy access to the tourist attractions in and around Jaipur – 40 minute drive (22 km) to the Pink City, 60 minute drive (45 km) to Amber Fort and the Jal Mahal, and to the temple town of Pushkar, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and block printing village of Bagru.

We can provide air-conditioned pickup and drop-off services at Jaipur and New Delhi airports, and offer air-conditioned transportation with English-speaking drivers to all tourist destinations in Rajasthan and to Agra.

For those coming on their own to Savista from Jaipur airport, New Delhi or Agra, please follow the directions below:

	From Jaipur city/airport/Delhi/Agra, arrive at Heerapura Crossing, where the Jaipur-Ajmer road meets the Delhi and Agra roads
	From Heerapura, continue on Ajmer Road. You will pass 4 landmarks – Delhi Public School, Pink Pearl and Kanchan Kesari (on your right) and Omaxe City (on your left)
	Take the 1st right turn after Omaxe City on to a rural link road (0.5 km before the toll both)
	Drive straight down this link road through Village Thikaria and Vatika City project, and on to Village Sanjharia and Swapnalok
	After entering Swapnalok, pass two roundabouts and enter Savista on your right.

Dining

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Dining The food is simple, tasty home cooking –a blend of north and south Indian and Rajasthani, -vegetarian– using organically grown, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast is generally served under a canopy of trees. Lunch and dinner may be al fresco or in the dining room, according to the weather. Snacks and drinks are available through the day by the poolside. The bar-lounge with its crackling fireplace offers an alternative social setting on cold evenings. Savista is committed to accommodating guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences, and we are happy to tailor meals for you upon request.

Jaipur & Around-old

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Cultural Explorations

At Savista

In addition to facilitating visits to monuments and temples, Savista offers its guests the opportunity of authentic glimpses into both the folk and classical performance culture of the region.

The Savista amphitheatre occasionally hosts folk music and dance performances by local travelling artistes. These include bhopas, hereditary story-tellers who use music to tell stories of Rajasthan’s folk heroes Pabuji and Tejaji, with the help of traditional handpainted cloth scrolls (pichwais) depicting these heroes’ lives.

The music room at Savista has a collection of Indian musical instruments such as the veena, sitar, harmonium, and tanpura, and CDs (Indian classical, semi-classical and folk), as well as select western instruments such as the violin, guitar, electronic keyboard, and harmonica. There is also a rich collection of books on the classical and folk music traditions of Northern and Southern India.

Upon request, Savista offers individual cooking lessons. Extended cooking workshops can also be arranged for small groups, that explore the theory and practice of India’s culinary traditions, with accompanying discussions on the Ayurvedic principles of traditional diets, and study visits to vegetable and spice markets.

Savista also responds to requests for other interest-based workshops/retreats, such as India’s textile traditions, embroidery, yoga or music.

Beyond Savista

Village Tours Savista is located in Sanjharia village, and is within walking distance of the larger villages of Fatehpura, Himmatpura and Begas. Guests can take guided tours through these villages, where they have the opportunity to meet with local people, visit homes, observe women churn butter or tend to livestock, and interact with farmers carrying out seasonal agricultural operations.

Heritage Tours – Forts, Palaces, Religious Shrines Forty-five minutes away by car from Savista is the Amber Fort, a fixture in every tourist’s itinerary. The erstwhile capital of the Kacchawas (where visitors can also take elephant rides), it is one of the finest examples of medieval Rajput architecture. Dramatically poised over a hill-top, Amber is flanked by the smaller forts of Nahargarh and Jaigarh, also worth a visit. En route to Amber is the charming Jal Mahal, a royal palace located in the center of a lake.

Jaipur’s ancient walled “pink” city with its bazaars brimming with colours, handicrafts, jewellery and people is less than an hour away from Savista. Its key sights include the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds, a five-storied viewing gallery for the royal ladies), the Jantar Mantar observatory, the cenotaphs of Gaitore, the temples at the perennial springs of Galta, and the Sisodia Rani Bagh (a royal pleasure garden built for a queen, with interesting architectural detail).

For guests with an interest in different religious beliefs and practices, visits can be arranged to the village Hanuman temple (at neighbouring Bad-ke-Balaji), or the grand 18th century Krishna temple in Jaipur city (both Hindu shrines), or the 13th century Muslim Sufi shrine (dargah) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer (130 km from Savista).

Craft and Bazaar Tours The medieval town of Bagru, famous as a weaving and block printing centre, is 10 km by car from Savista. 120 km away, proceeding further on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road, is the 10th century temple town of Pushkar, also famous for its annual animal fair in November which acts as a magnet for animal breeders from across the state. En route to Pushkar is Kishangarh, the seat of one of Rajasthan’s medieval schools of miniature painting, as well as a centre for marble craft. Rajasthan’s varied handicraft traditions include: jewellery using gold, silver, precious/ semi-precious stones, enamel and glass; textiles embellished with block printing, tie dye, embroidery and mirror work; ornamental leathercraft; stone and marble sculpture; hand painted blue pottery; silk fabric painting; brasswork, and numerous others. The social history of these crafts and craftspersons, for whom these are hereditary occupations, is almost as fascinating as the products themselves.

Thriving princely kingdoms, a powerful and sizeable merchant class, and Rajasthan's strategic location on the ancient Silk Route, had historically ensured a market for high quality handmade goods. The region's arid topography and dependence of agriculture on uncertain rainfall also provided a spur for diversification of skills. The degree of embellishment brought to articles of both everyday and special use, and into the interiors of huts, havelis, palaces and temples, was probably also directly proportionate to the harshness of the external environment. The Rajput chieftains saw themselves as patrons of art and sculpture and encouraged artisans to set up schools for the training and propagation of craft skills. Rajasthan is one of the few states in the country where almost every town has an artisan quarter specializing in particular crafts. With the disappearance of aristocratic patronage, progressive government policies and NGO activism have worked to prevent the demise of Rajasthan’s rich handicraft traditions.

Music and Dance Cultural Tours Interested guests are also taken to ongoing classical and folk music and dance concerts in Jaipur city. Savista makes arrangements for guests who make advance requests, to visit any of the well-known classical Kathak dance schools in the city, to witness rehearsals by students, or master classes.

Jaipur has traditionally been a major centre for Kathak, a north Indian classical dance form. Kathak’s hallmark is the expression of romantic love to the accompaniment of soulful music and percussion instruments and involves intricate footwork that brings alive scores of tiny tinkling bells tied to the dancer’s ankles. Its closest western parallel is the Flamenco. The distinctive Jaipur Kathak tradition combines both, Hindu themes depicting Krishna the god of love, and the more performative or entertainment genre that was practiced in the Moghul court of medieval Delhi. Jaipur also has its own school of north Indian classical music – the Jaipur Atrauli gharana - and is one of the traditional homes of the Dhrupad school of music.

Rajasthani folk music - rich baritones that waft across desert expanses unaided by microphones, to the accompaniment of simple stringed and percussion instruments - has acquired an international following. Musicians are of all ages, dressed in colourful traditional attire, the men universally sporting impressive moustaches. Whole communities of rural-based musicians were once supported by princes and merchants. The themes recall great wars and valiant heroes, the agony of the lovelorn, as well as the colours and beauty of the desert, and the interdependence of humans, animals and trees. Today, progressive government policies regularly bring these music troupes out of their villages to perform in entertainment venues in cities.

Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan The Rajasthan people's festivals involve a heady explosion of colour and music! Almost every month of the year has a festival, with many of the traditional ones combining seasonal and religious dimensions. These festivals are a big tourist draw. The most interesting to a visitor to Jaipur are:

• Ajmer Sharif Urs celebrations (July) • Teej Monsoon Festival (August) • Tejaji Folk Festival (September) • Dussehra Puja Festival (October) • Rajasthan International Folk Festival (October) • Pushkar Camel Fair (November) • Diwali Festival of Lights (November) • Desert Festivals (December, January, February) • Jaipur Literary Festival (January) - (contact us for special programs) • Jaipur International Heritage Festival (March) • Holi Festival of Colours (March) • Gangaur Festival (April)

Room Rates & Packages

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:25:19 +0000

Per Night Basis

premium ensuite room - $129 only (free breakfast, wifi, pool, gym, tennis, library, music and film room)

Packages

Price - $ 329

2 Nights At Savista (single/double occupancy)
All Room Amenities
Free wifi, Pool, Gym,Tennis,Library, Music and Film room
Breakfast
Air-Conditioned Car With English Speaking Driver For The Duration Of Your Stay (8 hrs/80 km per day )
Airport Pickup & Drop

Extended Stay -

Price - $ 539

3 Nights At Savista (single/double occupancy)
All Room Amenities
Free wifi, Pool, Gym,Tennis,Library, Music and Film room
Breakfast
Dinner Under The Stars: A 7 Course Traditional Rajasthani Meal For One Night Of Your Stay
Air-Conditioned Car With English Speaking Driver For The Duration Of Your Stay (8 hrs/80 km per day )
Airport Pickup & Drop

Recovery -

Price - $711

4 Nights At Savista (single/double occupancy)
All Room Amenities
Free wifi, Pool, Gym,Tennis,Library, Music and Film room
Breakfast
Dinner Under The Stars: A 7 Course Traditional Rajasthani Meal For One Night Of Your Stay
A Camel Cart Ride Through Savista's Rural Neighboring Villages and Surrounding Countryside
Air-Conditioned Car With English Speaking Driver For The Duration Of Your Stay (8 hrs/80 km per day )
Airport Pickup & Drop

Immersion -

Price: $1189

7 Nights At Savista (single/double occupancy)
All Room Amenities
Free wifi, Pool, Gym,Tennis,Library, Music and Film room
Breakfast
Dinner Under The Stars: A 7 Course Traditional Rajasthani Meal For One Night Of Your Stay
A Camel Cart Ride Through Savista's Rural Neighboring Villages and Surrounding Countryside
Day Trip To The Temple Town Pushkar (Includes Packed Lunch)
Half-Day Tour Through Textile Blockprinting Village Of Bagru
Air-Conditioned Car With English Speaking Driver For The Duration Of Your Stay (8 hrs/80 km per day )
Airport Pickup & Drop

Block Printing Workshop

2 Nights At Savista (single/double occupancy)
All Room Amenities
Free wifi, Pool, Gym,Tennis,Library, Music and Film room
Breakfast
Transport to Bagru and back on both days (8 km distance/15 mins driving time)
Airport Pickup & Drop
Two Full Days Working In This Historic Printing Town Of Bagru
One on One Instruction From A Master Craftsman, Working In His Print Studio
All Materials: Textiles, Blocks, Colours
Taxes
• • If You Are Interested In Our Printing Package, We Encourage You To Call Or Email To Learn More ••

All - Inclusive Detox Workshop

3 Nights At Savista (single/double occupancy)
All Room Amenities
Free wifi, Pool, Gym,Tennis,Library, Music and Film room
All Meals and Drinks;
Yoga Lessons;
Airport transfers;
Taxes

Relax & Revive

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A low-slung complex, separate from the haveli and hidden behind a curtain of trees, houses Savista’s fitness centre. If you inform us when you would like to visit the fitness or spa center, we can provide fresh lime soda or bottled water for your workout or relaxation.

Spa The spa at Savista includes steam room and sauna. Savista offers traditional Rajasthani massage by appointment.

Yoga Whether you are an enthusiast or an eager-to-learn entrant, you will find that the peace and stillness at Savista offers you an excellent environment in which to hone your yoga practice. The rooftop, lawns, amphitheatre or indoor lounges - the choice of location is yours.

Our resident yoga teacher would be happy to put entrants through their paces (ashtanga vinyasa yoga), and also introduce them to simple and joyful methods to de-stress through breathing (pranayama) and laughter (hasya yoga). Check availability of the teacher at the time of booking.

Fitness Savista’s fitness facilities include a gym, tennis court and swimming pool. The gym is fitted out with a range of both cardiovascular and weight training machines; tennis rackets and balls are available upon request. In addition, guests will find the estate’s outer rim a perfect track for a morning or evening jog.

Natural living Most of the vegetables, cereals and pulses used at Savista are organically grown in and around the Savista estate without the aid of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The milch animals that provide milk for Savista are fed pesticide-free green fodder, our spices are freshly ground every day, the butter is home-churned and unsalted, and the sparingly-used cooking oil is cold-pressed. Poultry, meat and eggs are procured from surrounding farms where they are reared in a natural environment.

The water for drinking, cooking, swimming and irrigation is drawn from Savista's own deep-bore wells. The water is sweet, refreshing and mineral-rich, and laboratory tests have confirmed its excellent mineral-water quality and safety.

Relax & Revive The groves of neem, khejri and fruit trees at Savista filter and cool the unpolluted breezes that waft across the sun-drenched landscape. Sunlight there is in plenty in Rajasthan, and the choice is yours to soak it in by the poolside or in the privacy of the terraces, or to luxuriate in hammocks under the spreading branches of the trees

The Countryside

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Savista’s unique location in the tranquil eastern Rajasthan countryside offers a welcome relief from the sensory overload of frenetic urban India. The resort’s quiet environs are marked by dense greenery, wooded ravines and undulating cropland interspersed with sand dunes. The climate is moderate desert – brilliant cloudless days and crisp clear starlit nights.The countryside around Savista offers several exciting activities for the outdoor enthusiast:

	Leisurely camel cart rides through the surrounding fields, the lush green bed of the now-dry Sujalam river, and the hamlets and villages of Sanjharia, Himmatpura and Begas
	Guided adventure hikes along ravines and brush landscape, through grazing grounds of nomadic herders of camels, goats and sheep, and wild nilgai (antelope)
	Bird-watching in and around the Savista estate, where over 82 varieties of bird species have been identified to date, including the Brahminy Myna, Black-rumped Flameback, and Asian Koel

The ravines, cut by a now-dry river – Sujalam – that used to flow alongside the estate, lend drama to the landscape around Savista. The dry river bed offers a hiking trail through brush and tall kusha reeds all the way to Bagru (7 km away), a medieval town and erstwhile Kacchawa principality. It is famous today for its block printing craft. Nomadic pastoralists bring their camels, sheep and goats to the ravines to graze, and herds of wild nilgai – protected by the villagers as sacred animals – roam the countryside. Other scenic walking trails pass through fields, little hamlets, and the larger villages of Fatehpura, Himmatpura and Begas. Interested guests can request for guided walks/camel cart rides through the countryside where they have the opportunity to exchange greetings with local people, visit homes to share a glass of tea or buttermilk, observe women churn butter or tend to livestock, watch and talk to women and men carrying out seasonal agricultural operations, or visit any of the schools in Sanjharia village where Savista is located. Agriculture is the main occupation in these parts, with dairying and camel herding as a subsidiary activity. The main crops grown are wheat, barley, chick-peas, beans, millets (bajri, jowar), and seasonal vegetables. The Savista estate is home to a variety of local fruit, fodder, flowering and shady trees - lime, amla, pomegranate, lesva, guava, bael, parijaat, gulmohur, kachnaar, kanchan, jasmine, champa, neem, khejri, drumstick. Avid birdwatchers have plenty to enjoy here, with over 82 varieties of birds currently identified within the estate. Savista grows much of its requirement of grains and vegetables, free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and sources its remaining needs for milk, poultry, vegetables and grains from surrounding farms.

The Haveli

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The Savista haveli is a fully restored ancestral home of the present owners. It was originally constructed in 1901 as a country mansion by the then Kacchawa chieftain of the group of villages surrounding Savista. The family was part of the royal family of Jaipur, and endowed with both hereditary ownership of the land in these villages, and administrative, revenue, judicial and welfare functions. 1901 was the the year of the great famine, and the haveli was conceived as an alternative avenue of employment for the local population, since crop husbandry had failed.

The Savista complex has two wings - the haveli and the eastern court - set in 12 acres of land.

The haveli - restored in recent years - stands in its own grounds: a majestic and elegant structure that blends traditional architectural design with comfortable modern interiors. To the Western eye, it evokes shades of ‘Bauhaus’ architecture: clear lines, straight edges, smooth facades, Indian style pavilions, an absence of superfluous features, and a lightness and airiness that together produce a simple but powerful effect.

The haveli rises in two levels around a central pool-court, overlooked by balconies, decks and a rooftop terrace that girdles the entire complex. The 20-metre swimming pool is of environmentally conscious design, partially refilled each day with fresh, cool water that is continuously recycled to irrigate the surrounding gardens and farmland.

It houses 16 bedroom suites and is surrounded by gardens and a dense cover of ashoka, sheesham, karanji, khejri, gulmohur, and neem trees and shrubs of jasmine and hibiscus. The lobby, reception lounge, library, poolside lounge-cum-film viewing room, coffee bar and dining room are at the ground level, overlooking the pool-court on one side, and leading out to the tennis court and gardens on the other.

The library has a rich collection of over 4000 reference books on Indian history and society, religion, culture and travel, as well as fiction by Indian and international authors. It leads out onto the pool on one side and onto an amphitheatre surrounded by trees on the other, a space for performances, yoga etc. The film/projector room houses a DVD collection of Western and Indian films.

The first level has yet another large lounge that lopes across one entire length, with windows and doors looking into the courtyard on one side, and several sit-outs and decks that overlook vistas of tree-tops, sand dunes, and rolling cropland on the other. A music corner, and business center are also attached to the lounge.

The eastern court houses the gym, massage rooms, steam-sauna-jacuzzi facilities, bar lounge, main dining room, kitchen complex, and the gazebos and tents which serve as al fresco dining spaces. An open rooftop terrace runs across the entire length, offering a space for multiple activities. The whole is set within extensive gardens and surrounded by a grove of khejri, oleander, and ashoka trees.

Rooms

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:33:20 +0000

Rooms

Savista offers 12 elegantly-designed and comfortable guest-rooms, to make every guest feel special and well looked-after. All have ensuite bathrooms (with shower), are air-conditioned, and have heating for the winter months. A few select rooms have fire-places. Every room has either an attached balcony, private sun terrace or atrium.

Each room is distinctively designed, with a mix of handcrafted antique and modern furniture, textiles in the vibrant colours of Rajasthan, and handpicked objets d’arts. Every room has a unique theme and a name drawn from nature.

Kesar Kesar is the local name for saffron. This folky Rajasthani room reflects the sun-kissed desert – soft furnishings in flaming saffron and deep red, and wall and doorway decorations in folk motifs. With a king-sized bed and adjacent large atrium, this room overlooks the garden and rising sun.

Lapis Lazuli The décor for this room is a mosaic of different shades of blue, complemented by an antique Rajasthani king-sized bed and elaborately carved wardrobe. With an additional sitting room and outdoor balcony, this room overlooks a garden, a grove of khejri trees and undulating cropland.

Khejri The green and yellow colours of the khejri, - iconic tree of Rajasthan - find their echo in this light filled room on the first floor. Its other features include: antique teak furniture, a cozy fireplace, windows overlooking fields and a balcony overhanging the pool.

Indigo With white adobe floors and soft furnishings in deep indigo, this room has a blend of traditional wooden and modern wrought-iron furniture. Situated on the upper level with a balcony overlooking the pool, it has a king-sized bed, traditional wardrobe, and cozy fireplace.

Jasmine A large room on the upper level, the all-white décor – redolent of jasmine - is a counterpoint to the deep copper hues of the four-poster king bed, and traditional Rajasthani furniture. It has a fireplace, windows overlooking tree tops and green fields, and a balcony that hangs over the pool. An excellent choice as a honeymooners’ hideaway.

Mayura Pale aquamarine, deep green and brilliant blue soft furnishings,– the hues of the peacock, bird of Rajasthan, from which the room takes its name – complement the traditional Rajasthani muted-green hand-painted furniture in this room. Situated on the first level, the room’s unique feature is two private open terraces that overlook fields of wheat, mustard and pulses, and a large deck overlooking the pool.

Gulaabo Pink is one of the defining colours of Rajasthan, and Gulaabo is a name given to both men and women in the region. This large cool room on the ground floor celebrates Jaipur’s pink theme and block-printing craft, reflected in both the soft furnishings and furniture (antique carved king bed and wardrobe, imaginatively designed coffee tables). French windows overlook gardens and fields of wheat and maize on one side, while a balcony opens out into the pool-court on the other.

Nimbuda The lime is a prized fruit in Rajasthan, given its cooling properties, and addressed affectionately in folklore as Nimbuda (the Savista farm has over a hundred lime trees). This spacious tubular room on the ground floor has a modern décor and the coolest of lime green interiors. The green theme blends seamlessly with the luminous green landscape that comes right up to the two large French windows and many smaller windows: groves of neem, khejri and lesva trees. A pool-side balcony anchors the room to the haveli.

Parijat Celebrated in Indian folklore, the aromatic Parijat flower is the inspiration for this garden room. A mango tree growing outside also begs to be included in the conception of the décor: a fusion of glowing pink, magenta and mango yellow, offset by silver grey. This is our only twin bedroom. A small glass enclosed sitting room is an addition, leading to the garden and the fields beyond.

Bhaskara Bhaskara is one of the many Sanskrit names for the sun. The colours here, in brilliant yellow and silvery white, are a homage to the sun and moon. Large French windows across two walls open out into a grove of shady neem trees, and the balcony leads to the pool. This spacious tubular room has a modern décor, with a wrought iron king bed.

Terracotta A spacious poolside room with French windows opening out onto a leafy arbor of karanji trees, the décor is a blend of wood-carved and painted antique Rajasthani furniture, with soft furnishings in orange and brick-red, offset by brilliant blue.

Kachnaar Named after the flower of the Kachnaar tree, this small cozy upper level room with king bed has mirror-worked embroidered soft furnishings in brilliant shades of red and hot pink. The room is poised between the great outdoors: its own large private sun terrace on one side infused with the aroma of nearby flowering plants and providing a vista of tree-tops; and on the other side an open deck overlooking the pool.

Sujalam Named after the old river that used to flow alongside the Savista estate, this room overlooks the dramatic jagged wooded ravines of this former tributary. It has a simple double bed and mix of modern and old Rajasthani furniture. The soft furnishings are in traditional deep red and black, and reflect pastoral weaves from western Rajasthan and hand-block prints from Bagru, an ancient artisan village 10 km from Savista. It has a balcony overlooking the pool.

Gulmohur The orange, fuchsia and warm mustard décor of this room, reflected in the hand-painted flowers on the traditional Rajasthani bed and wardrobe, is inspired by the flowering gulmohur trees of the region. The room has its own private sun terrace that overlooks a garden, trees, and gently rolling fields. Uttara and Megha are on long lease to the Company.

Location

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:39:34 +0000

Savista is located 22km from downtown Jaipur City, off National Highway 8 (also know as Ajmer Road). Nestled in the village of Sanjharia, our location offers an ideal balance of experiencing the tranquil Indian countryside with easy access to Jaipur’s forts, palaces and bazaars. Savista is a 40 minute drive to the Pink City and a 60 minute drive to Amber Fort and the Jal Mahal. Additionally, our unique location offers easy access to the temple town of Pushkar, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and the block printing village of Bagru, which are difficult to reach from downtown Jaipur. We offer a daily car service to all guests upon request, as well as pick-up and drop-off facilities to all major transit hubs and nearby cities, including Delhi, Agra, and Jodhpur. All our drivers are well-mannered and speak English.

The Seasons

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:34:36 +0000

Seasonal Info Best time: October and November (autumn), February, March, and first half of April (spring) What to expect: temperate weather, dry and cool; What to carry: light woollens for early mornings and late evenings Crisp and Cold: December and January (winter) What to expect: cold nights, cool days What to carry: heavy sweaters/pullovers, scarves, socks, snug nightwear Balmy and Tropical: Mid-July to end-September What to expect: intermittent showers, dramatic skies, pleasant outdoors/ humid indoors What to carry: light cotton clothing Essentials in all seasons: dark shades, sunscreen, broad brimmed hat, sturdy walking shoes

Gallery-old

admin — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 05:38:33 +0000

Blog

admin — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:27:27 +0000

Visit our blog, and read about life at Savista...

Eco-Responsible Travel Destination

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:12:19 +0000

Savista is unique in its commitment to a responsible and sustainable lifestyle. Savista is an eco-sensitive and socially responsible travel destination, combining elegance and luxury with energy conservation, organic farming and investment in the local community

If you are concerned about your carbon footprint, be assured that your holiday at Savista will place a minimum strain on the planet’s resources.

Eco-sensitive Habitat

The Savista haveli has been restored with locally produced, energy-conserving building materials, drawing on the skills of hereditary masons. These masons helped source specific rooftop bricks – known for their thermostat/insulation properties – from far-off villages, where a few households still practice this dying art of brick production.The external walls and roofs are all in white, designed to produce an ‘albedo effect’, a small contribution to countering global warming.

The trees and aromatic shrubs on the estate – lime, guava, pomegranate, neem, khejri, gulmohur, chameli, champa, parijat, hibiscus and others – are all local varieties, known for their hardiness and low water requirement. The estate is kept green through sprinklers and drip irrigation; the aesthetic and eco-friendly swimming pool doubles up as an irrigation resource, making it possible for the pool water to be freshly refilled on a daily basis. All water needs at Savista are met from groundwater that is pure and sweet and fit to drink. Recharge wells ensure that excess runoff is harvested, while rooftop and courtyard rainwater is harvested using a gravity-based system of water supply/drainage pipes.

Fallen leaves and farm and kitchen wastes are recycled for the preparation of manure using compost pits. Farmyard manure using cow/buffalo dung, supplements the manure used for crops and gardening.

Energy conservation is a high priority at Savista. Solar roof panels heat water for bathroom and kitchen use. The haveli uses CFL (energy-saving) bulbs for all its lighting requirements, supplemented by locally manufactured candles. During winter, pruned twigs and logs from Savista’s trees are used for heating, lighting bonfires in the courtyard and in the open-air dining area, and for fireplaces in the dining room, bar and a few select guest rooms.

Socially Responsible Destination

Savista’s social inclusion policy takes several forms. Most of the housekeeping and farm staff are drawn from the surrounding communities, irrespective of caste or religious identity, and trained in modern skills. Where necessary, staff are provided with housing and food; alternatively, they are given transport to and from work. Local mechanics are used for maintenance of pumps, generators and other farm equipment.

Neighbouring farming families get free access to Savista’s freshly-mown grass for feeding their cows, whose milk is in turn bought back by Savista for its own requirements. Savista continues to uphold the traditional practice of permitting nomadic herders of camels, sheep and goats to annually harvest the leaves of its 150-odd khejri trees for use as animal fodder. No family in the area, irrespective of social position, is denied access to Savista’s water for household use, should their own water source become unavailable temporarily.

Savista’s philosophy of socially responsible living stems from the social/political and spiritual heritage of its owners. An ancestor of the family in the mid-19th century chose to renounce his feudal patrimony and become a sanyasi (ascetic). In doing so, he exhorted his descendants to integrate a core set of philanthropic and spiritual values into their feudal lifestyle. There thus developed in these villages the tradition of a less-sharply-unequal feudal society. More recently at the time of India’s independence, the then family patriarch ensured that all the land of these two villages under his control was redistributed among the resident tenant population. He also took the leadership in dismantling many of the old norms of social inequality through example – endowing considerable amounts of land as ‘public properties’ for schools, temples, pastures, and social forestry projects, and empowering the dalit castes (erstwhile ‘untouchables’) through land ownership deeds. The result is that there is not a single household in this area that does not own land. The visitor will also find that the ubiquitous poverty and inequalities that India is infamous for are less acute here.

Birdwatching

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:28:28 +0000

Bird Watching At SavistaThe following 82 bird varieties may be sighted in and around the Savista property. Avid bird watchers are invited to identify many more varieties and add to this list:

Bank Myna	Spotted Owlet
Brahminy Starling (black-headed myna)	Oriental White-eye Swallow
Asian Pied Starling (common myna)	White-throated Kingfisher
Pied Myna	Pied Kingfisher (lesser pied)
Black Drongo	House Crow
Spangled Drongo	House Sparrow
Black-shouldered Kite	Indian Roller
Brown-headed Barbet	Indian Robin
Bay-backed Shrike	Oriental Magpie Robin
Long-tailed Shrike (rufous backed)	Common Stonechat
Great Grey Shrike	Brown Rockchat
Common Woodshrike	Variable Wheat-ear
Green Bee-Eater	Pied Bushchat
Rufous Tree pie	Grey Bushchat
Greater Coucal	Blue Rock Thrush
Red-wattled Lapwing	Oriental Skylark (eastern)
Purple Sunbird	Indian Bushlark (red-winged)
Common Babbler	Eurasian Golden Oriole
Jungle Babbler	Black-hooded Oriole
Large Grey Babbler	Baya Weaver
Graceful Prinia	White Wagtail (pied)
Ashy Prinia	Masked Wagtail
Plain Prinia (wren warbler)	Yellow Wagtail
Grey Breasted Prinia	Citrine Wagtail (yellow headed)
Hoopoe	White-browed Wagtail (large pied)
Yellow Crowned Woodpecker	White-browed Fantail (flycatcher)
Black-rumped Flameback	White-throated Fantail (flycatcher)
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker	Common Hawk Cuckoo
Spotted Creeper (grey)	Asian Koel
Mallard	Pied Cuckoo (pied crested)
Moorhen	Red-vented Bulbul
Little Grebe	Laughing Dove
Grey Heron	Eurasian Collared Dove
Black-Winged Stilt	Red Collared Dove
Rock Pigeon	Rose-ringed Parakeet
Peacock	Grey Francolin (grey partridge)
Dusky Crag Martin	Grey Nightjar (Indian jungle)
Field Egret	Savanna Nightjar (Franklin’s)
Eurasian cuckoo	Stork Billed Kingfisher
Orange And Black Flycatcher	Black Crowned Night Heron
	Blue Bearded Bee Eater

Our Rooms

admin — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:36:50 +0000

Sample Page

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:22:39 +0000

Contact

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:12:46 +0000

This is the customized contact page template for your Hotel/Resort. SixtyOne supports both Gravity Forms and the Contact Form 7 plugin, but also comes with its own simple contact form if you don't wish to be bothered.

Suites

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:28:13 +0000

Standard Rooms

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Jaipur Literature Festival

admin — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 10:22:57 +0000

The annual Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is generally held over five days in the month of January. Described as Asia-Pacific’s largest literary festival and, more extravagantly as the “Greatest Literary Show On Earth” (!), it offers a veritable feast of readings, talks, debates and cultural performances, and a well stocked bookshop, all within one compact venue in Jaipur city. Writers from virtually every country in the world as well as from across India – both those extremely well-known and those newly-published - come to the Festival, to share their latest work and mingle and interact with book lovers in an atmosphere that is open, informal and friendly. Entry to the Festival is free, but prior registration is required. http://www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org If you are a book lover - poetry, fiction, non-fiction, reportage, scholarly - and enjoy the stimulation that comes with engaging with ideas, you might wish to combine your vacation in Rajasthan with one or more days spent at the Literature Festival. Savista has attractive Special Jaipur Literature Festival packages which are designed to make it possible for you to have a multi-flavoured experience of Jaipur. You will stay at Savista in the quiet beauty of the Rajasthan countryside, enjoying breakfast in the sunshine, and drinks and dinner by the fireplace. Our car and driver will be at your disposal throughout your stay. You could drive into Jaipur city everyday to attend sessions and/or performances of your choice at the Festival. Our packed sandwiches will give you the flexibility to take off for city sightseeing during the long lunch breaks, free spaces between sessions, or in the evenings.

The Runaway Prince

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 09:52:14 +0000

Local Seasonal Organic The Runaway Prince • The Restaurant At Savista Retreat Each Day's Tasting Menu, Made Fresh From Vegetables and Spices Sourced Through Our Neighboring Farms, Is Prepared By Our Local Chef's Hailing From The Villages of Sanjahria & Begas. Reservations Are Required +91-9829214453

Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary

admin — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:17:38 +0000

The Keoladeo (Bharatpur) National Bird Sanctuary, India’s most famous bird sanctuary, is a mere three-and-a-half-hour drive away from Savista. A day trip from Savista is possible, combining it with a visit to the Abhaneri step well - an architectural gem – on the way back. Both blow your mind away. For different reasons.

To visit the bird sanctuary – as, indeed, to visit any park that protects diverse species of wildlife from extinction due to human greed - is to enter a living world of harmony, natural beauty and perfection, and hope and aspiration for a better planet. Created 250 years ago and named after an ancient Shiva (Keoladeo) temple within its precincts, the Keoladeo National Park (27°10'N, 77°31'E), began its life as a hunting ground for the maharajas of Bharatpur. It later came to be recognised by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, an important habitat for “in-site conservation of biological diversity… a habitat of rare and endangered species...a wetland of international importance for migratory waterfowl... the wintering ground for the rare Siberian Crane, and habitat for large numbers of resident nesting birds ” (UNESCO).

Sadly, Siberian cranes which had been regular winter visitors for at least two centuries have stopped coming to Bharatpur for over 10 years, due to a complex of factors of which an important one is the bombing of Aghanistan that began post-9/11 (Afghanistan was a crucial halting spot on their route, before they took to the skies again for the final eight week stretch of the 2500 mile journey from Siberia to Bharatpur). Today, there are no Siberian cranes in Bharatpur, but one can sight hundreds of varieties of exotic and stunningly beautiful migratory birds and waterfowl, in addition to several hundred locally resident bird species, with the odd nilgai, sambhar, spotted deer, mongoose and porcupine, wandering around for added interest.

Spread over approximately 29 square kilometers, the park is the only spot with dense vegetation and trees in an area characterized by sparse vegetation. The principal vegetation types are tropical dry deciduous forests intermixed with dry grasslands (savannas) of tall species of grass. Part of the park is a fresh water swamp that gets flooded during the monsoon. The wetlands constitute one third of the park habitat, with varying microhabitats consisting of trees, mounds, dykes and open water, with or without submerged or emergent plants. It is here that the most exotic birds gravitate to. For the most part of the year effective wetland is only 10 sq. km., and the rest of the area remains dry.

You can, therefore, imagine how important good monsoons are for the park and its resident and migrant visitors, and how gravely this ecosystem can get affected in a year of weak rains. As happened in 2010, when the rains failed and most of the park ran dry. Very few migratory birds chose to spend their winter here that year, and the government had to bring in water through tankers to ensure that the existing bird population survived.

The peak season for viewing migratory birds is November to March. One can either wander around the park on foot, or hire one of the very affordable dedicated cycle-rickshaws lined up at the gate. The rickshaw-pullers are soft spoken, courteous and venerable old men, who are hugely knowledgeable about the birds in the park having pedalled birdwatchers through the area for all of their adult lives. This makes them a great resource, prompting ornithologists to dignify them with the title of ‘Barefoot Naturalists”. They, therefore, can serve as excellent “guides” for novice birders, stopping every few yards to point out birds hidden in the trees.

A number of the birds in the outer, thinly-wooded periphery of the park are common Indian birds that you can also sight in and around Savista. Examples are: green bee-eaters, red-vented bulbuls, parakeets, brahminy mynas, shrikes, bushchats and rockchats, treepies, cougals, red collared and laughing doves, lapwings, prinias, babblers, peacocks, robins, hoopoes and kingfishers, sunbirds, egrets, etc. One has to travel quite a bit into the interior – and its envelope of silence – to begin to see the really rare birds.

As you move forward through the tree-dense regions of the park, you begin to get thrilling ring-side views of hornbills flapping around, exquisite yellow-footed green pigeons cleaning their feathers, glowing pheasants making low swoops in the undergrowth, unbelievably – to urban eyes accustomed to the smaller house crow - huge jungle crows with wide wing spans, blue bee-eaters (larger than the more common green bee-eaters), black shouldered kites ...and many more.

In shallow swamps amazingly long-slender-necked purple herons stand stock-still, probably waiting for unsuspecting prey to show up, but certainly affording humans plenty of time for admiration.

As you pedal into more extensive wetlands, a visual feast awaits you. There, on either side of the path, sitting or swimming in the water, perched on dykes or mounds, or sitting silently on low overhanging trees, are the exotic migratory birds. Colonies of teals, terns, ducks, mallards, and pintails of many kinds (many of them from China) teem in the waters. On distant banks, you can spot slow-moving ibises, including a great big-headed ibises, scouring the shallow waters for food. Lone darters, stunningly patterned snake birds with long coiled necks, and little and (large) great cormorants, stand silently on rocks or short branches looking down at the water, not moving a muscle as they wait to spot prey. You will find whole busy colonies of demoiselle cranes in classic one-legged posture, and of painted storks were going about their work. Spoonbills, black necked cranes, and great egrets (large) are other birds that lead their busy lives around the swamps and water bodies. Your rickshaw (hired by the hour) will wait for you if you choose to wander off into the undergrowth (along paths that have been created to facilitate this) where you can sight the Sarus cranes and other big birds.

Abhaneri Step Well

admin — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:22:38 +0000

A perfect way to round off a day trip to the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is to stop briefly at the 11th. century Abhaneri stepwell on the return journey to Savista.

Once part of a thriving kingdom, Abhaneri now lies abandoned by history. The exquisitely beautiful gigantic stepwell is a magnet for those who appreciate historical monuments that go beyond forts and palaces. The Abhaneri stepwell is a structure that was created to celebrate three objectives: an object of sheer visual beauty, a water-harvesting mechanism, and a venue for the performing arts.

[caption id="attachment_331" align="alignleft" width="360"] ABHANERI STEP WELL[/caption]

Built in an era when water was literally worshipped as a life-giving resource, the stepwell is an example of how collections of water - rivers, lakes, ponds - in this case, a water-harvesting ‘reservoir’, were exalted through architectural embellishment, sanctified through religious rituals, and celebrated as spaces for social interaction. Stepwells like the one at Abhaneri were uniquely designed to harvest rain water in a season of plentiful rains, preserve it through consecutive dry seasons, and enable access to the water as the level in the well kept dropping.

The Abhaneri stepwell is an architectural marvel of carved and embellished inner walls that are 13 stories deep and intricately connected through hundreds of flights of steps all of it leading all the way down to the lowest prevailing water level. Interspersed in and around this amazing structure are temples, figures of gods and goddesses, and performance platforms.

The Abhaneri stepwell – reputedly the deepest one of its kind in the country - is one of many ornamented stepwells characteristic of the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and - the neighbouring western state of – Gujarat, where they served important ecological and social functions.

Pushkar

admin — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:34:22 +0000

Pushkar, surrounded by hills on three sides and located 14 km from Ajmer is the fifth of India’s sacred pilgrimage sites; a visit to which awards the pilgrim salvation. Upon the shore of Pushkar Lake and fabled to have been created by a lotus fallen from the hand of Lord Brahma, this beautiful city is full of fascinating history, and is certainly one of the holy places of India to visit.

Quaint, yet colorful, Pushkar is renowned for two things: having one of the few temples devoted to Lord Brahma and the world acclaimed Pushkar (Camel) Fair. It is the latter that has made Pushkar a major tourist destination for one week each year. For one week only, Pushkar is flooded with up to 200,000 visitors and more than 50,000 camels adorned with nose rings, bangles and bracelets. Animals are traded and sold, as well as beautiful handmade goods, food and music and dancing is available in abundance to satiate the senses.

[caption id="attachment_338" align="alignleft" width="300"] Pushkar[/caption]

Many travelers opt to visit Jaipur at the start or tail end of their trip to Pushkar because of close proximity (approx 2 ½ hrs drive) and it is those travelers who have an interest in seeing the two cities that we wish to attract. This year, in accordance with the full moon, the fair begins on the 2nd of November and ends on the 10th of November. But Savista offers its packages from the 29th of October until the 15th of November should you wish to visit us before, after or during the fair.

Preferential rates

admin — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 09:57:32 +0000

As part of our integration with our local environment, we are providing preferential rates to the following: Sikkim Manipal University (Jaipur campus) parents; Visitors to the Pushkar Fair; Visitors to the Ajmer Dargah; Barefoot College, Tilonia. Contact 91-9829214453 or email info@savista.com

Day tours

admin — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 10:09:14 +0000

By staying at Savista, you can make day trips to nearby off-the-beaten track places like:

the Barefoot College, Tilonia;
11th. century stepwell, Abhaneri;
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur;
Sufi mystic Chisht's shrine, Ajmer;
the temple town of Pushkar;
handmade paper factory, Jaipur;
women engaged in handquilting, Amber;
private antique jewellery collection, Jaipur;

and much more.

Reservations

admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 11:39:43 +0000

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Seasonal Info

admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 16:45:18 +0000

Best time:October and November (autumn), February, March, and first half of April (spring)

What to expect: temperate weather, dry and cool;
What to carry: light woollens for early mornings and late evenings

Crisp and Cold:December and January (winter)

What to expect: very cold nights, cool days
What to carry: Heavy sweaters/pullovers, scarves, socks, snug nightwear

Balmy and Tropical:Mid-July to end-September

What to expect: intermittent showers, dramatic skies, pleasant outdoors/ humid indoors
What to carry: light cotton clothing

Essentials in all seasons: dark shades, sunscreen, broad brimmed hat, sturdy walking shoes

Facilities at a glance

admin — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 08:50:13 +0000

In the room: - Free wifi - 24 hours hot and cold running water; - Air conditioning; - Space heating; - Intercom; - Choice of bottled water (complimentary), or natural water from Savista’s deep bore-well. Note: We do not have central heating, TVs, or direct dialing telephone facility in individual rooms. General facilities:- - Direct dialling telephone facility; - Library of books and music CDs; - Musical instruments (guitar, electronic keyboard, Indian organ); - Film viewing room (Bollywood, Hollywood, documentary films); - TV lounge; - Amphitheatre - Swimming pool - Tennis court; - Gym; - Steam and sauna* - Massage*; - Coffee bar; - Freshly prepared snacks, lunch and dinner; - Dining area (enclosed and open-air); - Bar lounge; - Sun terraces; - Garden furniture and hammocks; - Guided hikes; - Camel/camel cart tour of villages and countryside*; - Car hire for local airport/train station transfers and sightseeing*; - Car arrangement for pickup from Delhi International airport to Savista and back*; - Car hire for travel within Rajasthan or to Delhi/Agra*; - Parking; - Laundry* -Prompt & quality medical services* * Chargeable

Advance Booking Payments

admin — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:53:34 +0000

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Products Page

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Transaction Results

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Online Booking

admin — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:32:27 +0000

Better late than never......

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A few days of intermittent internet at Savista has allowed a few blog posts to pile up. So please forgive the lateness of our Eid & Ganesha post and see them as an extension of two very important holidays..... :)

Better late than never.....

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A few posts on Eid & Ganesha have piled up here at Savista due to intermittent internet connection. But we're back on track and were hoping that you might look at our posts as one would a belated birthday card, an extended holiday, time to savor the sweetness a little bit longer.... :)

better late than never....

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A few posts on Eid & Ganesha have piled up and we thought we would post them anyway, hopefully perceived like a belated birthday card,

Thanks

admin — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 15:37:57 +0000

Thanks for your Booking Enquiry, We will check and get back to you with availability of Rooms.

Jaipur Hotel

admin — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 15:59:48 +0000

Welcome to Savista Retreat

Are you searching for a tranquil place in bustling Jaipur not to far away from Delhi to relax? Then we invite you to discover the perfect place for that purpose at Savista! The layout of the accommodations is designed for guests to become one with nature.

Savista is a boutique heritage hotel in Jaipur, mixing codes of an urban hotel and country side bed and breakfast, with strong ecological values. Nestled in the Rajasthan countryside, this estate of an erstwhile Kacchawa Rajput chieftain combines the luxury of a traditional haveli with state-of-the-art amenities and a modern ethos of eco-friendly travel. Located south of Jaipur this beautiful Haveli is surrounded by mellow landscapes. Here you are welcomed by the sound of beautiful & colourful birds, which can be observed throughout the whole estate and the surrounding area.

Savista has energy-efficient windows and lighting and the kitchens get their food on site and from local vendors. Solar panels to heat the water for the hotel & staff have a passionate commitment to social responsibility and reducing the carbon footprint.

Savista is a unique hotel concept where ecotourism and luxury combine… a different way to discover the Jaipur.

Savista is ultimate for nature lovers, adventure seekers and romantic getaways.

Activities

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:15:28 +0000

Contact

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:09:59 +0000

Jaipur

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:28:10 +0000

Luxury Rooms

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:19:33 +0000

Premium Rooms

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:22:05 +0000

Simple Rooms

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:22:32 +0000

Classes & Workshops

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 12:31:41 +0000

Trips & Adventures

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 12:32:32 +0000

Seasonal Information

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:43:23 +0000

Best time: October and November (autumn), February, March, and first half of April (spring)

What to expect: temperate weather, dry and cool;
What to carry: light woollens for early mornings and late evenings

Crisp and Cold: December and January (winter)

What to expect: very cold nights, cool days
What to carry: Heavy sweaters/pullovers, scarves, socks, snug nightwear

Balmy and Tropical: Mid-July to end-September

What to expect: intermittent showers, dramatic skies, pleasant outdoors/ humid indoors
What to carry: light cotton clothing

Essentials in all seasons: dark shades, sunscreen, broad brimmed hat, sturdy walking shoes

36 Hours In Jaipur: Essential things to do in Rajasthan’s fabled Pink City

admin — Fri, 23 May 2014 09:17:52 +0000

DAY 1 9 a.m. JAIPUR AND AROUND: STORM THE CITADEL OF AMBER Before Maharaja Jai Singh built the pink city of his desire in the 17^th century, Amber was the capital of the mighty Kachhawa Rajputs. Getting to the Amber fort – over 600 years old and Jaipur’s iconic landmark - early in the day gives you a head-start before the crowds come and make the place noisy. Budget one and a half hours for walking around the fort and visiting the various courts, halls of audience, and palaces. ARTSY STROLL THROUGH THE OLD CITY Savour the ancient stepwell, visit the quaint and functioning over-600-year-old Shiva temple, stroll down the main street of the ruined city for a quick look at a restored merchant home that is now a museum of blockprinting.. NAHARGARH FORT - VIEW OF THE CITY FROM ROYAL ROOFTOPS The rooftop of cupolas at this fort on an adjoining hill is worth a visit just for this unique feature. Besides the spectacular views of Jaipur city far below, both from the roof and the many tiny trellised windows of the fort. GAWK AT THE LAKE PALACE (JAL MAHAL) This is a stop to make when you come down from Amber and before you re-enter the pink walled city. Dramatically located in the centre of a lake with hills rising up as a backdrop this palace, meant for indulgent royal evenings in the hot months, has been recently restored and will soon start functioning as a luxury restaurant that can be accessed by boat. Can be viewed from the promenade. 3 p.m. Option 1: TEA AT THE RAMBAGH PALACE or LASSI AT LASSIWALA If you are hungry by the end of the morning, you could try the Rambagh Palace or Lassiwala. The Rambagh Palace was once the royal barracks of the kings of Jaipur. Today it is a super luxury palace-hotel. Sit on the lawns and sip on a tall drink, feeling time stand still. Or step into Steam, a train converted into a restaurant, for a light lunch or spicy snacks with your tea. Lassiwala on M.I.Road (next to Charmika, a tiny footwear shop) specializes in just one offering - a creamy refreshing buttermilk (rather like whipped yoghurt) that can be had either sweet or savoury. Drink your lassi out of a terracotta glass, while standing by the road-side. This uniquely north Indian drink is absolutely safe at Lassiwala. Option 2: SHOPPING Another option is to use the afternoon to shop, or at least prospect around for what might interest you which could then be followed up on the following day. All the suggestions below have fixed prices, so you don’t have to bargain. (i) A number of excellent and extensive warehouses – on the way back from Amber to the walled city - offer a range of select clothing, scarves, shawls and jackets, carpets and household goods, in silk, cotton and wool, using traditional Indian weaves, prints, embroidery etc. typical of different parts of India. One notable shop is Saurashtra Impex. These shops also offer a packing and courier service that will save you adding to the weight in your suitcase. Other - smaller – boutique shops for handwoven fabrics and Indian and Indo-western clothing are Nayika (M.I.Rd), Fab India (opp. Central Park); and Cotton World (Jacob Road). (ii) If your interest is in jewellery, M.I.Rd is a good place to check out. Gem Palace offers jewellery made of gold and precious stones; Amrapali specializes in chunky tribal silver jewellery; while Tholia Kuber is a good place to look for silver jewellery set with semi-precious stones in both traditional Indian and modern styles. Chudi Ghar and Bangle House sell inexpensive ornamental bangles made of glass, lac, ceramic, metal and wood. All shops are within walking distance of each other on M.I.Road. (iii) For handcrafted household goods and gifts, Soma (Jacob Rd) and Fab India (opp. Central park); (iv) For traditional embroidered/sequined Indian footwear (jootis), Charmika near Lassiwala (M.I.Rd). Option 3: SANGANER’S HANDMADE PAPER AND SCREEN PRINTING CRAFT WORKSHOPS Sanganer – close to Jaipur – has long been a major handicraft centre. In the old days it catered to the Jaipur royal court and the urban elite, producing fine handmade paper for illuminated manuscripts and Court documents, and delicately printed cotton textiles for the Jaipur aristocracy and temples. Today, handmade paper is still produced that is now consumed nationally and globally, while the old hand blockprinting industry that used to cater to a small clientele has largely switched to large scale screen printing for mass markets. 5 p.m. HEAD BACK TO SAVISTA Arrive back in time to sit on the roof top with a drink, and watch the birds prepare for bed while the sun goes down over the tranquil countryside. Wrap up your day with an organic dinner by the poolside in the courtyard or under a gazebo, surrounded by candles and oil lamps. DAY 2 9 a.m. ‘PINK CITY’ MONUMENTS Set out wearing your hat, sunglasses and walking shoes for the walled city to mop up the rest of the monuments. You could then either take a walking tour through the energy-filled streets or complete your shopping. The most essential monuments that require some time – and are within walking distance of each other - are the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar (one of five observatories across north India built by the astronomer-king Jai Singh who established the city of Jaipur). The third - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a faux palace that is actually a heavily embellished sandstone screen with hundreds of tiny windows through which the veiled royal ladies would wistfully watch the lives of commoners go by – is on one of the most colourful streets of the walled city, entirely packaged for tourists with handicraft shops and pushy merchants. 12 p.m. Option 1: LUNCH AT LMB It is time to dip into an iconic eatery of Jaipur. The LMB restaurant in the walled city is a favourite tourist choice for spicy and safe Indian food/snacks. Check out the extensive display of savoury finger foods and north Indian sweets in the entrance hall. Sit in the weirdly decorated restaurant and try the lip smacking samosas and dahi wadas there. The LMB has the added advantage of a restroom. Option 2: STREET WALK If you are the energetic type and feel you would like to get a little beneath the mere surface of the walled city, you could book to join an organized walk conducted by a knowledgeable English speaking local who will introduce you to spice streets, or temples or merchant havelis – depending on your choice - that are off the tourist track, that you would have never guessed existed. Option 3: CYCLE RICKSHAW RIDE AROUND WALLED CITY This is an excellent way to do the walled city without having to negotiate the crowds and traffic on the road. Get the rickshaw driver to lower the hood so you can look around and take in the interesting and beautiful architecture of what was conceived by Maharajah Jai Singh – the city’s founder - as a trading-cum-residential urban centre. 2 p.m. VISIT BAGRU HAND BLOCKPRINTING VILLAGE Head back in the direction of Savista, but proceed straight ahead to the village of Bagru (10 km beyond Savista), to visit little workshops owned and run by families that have been doing hand blockprinting as a hereditary occupation for more than five generations. What is different about Bagru (in comparison with Sanganer) is that printing here continues to use the same 350 year old techniques (handcarved wooden blocks, natural colours and dyes, home based workshops). Watch how beautiful, colourful and intricate prints are created on cotton and silk. Buying here - wooden blocks as souvenirs, printed fabric (stoles, scarves, duvets, cushion covers) – has the benefit of putting money directly in the hands of the craftspersons.. 5 p.m. RETURN TO SAVISTA FOR THE EVENING AND DINNER DAY 3 11 a.m. CAMEL CART RIDE After a lazy sleep-in followed by breakfast, schedule a camel cart ride through the bucolic countryside and hamlets. Relax on cushions and jump off wherever you feel like stopping. 2 p.m. RETURN TO SAVISTA FOR LUNCH. RELAX BY THE POOLSIDE OR ON THE ROOF 4 p.m. CROSS COUNTRY WALK OR BIKE RIDE Walk through fields rich with young crops, pass farmers’ houses and yards with munching buffaloes and frisky goats, be greeted by friendly ordinary villagers and small children whose English vocabulary does not extend beyond “bye bye”, “hello” and “what is your name?” This is village India at its best! 6 p.m. RETURN TO SAVISTA FOR DRINKS AND DINNER

Farm-to-Fork: Eating Indian, eating healthy at Savista

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 08:58:06 +0000

There are some distinguishing features to the lifestyle at Savista and it’s gardens. Particularly the kitchen garden. It is a continuous source of delight. And that its produce frees us from pernicious dependence on the fruit and vegetable markets which have a dubious record of harmful stocks, is of considerable significance too. The newspapers in Jaipur, these days, are full of stories of vegetables arriving at the market yards from the most polluted grounds, riverbeds, and lands in which sewage water stagnates, with all the poisons that seep into the vegetables. These are alarming and worrisome practices, and most hotels and restaurants surrender in resignation. However, at Savista , we do not despair. The hero here is our kitchen garden. The agro-climatic feature of Savista’s location is that we have sixty-day agricultural cycles. Each cycle has its unique and varied produce that is in sync with the peculiarities of the season, and this ensures variety across the year. You need never ever eat vegetables that are stale or have been stored. Our food is always straight from the farm yard to the kitchen and then on to the plate. The vegetables and fruits that form the menu at Savista these days were sown around the middle of March. It is now the middle of May, and in exactly eight weeks time we have a wide enough range of vegetables to rotate that can satisfy our palate. When you roam through our kitchen garden you will find gavaar beans, tomatoes, karela (bitter gourd), lauki( bottle gourd), turai (ridge gourd), tinda (belonging to the tomato family), baingan(eggplant), bhindi (okra), palak (spinach), pudina (mint), green chillies, kakdi ( cucumber),hara dhania (cilantro), kadi patta (curry leaves) and leswa ( a local berry). This is a decently large list of vegetables and herbs, given the heat of the summer. The variety of ways in which each of these vegetables can be prepared guarantees a fairly rich and refreshing platter at the kitchen at Savista. In the category of fruits, we currently have on our grounds the king of fruits – mango -, the equally glorious water-based fruits – watermelon, musk melon, limes -, and dates. As mentioned earlier, each of these vegetables and fruits now being harvested at Savista has a perfect fit with the seasonal conditions that obtain here in the summer months. One could write an article on the specifics of such a fit, in respect of each of these vegetables and fruits; but in this post, we will turn the spotlight on just one of our summer season super heroes, the watermelon. Citrullus Lanatus is a vine-like flowering plant. Its fruit, known as the watermelon and referred to as pepo by botanists, is a big sized berry which has a thick rind and a fleshy centre. Originally a native of South Africa, it is grown in Rajasthan during the summer season. At Savista we grow it both in the kitchen garden and in our fields. Currently – in the months of May and June – the daytime temperature in Jaipur rises to over 45 degrees celsius. The sun is scorching and hot winds blow, exposing our skin to the burning sunlight and our bodies to the dangers of dehydration. But the watermelon shields us from all of this. The lycopene present in the fruit protects our skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Rich in electrolytes and high in water content, the fruit helps to hydrate our bodies, regulates body temperature and transports the nutrients to various parts of the body. Research on the watermelon across the globe reveals a large number of health benefits from its consumption. The fruit delivers an array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals which together provide immune support, prevent cell damage, heal wounds, maintain healthy skin, nourish the eyes, reduce body fat, provide anti inflammatory and anti oxidant support, diuretic and kidney support, muscle and nerve support, and maintain heart health. Summertime is when all of us at Savista indulge in this fresh, succulent fruit. It can be eaten straight after harvesting from the field, by cutting open the fruit and scooping out the flesh using the hard exterior as a bowl. It is amazing how cool the pulp tastes even when the fruit has just been taken in from the sun-baked field! If you like yours ice-cold, all that it needs is a few minutes in the refrigerator.

We're Back!

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Although it's been a while since our last post, Savista continues to thrive in the Rajasthan countryside. The contrast of the stark white haveli with the green foliage which surrounds it is strikingly beautiful and gives one a sense of peace and tranquility, and for this reason we want to invite our followers to come celebrate Independence Day and Ramadan Eid holidays in what many have called their home away from home. For our Indian viewers, of course you know the date and significance of India's Independence from British Rule and the Muslim holiday of Ramadan Eid but for our international reader's, I shall provide a bit of background. India became a sovereign nation on August 15th, 1947 after -restless India -decision by British to

Better late than never....

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A few days of intermittent internet

Better late than never......

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

better late than never.....

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Launching Savista's new blog

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:25:01 +0000

At long last, we finally decided to bite the bullet and take Savista into the digital age with this new blog. Why a blog? Because our guests more often than not come as strangers and leave as friends, and we've been looking for ways in which to stay in touch with our growing community. And as anyone who's visited us knows, we thoroughly enjoy a good conversation, sharing our own experiences of travel in India as well as new projects and happenings underway at the estate.

This Blog currently has three sections, and we hope it will evolve in line with what you find interesting and want to know as you make your way through your travels. These sections are:

"News from Savista": Updates from the estate, such as new services we've added, improvements to the haveli, promotions, events...
"India Culture Beat": Musings, recommendations, travelogues from our own travels within India, with a special focus on hidden cultural gems- an upcoming Indian artist, undiscovered folk singers, etc.
"Rajasthan Calendar": Our own carefully compiled calender of events in and around Jaipur. We'll include festivals, concerts, art and craft exhibitions...anything that may be of interest to the discerning Savista visitor. Check-in closer to your trip to get the most out of your stay!
"Photo of the Month": This is where we look to you for ideas. Each month, we'd like to feature a special photo taken by one of our guests during their stay at Savista... contributions requested starting today!

As always, we would most appreciate your feedback as we experiment with this blog - comments, posts, emails all welcome. Please email us at info@savista.com if you'd like an compilation of each month's new posts.

Happy reading!

India Culture Beat: World’s 2nd-largest mangrove forest at Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:21:14 +0000

For most of us Indian coastal city-slickers, mangroves are nature’s protective mechanisms in the tropics that work to human advantage by maintaining the balance between sea and shoreline. Never mind that what we actually see of them along our city shorelines is their ruthless decimation in the interests of land reclamation for ever more apartment buildings. Those that survive are festooned with filthy plastic bags, rags and other urban wastes, and swamped in the stench of rotting human excreta and stagnant mosquito breeding grounds.

Mangrove ‘forests’ are distant phenomena for us. Until Amitav Ghosh brought alive the tidal islands and fragile eco-system of the Sunderbans, and the even more vulnerable lives of its human settlers in his exquisitely crafted book The Hungry Tide, most of us of the older generation probably never went beyond associating the largest mangrove forest in the world with the Royal Bengal Tiger. With tigers and lions rapidly becoming extinct in India, young IPL cricket fans may be forgiven if they think that Sourav Ganguly is the only Royal Bengal Tiger.

Well, I had the surprise of my life when, on a recent nostalgic journey to the ancient temple town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, one of the cities of my ancestors, I discovered that the second largest mangrove forests in the world were just 15 km. away! Funny thing is, I have grown up on stories of Chidambaram: its ancient Siva-Nataraja Temple, the exquisite Tamil poetry that it inspired, and the modern university that stands on land endowed by my grandfather. My story-teller was my mother: she was born there, graduated from its university, and celebrates all the Nataraja festivals wherever in the world she may be. But I had never ever heard her mention the mangrove forests!

Quite clearly, the grand 1500 year-old temple – that uniquely and exquisitely celebrates the rhythm of the cosmos symbolized by Siva’s Ananda Tandava (dance of bliss) in the same breath that it reminds devotees that God is formless (the Chidambara Rahasiyam) – is so overwhelming, that one has to have a singular environmental focus to discover that Chidambaram is severally blessed and sacred.

After our visit to the Temple, we drove down a narrow winding country road with cropland stretching away on either side, until we arrived at the village of Killai, the final human habitation before the mangroves. We were pleasantly surprised to find our car stopped by a villager manning a crude ‘toll’ gate, receipt book in hand. He pointed to a sign-board on the house wall behind him that announces that the village is the official custodian of the local environment; it also requests visitors to observe simple norms of environmental protection. Our local guide told us that the village uses the revenue from tourists to keep the environs clean.

A short walk from the car to the jetty brings us to an incredible vista. A gigantic expanse of water stretches up to the horizon reflecting the cloudless blue sky, the surface rippling with tiny waves. Rising out of the water are several brilliant green islands, thick with glistening trees. Here and there we can see that the ‘lake’ gives way to winding canals lined by thickly forested banks. What is peculiar, not only about the the scene before us, but also about the jetty where we stand, is the total silence. And this, despite the presence of several people, including children, waiting their turn for the boats. I realize that I have not seen a single vendor hawking foodstuff or souvenirs, nor indeed any eatery since we left Chidambaram city. By now we can’t wait to get into our boat to explore this silent and seemingly timeless landscape.

Pichavaram is the ancient name given to the roughly 3000 acres of wetlands that lie between the land and the sea in this part of central Tamil Nadu. Here, a network of over 4000 gently flowing canals loop around nearly 1500 islands of dense mangroves. These are backwaters, into which the sea flows and ebbs with the tide, mixing saline water with the fresh waters of the Vellar and Coleroon rivers that flow into the sea near here. Together they form a unique estuarine eco-system that supports several species of mangroves and marine life, and local and migratory birds. Thickly leaved trees grow tall and strong here, their dense roots firmly wedged in just a few feet of water and silt. The strange sight of huge brilliant-white patches in the glistening green foliage proves to be white nesting water birds.

We drift down the canals in our rowing boat steered by a local fisherman. Even the softly lapping oars seem intrusive in the silence of the canals, and we rest oars every now and again – to marvel at the dense crisscrossing of roots, witness the awesome flight of a cormorant, egret, heron, or any of the numerous birds from out of the undergrowth… But mostly just to soak in the stillness of this altogether different world that we have entered. The heat of the fierce mid-afternoon April sun is totally neutralized by the delicious breeze that comes calling across the water expanse. And as the evening sky lights up the water with shades of orange and pink, the feeling of being suspended in time is total.

It is hard to fly high for very long in India without coming back to earth with a thud. As we near the jetty, we notice the intrusive telecommunications and electricity towers on the banks that we had missed in our earlier eagerness to set sail. Our boatman tells us that the vibrations from these towers have pushed the birds deeper into the undergrowth. He remembers a time – before the high tension wires came along – when the tree tops were even thicker than they are now with sitting birds.

These development disasters notwithstanding, the Tamil Nadu government is also doing some good things here. It has terminated the permissions given earlier to resorts and eateries. So, although the abandoned buildings of some erstwhile resort give the shores a shabby look, one feels grateful that there are no human beings populating them. A conscious policy of afforestation and conservation is slowly improving the density and spread of the forest. Forgotten traditional fishing practices that protected against overexploitation of marine resources, and earlier kept local fishing communities self-sufficient, are gradually being revived among the native communities and taught to new settlers. The cutting of mangrove trees for firewood by both old and new residents, and the commercialization of prawn fishing by new settlers in the area, is also being addressed. (For more on this, see “Fishing by turns”, by S. Subramanian of the Fisherfolk Organisation for Advancement, Chennai. http://icsf.net/icsf2006/uploads/publications/samudra/pdf/english/issue_20/art09.pdf)

In all the centuries that the magnificent Nataraja temple has stood in nearby Chidambaram, there has been no record of tsunami-like waves or cyclonic storms causing damage to the region. Even the recent tsunami that devastated vast stretches of the Tamil Nadu coastline found that in Pichavaram its fury was blunted and its power neutralized by the firm wall of criss-crossing roots that the mangroves support. There is still a long way to go for the full regeneration of the Pichavaram forest, and even now the local mangrove species teeter precariously between ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ status. In the meanwhile, one hopes that the pristine beauty of the region does not prompt unthinking tourism promotion strategies such as entertainment “festivals” - in the name of ‘raising revenues for environmental protection’ - that might flood the gentle waters with loud and boorish city crowds.

BIRD WATCH: The Purple Sunbird

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:51:57 +0000

Sunbirds, starlings and drongos are outshining each other (and other birds) in our garden these days. Here's a little bit about the smallest and most beautiful of these creatures... the purple sunbird! The purple sunbird, distinguished by the jewel-like metallic purple-blue on its back, is one of the most visible birds around the flowering shrubs in our garden. It is the male of the species, and has a dark purplish-black on the belly and breast with a narrow chestnut-maroon band between breast and belly, and yellow and scarlet pectoral tufts normally hidden under the wings. You have to really peer around to spot the female, which is a dull green (on its mantle) and yellowish (below) with a grey face and throat. Although like most birds sunbirds, too, work in pairs, they also like to be solitary. Tiny in size - just 10 cm. - they are reputed to be one of the most important pollinating agents in a garden. The only time when the female becomes really visible is when she stands poised in midair for several seconds, fluttering her wings at top speed (rather like the hummingbird), while looking for the next flower-halt. Sunbirds are able to balance themselves on stems of the tiniest of flowers, and their down-curved bills and long tubular tongues help them drink in the nectar. Sunbirds also eat small insects and spiders. Birdlife at Savista is abundant, stay tuned for many more sightings!

Festivals of Rajasthan: Krishna Janmashtami

admin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:58:50 +0000

Today is one of the most important and loved festivals of the Hindu calendar – the birth of Lord Krishna. On this 8^th. day (ashtami) after the full moon in the month of Shravan, at the stroke of midnight, the birth (janma) of Krishna is heralded in homes and temples across the country with the blowing of conch shells, devotional music and ecstatic dancing and, by many, with fasting, prayer and the reading and recitation of the Bhagavatam (the philosophy expounded by Krishna). Krishna is loved and worshipped across India, and there are as many forms of worship and expressions of devotion as there are qualities that are attributed to Krishna. At the simplest level, Krishna is protector and saviour. At the most complex, Krishna is the epitomy of love, oneness, and absence of boundaries as the only way to true happiness, self discovery and liberation. Krishna’s significance has been summed up by Osho thus: “ Man’s mind has always wanted to choose between the seeming opposites. He wants to preserve heaven and do away with hell. He wants to have peace and escape tension. He wants to protect good and destroy evil. He longs to accept light and deny darkness. He craves to cling to pleasure and shun pain. His mind has always divided existence into two parts, and chosen one part against the other. And from choice arises duality, which brings conflict and pain. Krishna symbolizes acceptance of the opposites together. And he alone can be whole who accepts the contradictions together. One who chooses will always be incomplete, less than the whole, because the part that he chooses will continue to delude him, and the part that he denies will continue to pursue and haunt him. He can never be rid of what he rejects and represses…” The revolutionary and potentially destabilizing challenge of accepting the entire symbolism of Krishna has led most people through the ages to focus on one or the other of his multiple and complex attributes. The most popular and beloved are of Krishna as the divine child, and Krishna as the divine lover. Both these identities, with love and longing as the central theme, have been celebrated with an outpouring of poetry, music and dance in both classical and common languages across India. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with tremendous fervour in Jaipur. And the epicenter for these celebrations is the Govind Devji Temple. The temple was built 450 years ago by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh - the founder of the city of Jaipur - within the City Palace complex, as the home for the resident deity of the royal family. Designed in marble and pink sandstone and adorned with the most exquisitely carved latticed marble window screens, the Govind Devji temple is well worth a visit just for its architecture and ambience of peace and beauty. On occasions like Janmashtami it explodes with colour and energy. Thousands of worshippers throng it, and ecstatic music and dancing accompany the ringing of the temple bells. Check out this video on youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nBiI05gl78&feature=related

Eid Ul Fitr

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:32:46 +0000

On August 30^th., Muslims in Jaipur celebrate with Muslims across the world, the conclusion of the thirty days of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is an Eid (festivity), and because it marks the end of Ramadan, it is called Ramadan Eid. Its more classical name is Eid Ul Fitr, a celebration of Fitr (the restoration of one’s original nature, i.e., pure and unsullied). Because this restoration is arrived at through a combination of fasting and prayer, it establishes the power of the spiritual realm over the realm of the physical. In keeping with this spirit of self-purification, it is a day to give up all enmities and hostility. Eid is a communally celebrated festival, and the prayers on that day – offered in the open – are designed to reinforce the sense of community.

Ganesh Chaturthi

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Festivals of Rajasthan: Ganesh Chaturthi

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:38:03 +0000

Ganesh Chaturthi - the festival in adoration of Ganesha - was celebrated all overIndiaon September 1. The elephant-headed Ganesha is revered as the god of auspicious beginnings. His representation - an outsized elephant head that sits on a human body consisting of a huge round belly, four arms , and two legs – could mystify the average traveller unfamiliar with the nuances of Indian mythology. The fact is that every aspect of Ganesha’s representation is replete with complex and profound symbolisms. The multiple ‘gods’ in Indian mythology are essentially symbolisms, meant to empower people at all levels of intellectual development to deal with their relationships towards their material and spiritual worlds. Underlying the whole is the dialectic that the very formlessness of god is best understood through awesome form. Ganesha’s form symbolizes the balance between the spiritual and material that all human beings need to strive for. At its simplest. The elephant symbolizes strength of mind, tenacity and singularity of purpose, and the wisdom to know what is the right action, all of it expressed through effortlessness (the quality of the elephant, of simply uprooting and throwing aside the obstacles in its path). Equanimity, i.e., the ability (accompanied by wisdom) to digest both the good and bad in our material world (symbolized by the big stomach) is as important an attribute as effortlessness. Of the two principal arms, one hand is held up in a gesture of protection (the confidence and security that right action brings). The other hand gently points down to the earth (the ultimate truth that everything arises from the earth and eventually returns to it). A third hand holds sweets - laddoos – symbolising the fruits of right action, while the fourth holds an axe – ankush - with which to pierce through the veil of ignorance. The vehicle on which Ganesha rides is a tiny mouse. The mouse represents desire. Desire is a reality, but unless kept under control it could cause havoc. The symbolism of Ganesha essentially draws our attention to these qualities. In the ultimate analysis, Ganesha is the wisdom that rests within us. We need to go within and discover ourselves. At Savista, we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with a simple puja (worship). In the puja, Ganesha was sanctified as a simple rough little mound of turmeric powder pressed together by hand, symbolic of having been drawn from nature, and to be returned to nature (when immersed in a water body by the end of ten days, as per the custom). Also in the puja were other representations from nature: flowers, incense, flaming oil lamps and camphor, fruits, coconuts, betel leaves. The puja was not so much a religious occasion as a reminder to all of us of the symbolisms of Ganesha. The person leading the puja invoked Ganesha’s blessings for all those at Savista and their families, and for the success of Savista’s mission. And here is Susheela Raman singing a south Indian classical kriti (composition) dedicated to Ganesha, set to a South Indian-Afro-Jazz beat. Enjoy the music! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WpFqyl_yKg"

3 Mosquitos & You Can Drink the Water

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Travelers who come to India are filled with all sorts of concerns beginning with spicy food and ending with sickness. Now India does have spicy food as we all know, its own share of touts and one can get sick if you're not careful BUT we here at Savista think that there is a little too much anxiety and so we want to discount some of the travel advice given to foreigners coming to India. A friend recently visited and she had been scared by all those trying to give her sound advice. Some of the things that she was told: -Don't drink the water! -Be careful you could get malaria! ( pop various pills and apply repellent) -Bring toilet paper! -Don't eat raw foods. -Do not listen to stories told to you by rickshaw drivers about your hotel being burned down or horrible. -Wear modest clothing & bring slip on shoes. -Don't be bothered by people staring at you, they are just curious. But if they overstep their bounds do not hesitate to invoke the help of others or the authorities. -And of course, as one would advise anywhere, do not travel/walk alone at night, particularly in isolated areas. Now this list is a mix of extremely sound advice and statements that make one fearful and may take some of the fun out of traveling. One should always exercise caution when in an unknown place but know that ones entire experience cannot be spent lathering oneself with insect repellent, eating only packaged/processed foods and pill popping as a preventative measure. Instead, do your research, be aware and enjoy yourself without insulating yourself from the nit and grit of India, becuase that is much of what makes this country so fascinating. If you are concerned about malaria, know the hot spots and the proper precautions. Waterborne diseases, drink only filtered or bottled water unless advised otherwise. Scams, don't listen to every Tom, Dick and Harry you meet on the street ( in this case it might be every Krishna, Khan and Sharma) instead take advice from trusted sources: true govt run tourist offices, friends and managers. Listen less often to chatter on the streets, particularly that radiating from circles of taxi and rickshaw drivers. But by and large Indians are trustworthy and eager to help. The only concern here is that in an effort to be helpful, you may be given a confident answer whether or not they are sure. How does all of this apply to Savista? Well we sometimes have hyper sensitive guests taking every precaution and sometimes we feel that they are not getting the full experience, that one can be over cautious. They seem to almost be waiting for the floor to drop so to speak. Waiting for that first bout of diarhea We want our guests and travelers to India at large to be careful but to be comfortable and not to be fearful.

‘Earth Living’ at Savista: Following Nature’s Cycles

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

”We cannot have harmony and balance in our lives if we forget to include the earth and natural rhythms in our lives. Nature, in all its myriad forms, is the most powerful force on earth. Although mankind has tried, we have not found a way to match its awesome power, but we have found ways to work with it. Science often confirms the wisdom of the ancients who observed and then harnessed nature’s rhythms and cycles to shape and enhance their lives. We can begin to do this in our own lives by first paying attention to our own natural rhythms, such as when we wake or when we feel the need to sleep. If possible, we may want to try to rise and sleep with the sun or live without electricity for a weekend and then monitor how we feel. We can make the choice to eat the foods of the seasons and to seek fresher, locally grown, or organic produce whose own cycles have not been tampered with by technology. We can create harmony in our homes by making a smooth transition between our indoor and outdoor spaces. By bringing some of the outdoors inside and taking some of our indoor décor out, we can simultaneously enjoy nature and the comforts of home and the feeling that our living space is expanded. Then, whether inside or out, we can lounge on a comfortable piece of furniture and feel the wind, inhale the scent of deeply breathing plants, listen for the many songs of life, and observe the moon and the stars. As we do this more often, we may find ourselves noticing the pull of the full moon on bodies of water, as well as the water in bodies, or the music of the night acting as a lullaby. When we seek balance in our lives, we want to balance not just our roles in life but also the natural elements in our spaces. Having representations of the elements in the colors, shapes, and textures of our homes will appeal to our mind, body, and spirit. We may find that when we sync ourselves with nature’s rhythms, we ride the waves of energy to feel more in harmony with life and the world around us.” ___________________ The above piece was sent to us recently by one of our well-wishers. Thak you, dear "Friend of Savista"! It is possible for all of us to establish connections with nature… in small or big ways, and wherever we may happen to be. At Savista, we feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the rhythms of nature in this little corner of India. Whether in our traditional architecture where our courtyard brings the sun, moon, stars, trees and birdsong right into the haveli … our interior décor, where we extensively use materials and colours from nature… our diverse open and enclosed spaces, which we try to creatively adapt to the dictates of the weather and seasons… our weakness for flickering candles and oil lamps, that help us stay in harmony with starlight in the late evenings … or our homegrown/locally sourced food that makes us feel close to the earth…Life at Savista brings with it a lot that is good about nature. But there is also the ‘bad’, that we have learnt to take in our stride. It has helped us learn the wisdom that what is “bad” for us - comfort-loving humans - is almost always “good” for nature (which is probably why the “bad” is there in the first place! ). For example, we remain open to guests for only eight months of the year, when the weather is cool and comfortable; this means losing business for the remaining four months of the year. But we have come to terms with the loss of revenue, rather than opt to keep our air-conditioners whirring 24/7 through the summer months, involving profligate use of energy. Again, during phases in the hot summer, we have to cope with masses of sand flying into our open-air pool, due to fierce sandstorms that also wrench leaves off trees and hurl them into the courtyard. If there were no frequent sand storms in this part of Rajasthan, there would be no plentiful rains in that year. We have therefore learnt to welcome the sandstorms, and to simply avoid using the pool on the days that it has taken a beating. Not having guests during these periods does away with having to be apologetic about what is a perfectly natural occurrence. In the humid ‘short summer’ that lasts for a fortnight to three weeks at the fag end of the rains, the luxuriant growth of insect life in the our surroundings renders the late evenings somewhat stressful if we use too many electric lights, as the bright lights have a fatal attraction for these insects. When we have guests staying with us, we need to use full lighting, yet keep insects under control for maximum guest comfort. Which raises the huge -for us - ethical question of whether to spray? or whether to avoid chemicals altogether and let nature take its course. In our neck of the woods, our resident starlings love the local insects. And on the morning after a particularly insect-filled evening, they fly into our courtyard in batches to do a complete clean-up (see our blogpost “To Spray or not to Spray?”, October 6, 2011). To avoid discomfort to our guests, and simultaneously stay in tune with nature, we do not accept bookings during the period of the 'short summer'. Again, for about two weeks in the spring when the late mustard crop is being harvested, the tiny flying insects that live in the mustard crop through the growing season are forced to flee their habitat. Since death is their only alternative, and the only death they know is death by drowning, as if by instinct they make their way to our swimming pool and commit mass suicide. If we come to know that some farms around us are about to harvest a late mustard crop, we decline bookings for that period, and simply allow what must happen to happen. These are some of the few ways in which we at Savista try to go with the rhythms of nature and our immediate environment…

The Changing Seasons in Eastern Rajasthan

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

One of our Team@Savista - a native of the U.S.- remarked with wonder at the climatic diversity in Rajasthan that she was able to observe over an eight month period here, and announced that we should surely do a blogpost on this aspect! We have also observed that several of our Western guests arrive with a bland view of India as a uniformly “hot” country round the year (with, perhaps, the exception of the Himalayas which, again, are often mistakenly believed to be uniformly snow-covered). So, here we are with a little note on the nuanced nature of the seasons in this part of Rajasthan. We have several seasons - a few long ones and a few short ones. The two really significant - sharply polarised - seasons in the year are summer and winter. The rest of the year is peppered with shorter seasons, within which are embedded further sub-seasons. Summer is the longest period (three months, from mid-April until mid-July), when the climate is unrelentingly hot and dry, approximating desert conditions. During the day, the sun’s rays are sharp and brilliant. But, as in the desert, midnight to early morning temperatures could even drop to cold. Winter (six to eight weeks, from early-December until end-February) is cold and crisp in the mornings and evenings, with late night temperatures dipping to even zero. Day-time temperatures, though, could be quite warm. Close on the heels of summer come the life-giving rains (around six weeks, from mid-July until end-August). The rainy season in Rajasthan is not the ‘monsoon’ that one associates with other regions in the country. It is more a period of intense cloud formations, loud claps of thunder and dramatic lightning. Teasing clouds may appear in the skies for days on end with not a drop released. And showers, when they occur, may tend to be few, short and hesitant leaving the earth looking dry within minutes of their appearance. In a good year, where the summer has gone through several strong dust storms (called aandhis), many of these short showers could be heavy, accompanied by gusty winds and madly swaying trees, and could even cause flash floods. But whther strong or weak, m, the showers – even the weakest ones - can make nature come incredibly alive as nowhere else in the country, with multiple shades of brilliant green covering every inch of the ground. By and large, for humans, this is a season of long and pleasantly-cloudy days, when outdoor temperatures are comfortable. The rains are followed by a ‘short summer’ ( of around two to three weeks, roughly beginning-September until end-September or beginning-October). This is a season of humidity – the only one of its kind in this region - when the recently-nourished earth goes about its business of regenerating life. There is an explosion of insect life within the dense young grass and vegetation that the rains had set off. And in turn, the availability of insects supports a proliferation of bird-life as there is plenty of food to feed the newly-hatched chicks sitting out the rains in their precariously swaying nests. Without too much labour, parent birds help their chicks grow strong and learn to fly away. For humans, this is a great birding season. It is a relief when autumn ( two and a half months, beginning October until early December) dawns cool and lovely. Long balmy days and cool nights, ideal weather for exploring the outdoors or relaxing in the shade of the spreading trees. Both insects and birds have by now come to terms with their respective life cycles. Trees stand testimony to abandoned nests, some trees completely festooned with the intricate hanging nests of the Baya weaver bird. One can presume that the soil must harbours invisible abandoned insect homes. Butterflies take the place of birds and insects as the royalty of the outdoors, as colourful flowers begin to bloom everywhere and the trees continue to wear their mantle of green. This is one of the loveliest seasons in this part of Rajasthan. Matching autumn in every respect as one of the nicest seasons to be in Rajasthan, is spring (six weeks, beginning-March until mid-April). Alas, an all-too-short season that comes after the winter, when the days and nights are cool, and flowers bloom everywhere. It is a period of festivity and celebration culminating in the uniquely north Indian ‘festival of colours’ called Holi. Embedded in the spring and winter are two mini-seasons of Fall, when many of the local trees shed their old leaves to make way for new ones. In late spring, as the heat of summer begins to make itself felt, the Neem, Gulmohur, Lesva, Kesariya-shyam, Palash, Jacaranda and Karanji begin to uncover their branches. This allows the birds to show themselves off on the bare branches and send out their mating calls. In early winter, it is the turn of the Khejri trees to shed their aging yellow leaves leaves and almost simultaneously sprout tender green ones. Embedded in mid-summer is a season of strong desert sandstorms that create the conditions for plentiful rains.

The relevance and challenge of Krishna

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

We’re Back!

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:45:49 +0000

Although it's been a while since our last post, Savista continues to thrive in the countryside of Rajasthan. The contrast of the white haveli with the green foliage which surrounds it is strikingly beautiful, and gives one a sense of peace and tranquility. It is for this reason that we want to invite you to come celebrate the Independence Day and Ramadan Eid holidays, in what many have called their home away from home.

Nothing evokes the images of mind-blowingly diverse, culturally rich, and full-of-youthful-energy "Independent India" than the short film entitled: Maa Tujhe Salaam (translated as 'Homage to the Mother". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWeIBEKY3S4

So join us in celebrating this holiday that unites all Indians irrespective of class or religion. Check out our Independence Day package: http://www.savista.com/Independence-Day-Hotel-Offer.html

Together we will celebrate, with feasting and relaxation, the magic of the monsoon rains... and the universal symbolism of the Indian flag - "freedom for all" - that transcends the barriers of country, colour, religion or sect. Saffron for courage, sacrifice and the spirit of renunciation. White for the path of truth and purity. Green for faith and connectedness with nature, i.e., all forms of life. And the blue wheel of dharma (right action) spinning at its centre, symbolising the dynamism of peaceful change.

Join us at Savista, again, for the Ramadein Eid holidays! Particularly if you are from Dubai or Sharjah, from where direct flights come right into Jaipur international airport, you will enjoy seeing nature at its greenest best, the monsoon clouds at their most dramatic, the farming community of which Savista is a part engaged in sowing the monsoon crop, and the historical monuments and colourful bazaars very accessible in the relatively cool weather. India is a secular democratic country that is also home to the second largest Muslim population in the world. And nothing celebrates India's plural identity more than the way Ramadan Eid - the successful conclusion of the month-long cleansing and purification of mind and body, and victory over the demons that rage within all of us - is celebrated, with feasting and friendship. Sevian - the special sweet preparation that symbolises Eid - will definitely be on our menu!

Check out our our Ramadan Eid package: http://www.savista.com/Eid-Holiday-Hotel-Package.html

Keep checking the blog for updates, there's a lot to come....

Festivals of Rajasthan: Teej in the Pink City

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:37:19 +0000

The fesitval of Sawan Teej starts tomorrow! Teej is a celebration of the beginning of the Hindu holy month of Sravan. Sravan is celebrated throughout India under many different names, but the celebration is most extraordinary in Jaipur and is known as Teej. Starting from the Tripolia Gate of the City Palace and ending at Chaugun the traditional royal procession is led through the Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar on the 2nd and 3rd of August. The procession is alive with color and music and dancing as well as elephants, royal chariots and camels oh my!

During Teej there are opportunities to listen to folk music, watch elaborately dressed women perform their traditional dances, theatrical performances, eat delicious street food and visit craft bazaars.

The Jawahar Kala Kendra, the public arts centre in Jaipur, will be holding celebrations - folk and classical dance, music and theatre - July 30th to August 3rd..

The video below captures one such duo performing a folk dance as part of the Teej festival in Jaipur 2010. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4y6qAkl12w As for a bit of history: Teej, is celebrated for many purposes. For Hindu women, Teej is a fasting festival which celebrates the marital bliss that was the union between Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Teej is also the name of a small red insect that comes out of the soil when it rains, and thus Teej also celebrates the onset of the monsoon season and a break from the intense heat of summer. And Teej is also known as the festival of swings. Women dance and sing together in sisterhood and play on swings festoooned with flowers and hung from trees. They sing to praise the coming of the monsoon rains, and worship Goddess Parvati in hope of conjugal bliss!

In the countryside around Savista, married women and young unmarried girls can be spotted throughout the day in groups, dressed in red bridal finery and carrying floral and fruit offerings for Parvati and Shiva and picnic hampers. Singing together, they go to ponds, lakes or other water bodies - because Teej is also a celebration of water as the giver of life - where they perform puja (worship), sing and dance and then enjoy their picnic lunch. Savista' s women staff - who are all from the villages around - too, will be celebrating in this fashion! Savista arranges for guests to join the celebrations in Jaipur city, both the processions in the walled city and the cultural programmes at the Jawahar kala Kendra.

For more specifics about the Teej Festival in Jaipur, visit: www.rajasthantravelguide.com and come join in the merriment yourself!

TREEING OFF AT SAVISTA: The Khejri

admin — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:05:16 +0000

The Khejri trees on the Savista estate that were pruned (and some pollarded) last winter, have all got back their dense green foliage. The sheep in the area are probably already eyeing their winter feed, and if there is a ‘social network’ that is active among them, the message has probably already gone out that Savista’s trees are looking good enough to eat!

Many guests ask us about this tree, since it looks even more interesting when it has been pruned. And you can see lots and lots of stark-looking trunks in the area during winter, the traditional pruning season! So we thought we’d start our “Treeing Off” section in this blog with a little bit about the Khejri.

The Khejri is an iconic tree of Rajasthan. It is so admirably suited to the ecology of the region that it has acquired a whole body of folklore and cultural significance for the local people.

It is drought and frost resistant and can withstand the most extreme of temperatures. Its deep and extensive root system stabilizes the soil in the face of fierce desert winds. Its tough roots travel long distances below the ground in search of the tiniest drops of water. This water is carefully absorbed by every part of the tree until it reaches the miniscule green-yellow leaves. The leaf-size is clear evidence of evolution at work, because the foliage stays green round the year. Being a legume, the Khejri fixes nitrogen in the soil, and the nutritious fallen leaves further fertilize it. Hence farmers ensure that these trees are spaced out across their fields.

Every part of the Khejri tree is useful to the local animal and the human population. The leaves that serve as both fresh and dry fodder are relished by the local sheep and camels. The generously-tufted branches provide welcome shade. The trunk is virtually termite-proof and is used in house-construction. The bark is used for the preparation of local medicines in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition, for common respiratory and stomach infections. The fragrant resin makes for excellent firewood. The green beans are cooked into a delicious vegetable dish; they are dehydrated by villagers for use through the year, and are also fed to farm animals in drought conditions.

So iconic is the tree that no Rajasthani wedding feast is complete without the vegetarian dish Khair Sangri prepared from the Khejri’s green beans. And it is treated as sacred by the legendary environment-worshipping Rajasthani agricultural community called Bishnois (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishnois). We’ll leave that for another post ☺ .

Savista has over 150 Khejri trees, and many of them are several decades old. New trees can be seen coming up here and there all over the estate, born from fruits dropped by birds who feed on the beans. Every three years, in the winter, Savista’s Khejri trees are pruned by rotation, in keeping with local farming practices. Migrant sheep farmers offer to do the pruning, in return for being able harvest and bag the leaves which serve as a nutritious fodder for the sheep. The small twigs are used by them as firewood. During the pruning period, they live with their flocks on the host farm, and the animals’ droppings act as fertilizer for the soil.

At Savista we use the chopped branches to light our autumn and winter fires - in some of our guest rooms which have fireplaces, in our dining room and bar lounge, and for the evening bonfires around which guests share drinks and swap stories on chilly evenings.
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Botanical info: Prosopsis Cineraria, species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Native to arid zones of West and South Asia, such as the Arabian and Thar deserts. Other common names are Ghaf (Arabic), Sangri (Rajasthani), Kandi (Sindhi). State Tree of Rajasthan and Provincial Tree of the Sindh Province of Pakistan.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosopis_cineraria)

Festivals of Rajasthan: Today is Diwali, Festival of Lights!

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Diwali Mubarak! Naya Saal Mubarak! (Diwali and New Year greetings to all!) Diwali - from the Sanskrit Deepavali, “garland of lights” - is one of the most joyously celebrated festivals of India. It is India’s equivalent of Christmas in the West.. It is uniquely marked by the lighting of myriad oil lamps (now combined with decorative electric lights) in homes and public spaces; flower decorations to homes and shops, streets and parks; firework displays and the bursting of fire crackers; the making and sharing of infinite varieties of sweets; the buying and gifting of new clothes and precious jewellery; and, most important, the reunion of families and friends. The significance of Diwali is manifold, and there are as many symbolisms as there are cultures in India. The two most important stories may loosely be termed the north Indian and the south Indian. In north India, Diwali is celebrated as the victorious return of Lord Rama to his rightful throne in Ayodhya after 14 years of unjust exile. It symbolizes the triumph of the forces of light, i.e., truth and justice over the forces of darkness, i.e., deception and greed. Diwali follows within a few weeks of Dussehra, the festival celebrated across northern India as symbolic of the destruction of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama as a prelude to his return to Ayodhya. In south India, the story of Deepavali has a powerful king Mahabali at its centre. Bali was a great and wise king, famed for his fabulous generosity; it was said that nobody who came to Baliwith a request ever left empty-handed. But Bali’s arrogance and complacency arising out of is own reputation proved to be his undoing. So drunk was he on his own fame that God – Maha Vishnu – felt compelled to come down to earth to teach a lesson in equanimity and humility. Taking the form of a poor midget Brahmin who approaches Bali with a timorous request for just three paces of land, God demonstrates to Bali the folly of arrogance arising out of a false sense of self and ignorance of one’s place in the cosmic scheme of things. In gratitude, Bali prays that his lesson be commemorated by the annual lighting of ‘garlands of lamps of wisdom and awareness ’ to dispel the darkness and futility of self-delusion that can entrap even the most accomplished of persons. In Rajasthan, Diwali is the most important publicly celebrated festival for other reasons as well. The day following Diwali marks the beginning of the traditional new year for the people of Rajasthan. It is also the beginning of the new financial year for the trading and business communities who dominate the regional economy of Rajasthan. Following a grand puja (dedication) to the Godess Lakshmi - the godess of wealth and prosperity - businesses and shops open their new account books. Throughout the Diwali week shops and markets remain open, entire market areas are festooned with colourful decorations, sweet shops spill out onto the road, and textile and jewellery shops lay out their choicest wares to tempt customers. It coincides with the agricultural calendar - the new harvest has just been taken in, and there is ready cash in people’s hands.

Savista now has high speed wifi!

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Savista now has high speed wifi. And the parrots on the property have discovered that the new internet tower is as much of an exciting playground as the trees. Among the last to come into the haveli, they have now taken to swooping through the courtyard on their way from trees to tower! Savista - the place with the slow pace of life, caught in a time warp that could be, both, romantic past and more serene future - is finally well and truly into the 21st. century, at least where communications are concerned; we are "connected" with the rest of the world as never before! A few months ago we installed a new high speed internet connection which makes it possible for us to give our guests free wifi ( described by one of our recent guests in a tripadvisor review as "lightning fast wifi"!). Indeed, our guests from fast-paced metropolises as far apart as London, New York, Cape Town and Bangalore for whom their iphones are an extension of their hand, declare that they feel securely linked with work and family and friends back home while relaxing at Savista. So we are getting some things right, finally. It is not as though life was always so. Ever since our intention to convert Savista into a hospitality destination, we have had internet. But using it was painfully slow. Our very first-generation technology was something called a data-card which fitted into a desktop/laptop. It was sold to us - by smooth talking, tie wearing sales executives of a private company who deigned to come all the way to rural Savista from the big city of Jaipur - as an internet connection that could be carried around and used anywhere. But that data card never went beyond showing one or two green blinking bars (against the mandatory 5), and a single email took up to nine hours to send or receive! Internet browsing was as slow. It was a month before we discovered that we had been sold data card on a year's contract, all paid for, even though the provider had no "tower" in our vicinity to give us internet service! The next technology option came in the form of a giant dish installed on the roof of the haveli, that involved a bomb of an initial investment and a considerable recurring cost. At the centre of the dish was a lens that was tilted up in the direction of an invisible government-owned sattelite in the sky. You see, we were part of a programme of the government of India to provide internet connectivity to "remote" areas - a service gap that private providers were unwilling to invest in due to perceived low returns. The new alternative promised a "fast" connection that could be "wifi enabled" with the necessary routers etc. Wires from the dish came down from the roof and plugged into our desk top on the ground floor through an IDU on which four magical bars lit up, and little light dots appeared on the wireless routers. As we listened and watched with shining, hopeful eyes, the private "channel partners" in this "public-private partnership" spread their arms generously wide to described the extent of wifi coverage we would get - all of the haveli, the gardens, etc....more than a 1000 metres radius...They even wanted us to make our wifi security enabled to outwit possible terrorists lurking in the fields around. it took several days for the service to be set up and months for the teething troubles to get resolved. We were apparently among the earliest "remote" people in Rajasthan (other than the army ) to bravely opt for the new technology. But when the connection started working, it was slow again, and the wifi limped and dropped time and again! Our earliest guests bravely tried the wifi, and then settled for the desk top where the internet at least worked to order. But it continued to be a less than satisfactory option. Email had become much easier, but browsing and downloading attachments and photos still took forever. It was around this time that "dongle" - the third generation technology - replaced the dodgy data card in the market. A tiny neat jump drive-like gadget that fitted into a USB port, it could be plugged into desktops and laptops alike and voila! you had internet. It was certainly a more efficient and cost effective option to the dish-enabled internet connection, where every costly internet "pack" had to be purchased by sending a cheque to the Mumbai office which would then send the cheque to the centralised accounts office in Delhi who would then wait for the cheque to be "realised" before authorising the Mumbai office to reactivate our connection. When our guests started arriving with iphones and ipads that worked minus usb ports, and Facebook with instant sharing of photos across the globe was mandatory, the writing was on the wall. We chose yet another private provider who gave us the fascinating opportunity to watch extreme outsourcing at work. The company that delivered the internet tower to our premises (an internet tower all for ourselves) was different from the company that sent a lone individual to set it up. A third company was responsible for laying the cables and connecting the internet tower to the haveli. And we now have a fourth company which we have to look to for service back up in times of crisis. And a fifth company bills us and accepts payment every quarter. Five new gods already! We now pray regularly to these gods of the internet (in a country of 33 million gods, what's the big deal about adding a few more) that this new technology will continue to give us fast and trouble free service. Of course, the parrots remain unconcerned. And get to have all the fun.

GUEST STORIES: India-England Cricket Matches at Savista!

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Sorting at Savista

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:51:26 +0000

Here at Savista we pride ourselves on our commitment to an environmental ethic. Over the past few years our sustainability initiatives have been big and small, some only discernable to the critical eye, and others in plain sight. This list includes the decision to paint the roof white in compliance with the albedo effect, solar water heaters and a chemical-free freshwater pool that also waters the garden and recharges the aquifer. We have not plastered the place with Reduce, Reuse, Recycle signs and buzzwords as one would if these measures were in accordance with a fad, but have instead incorporated these environmentally friendly measures into the lifestyle of Savista, quietly installing low-flow shower-heads, dual flush toilets, CFL light bulbs and energy conservation appliances that are here to stay. So, what next? A very important component of one’s carbon footprint after energy, meat consumption and transportation is WASTE! It seems that it is time to look closely at our waste, and ask some important questions. Where did it come from? What is it made of? And when we are done with it, where should it go? Up until this point we have composted our organics and recycled our bottles and cans, but because the production of non-organic waste is so minimal, disposal has never been a pressing issue. But even with limited production, these remain important questions and often times lead to positive self-reflection, an inquisitive mind and creative action. STEP ONE: SORTING. We have created a space where we can sort our waste into the following categories: plastics, metals, electronic waste, paper, cardboard, batteries and light bulbs. The categories will expand as time goes on, but for now this is all that we have come across. Responsibly disposing of one’s waste becomes much more difficult in a rural location. In the city, one can feel pleased to have sorted out recyclables and place them outside to be collected. The process is not as simple in the countryside. Waste is typically burned or buried here. And only that which one receives a return on will be collected, but what about the rest? Burying toxics such as light bulbs, batteries and electronic waste in an unlined pit can lead to chemicals leaching into the groundwater. And burning of such toxics is another type of harmful pollution to the air and lungs. STEP TWO: RESEARCH. That brings us to step two. As we come to the end of our products lifecycle, we will sort and hold these materials while research as to their proper disposal continues. This is where we stand currently, in the research phase, having taken a pledge to dispose with our products properly (step three), to change our purchasing patterns (step four) to limit waste accumulation, and to focus on reusable items (step five). There will be plenty to come on this subject, look out for further posts showcasing Savista’s progress as well as some tips to a more environmentally responsible lifestyle! For more food for thought, check out: www.storyofstuff.com ! Annie Leonard does a wonderful job of putting the lifecycle of our products into perspective: harvesting materials to disposal, enjoy!

better late than never....

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:29:59 +0000

A few posts have been piling up here at Savista. One on Eid, another on Ganesha. So we hope that you will welcome them like a well meaning belated birthday card, a chance to celebrate for another day, to savor the sweetness a little bit longer..... :)

Water Bodies Around Savista

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:28:28 +0000

The rains have been particularly bountiful in Jaipur this monsoon season. And Savista and its environs have benefited greatly from nature’s generosity. On Tuesday September 6, the sixth day after Ganesh Chaturthi, we decided to go in search of a water body in which to immerse our Ganesha - the turmeric representation of the god of auspicious beginnings that had been sanctified in our puja just a few days earlier. We did not have to go far. Less than 20 km from Savista stretched the brimming reservoir of Hingonia. There was water for as far as the eye could see. We drove along a winding country road that took us through green fields and little villages. We passed by men in white tunics and dhotis, colourful turbans, gleaming earrings, and luxuriant moustaches who pointed to the road ahead, until we stopped in astonishment at the largest expanse of water any of us has ever seen near Savista. And here is a beautiful classical south Indian rendering of the popular composition Vathapi Ganapthim Bhaje in the raga Hamsadhwani, on the guitar. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8faakv_34

Hotel News

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:14:20 +0000

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This is a blockquote style example. It stands out, but is awesome. Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Dave Gamache, Skeleton Creator

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Tour of Bagru's Block Printing Sector

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:05:56 +0000

photo taken by Jeremy Fritzhand

About a month ago we had two lovely visitors from the U.A.E. come to stay at Savista. And from our first meeting, they clearly expressed interest in textiles, even sharing with us pages torn from a magazine highlighting the beauty of authentic textiles of Jaipur. The couple was most interested in purchasing textiles, less interested in witnessing the process (entirely understandable on a short trip to Jaipur). So we shared our knowledge of the best shops to go hunting for authentic Jaipur textiles, told them a little but about our relationship with the neighboring block printing town of Bagru, and sent them on their way. The two came back exhausted loaded with shopping bags, and at some point during that day asked to hear a bit more about Bagru. Our block printing workshops. And our half day tours to the printing workshops. Bagru, only 8 km from Savista, is home to artisans of the Chhipa community who are renowned for their style of hand block printed cottons. They have kept this beautiful tradition - using mostly natural fabrics and vegetable based dyes - alive in Bagru for at least 350 years. The long life of this craft is attributable to its prime natural environment. Considering that Jaipur is known for its history, architecture and, one must not forget the crafts using precious stones, gold and silver, leather, textiles, etc. we expect many of our guests to have made a note whether mental or in their travel books that these are the things to see or buy while in the Jaipur area. This very reasonable notion encouraged us to strengthen our relationship with our friends in Bagru, hoping to bring the interested parties directly to the source of block printed textiles. The men and women of the Chhipa community produce beautiful meters of fabric day in and day out, without much of a notion of where their fabric will be going and what it will become. Their products are sold at a distance from the environment in which they are produced, and visitors who come to buy textiles in Jaipur do not get to see the hard work, time and care that goes into each meter of fabric. So, the half day tours and the block printing workshops were created by Savista - working with a few select artisans of Bagru - to showcase this beautiful art form. Now, our couple from the U.A.E opted for the half-day tour to Bagru. It was long enough to see each step of the process: from the carving of the block, to the dyeing of the fabric, the block printing, the drying, and examples of the final product in various styles. Of course, no length of fabric can be chosen, a block carved, fabric dyed, printed, possibly dyed again, maybe even printed on once or twice more, dried and sold, within a half day time-frame. And because of the natural time constraints built into the process, our guests taking the tour to Bagru get to visit the Chhipa community, see the carving of the block in one shop, the dyeing in another home/workshop, etc. etc. This tour opens up many types of opportunities: the opportunity to see a community beyond its bazaars, with a local at hand to answer questions. The chance to see workshops of many different shapes and sizes, as well as varying printing techniques such as Dabu: printing with mud such that further layers can be printed atop and the mud can be washed away leaving negative space. And, finally, the opportunity to see the finished work of a master printer, and share a cup of chai with him. I hope that you have enjoyed the photos of our Bagru trip and should you want to learn more about our half day trips to Bagru or blockprinting workshops, please visit: http://www.savista.com/block-printing.html or contact us at: info@savista.com

BIRDWATCH: The Blue Bearded Bee-Eater & Black Crowned Night Heron

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:51:17 +0000

Hurrah! In the wake of the prolonged and heavy rains this year, we have two new bird sightings to report from the Savista garden! Our most recent residents are the Blue Bearded Bee-Eater and the Black-Crowned Night Heron. It is possible that the Blue Bee-Eater may have got drawn to our luxuriant winged insect life that has undergone an additional growth spurt with the rains. The Black-Crowned Night Heron probably feels attracted to our ponds, which are currently alive with uncle and grandfather frogs and lots of jumpy babies. The Blue Bearded Bee-Eater (30-34 cm) is much larger than his cousin the Green Bee-Eater (21 cm), who is one of Savista’s more ubiquitous residents. The Blue variety normally lives in the hill forests of the Central and Eastern Himalayas and the Western and Eastern Ghats of peninsular India, and in the forested parts of Madhya Pradesh; it is a rare pleasure to have it choose our lush-with-the-rains-tree-covered-estate, even if it is only for a seasonal visit. Greyish-green above and bluer on the forehead, blue along the centre of throat to breast and along the wings, and with a long tail that lacks long central pins (a characgteristic of the Green bee-Eater), the Blue Bee-Eater looks quite at home at Savista, perched high up in the garden and on the haveli’s terrace, making its harsh korr-korr croaking notes as it keeps a look-out for juicy insects. We spotted the Black-Crowned Night Heron one late evening quite by chance. He was standing at the edge of what used to be our horses’ drinking water pond (that has now been taken over by water plants and frogs), motionless and totally absorbed by something in the water that he was looking at. It was his apparent unflappability which had us watching him closely until it became too dark for us to see clearly. This heron is small but heavy, its plumage mostly grey, black and white, with a black head, back and crest, a white forehead and very long white feathers. The species is nocturnal, shy and secretive, which is probably why we have never spotted it since. It roosts in trees during the day, and arrives at its feeding grounds by dusk – ponds and marshes containing fish, frogs and aquatic insects - where it continues to feed through the night until early morning. It is resident all over India.

The Countryside Around Savista

admin — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:41:28 +0000

A few weeks ago a couple of us set off to visit one of our staff whose younger daughter-in-law had just given birth to a baby. One of her buffaloes, too, had just given birth to a new calf. Two new babies in one home certainly called for a visit..

Walking to Fatehpura, a village about 4 km from Savista, is like an idyll. The first and lasting impression is of the great and unspoilt beauty of the landscape. A fairly smooth kuccha (unpaved) walking path is in existence and makes our progress easy. We hardly meet anyone as we walk along comfortably; the only visual evidence is of nature and industrious agriculture. On either side of the path stretch well cultivated fields showing the early tender green presence of wheat, garden peas, mustard and barley growing on soil that looks dark and richly moist despite the generally sandy nature of the terrain. Interspersed among the fields and along the pathway are trees – mostly thorny sturdy babool, a tree suited to semi-arid soil conditions – which provide shelter to busy birds exploring what the fields have to offer.

Between stretches of fields we pass a couple of homesteads. It would feel strange, indeed, if in India there were not even such a minimal encounter with human presence. A few young women busy with weeding or looking after their buffaloes look up and smile at us briefly. A few small children, chubby and relatively clean and well clothed, give a startled and curious stare. It is still 4 in the evening and any older children must be still at school. The men are probably away at work. There are no idlers to be seen; so different from the more urbanized villages that abound in the area. Occasional patches of marigold, clearly being cultivated for the market, add a splash of brilliance to the deep browns, greens and yellows on the ground and pale blue in the sky. Little vegetable gardens hug the homesteads, from across the thatch housing the buffaloes; we can see thin green fingers of garlic and spring onions, the little leaves of fenugreek, potatoes, aniseed, spinach and turnips. All this is evidence that the families in these homesteads are eating reasonably well. Cowdung cakes are stacked to dry against the walls of the buffalo shelters. These are families self-sufficient in grain, vegetables, milk and fuel. Their men and women work. Their children go to school.

At Fatehpura itself, beautifully-tended fields covered with crops reach for the horizon. The village houses are ranged along the other side of the main pathway. They have large compounds shielded by high walls of thorny twigs. Another striking image – even more so than the unspoilt and uncrowded beauty of the landscape – is the spotlessness we have encountered all along our route, and that continues through Fatehpura village; the blessed characteristic of sparse populations. The homesteads along the route do not seem to be generating visible litter. The feeling of being in an idyllic bubble begins to give way, however, when we get to the end of the village and closer to the main road that runs past it. Although the landscape is still relatively empty of people, barring an occasional shepherd and his wife in traditional dress leading a flock of goats and sheep, or farmers on motorcycles also in traditional attire, plastic bags and plastic tea glasses lie piled up by the roadside. Evidence of modernity and prosperity in village India. Traditional knowledge does not equip people with the means to dispose of synthetic wastes. And nobody is giving them the new knowledge either. Apart from this, the idyll is still intact, but we are reminded of how tenuous this is.

TREEING OFF AT SAVISTA: The Babul

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:52:32 +0000

Celebrating Christmas at Savista with the Babul tree!

When trying to dream up ideas of how we could evoke the atmosphere of Christmas in the Rajasthan countryside, we found the perfect candidate in the Babul! With its dark, vertically fissured bark, straight stiff branches, sharp pointed white paired spines, and feathery leaves, the Babul comes closest to the fir tree, and became our “Christmas Tree” this year. Babul trees can be seen on the edge of the Savista grounds, and in the countryside all around Savista, and it did not take us long to find one with branches that appealed to us. Our enthusiastic staff - for whom a Christmas tree was a novelty – quickly got down to work, and within hours we had a sturdy branch about 6 feet long set in a pot filled with earth, with tinsel wrapped around it and little coloured lights twinkling all over. By the time it was sundown on the day before Christmas eve, our brightly-lit “Christmas tree”, with Christmas carols playing in the background, truly brought home the spirit of the festival!

Known as Acacia Nilotica and also called Acacia Arabica (from the Greek Akis meaning sharp point), the Babul (its Hindi name) is a wild tree that is native to all of Africa, the Arabian peninsula, and the Indian sub-continent, including Burma. It grows easily and is propagated by birds that feed on its pods. In India, it grows abundantly in arid and semi arid climates, where it is also often deliberately planted as a measure to prevent soil erosion. Perfectly suited to sandy or degraded soils because of its capacity to make the maximum use of whatever little water is available to it, and with its leaves capable of folding up against the bright summer sun, the Babul is a tree that is superbly adapted for survival. When travelling through Rajasthan – or even just hiking cross-country around Savista – it can be seen everywhere, often taking on a dramatic appearance with its tall trunk, spiny branches growing outwards, and dense cloak of yellow sweet-scented flowers when in season (July and November, its flowers giving it the name “Scented Thorn”).

The Babul has multiple uses for animals and humans in the Rajasthan environment.

Due to its thorns, it is often planted as a boundary wall around farms. The wood is durable and termite resistant, and farmers use it to fashion ploughs, cart-wheels and other heavy duty farm equipment. The dark bark and pods have an astringent quality, making them ideal tanning and dyeing materials. The leaves make for good fodder for camels, sheep and goats; they are also used to make a a poultice for ulcers. The tender twigs are chewed by villagers as an excellent herbal toothbrush-cum-toothpaste-cum-mouthwash-cum-gum-strengthener (“Babool” toothpaste is a brand that figures prominently among the products made by a reputed Indian company manufacturing drugs and personal hygiene products based on Ayurvedic principles for modern markets). The gum ( a dark resin) of the tree (giving it its other name Arabian Gum Tree) is an integral ingredient of medicines prepared by practitioners of indigenous Indian systems of medicine for a variety of uses, e.g., to cure wounds, and to treat diarrhea, dysentery, liver and spleen disorders, tuberculosis, typhoid, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.

Botanical details:

Family: Leguminosae

Sub-family: Mimoceae

Travellers to India can be assured of finding prompt and quality medical services in Jaipur

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:27:44 +0000

Last week one of our guests needed emergency medical assistance.

We were having a yoga session when suddenly, during a standing exercise, this young European swayed with her eyes closing and head wobbling loosely and fell to the ground, all within a split second. We were able to revive her soon enough, apply an ice pack to her head, and get her to lie down for the rest of the day. But by the evening her travelling companion came down to tell us that she was giddy and nauseous. What could we do for her?

With her lying down in the back seat of the car head cradled in her companion’s lap, we drove to our doctor in the city. As a former professor of the leading medical college in the city, a cardiac surgeon by specialization, and a general practitioner by default, we decided that he would be our first port of call.

When we arrived at his clinic, we were ushered in without delay. Following a physical examination he put us into an ambulance that took us to an ‘MRI and CT Scan Centre’ about 3 km away for a CT scan of her head. The scan was conducted immediately, and within 30 minutes we had the scanned images and report in our hands packed into a brightly-designed bag and were speeding back in the ambulance to our doctor.

The CT scan proved normal and our guest was already smiling. In the doctor’s presence, her companion phoned her insurance agency who then spoke to the doctor for his diagnosis. Before we left, the doctor prescribed medicines should any episode of giddiness recur during the rest of her travels. He also wrote down the generic names of the medicines for the reference of the insurance company’s own doctors. The whole exercise had taken us 4 hours, and had cost her INR 1800 (INR 1500 CT scan and INR 300 doctor’s fees). The equivalent of USD 35.

Our guests were grateful. The doctor had been very professional and was, obviously, very competent and widely travelled himself. Equally, they were amazed at the speed with which they were able to access first-rate medical facilities – doctor, ambulance, CT scan - in a mid-range Indian tourist town like Jaipur, from out of a rural resort, and walk away with a CT scan report in record time, a procedure that they said would have taken them at least a week to ten days in their home country. And they were amazed that they had spent only a fraction of what it would have cost them at home (which would be USD 1500 for a CT scan).

They mused that they were definitely returning home with a picture of India that was interesting and complex, but also admirable. They had seen the the Taj Mahal and the sights of Delhi and Jaipur. They had also experienced the reality of rural India from the comfort and safety of a novel resort located in the heart of the Rajasthan countryside. And they had come up close with a modern and professionally competent medical environment in a manner that was both timely and reassuring.

‘Earth Living’ at Savista: Following Nature’s Cycles

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:26:25 +0000

Sunrise Over Savista (Photo by Signe Wolsgard Kroyer)

”We cannot have harmony and balance in our lives if we forget to include the earth and natural rhythms in our lives.

Nature, in all its myriad forms, is the most powerful force on earth. Although mankind has tried, we have not found a way to match its awesome power, but we have found ways to work with it. Science often confirms the wisdom of the ancients who observed and then harnessed nature’s rhythms and cycles to shape and enhance their lives. We can begin to do this in our own lives by first paying attention to our own natural rhythms, such as when we wake or when we feel the need to sleep. If possible, we may want to try to rise and sleep with the sun or live without electricity for a weekend and then monitor how we feel. We can make the choice to eat the foods of the seasons and to seek fresher, locally grown, or organic produce whose own cycles have not been tampered with by technology.

We can create harmony in our homes by making a smooth transition between our indoor and outdoor spaces. By bringing some of the outdoors inside and taking some of our indoor décor out, we can simultaneously enjoy nature and the comforts of home and the feeling that our living space is expanded. Then, whether inside or out, we can lounge on a comfortable piece of furniture and feel the wind, inhale the scent of deeply breathing plants, listen for the many songs of life, and observe the moon and the stars. As we do this more often, we may find ourselves noticing the pull of the full moon on bodies of water, as well as the water in bodies, or the music of the night acting as a lullaby.

When we seek balance in our lives, we want to balance not just our roles in life but also the natural elements in our spaces. Having representations of the elements in the colors, shapes, and textures of our homes will appeal to our mind, body, and spirit. We may find that when we sync ourselves with nature’s rhythms, we ride the waves of energy to feel more in harmony with life and the world around us.”

___________________

The above piece was sent to us recently by one of our well-wishers ("Daily OM"). And the picture of "Sunrise Over Savista" by another friend (thank you, Signe).

It is possible for all of us to establish connections with nature… in small or big ways, and wherever we may happen to be. At Savista, we feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the rhythms of nature in this little corner of India. Whether in our traditional architecture, where our courtyard brings the sun, moon, stars, trees and birdsong right into the haveli … our interior décor, where we extensively use materials and colours from nature… our diverse open and enclosed spaces, which we try to creatively adapt to the dictates of the weather and seasons… our weakness for flickering candles and oil lamps, that help us stay in harmony with starlight in the late evenings … or our homegrown/locally sourced food that makes us feel close to the earth…Life at Savista brings with it a lot that is good about nature.

But there is also the ‘bad’, that we have learnt to take in our stride. It has helped us learn the wisdom that what is “bad” for us - comfort-loving humans - is almost always “good” for nature (which is probably why the “bad” is there in the first place! ).

For example, we remain open to guests for only eight months of the year, when the weather is cool and comfortable; this means losing business for the remaining four months of the year. But we have come to terms with the loss of revenue, rather than opt to keep our air-conditioners running 24/7 through the summer months, involving profligate use of energy. Paradoxically, starting spring and through the summer are when the birds are at their busiest, which makes it the ideal bird watching season!

Again, during phases in the hot summer, we have to cope with masses of sand flying into our open-air pool, due to fierce sandstorms that also wrench leaves off trees and hurl them into the courtyard. If there were no frequent sandstorms in this part of Rajasthan, there would be no plentiful rains in that year. We have therefore learnt to welcome the sandstorms, and to simply avoid using the pool on the days that it has taken a beating. Not having guests during these periods does away with having to be apologetic about what is a perfectly natural occurrence.

In the humid ‘short summer’ that lasts for a fortnight to three weeks at the fag end of the rains, the luxuriant growth of insect life in our surroundings renders the late evenings somewhat stressful if we use too many electric lights, as the bright lights have a fatal attraction for these insects. When we have guests staying with us, we need to use full lighting, yet keep insects under control, for enhanced guest comfort. This raises the huge - for us - ethical question of whether to spray? or avoid chemicals altogether and let nature take its course? (see our blogpost “To Spray or not to Spray”, October 6, 2011). In our neck of the woods, our resident starlings love the taste of the local insects. On the morning after a particularly insect-filled evening they fly into our courtyard in pairs and within a couple of hours achieve a complete clean-up . During particularly humid 'short summers', therefore, we avoid taking bookings, thus resolving the dilemma of how to assure guest comfort while remaining true to our environmental ethic.

Again, for about two weeks in the spring when the late mustard crop is being harvested, the tiny flying insects that live and feed in the mustard crop through the growing season are forced to flee their habitat. Death, then, is their only alternative, and the only death they know is death by drowning. As if by instinct, they make their way to our swimming pool and commit mass suicide. If we come to know that some farms around us are about to harvest a late mustard crop, we decline bookings for that period and simply allow what must happen to happen!

These are a few of the ways in which we at Savista try to go with the rhythms of nature and our immediate environment…

Spring at Savista and the Spring Festival of Holi in Jaipur

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:42:02 +0000

[caption id="attachment_341" align="aligncenter" width="267"] In villages and cities the streets come alive with Holi colours well before the festival[/caption]

The winter just gone by at Savista was what we might call a ‘normal’ one, i.e. temperatures were as expected. Throughout the season our gardens remained green and lush, and the fields around us a verdant green-yellow with wheat, mustard and garden peas. The days were cool, and the nights cold. The sky at sunset was a palette of shades of blue and pink. And the nights gave us a virtual planetarium of stars and planets on crystal-clear display. Our 85 odd resident varieties of birds were up and about but relatively quiet, going to bed early and waking up - and waking us up - late, except for the insomniac nightjars that, true to form, kept erupting into sqawks of alarm possibly caused by bird-nightmares.

Our spring dawned as expected. As it unfolded, we witnessed the daylight hours stretching by just a few extra minutes everyday. The birds which did not seem to be able to find their voices until almost 7 in the wintry mornings began to call as early as 6 (and as we move into the summer they will be up by 4!). They also appeared much more active and their numbers increased. The winter crop of garden peas, and most of the mustard crop had been harvested around the beginning of this season. But there continues to be plenty of food for the birds as the rich green of the young wheat crop turns to the dull gold of mature wheat ready for the harvest. With long daylight hours available for courtship, the mating season has begun in earnest. We have also been witnessing the first “Fall” of the new year, with some of our local trees – Neem, Gulmohur, Lesva, Kesariya-shyam, Palash, Silk-cotton – carpeting the ground with their aging leaves. New green leaves are ready to sprout. The air is suffused with an inexplicably pleasant and heady perfume – a bouquet combining the scent of various blooming flowers, wood-smoke, leaf sap, fresh grass and, who knows what else that nature secretly produces to delight us?

As spring advances into summer – for two days last week it looked at though this had happened all too quickly, but mercifully the spring cool returned - the earth will start to be dominated by shades of brown, and even the well-watered Savista lawns will turn a pale green under the relentless summer sun. But the flowering shrubs, trees and birds will compensate for everything else. The flowering shrubs - notably jasmine - will drench the night air with their exquisite perfume, making the night come alive with mystery and longing. In the early mornings, the sweet smelling parijat flowers will join the jasmine in bringing joy to humans, birds and butterflies, alike. Wearing their new coat of green and blooming with brilliant and fragrant flowers the trees will attract and sustain Savista’s birds. And the birds will sing their hearts out. Together they will keep us humans happy. In fellowship with them all, even summer in this semi-arid region will seem worth experiencing!

Not that we are in a hurry for that yet. We are still enjoying our memories of playing with Holi colours earlier this month. Holi is a collective celebration by an agrarian society of the successful harvesting of the winter crop, the growing warmth and lengthening rays of the sun following the cold season, the bursting into bloom of flowers, the beginning of the mating season for birds, and last but not least, the surge of love, romance and longing in the human heart symbolized by the eternal love of Radha for Krishna. Love was the theme everywhere this March – in the colours on people’s faces, in the dancing at the temples of Vrindavan where Radha and Krishna’s love for each other is most exhuberantly celebrated, in the Sufi poetry being sung everywhere exhorting people to rise above petty preoccupations and engage with each other and with the world in a spirit of universal love…Ultimately, that is the message of spring.

Perhaps it is in keeping with our sad world that this is the shortest season in northern India....

BIRDWATCH: The stork-billed kingfisher and white throated kingfisher

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:00:27 +0000

[caption id="attachment_355" align="alignright" width="400"] Stork-billed kingfisher[/caption]

Birdwatching never got easier, or more fun. And it couldn't be a better time of year to match the voice with the bird.

Imagine that you are at an opera that begins at 6 in the morning and goes on until 4 in the evening. Imagine that every singer is top-notch, and out to give his best (yes, there are no divas here, only male singers). Imagine that you have an open invitation to daily shows, and that you could choose your own seat, rotate seats to get the best view of your favourite baritone, and even have your own box.

Well, that is what Savista is like now. An opera house.

The first fingers of summer are reaching out across the countryside. The trees, which were bare five days ago are now breaking out in new leaf, but the foliage is still not dense enough to hide the vibrant feathered singers. And every singer is using this to be out there, showing himself off, and singing as though his chest would burst. What a display for the females! And for us, lucky bystanders to these courtship preludes. It was never easier to bird-song spot. Just choose your aria, and you will be able to sight the singer.

Yesterday, we spotted a new visitor to Savista. The stork-billed kingfisher - 38 cm and, reportedly, India’s largest kingfisher. We were able to identify it by its very heavy large red bill and dark grey-brown head, its back the trademark ‘kingfisher blue’. We believe that he may be new to our area, because until now we have only been familiar with his white-throated kin who is one of our established residents. What caught our attention was a more powerful and persistent 'kingfisher trilling' than we had hitherto heard from our resident white-throated kingfisher. On following the trail of the song we were able to sight the visitor easily, perched alone on a tree, displaying his “stork-bill” and the absence of the chestnut brown head and neck (characteristic of his white throated counterpart). Since then he has obliged us with many more performances.

Bye for now. Got to get back! Another aria has begun, and we need to see who the singer is!

[caption id="attachment_356" align="alignleft" width="220"] White throated kingfisher[/caption] Pictures from wikipedia.com and surbirds.com, respectively

Guest Stories: Rolling into Savista in a 1923 Rolls Royce

admin — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 11:37:04 +0000

[caption id="attachment_450" align="alignleft" width="300"] 1923 Springfield Silver Ghost Rolls Royce[/caption]

Guests of Savista come from all over the world, but Rick Brown and Tom Stevenson have traveled enough miles of the world to cover the equator eight times.

Rick is the passionate collector of 1923 Springfield Silver Ghost Rolls Royces (he has five to date). The beauty they drove to Savista in has taken Rick through 60 countries throughout different continents. Tom has been his navigator in most of these travels (although Rick has also had thirty other family members and friends (ages 8 to 80) accompany him at various times).

The two began traveling together in 1998 (they have been friends for over 28 years and share a common interest in fly fishing and exotic travels). They were placed first in the Pioneer category of the 2007 “Peking to Paris” Road Rally. They decided to take a trip to India to fulfill their dream of seeing the Taj Mahal, and driving through the Himalayas (particularly the highest motorable mountain pass in the world, the Khardungla in Ladakh). Shipping their car from Paris to Bombay, they stopped over at Jaipur on their way to Ladakh.

[caption id="attachment_451" align="alignright" width="300"] Rolls Royce during one of its journeys - Taken from SilverGhostWorldTravels.com[/caption]

When Rick and Tom arrived at Savista on a humid late August evening, it was too dark to even make out the beauty of their 1923 Rolls Royce. Traveling everyday at a sedate speed of 35 kilometers per hour, often for 8-10 hours a day, they try to make the most of the daylight hours, stopping only when dusk begins to give way to night. Their motto is to travel for the journey rather than the destination. Each evening, thus, brings them to a new hotel, making it a count of thousands of hotels across the world over the years. We felt special that Savista had made it onto this list.

Between drinks and dinner, they regaled us with stories from their travels. The following morning after breakfast, Rick spent an hour servicing the car while Tom attended to emails and did a bit of reading. Before they left, Rick in a gesture of old world courtesy offered to give a ride to whoever at Savista wanted one. He told us that at the hotel that they had stayed at in Mumbai, he had ended up giving 40 rides around the hotel block to the hotel staff (since only one passenger can be accommodated at a time)! Conscious of their need to be back on the road, we contented ourselves with just one short spin through the countryside surrounding Savista, so Rick could get an idea of where he had stayed when transiting through Jaipur. Children in school uniforms on their way to school, men on cycles and motorbikes, women in the fields – everybody we passed waved and jumped, wide-eyed at the sight of the beautiful car. Rick was not surprised; he remarked that the courtesy that he had received on the road from Mumbai to Jaipur from fellow truck and other drivers had been an amazing experience.

[caption id="attachment_449" align="alignleft" width="249"] Rick Brown with the Rolls Royce - Taken from SilverGhostWorldTravels.com[/caption]

Please visit their website at Silverghostworldtravels.com or contact them at info@silverghostworldtravels.com for more information about their travels.

Rajasthan’s Local Crafts: Handmade Paper Production

admin — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:26:07 +0000

With a long history of royal patronage, Jaipur has an impressive tradition of craftsmanship that produces the most extravagant goods for everyday uses - whether gold and silver jewellery, decorative textiles, brass and silverware, leather goods, or even handmade paper. We decided that paper – given the importance of stationery in our lives - would be an interesting topic to explore, so we set out on a trip to Kagzi paper production factory, which began its life producing paper for use in the royal court, and now produces for both the domestic and global markets. During this brief tour of their facility, we learned about the history and methods of traditional papermaking in Jaipur.

We were surprised to learn that this method of papermaking was brought to India during the 16th century by invaders from Central Asia. In prisons in Bokhara and Balkh, Chinese inmates had already demonstrated their skill in producing paper from natural waste. The fact this paper proved to be strong, durable and resistant to alteration or forgery, and could be produced in large quantities, led Babur - the first Central Asian invader to settle down in India and create what came to be known as the Moghul Empire – to encourage some of his men to learn this skill from the Chinese prisoners for use by the Moghul court in India. All court papers came to be prepared on the paper so produced as also, gradually, manuscripts and other related articles used by the educated citizenry. Prior to this introduction of paper, writing in India was carved on stone (e.g., Emperor Ashoka’s edicts), handprinted or painted on fabric (e.g., pattachitras), or etched on palm leaves (e.g., Hindu and Buddhist manuscripts).

The present-day Kagzi family in Jaipur (the name kagzi itself means “paper maker”) traces itself back to the settlers who travelled to India with Babur’s army and who had learnt the craft from the Chinese. Papermaking requires an unlimited supply of water and solid raw materials. Initially located in the district of Alwar (a little south of Delhi, in present day Rajasthan), the Kagzi family moved to Jaipur when water in Alwar became a scarce resource. They were also encouraged by an invitation from the kings of Jaipur who promised them court patronage and an abundant supply of water (the Dhundar region of which Jaipur is a part has always been a well watered one). The kings of Jaipur had entered into an early peace treaty with the Moghul court of Delhi, which resulted in a considerable amount of cultural exchange between the two kingdoms.

[caption id="attachment_464" align="alignleft" width="300"] Unwanted scraps of fabric come from all over India and are shredded here in Kagzi to make paper[/caption]

Today, the Kagzi paper factory recycles unwanted scraps of pure cotton fabric (from garment factories in different parts of India) and paper in any form (handmade, machine-made, cardboard) to make beautiful and durable handmade paper. Using simple indigenously designed machinery, these raw materials are finely shredded and then pulverized into a watery pulp (e.g.,70 kg. of shredded fabric or fabric-cum-paper mixed continuously in 400 to 500 litres of water for over 4 to 5 hours produces the required pulp). Where required, natural colour (or a bleaching medium) is added to the water. The water is re-used until it cannot be re-used any further. The resulting pulp is then manually spilt onto a sieve to form a smooth and thin layer, which is covered with a thin piece of loosely woven cotton fabric. This fabric helps separate one layer from another when they are placed on top of each other. The men who do this have a good idea of how thinly the pulp needs to be spread to create the required thickness of paper. Where the paper is designed to have extra design detail, other natural materials such as grasses, pieces of silken thread, flower petals etc., are sprinkled onto each layer of sieved pulp, before being covered with cotton cloth.

[caption id="attachment_465" align="alignright" width="200"] Two men flip over a newly produced sheet of paper that has been formed by thinly spreading pulps of recyclables over a net[/caption]

The layers are then pressed down by a machine press which serves to extract the remaining water from paper-in-the-making. The next step is the careful peeling off of layer upon layer of cloth to reveal the ready but still-damp paper. This work is done by women. After this, the cloth pieces go back for re-use until they can e re-used no further.

At this stage, further design variations may be introduced. For example, if the paper requires to have a creased look, each sheet is crumpled up by hand after removing the fabric and then straightened out again. In any case, at this stage, all the sheets go through a flattening process by being placed manually between two iron sheets and put through a machine roller, which produces a final crisp and fully dry product (the ones that were crumpled retain the lines of the creases in their smoothness). If screen printing or embossing is required, it happens at this stage. The sheets then go through a cutting machine for the final size and knife edges.

The Kagzi factory exports much of products to different parts of the world – sheets to the U.K., U.S., Japan and the Middle East, customized printed products to large department stores such a Tesco and Target; it also supplies shops and designers in the Indian market.

In summary, the handmade paper industry not only has an illustrious history, it is also an ecologically sensitive industry (prevents de-forestation as it uses non-wood pulp, recycled cloth, paper waste, flowers and grasses, and is non-polluting as it is acid free. Being labour intensive, it is suited to generate employment among India’s large rural population. It is also energy and water efficient, and requires low capital investment as it also uses simple and totally indigenously designed machinery.

GUEST STORIES: Woman Of The Year & Restaurant Of The Century

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:19:17 +0000

For those of you that have allowed Savista to host you for your vacations and travels, you know that there is nothing so important to us as community. It is something we try to foster in every stay, and hopefully something that we can maintain far beyond. In that interest, Savista has issued a call to its guests to send in stories about their lives that we can share here and on our facebook. Savista is lucky enough to attract some of the most fascinating and diverse travelers, and we are excited to share their adventures and enrich our community.

Possibly you have seen the post on our facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SavistaHotel) about Caroline Dumergue. Possibly you have eaten at her restaurant in Bali (it’s the best). Or possibly you read about her in YAK magazine (where she has been nominated for Woman of the Year). Haven’t done any of those things? Well that’s not a problem, because we wanted to take this post to share a little about her life and her work.

Caroline Dumergue (nee Usher) is a New Zealand-born creative designing Restaurant/Bar Interiors & Brand Developing in Asia. Caroline’s career began in the movie business in set design, where she travelled and worked for twenty years in her home country, London, U.S.A. and Asia. She is now living her dream designing one-of-a-kind environments, and creating and launching brands. Caroline loves wine (her husband is a world reknowned sommelier) and is an absolute foodie – she is always on the look-out to find special people with culinary talent where she can happily feed her belly and soul.

(This year Caroline is nominated by high-end magazine the YAK to win “Woman of the Year” award for her overall creative talent in designing and creating the Mama San brand (which is the hottest restaurant on Bali island.))

If you find yourself in Bali, stop by Mama San. Not only will you be treated to wonderful food in a jaw-dropping environment, but you may run into Caroline herself. Tell her you stayed at Savista and you may be treated to a tour of her beautifully designed restaurant… and perhaps much more, like stories from her travels (she was a travel writer in one of her many avatars) or her passion for yoga (she has sampled some of the most exotic yoga destinations). For all her many talents, Caroline is delightfully unaffected and wonderfully warm and friendly. She arrived at Savista for a mere two night stay, but became a friend for life and continues to take a keen interest in the place.

http://mamasanbali.com/

Remember to keep sending in your stories, and well keep writing them up!

GUEST STORIES: Straddling multiple creative worlds and emotional landscapes

admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 03:18:56 +0000

Within minutes of their arrival at Savista, it felt like Wendy Williams and Chris Grace were old friends visiting, and not simply hotel guests. We had so much to share and talk about and so many interests in common, and their appreciation for what Savista had to offer was so fulsome, that the next two days went by like a song. It is three years since the date, and we are still in touch.

Wendy works with refugees and asylum seekers in Britain and South Africa, and Chris runs the supremely successful Shakespeare Schools Festival in Britain, now extended to several other English speaking countries.

In Chris’ previous work with Welsh television which involved making animation films, among the many things that he created was a character called Fireman Sam. Week after week Fireman Sam brought so much joy to millions of small children across the world – even as far away as India - that it made them want to become firemen when they grew up! To have the “Father” of Fireman Sam visiting Savista in the middle of the Indian countryside was one of those incredible things that happen at Savista from time to time, thanks to the wonderful people who choose to come and stay with us! Here is a brief glimpse into Wendy and Chris’ stories in their own words.

Wendy • “One of the many wonderful things that can arise out of a few days' stay at Savista Retreat is the chance meeting with people with whom years later contact is made in a completely different context. In Cape Town last year where I was doing some voluntary work with refugees and asylum seekers I met a doctor and his wife who shared my very happy memories of a stay at Savista. There was an immediate connection and it was a very happy meeting. The work in Cape Town arose out of work in the UK as a member of a board that monitors the treatment of failed asylum seekers in a detention centre in London. These centres are often places of great despair and enormous fear - men who have escaped harsh conditions and fear for their lives if they are returned to their home countries, others who have lived for many years in the UK and who have families here, and other, younger men, who don't remember life in any other country and who have no contact whatsoever with the country to which they are to be returned. The legal arguments, the rights and wrongs of each individual case, are often very complex, but what is indisputable is that these people's lives are in limbo. So often they will say, this is much worse than prison, at least prisoners know when their sentence is going to come to an end and they will be released. The uncertainty in a detention centre is often difficult to bear. And many men cannot bear it. They self harm, they refuse food and drink and their mental health deteriorates. In these circumstances it's sometimes difficult to remember that the Board is not a pressure group, it has privileged access that is not available to members of the public, and it's role is to monitor the treatment of detainees, ensuring that their treatment is just and humane. And it's most certainly a privilege to serve on such a Board. There are brave people in these Centres some of whom have risked all to come to the UK and others who accept their fate with astounding equanimity. And there is laughter, enormous camaraderie and mutual support. There are lessons to be learnt in the most unexpected of places.”

Christopher • “Whilst I was a commissioning editor of animation with Channel Four Wales / S4C, the Berlin Wall came down and an opportunity arose to work with Russian animators on abridged Shakespeare plays. The resulting twelve half hour films are still widely used by UK schools . The Shakespeare Schools Festival , which I run, evolved from that. The charity enables some 700 schools, rising soon to 2,000, to perform the half hour plays - four schools a night- in 100 professional theatres across the UK. Parents are incredulous and then so proud to see their children perform the great roles of Othello or Juliet. One of the most moving productions I saw was a Macbeth performed by deaf teenagers. Whilst they performed in sign language, another school's students knelt on the stage with their backs to the audience and provided the voices in sync to the signing. Teachers tell us repeatedly what an impact learning and performing Shakespeare has on the confidence of their cast. And all this in the year when lines from Shakespeare's The Tempest heralded the start of the London Olympics. “

To spray or not to spray?

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:41:22 +0000

Marrying hospitality and sustainability is easier some days than others. Sometimes it is a matter of choosing one product over another. Or reading labels carefully. Or paying a little bit more for organic or local products. But then at other times, the decision is a bit harder, and opting for the sustainable solution can result in some loss of business. Rajasthan’s monsoon season this year was longer and more intense than usual. Although, in normal years, the rainy season is one of the nicest times of year in Rajasthan - occasional cooling showers, cloudy skies, gorgeous weather - the heavier than usual rains and consequent heightened humidity this year made for a more-fecund-than-usual insect population. And, particular to this post, brown-grasshoppers-with-green-stripes. During a week and a half over July/August, insects swarmed around, led by these grasshoppers. And at the end of this period, as suddenly as they arrived, they were gone.

Most homeowners are aware that at certain times of the year, you are at risk of an invasion by different forms of insect life. But truth be told, these are not issues that guests are willing to put up with while on holiday.

Our brown-grasshoppers-with-green-stripes (which were more like suicide bombers than lowly insects) catapulted themselves at any doors and windows through which they could see light. They didn’t manage to get into the rooms (because we kept all doors closed), but we did have to suffer their presence in open spaces that were proximate to lighted rooms. Each evening for that week and a half, after the sun went down, hundreds of them would appear in the courtyard, and jump and fling themselves against the glass until they met their death. But the wonderful silver lining was that, come morning, our deceased invaders were oh so neatly cleaned up by starlings who roamed the courtyard to feast on the readily available food.Now, change and flux with the seasons is very natural. But when one is meant to be serving guests a relaxing and elegant experience, these two are not mutually exclusive. We are then faced with a dilemma. Do we eliminate these creatures, using sprays and chemicals as other hotels and hospitality centers would do? Such an action is in direct violation of our commitment to an environmental code of ethics. So are we then to close our doors to guests? Or do we allow visitors, and claim that because of our all-natural approach and our respect for the surprises that nature brings, we all (guests included) simply have to deal with such pests?

It seems to me that we are in a bit of a pickle: Either we hamper our guests' experience, because not all visitors would appreciate acting with such restraint in terms of biological pest control. Or we turn away guests, because they won't get the real Savista experience.

We simply cannot control the influx of grasshoppers flying over the haveli walls and into the courtyard. But we can limit the use of lights, which serves to attract fewer of our grasshopper friends. This is what we did this year: use of minimal electric lights in the rooms and open spaces and, in their place, plenty of oil-lit lamps and candles.

I defer to our readers- past and potential guests alike: should we accept natural fluxes and expect our guests to do so also? Or make an exception and use chemical pest sprays? Here are links that expose the harms of conventional chemical pest sprays: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002763.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pesticides Inform yourselves! And share a guests perspective with the Team at Savista!

TREEING OFF AT SAVISTA: The Neem

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:25:51 +0000

The neem tree is widespread across the plains of India. It is particularly prolific in semi-desert regions such as Rajasthan, since it requires very little water and grows easily in dry, stony, sunny climates. Its sturdy fruit is mainly propagated by birds who carry it around; when the birds drop the fruit, these effortlessly take root. This is another reason why new neem trees can be seen sprouting right next to existing grown trees of various varieties. The neem is particularly valued across India as a medicinal tree, and has an over 4000 year old presence in Ayurvedic medicine (one of the India’s indigenous systems of medicine). In fact, one of the Sanskrit names for the neem tree is arishtha which means reliever of sickness. It is even referred to as the “Gateway to Heaven”, and planting a neem tree is seen as a sacred act. Every part of the neem is used for its medicinal properties. The bark acts as an analgesic, and when ingested in the form of a tea is known to bring down high fever in case of malaria and severe headaches caused by fevers. The pale cream-coloured flowers which bloom in the spring are dried in the shade and stored in airtight containers for long-term use. When mixed with honey, yoghurt or butter, they are believed to cure intestinal worms. The leaves have anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. They keep away insects and mosquitoes, and purify and cool the breezes blowing through them, so the tree is generally planted close to habitations. A wet paste made by grinding the leaves is used by village folk as a poultice in case of major and minor cuts or wounds. In the case of skin infections, allergies or rashes, neem leaves are steeped in boiling water which is then added to the bath water. Newborn babies are protected by laying them in a bed of tender neem leaves. Neem sticks are used even today in villages as a combined toothbrush-toothpaste; before the advent of factory manufactured oral hygiene products, neem sticks were universally used for brushing the teeth. Savista has numerous shady neem trees all around the haveli, and new ones can be seen sprouting everywhere. Like the villagers around us, we too use the leaves for a variety of purposes. Neem leaves dried in the shade act as virtually indestructible substitutes for mothballs for the protection of woolens and silks, so we lay bunches of leaves in the cupboards where we store our winter gear. We also add a few springs of neem leaves when we bag our freshly harvested grains to prevent insect infestation or mould. We also follow the traditional practice of using the oil extracted from the neem fruit for soil pest control. When the trees are heavy with fruit, we simply pound the collected fallen fruit (called nimoli locally) and mix it with the soil for use as a crop pesticide. Neem oil is also used as an ingredient in the manufacture of medicinal soaps. The bark has additional uses in the tanning and dyeing of leather, and the fibre is used to make ropes. The trunk is termite resistant and lends itself to furniture-making. Botanical info: Class: Magnoliophypsida; Order: Sapendales; Genus: Azaderachta; Species: A. Indica; Names: Margosa, Nimba, Neem, Veppalai.

Festivals of Rajasthan: Diwali

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:23:49 +0000

[caption id="attachment_260" align="alignright" width="300"] Diwali lamps[/caption]

Today is Diwali, Festival of Lights. Diwali Mubarak! Naya Saal Mubarak! Diwali and New Year greetings to all!

Diwali - from the Sanskrit Deepavali - means “rows of lamps”. Uniquely marked by the lighting of myriad oil lamps (now combined with decorative electric lights) in homes and public spaces; flower decorations to homes and shops, streets and parks; firework displays and the bursting of fire crackers; the making and sharing of infinite varieties of sweets; the buying and gifting of new clothes and precious jewellery; and, most important, the reunion of families and friends - Diwali is one of the most joyously celebrated festivals of India. It is India’s equivalent of Christmas in the West.

The significance of Diwali is manifold, and there are as many symbolisms as there are cultures inIndia. The two most important stories may loosely be termed the north Indian and south Indian.

In northern India, Diwali is celebrated as the victorious return of Lord Rama to his rightful throne in Ayodhya after 14 years of unjust exile. It symbolizes the triumph of the forces of light, i.e., truth and justice over the forces of darkness, i.e., deception and greed. Diwali follows within a few weeks of Dussehra, the festival celebrated across north India as symbolic of the destruction of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama as a prelude to his return to Ayodhya.

In south India, the story of Deepavali has a powerful king Mahabali at its centre. Bali was a great and wise king, famed for his fabulous generosity; it was said that nobody who came to Bali with a request ever left empty-handed. But Bali’s arrogance and complacency arising out of is own reputation proved to be his undoing. So drunk was he on his own fame that God – Maha Vishnu – felt compelled to come down to earth to teach a lesson in equanimity and humility. Taking the form of a poor midget Brahmin who approaches Bali with a timorous request for just three paces of land, God demonstrates to Bali the folly of arrogance which arises out of a false sense of self and ignorance of one’s place in the cosmic scheme of things. In gratitude, Bali prays that his lesson be commemorated by the annual lighting of ‘rows of lamps of wisdom and awareness ’ to dispel the darkness and futility of self-delusion that can entrap even the most accomplished of persons.

In Rajasthan, Diwali is the most important publicly celebrated festival for several additional reasons. The day following Diwali marks the beginning of the traditional new year for the people of Rajasthan. It is also the beginning of the new financial year for the trading and business communities that dominate the regional economy of Rajasthan. Following a grand puja (dedication) to the Godess Lakshmi - the godess of wealth and prosperity - businesses and shops open their new account books. Throughout the Diwali week shops and markets remain open, entire market areas are festooned with colourful decorations, sweet shops spill out onto the road, and textile and jewellery shops lay out their choicest wares to tempt customers. It coincides with the agricultural calendar - the new harvest has just been taken in, and there is ready cash in people’s hands.

At Savista, every electric light on the property is on for this evening. We have also lit oil lamps all around the pool, at the gates, all through the Eastern Court, and at various points across the grounds. Against the dark of the moonless sky - Diwali is always on a no-moon night - the flickering lamps have imparted a magic to the property. All of Savista's staff received gifts of clothes, sweets and cash. Those of the staff who live at Savista are wearing their new clothes and preparing to set off fire works, and those who live in their own homes in the nearby villages - mostly women - are enjoying their holiday, wearing their new saris and sharing with their families the sweets that they carried home. Tomorrow their brothers will visit them and share in the feast that their sisters will have prepared for them, for Diwali is also an occasion for siblings to renew their relationship.

TREEING OFF AT SAVISTA: The Hibiscus

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:28:50 +0000

This handsome hibiscus is both beautiful and useful. Derived from the Greek work ebiskos or ibiskos, it is native to most warm temperate, tropical and subtropical regions, and exists in hundreds of varieties - some annual, others perennial, and in a tremendous number of colors, and is used for anything from hair dye to tea.

Here at Savista, hibiscus is used for landscaping and can be found lining our paths as well as the alfresco dining area. And to keep it continually pleasing to the eye, this sun-loving plant needs to be pruned and thus well taken care of, performing best in the hot months. In our garden you will find white, red and pink flowers, which is really only a short list of the colors existing in nature; it is a most fascinating species, which has the ability to change color from white to red in the course of a single day.

One can find white, red, yellow, orange, purple and even pink hibiscus flowers with trumpet shaped flowers, single flowers or double flowers, all with at least 5 petals and maybe even heart shaped leaves. Of the hundreds of species of hibiscus, many will not take to Indian soil which is interesting because they are found throughout the country and are used for all types of beauty treatments, drinks and even ayurvedic medicine. Hibiscus is believed to cure coughs, stop hair from graying, and even stop hair from falling. And despite this flowers inability to grow naturally, propagation is sustained primarily by cuttings.

In terms of usefulness, the most obvious is landscaping for its aesthetic quality as well as its attractiveness to birds, bees and hummingbirds, making any garden instantly more beautiful. A second contribution of hibiscus is a unique flavor to tea, served either hot or cold depending on where you are in the world. In Jamaica, hibiscus tea is served with rum and with lime in Cambodia, turning it deep red. As for edibility, dried hibiscus is considered to be a delicacy in Mexico; is made into jellies or preserves and another variety produces young fruit eaten as a vegetable, known as bhindi (Hindi), ladies fingers or okra. Many varieties of hibiscus are used as a natural diuretic, to treat venereal diseases, as a laxative, or as a source of Vitamin C. Studies have even shown that hibiscus can lower blood pressure.

The hibiscus also holds great cultural significance worldwide, particularly the red flower. It is the national flower of South Korea and Malaysia. Here in India, the red hibiscus is the flower of the mother goddess Kali. Kali is the goddess of change and time and images show the flower and goddess uniting. The same flowers are also used as an offering to Ganesha, remover of obstacles. And In the Philippines children make hibiscus flowers locally known as gumamela into bubbles by crushing the flowers and leaves and using a straw. Tahitian women wear the red hibiscus to show that they are single and looking to marry, fibers are made into grass skirts in Polynesia, and more ordinary uses include linoleum paints, lubricants, shampoo, conditioner and hair oil.

References:

Bor, N.L. and Raizada, M.B. Some Beautiful Indian Climbers & Shrubs Oxford University Press, Oxford, England. Second reprint 1999 first edition 1994 Bombay Natural History Society 1982

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus

The Changing Seasons in Eastern Rajasthan

admin — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:06:14 +0000

[caption id="attachment_330" align="aligncenter" width="534"] "The sky over Savista on a winter's morning"[/caption] Photo by Signe Wolsgard Kroyer

So, here we are with a little note on the nuanced nature of the seasons in this part of Rajasthan. We have several seasons - a few long ones and a few short ones. The two really significant ones – the polar opposites - are summer and winter. The rest of the year is peppered with shorter seasons, within which are embedded further sub-seasons.

Summer is the longest season (three months, from mid-April until mid-July), when the climate is unrelentingly hot and dry, approximating desert conditions. During the day, the sun’s rays are sharp and brilliant. But, as in the desert, midnight to early morning temperatures could even drop to cold.

Winter (around eight to ten weeks, from mid-December until end-February) is cold and crisp in the mornings and evenings, with late night temperatures dipping sometimes even to zero. Day-time temperatures, though, could be quite warm.

Close on the heels of summer come the life-giving rains (around six weeks, from mid-July until end-August). The rainy season in Rajasthan is not the ‘monsoon’ that one associates with other regions in the country. It is more a period of dramatic cloud formations, loud claps of thunder and intense bouts of lightning. Teasing clouds may appear in the skies for days on end, with not a drop released. And showers when they occur may tend to be few, short and hesitant, leaving the earth feeling dry within minutes of their appearance. In a good year, where the summer has gone through several strong dust/sand storms (called aandhis), many of these short showers could be heavy, accompanied by gusty winds and madly swaying trees, and could even cause flash floods. But whether weak or strong, these showers – even the weakest - can make nature come incredibly alive as nowhere else in the country, with multiple shades of brilliant green covering every inch of the ground. By and large for humans, this is a season of long and pleasantly-cloudy days, when outdoor temperatures are comfortable.

The rains are followed by a ‘short summer’ ( of around two to three weeks, roughly early-September until end-September or early-October). This is a season of humidity – the only one of its kind in this region - when the recently-nourished earth goes about its business of regenerating life. There is an explosion of insect life within the dense young grass and vegetation that the rains had set off. And in turn, the availability of insects supports a proliferation of bird-life as there is plenty of food to feed the newly-hatched chicks sitting out the rains in their precariously swaying nests. Without too much labour, parent birds help their chicks grow strong and learn to fly away. For humans, this is a great birding season.

It is a relief when autumn ( eight to ten weeks, early-October until early-December) dawns cool and lovely. Long balmy days and cool nights, ideal weather for exploring the outdoors or relaxing in the shade of the spreading trees. Both insects and birds have by now come to terms with their respective life cycles. Trees stand testimony to abandoned nests, some trees completely festooned with the intricate hanging nests of the Baya weaver bird. The cooler weather acts as a dampener on population explosion among insects. Butterflies and sunbirds take the place of insects as the royalty of the outdoors, as colourful flowers begin to bloom everywhere and the trees continue to wear their mantle of green. This is one of the loveliest seasons in this part of Rajasthan.

Matching autumn in every respect is spring (six weeks, early-March until mid-April), that comes after the winter, when the days and nights are cool and flowers bloom everywhere. . Alas, an all-too-short season. But it is a period of festivity and celebration culminating in the uniquely north Indian spring ‘festival of colours’ called Holi.

Embedded in the spring and winter are two mini-seasons of Fall, when many of the local trees shed their old leaves to make way for new ones. In late spring as the heat of summer begins to make itself felt, the Neem, Gulmohur, Lesva, Kesariya-shyam, Palash, Jacaranda and Karanji begin to uncover their branches. This allows the birds to show themselves off on the bare branches and send out their mating calls. In early winter it is the turn of the Khejri trees to shed their aging yellow leaves leaves and almost simultaneously sprout tender green ones. Embedded in mid-summer is a season of strong desert sandstorms (aandhis) that create the conditions for plentiful rains.

GUEST STORIES: The Joys and Insights of Travel

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 05:23:13 +0000

[caption id="attachment_508" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Olivier Lacheze-Beer[/caption]

A trip to Savista is a meeting, first and foremost. As a westerner and a European, it is always a privilege to experience the world differently. I have been travelling since my early age, as my father was a French diplomat, and ever since the age of 2, I have been journeying round the world. Later in my life, my work took me to places around the globe too...and it never ceases to amaze me just how incredibly diverse life on earth can be...and of course, just how much we also share in our experiences on this planet. So coming to Savista is a privileged moment when you can encounter "the other", or what you think is "the other"...to challenge notions of what being a human being is, what life on this earth "should" be like, or could be like and gain perspective on one's own...well...perspective!

The most illuminating moment came for me when at Savista and I took the camel ride to the neighbouring village. When I arrived, I was greeted by all the children running towards me, with huge smiles...this was the stuff of films and documentaries...stuff you see on TV and don't really believe at times...and here it was...then came the sharing of tea and smoking...and huge amounts of communication without even speaking 3 words of the same language...The most touching and moving moment for me was the way the community of families cared for and dealt with a mentally challenged young man who lived with them. I have rarely seen such humanity and care. They neither ignored his condition ( they made fun of him and laughed at his weird motions or mis-formed words) nor did they put him aside or outcast him...he was an integral part of the village...and was clearly very happy there...It is hard to describe the feelings it brought out in me...and I would probably be very sceptical if I was reading this and had not experienced it...but it was as if I was witnessing a lesson in meeting and being with "the other"...about how differences exist and should not be ignored AND facing those differences allows you to see what is common and therefore accept the difference... Very often, we either glorify or denigrate what is in others...and the truth is that the path to integrating differences is actually accepting them..

India is often a land of contrast...the peacock on top of the rubbish pile...the divine next to the most profane....and my trips to Savista have shown me that: there is not light without darkness, nor darkness without light...and it is not by ignoring the shadows, the "other", that we are ever going to reach a point where we can move on...we must transcend AND include if we are ever going to have a chance of living with more love and care for each other.

______________

Many of our readers will find themselves resonating with Olivier's thoughts. Olivier is one of that wonderful breed of thinking travellers that magically find their way to Savista to become part of our extended family, and create the possibilities for multi-layered conversations about culture, nature and the human condition that continue long after the “guest” has departed from the “hotel”. He promised to return, and did so 12 months later this year, and our conversations resumed effortlessly.

Charmingly understated and utterly modest when it comes to talking about himself, Olivier typically does not dwell on his many talents and interests. Notable among these are his love for theatre, and his intellectual engagement with world cultures. His India connection began long before he actually visited this country, when he was immersed in his former profession as an actor on the British stage. One the successful productions of his theatre group was a several hours-long version of the Mahabharata, staged in London, in which the four-member cast essayed multiple roles. As a preparation for his role(s), he familiarized himself with Sanskrit and made a close reading of the epic.

Currently, Olivier along with his colleague Fiona Bibby, runs Inchigo, a consulting firm that works with clients internationally (www.inchigo.com). Trainer, facilitator, coach and consultant, Olivier is a world class coach, passionate about expanding and developing human potential and inter-personal relationships in order to help individuals and teams in companies to embrace change, adapt and increase their performance.

GUEST STORIES:Shutterbugging With Little Lamas

admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:45:08 +0000

One of the things that adds vivacity to life at Savista is that a large proportion of our guests come from the creative professions – artists, theatre people, designers of all kinds, photographers of all kinds… It is equally a fact that many of our guests are professionals in the field of science and medicine, including neuroscience and mental health. So what does that have to say about us? Simply, that we are lucky that a diverse range of intense and sensitive people come to this little neck of the woods, there to put down roots for a few days and, when they leave, they spin out a thread of connection that endures - a thread that is as gossamer fine as it is strong. Like a spider’s filament.

Julie Wilhite is a young portrait and wedding photographer by profession. What makes her unique among travellers in general (and our guests in particular), is that she chose to make her first visit to India in a volunteer role. Prior to her holiday with us (along with her cousin Ann), Julie spent three weeks teaching in a Tibetan refugee settlement, working with what she affectionately calls “little lamas”. We asked her if she would send us some photos from her collection for our blog. What she chose to send was some straight-from-the-heart thoughts on the experience of volunteering as a way of travel to new cultures, and what her interactions taught her. There are also a few lovely shots of her happy little lamas.

"Life’s a funny thing. You chug along, creating “to do” lists, occasionally checking things off, and wake up one day realizing that months have passed. That happens to me, so I decided I had to do something about it. As a wedding photographer, I am thankful for a flexible schedule and chose the month of February to visit a country that has been calling my name for some time: India. It is a slow time of year for weddings, and I love to travel. As a photographer, I have traveled in years past by choosing an interesting location, taking a week or two off, and making a list of things I want to photograph on the journey. I decided I wanted to have a different experience in India. I wanted to experience India and its people (the true magic of India) on a deeper level. Volunteering seemed like the perfect idea. I had no grandiose ideas of changing the world, but if I could make a small difference and experience something new, my mission would be accomplished.

After talking to different people and lots of internet research, I settled on an organization called International Volunteer HQ - http://www.volunteerhq.org. I was drawn to IVHQ because it partners with established organizations in different countries (to hopefully create more impact) and because of their economical pricing. As many of you may know, volunteering abroad can be quite pricey. IVHQ creates an economical alternative.

So, I paid my dues, bought a ticket and was on my way. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous – ok, A LOT nervous. But what I can say now, is all those nerves were worth it. I did a one week orientation in Delhi which was a great way for me to get settled, made some new friends and got used to being in an environment that is so drastically different than what I am used to. After the orientation, I made the long bus journey to a small town called Bir to volunteer.

Near the Himalayan Mountains and known for the many Tibetan refugees that live in the area, Bir is a peaceful respite from what people typically think of as India. I worked with incredible little monks at a nearby monastery ranging in age from 5 to 13. A fellow volunteer lovingly called them “little lamas.” We were teaching them English, going over simple things such as the words for the face and body and also allowed them to be kids – drawing beautiful pictures, going through the different items you can find at the market, and playing in the nearby landing strip for paragliders. As we ran around one day in the field, some of the boys held their scarves high above their heads and watched with glee as it ballooned in the wind. One little boy shouted “Superman!” and I had to laugh; no matter where you are in the world all little boys are the same. They may look different, they may study different things, but their hearts, their joy for life, their laughter – they are all the same, all absolutely precious.

As with anything I love, I seek to capture it in photographs. Not only what it looks like, but how it feels. I challenged myself with a project while I was traveling: Daily India. I posted one image a day on Facebook, and it wasn’t always the most dramatic or impressive image, but the one that best told the story of my day.

After volunteering, I was able to spend a week being a tourist around Northern India where I discovered the jewel of Savista. At Savista, we were taken care of beyond our expectations, relaxing and enjoying the delicious meals or wine on the rooftop while taking in the sunset. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip. Savista also allowed me to finally relax and reflect on what a rewarding experience it was to volunteer in another country. And as corny as it may sound, my intention to originally help others ends up being far more rewarding for myself. I will forever remember my “little lamas” and my time spent not stressing about life, but enjoying and experiencing India. "

Julie Wilhite Portrait & Wedding Photographer Based out of Austin, TX info@juliewilhite.com www.juliewilhite.com

We're closed for the summer!

admin — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:59:22 +0000

[caption id="attachment_542" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Summer bloom - bouganvillea[/caption]

Savista went into its annual summer hibernation around the end of April. For around three months, until mid-July or so when the rains generally arrive in full in this part of India, the sun beats down mercilessly. The green of the grass takes on a faded hue. Many trees lose their leaves. The air turns dry as cinder.

We resident humans adapt to this heat in many ways. Drink plenty of water made fragrant by the earthen pots we store it in...lassi..chilled lemon juice with sugar and salt. Munch on watermelons and cucumbers. Eat mangoes by the dozens. Swim in the early mornings and late evenings.

[caption id="attachment_543" align="aligncenter" width="534"] summer bloom - champa[/caption]

Feast our eyes on the masses of colour provided by our many flowering trees and shrubs - the brilliant red and orange of the Gulmohur, the yellow and gold of the Laburnum and Tecomia, the purple of the Jacaranda, the pink, red and orange of the bougainvillea. Inhale the fragrance of the crazily blooming Jasmine and Champa which appear in new masses every morning, like white stars against the dark green foliage. Bird watch in the mornings and evenings. And during the hottest hours of the day, lounge in the cool indoors with a good book. This is summer in north India.

[caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="534"] summer fruits - sweet limes ripening[/caption]

Most of Savista's staff take their long annual vacation during this season. It being the lean season for agriculture,this is when marriages happen across north India and families have their reunions. Even the skeletal staff that keep Savista's gardens, trees and shrubberies watered and in good shape go missing every now and again because they have to attend marriages in their kin group. Summertime is social time for them.

Above all, it is the season of birds. Our bird population is currently at its peak, and mating and nest building is underway with zest. This time of year is also the season of insects. Logical. The insects eat the fallen leaves. And the birds feast on the insects.

May could probably be called the 'Month of the Ant'. Unable to bear the heat of the earth where they generally burrow themselves, all the ants of the world come marching out. They can be seen everywhere. Of course, minding their own business, which includes invading any food in sight, cooked or uncooked.

When June comes around, almost by the calendar the air becomes slightly heavier. Humidity levels begin to rise, lots of little clouds start scudding across the sky, and the air is rent by the wail of peacocks adding to the sounds of the lapwings, koels, kingfishers and other warblers. Even as the ants become less visible, crickets come to the fore, making June the 'Month of the Cricket'. In the evenings, after the birds have quietened down, the chirruping of crickets begins and goes on through the night. To this, the frogs - living in our lily ponds - add their voices.

In July, once the rains begin, the crickets will stay on, but large green and brown striped grasshoppers will take their place at the head of the table.

We may be closed to human guests in the summer. But nature's guests come uninvited, and make themselves at home!

Foot Reflexology at Savista: another wellness feature

admin — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 11:08:52 +0000

We are happy to announce that guests staying with us can now look forward to attending to their mind-body balance with multiple DIY sessions of walking on the river bed pebbles that line the bottom of this dedicated pool

The reflexology pool started its life as a drinking water pool for our two horses. Rani and her daughter Sharayu loved to frolic around the haveli, just so they could feel close to the family, so we laid out the pool close to the haveli where they could easily cool off after their enthusiastic exertions. The pool remained as a forlorn reminder after the horses had departed from Savista, getting by with nurturing some water plants. If we wanted to keep it as an indelible memento of the wonderful times we had enjoyed with Rani and Sharayu, it would have to be made to serve some new purpose. Preferably something related to the well-being of mind and body, something that our relationship with our horses had always meant for us.

Thus was born the idea of a foot reflexology pool. Large smooth pebbles were procured from a dry riverbed closeby and brought to Savista by camel cart. The region around Savista once used to be criss-crossed by several small perennial rivers. In recent decades, unplanned urbanisation and consequent reckless exploitation of water has led to the drying up of most of these rivers. The beautiful brown pebbles - smoothened to a fine polish by centuries of flowing water, when people co-existed with nature in a state harmonious simple living - are all that remain. Now, sitting at the bottom of the little horses' pool, they also serve to remind us of a lost natural heritage of this region.

The concept of reflexology is based on an ancient understanding of the soles of the feet as mirrors of the body's internal organs. The reflex points are believed to go from the bottom of the feet all the way to the top of the head encompassing all the vital organs along the way. Putting pressure on reflex points located in the foot is believed to vibrate the various internal organs that correspond to them, helping to prevent and cure diseases caused by blockages to the body's natural internal balance - known as prana in Sanskrit and chi in Chinese - which is the basis for physical and mental well being.

The benefits of foot reflexology are believed to be manifold: calmness and serenity, improved circulation, increased energy and balanced emotions among many others. It is believed to be appropriate for all ages as well as for a variety of ailments, and particularly beneficial for coping with the ageing process. Not only soothing to sore feet, it is believed to benefit most other body aches and pains.

Practised for thousands of years across Asia and Egypt ( among other parts of the ancient world), techniques of foot reflexology complemented a natural lifestyle where even simply walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground served to stimulate the reflexes. In today's modern world, we have lost much of nature's way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology is believed to help to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality.

Many benefits of Foot Reflexology have been listed:

Induces a state of deep relaxation by opening neural pathways;

Stimulates more than 7,000 nerves, encouraging the opening and cleansing of neural pathways;

Increases circulation, improving blood flow throughout the body;

Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities;

Stimulates the central nervous system;

Stimulates energy flow throughout the body; and

Balances the whole system thus revitalizing the body's natural energy flow.

( source: http://www.bodywithsoul.com/foot_reflexology.php, http://serenityinthegarden.blogspot.in/2011/04/foot-chi-for-all-reflexology-path-for_22.html)

Even if it does only some of the above, it is one more way of helping the body heal and restore itself. And if you can do it while being under the open sky, breathing lungfuls of fresh country air and listening to the birds, why not!

[caption id="attachment_589" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Reflexology pool set amidst gardens and trees[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Savista's guests try out some foot reflexology[/caption]

Another herald of seasonal change: Rainbow over Savista

admin — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 07:11:15 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, the weather changed suddenly. From being hot amd humid with bright cloudless skies, there was a distinct drop in temperature of a few degrees. The sun disappeared behind some very grey clouds. And a brisk cool wind got busy. We had assumed for the last couple of weeks that the rains had well and truly departed from our lives for this season. But what was happening now spoke to us of other delights in store. Within minutes the brisk wind had become a squall. As some doors and windows carelessly left unfastened - assuming warm, still weather - started banging, dying and dried leaves from trees around the haveli began whirling their way into the courtyard and into the sparkling water of freshly cleaned and filled pool. Soon enough, what started out as a few giant drops developed into a heavy shower. The newly-wet earth let out a mighty fragrance. A luminous and unearthly light bathed the landscape. And we could do little else but lift our faces to the sky and gratefully feel the water cascading down our bodies, and gape in wonder at what was happening. Standing on the roof of the haveli, it was easy to feel one with the obvious delight of the swaying trees, the gratitude of the shrubs for getting a natural cleansing, the spirited drumming of vertical lines of water on the courtyard and pool, and the sudden wetness all around after weeks of dry earth and fading grass. Within an hour the rain stopped as suddenly as it had started. But there was a still greater treasure awaiting us. Strong and glowing, girdling the expansive sky above us, stood our first rainbow of the season. Like a benediction. A canopy that we wanted to snuggle under, never to leave. Some grey but spent clouds still covered half the sky swallowing up about a quarter of the rainbow. But it didn't matter. Our day was made. Our hearts were full. And it prompted us to think of all the good and bad in our lives - all the human and non-human beings of the world, all the known and unknown beings, all the friends and loved ones and the not-so friends and not-so-loved ones, all those near and distant - and to wish for them the same happiness and peace and joy in nature's wonders that filled our hearts that evening. Sent from my iPad

MONSOON EXHUBERANCE BRINGS PEACOCKS TO SAVISTA

admin — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 06:41:33 +0000

The call of the peacock

Savista now has its own resident peacocks (well, almost!).

This year, the rains arrived in Rajasthan nearly four weeks earlier than usual. Even while floods and landslides were ravaging the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan was experiencing heavier than usual showers once every few days, right from the middle of June.

The grass at Savista has shot up to higher-than-ankle height and all the trees and bushes have received a growth spurt. The rains have also activated the flowering of the fragrant chameli, a bushy variety of Jasmine that lies dormant for the rest of the year (where, in the summer, the air used to be scented by its cousin, the mogra). But the lord of the garden in these days and nights of rain is the fragrant Oleander (kandeer), tall shrubs with yellow, white and orange flowers that embrace the moisture and hold it reverently until the next shower.

[caption id="attachment_550" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Oleander[/caption] [caption id="attachment_554" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Chameli (Jasmine)[/caption]

The jelly garlands of frogs eggs festooning our lily pools have hatched and tiny baby frogs are being put through their paces. You can see them nervously clutching on to lily stalks and looking like scared student gymnasts, even as wise looking oldies look on with bulging eyes. The birds have toned down their frenetic activity, spending much of their time in quiet nests where you can see some very tiny heads bobbing up and down; mama birdies leave their watch only to make considered sorties in search of infant food.

Our big news this rainy season is that Savista has received its first peacock resident guests ever. Friends of Savista who follow our blog will recall that during last year’s rains it was an amphibian guest - a turtle lovingly named Torty - who chose to make his home with us. Torty stayed on for a few months; after exploring all the ground level rooms and courtyard of the haveli, he chose to spend much of his time in the library, for which we promptly nicknamed him Goethe ! He then left of his own accord one day, without our knowledge, peacefully and without fuss or rancour. We hope that this year’s long-feather-tailed ‘first guests’ will stay a while longer than that.

Over the years, whenever we heard peacocks call from the village nearby during the monsoons, we would longingly wonder if they would ever choose to arrive at Savista. Last summer, a magnificent male peacock, dragging his heavy tail, made occasional quiet reconnaissance visits. This summer, his visits returned, followed by a few overnight stays by one young male accompanied by three female companions. The little group have now become increasingly frequent overnight visitors. We now wait for signs that they have decided to settle here. Expect pictures of them in the next post.

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="534"] A red vented bulbul's young nestled in a Rangoon creeper's foliage[/caption]

Catching the juicy worm – egrets have a field day at Savista!

admin — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 06:13:08 +0000

[caption id="attachment_571" align="aligncenter" width="534"] White and gold field egrets following the tractor's course[/caption]

Savista’s annual agricultural calendar has begun. A little over three weeks into the monsoon we, like the farmers in the community around us, began our seasonal agricultural activity. This was after a year's break during which we had let the fields lie fallow.

A section of our land has been ploughed and we have sown millets (bajra and jowar), three varieties each of lentils and grams/beans (moong, moth, gavaar), and sesame (til). Just enough for our own needs. In this semi-arid region of India, these are the customary rain-fed crops that require nothing more than a few occasional showers for their growth. Sown in the immediate aftermath of the first rains, they take root effortlessly, and will be ripe and ready for harvesting by the time autumn sets in (mid-October).

As the tractor moved, turning up the rich dark earth moistened by the rains, a riotous party erupted without warning. Dozens of birds arrived from other parts of the farm and there was much excited hopping around and chirrupping as they helped themselves to what must surely have been a big haul of juicy earthworms and other insects that had been hiding in the soil. As the tractor continued with its work, big field egrets flew in in a blaze of white and gold to join the party!

[caption id="attachment_575" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Field egret in flight[/caption] [caption id="attachment_572" align="aligncenter" width="534"] There is food for everyone at this party![/caption]

GUEST STORIES: A Journalist's Reflections on Savista

admin — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:45:18 +0000

When we asked veteran British journalist Richard Horsman to send us a contribution to our blog, we had no doubt that we would be rewarded with a thoughtful and sensitive piece. What has pleasantly surprised us is the vividness of his memories of his stay with us. Through the last five years of Savista’s existence, Richard has remained a friend and supporter of the idea of Savista. It is people like him who make it worthwhile for us to keep Savista open to cultural explorers arriving on the sands of Rajasthan drawn, like travelers through the ages, to this amazingly diverse, often disturbing, yet ever fascinating and overwhelming country.

______________________

Reflections on Savista

Our family trip to India came at a very special time. For me, a significant birthday. For my wife and I, the realisation that our two boys would soon be going their separate ways. Our elder son Alex was poised to start university, the younger boy Daniel about to embark on the exams that would shape his future.

I've been a journalist, and more recently a trainer of journalists, for thirty years. Most of my front line experience was in West Yorkshire, mainly in Bradford, one of the most fascinating and diverse cities in the UK. Much of that diversity comes from a large and dynamic South Asian community. Originally these migrants were attracted to Bradford by the lure of jobs in the woollen industry. Their descendants are now taking the lead in business, politics, education and cultural activities.

The city offered a young journalist in the 1980s fascinating glimpses of another world.

I would be invited to cover Diwali and Eid celebrations in makeshift temples and mosques often hidden away in dreary back streets - but once inside I was welcomed into a world of colour and spice and fragrance a million miles from my northern English experience.

As the communities grew in confidence the Bradford Mela was established, at its height the biggest celebration of South Asian culture in Europe. Restaurants would compete to create tempting and delicious treats for the event, often served in extravagant surroundings - one restaurant built a 'Maharaja's palace' on the Victorian boating lake in Lister Park. Another commissioned a life-size sculpture of an elephant to lead the Mela parade through Yorkshire cast iron gates surmounted with fibreglass tigers.

And yet I knew what I saw was a pale reflection of the real India and Pakistan.

Watching the dancers in the park sheltering under umbrellas to keep the September rain off their costumes. Gazing at the Sunday promenade of women and girls heading for the Mela in fabulous brightly-coloured saris ... but with sensible shoes in place of dainty sandals to cope with the mud, the whole ensemble topped off with a Marks and Spencer's cardigan to keep the Yorkshire winds at bay.

It wasn't .. quite .. right.

I began to dream of seeing the real India. Things got in the way. Life, mainly. Setting up our first home, getting a car, preparing for children, sorting out their education, getting on at work. Something was always a greater priority for our money, our time, our attention. Suddenly I was middle aged and I'd never been to India. So I decided to do something about it.

We'd been warned over and over but it's true. Visiting India for the first time isn't a holiday, it's an experience. Nothing can prepare for the three-dimensional reality of the hustle and bustle, the noise, the smells, the strangeness, the wealth and poverty side by side. Above all the throng of people, people everywhere doing stuff westerners would expect to be done by a machine. We tried to combine the touristy and the authentic. It was hectic.

Our trip started in Delhi and followed the 'golden triangle' route. We'd chosen a guest house in Delhi for our first stop. I'll always remember the ride in the beaten up taxi, the willing hands to carry the luggage and the houseboy sitting in his kitchen, not a yard from us behind a curtain, in case we wanted anything. I wasn't ready for the plumbing or the power cuts.

Agra, and we faced the opposite extreme. A five-star tourist hotel with every opulence money could buy. It felt like a Disney set. The plumbing was perfect, the lights stayed on, but it felt so false, looking around the dining room, to see Europeans, Americans and Japanese being waited on by Indians without a single Indian guest. The cooking was rich, the service faultless, the experience a sham. Worth it for the Taj Mahal, but not a part of my dream.

That began to be realised when we arrived at Savista. Our driver didn't know where it was. Most tourists staying in Jaipur headed for hotels which were clones of the one we'd seen in Agra. Most tourists didn't stay in one place for six nights. He was a bit bemused, and I began to worry I'd made a mistake.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

From the moment we drove through the gate, welcomed by a turbaned doorman, we began to relax.

First impressions were that the website pictures don't do justice to the haveli itself. It's an impressive building, a renovation project in progress, so it lacks the uncanny perfection of a film set, but every detail of the work has been carefully thought through. The arches of the original open gallery outside our room were glazed to provide a cool sitting area which would also be pleasantly warm in winter. The earthenware pitcher of water drawn from Savista's own well was cooled naturally by evaporation, the first time I'd tasted cool, sweet, fresh water (as opposed to a chilled mineral product in a plastic bottle) for over a week. Our room was tastefully furnished with original antiques, and was air conditioned .. but we only needed a short blast of artificial cooling each evening. The fans and the architecture did the rest. Such a contrast to the hermetically sealed rooms of the tourist hotels.

It was time for dinner and a short walk through the grounds, our path lit by firepots, brought us to the dining area under a canopy. These evening meals were probably the most enjoyable part of our stay. We enjoyed the excellent home style cooking - real Indian vegetarian cuisine, not some hybrid version adapted to western tastes, and not over-rich or complicated.

Beyond normal dinner table small talk we also appreciated the many open and intelligent conversations we shared with our host Bhanwar. He'd address the usual tourist concerns, of course, but he also took the time to put out observations and experiences in context each day by helping us understand more about the Indian way of life. We began to relax more when receiving the close attention of Savista's numerous staff as he explained how revenue generated by the resort provided vital employment which underpinned the economic structure of the surrounding villages. Even water from the swimming pool is recycled to irrigate neighbouring farmland. Savista is truly at the heart of its community.

It's important to appreciate that Savista is so much more than just another option for an overnight stop. It's more a destination in its own right.

Only after the first day or so could we appreciate the touches which made us feel like welcome house guests rather than paying visitors. The little things. The way the staff turned down the beds at just the time they knew we would want an afternoon siesta. On the second day our sunloungers by the pool were made ready with fresh towels in just the spot we preferred .. the shades over the courtyard had been specially adjusted to suit. I developed a taste for sweet lime and soda, and one was always brought to me unbidden (along with a cool towel) as soon as we arrived back from sightseeing. I'm sure they never appeared on the bill. Neither was there any charge for the smiles on the faces of staff who took a real pride in doing their jobs well.

Savista is quirky, and that only adds to its charm. The numerous power cuts send staff scurrying for matches and candles and fuses and switches - but it's only moments until calm is restored. Not everyone speaks English (but then my Hindi is appalling) so an ingenious chalk board system allows requests to be written on a slate, then taken away to be interpreted by someone who understands.

Savista also has great potential for the future. Looking out over the gardens to the rear Bhanwar told us of plans for live music and dance events, for enhancing the spa facilities and for integrating programmes of yoga and meditation into stays for those who would enjoy such a break. There was even talk of a golf course.

In summary the Savista Retreat offered us our most relaxed experience of the real India. It was the most memorable part of our Indian adventure. My only regret was we never took the opportunity (which was offered) to spend a night sleeping on the roof under the canopy of stars. That can be a dream for another day.

Richard Horsman

Richard now teaches postgraduate journalism at Leeds Trinity University in the UK. You can read his blog http://richardhorsman.com and follow him on Twitter as @leedsjourno.

_______________________________

Richard and Ruth and their sons Alex and Daniel are treasured members of Savista’s extended family of guests and friends, and guests-as-friends. They were among our earliest guests, arriving purely on faith. Savista had just begun its new life as a hotel that year, and by the time spring came along we had a mere fledgling presence on the internet. All that the Horsman family had to base their judgement on was our website. And a few online reviews posted by some supportive happy guests. As Richard’s post describes, their Indian holiday - rather, "experience" - came at the end of years of waiting and dreaming. It was also a major family occasion, a marker of sorts. One can imagine how much they must have hoped that all their choices would turn out right.

One of the online reviews must have mentioned that the pool had not been functional on the one or two days that that particular guest had stayed. Those were the days when we were totally dependent on the state electricity supply system, and could fill our pool only when electricity was supplied to farmers – erratic at most times – for running irrigation pumps. State electricity policy in India has always favoured urban/industrial needs over rural populations and farming imperatives. A few days before they were to arrive, a worried Ruth wrote to us, referring to the review, and asking earnestly whether they would have the pool for use. We sent her a resounding yes, and no further questions were asked or doubts expressed.

The family that arrived proved to be just the kind of travelers that Savista loves to welcome. Intellectually curious and extremely well informed, culturally sensitive and eager for enquiry and conversation. They did all the city sights and explored the rural location that they had chosen, with equal enthusiasm. And since returning home, they have kept in touch through the years by email and on Facebook.

The family has crossed significant goalposts since they visited us. Ruth, a computer analyst who specialises in managing databases, completed her degree in Psychology from the Open University as a mature student in the year that the family visited Savista. Ruth also has a deep passion for reading which inspired the boys to love books. As the family’s India holiday planner, she made sure that they all arrived remarkably well read on the country. Alex graduated in computer science from Cambridge this year; he has opted for an academic career, and has just been appointed to a research assistantship at his department in Cambridge. Daniel will join Bradford University this Fall to embark on a degree in civil engineering. One of the things that the course will offer him is the option of a year abroad; and Daniel is seriously considering spending that year working in India (a fallout of his visit to India, his parents believe). If this happens, he can be assured of having Savista as a second home, for holidays or even just simple R and R. It would be a pleasure to host a younger generation Horsman ‘Friend of Savista’ and, incidentally, also have him see that things at Savista have moved beyond the days of uncertain power supply that Richard amusingly - and indulgently - describes!

In the interim years, Savista has commissioned its own private electricity sub-station and now has 24 hour electricity with the back up of inverters and two diesel operated generators. We still have matchboxes and candles, but now use them to light up the courtyard in the evenings so we can enjoy the starlit sky without the interference of bright electric lights. Retreats around special interests and block printing workshops have been integrated into the cultural offerings. And there is much else besides, such as high speed internet (we can now offer our guests free wifi), a re-designed pool and restaurant, etc. The slates and chalk are still in place to facilitate communication, even though there is an intercom system! Our staff now speak a little English… enough to delight our guests with warm greetings.

But we still remain the “quirky” place that Richard found. Very much a place where travelers can expect to experience India, “differently”.

IN JAIPUR AUTUMN SETS IN. AND AT SAVISTA THE PARIJAT BEGINS TO BLOOM.

admin — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:35:26 +0000

October and November - the all-too-brief autumn months in Rajasthan - are among the best months of year to be in Jaipur. At Savista, the weather is perfect. There is a delicate chill in the air, a thick carpet of early morning dew makes the spider webs in the grass glitter like diamonds, and the hibiscus flowers lining the pathways shine and sparkle.

This morning we brought in the first blooms of the Parijat. As we write this sitting in the front office, the whole space is redolent with the perfume of the beautiful small white and coral flowers sitting in an antique lamp below the wooden sculpture of the Ashtavinayaka (Ganesha) on the wall.

It is interesting that the Parijat’s blooming has come late this year. In a usual year, the flowering begins in August and more or less coincides with the petering off of the rains. With the gradual onset of autumn, the tree becomes heavy with blooms and by around mid-December, when the coldest season of the year sets in, the flowers stop appearing. During these four months of autumnal weather - one of the best seasons in Rajasthan - the Parijat’s fragrance suffuses the night and early morning air.

But this year saw an unusual monsoon season in our part of the country. The rains began earlier than usual, were heavier than usual, and the season more prolonged than usual, so it was end-September when we received the signal of the impending end of the monsoon, and the accompanying gift of the rainbow (that we reported in our last post ).

Suddenly this week – well into October - we had a storm and what seemed like the final seasonal signal. It rained heavily through the evening and night, and the next morning when we woke up it was to clear skies and a sharp nip in the air. Autumn had set in. And out in the front garden we discovered that the Parijat tree, that had started a hesitant flowering a few days earlier, was already as if overnight weighed down with flowers... Nature making up for lost time...

Incidentally, the flower is the inspiration for one of our garden rooms which is called the Parijat; it is decorated in fuschia and coral, offset by mango yellow and silver grey.

The aromatic and exquisitely beautiful and delicate Parijat flower is celebrated in Indian folklore and mythology. The Parijat tree is worshipped in India as a celestial tree that was brought down from the heavens through divine intervention. It is a symbol of eternal purity and goodness, one of the many things – good and bad - that were thrown up when the oceans were churned during an epic battle between the gods and the demons, the samudramanthan ("churning of the ocean of milk") symbolic of the never-ending struggle between good and evil. Indra – the king of the gods – wanting to have monopoly control of the tree, carried it away to his own paradise, and it was only due to the efforts of Lord Krishna that the tree was brought down to earth and today continues to delight human hearts.

The Parijat’s intriguing quality of flowering only during the night, and the flowers falling to the ground before the first rays of the sun, has spawned many beautiful myths. One is that the flowers are voluntarily offering themselves to Mother Earth in worship. For this reason, the Parijat flower is associated with the worship of Durga the Earth Mother, and is the only flower that is permitted to be picked up from the ground to be offered in worship (as against the injunction that flowers used in worship must be freshly plucked from the plant).

[caption id="attachment_734" align="aligncenter" width="2592"] Parijat flowers at sunrise[/caption]

Incidentally, today is the culmination of the nine day Puja festival – also called Durga Puja and Navratri - an important Hindu religious festival worshipping the Mother Goddess. It is celebrated across India. Today is celebrated as the Tenth Day of Victory ( Vijayadasami), symbolising the victory of Durga also known as Shakti, over the forces of evil (Shakti in Sanskrit means "energy", the "creative principle in nature"). In essence, Navratri or Durga Puja is a nine day period of prayer and single-minded focus to cleanse ourselves of our own negativities. The tenth day is the day of annual renewal, the day of auspicious beginnings, the beginning of new learnings (vidyaarambham).

There is also the romantic myth of the princess Parijataka who is believed to have fallen in love with the sun god. Despite all her efforts to win his love, she was rejected by him. Heartbroken, she committed suicide and from her ashes sprang a tree with the most beautiful and fragrant flowers. Unable to stand the sight of the heartless lover, the flowers bloom only at night and fall to the ground like tear drops before the sun rises.

As with almost all trees and flowers that are traditionally grown around homes and temples in India, in the case of the Parijat too the flowers, leaves, bark, seeds and fruits are all prized for their multiple functions, including medicinal - immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal - properties. Native medicines are made from them in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition. The flowers are also used in homeopathic medicine. Oil from the flower is extracted as perfume. And the colours of the flower – brilliant white petals with orange-red centres and a glowing orange-red tube – were traditionally used to dye the yellow silk and cotton robes worn by Hindu priests and Buddhist monks.

The Parijat is native to south Asia, and can also be found across south-east Asia. It is the official flower of the Kanchanaburi province of Thailand (called Karanikaa in Thai), and the state flower of the Indian state of West Bengal (called Shefali in Bengali).

________________

Some botanical information about the Parijat (source Wikipedia):

Botanical name: Nyctanthes arbortristis (night flowering jasmine) also called coral jasmine;

Kingdom: Plantae

Unranked: Angiosperms;

Unranked: Eudicots;

Unranked: Asterids;

Order: Lamialis;

Family: Oleacelae;

Genus: Nyctanthes;

Species: N.arbortristis

It is classified as a shrub or small tree, growing to 10 m tall with a flaky grey bark. The leaves are opposite, simple, 6 to 12 cm long and 2 to 6.5 cm broad. The flowers have a 5 to 8 lobed white corolla with an orange-red centre; they are produced in clusters of 2 to 7 flowers, with individual flowers opening at dusk and finishing at dawn. The fruit is a flat brown heart-shaped or round capsule, 2 cm diameter with two sections, each containing a single seed. The tree is sometimes called the "tree of sorrow", because the flowers lose their brightness during day; the scientific name arbor-tristis also means "sad tree".

Extracts of the seeds, bark, leaves and flowers possess immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antileishmanial, antiviral and antifungal activities in vitro. The leaves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine and Homoeopathic medicine for sciatica, arthritis, fevers, for various painful conditions, and as a laxative. The flowers and leaves are ingredients in Assamese food recipes.

Flowering Trees of Jaipur: The Winter Flowering Siamese Cassia at Savista

admin — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:38:24 +0000

[caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="2592"] Flowers of the Senna Siamea overhanging the lily pool at Savista[/caption]

The numerous Siamese Cassia (Senna Siamea) trees on the Savista estate have burst into full bloom with the onset of late autumn and the early signs of winter, one of the best seasons in Rajasthan. And everywhere the golden glow of the flowers is lighting up the gardens, and acting as a powerful magnet for our birds and butterflies who come for the rich nectar.

The major flowering season starts at the end of the rains and stops in December. Since the rains ended late this year, the flowering has reached its peak in just the last few weeks. Hopefully, it will go on for longer. There is another shorter flowering season in May. For the rest of the year, the tree remains heavily clothed in rich green leaves, with the odd flower cluster peeping through but nowhere near as exhuberant as it is now. The fruits ripen in late February.

It is a small to medium sized tree, upto 15 to 20 metres tall, with a low branching high crown. The leaves are dark green and shining and the flowers are golden yellow with brown slightly curved pods that grow in dense clusters at the end of the shoot. The tree is an evergreen and provides shade relief in the hot summer months. Being fast growing, shady and decorative, it is a good choice for planting along avenues and roadsides. At Savista, our Siamese Cassia trees stand along with Gulmohurs (which flower in extravagant clusters of red and orange through the summer) and Neem trees (whose fragrant creamy flower clusters appear through the spring) to create a shade belt around the haveli. We have observed, however, that unlike the Gulmohur and Neem, the heavily leaved branches of the Siamese Cassia are unable to take the fury of the Rajasthan monsoon storms, and although the tree itself stands firm, its branches break easily with strong winds.

The tree is native to south and south east Asia - India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Indonesia , Malaysia and Thailand - although its first home is believed to be Thailand; hence its name. Several places in Thailand are named after it and it is the provincial tree of the Chaiyaphum province. Its flowers, fruits and leaves are used extensively in Thai, Burmese and Sri Lankan cooking, with the waters draining out from them being removed a few times during the cooking process to get rid of the toxins. The tree is valued across the Asian region for its medicinal properties, particularly as a tranquilising and hypnotic agent. The wood - greyish in colour - is highly prized for Chinese furniture making.

The tree is also known as Blackwood Cassia, Bombay Blackwood, Thai copper pod, Thailand shower, and Kassod tree (English), Johor, Juwara (south east Asian languages), and Kassod, Seemia, Kesariya shyam (Hindi).

Botanical name: Senna Siamea Family: Caesalpiniaceae / Fabaceae (gulmohur family). It is a legume.

Interesting websites on related themes: www.projectnoah.org - a tool to explore and document wildlife and a platform to harness the power of citizen scientists everywhere; www.flowersofindia.net - a work-in-progress compendium of flowers of India, including trees, grasses, medicinal plants, flowers in ancient Indian literature, etc.; www.08hachi.blogspot.in - Flora Fauna World - about flora, fauna, Latin names, and images

GUEST STORIES: Reflections of a Mind-Body Healing Practitioner

admin — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 14:47:34 +0000

Stuart Robertson runs a yoga-physiotherapy teaching-studio-cum-therapy practice in Hampshire called 1-2-1 Yogatherapy where he integrates physiotherapy and yoga in his work with children and adults. His special passion is teaching yoga to and working with children with disabilities. Given the toll that modern living takes on the body and mind, his Healthy Spine clinic ought also to be of special interest to lots of people.

Stuart's story of his own professional and personal journey is fascinating. Starting off as a qualified PE teacher and working both in England and overseas, he went on to become a chartered physiotherapist and do an M.S. in physiotherapy. As he puts it, " my physiotherapy path has been one of challenge and discovery. The more I knew the more I knew I didn't know!" He went on to traverse the entire gamut - from being a sports physiotherapist for international rugby and cricket teams, to being the clinical specialist for a chronic pain department within the NHS, and a senior paediatric physiotherapist. In between these various posts, he ran a private practice for 10 years in Somerset, and also toured the world teaching about his speciality , myofascial release. He then went on to add the armoury of yoga to his understanding of anatomy and physiology, becoming a fully qualified yoga teacher in addition to all his previous roles. The combining of the science of yoga with the science of physiotherapy, was the culmination of his longstanding interest in eastern philosophy and in integrating 'mind and body' type work into a more holistic approach to his physiotherapy practice. He spells out his credo thus:

"If you want to be whole, you must first be partial. If you want to be straight, you must first be crooked. If you want to be full, first become empty. If you don't try to be something, people will see themselves in you. If you don't have a goal you will always succeed."

After a day or two of soaking in the atmosphere at Savista, Stuart had this to say about the place:

"What are your expectations of coming to Savista?

Have you come for the peace and tranquility? Have you come for tasty food? Have you come to explore the real india free from the hustle and bustle of the city life?

Why not dig a bit deeper and explore yourself? Savista provides the space, time and energy for just that. The real voyage of discovery does not involve seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Having run retreats in the UK some 10 years ago, I can not think of a better venue than the Savista Retreat.

What would you need to consider? What you are aware of, you are in control of, what you are not aware of is in control of you! Awareness holds the key to any personal insight or transformation.

But awareness of what? Your physical body, your thoughts, your emotions, your diet, your lifestyle? All are intertwined and interdependent. So addressing just one of the above is unlikely to bring about lasting change that you may be hoping for.

Acceptance of this concept of how mind and body are inextricably interlinked does not sit comfortably in a society that looks for the simple quick fix. A solution to all our ills can be found in the global market place somewhere( or so we are led to believe ), rarely do we look internally for a solution to our problems, whether they be physical mental or emotional.

The idea of acceptance of the present moment and circumstance is resisted and rejected by many in the face of such perceived global resources. But transformation and change is driven from within. We have the resources, it is a question of looking with new eyes, and directing and guiding the focus of attention of these new eyes in a mindful manner.

Acceptance, letting go, development of inner strength and self control can be nurtured and understood at the deepest of levels through a mindful practice, whether that be through physical exercise in the form of yoga, or practice of stillness and insight through meditation.

I cannot think of a more inspiring place to take the first step in bringing about purposeful and meaningful change in your life than in the natural tranquil setting and surroundings of Savista! Retreat, reflect and reply!

Stuart Robertson Human being, at least in my time at Savista!"

____________________________________________

Stuart may be contacted at:

1 Curzon Place, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 8DS;

Phone: 07739 548276,

Email: stuart@1-2-1yogatherapy.co.uk

Website: http://www.1-2-1yogatherapy.co.uk/

_____________________________________

The Robertson family - Stuart and Joanne and their children Cameron (12) and Francesca (11) - have been among our most recent guests. Like the majority of people who choose Savista, they are not tourists, but cultural explorers. In India for three weeks, at the end of two years of planning and dreaming, they are here to savour the country... slowly... in bite-sized doses... to simply observe...to ask questions...to listen.... Rather than rushing around to see every monument and buying every ethnic artefact, they are consciously seeking out cultural learnings, and remaining open to serendipitous interactions with people. Obviously, it is the parents who are setting the agenda; but it is lovely to see how the children are equal enthusiastic partners in this approach to travel and to life.

Joanne is a former ballet dancer who now works with a publishing house that publishes specialist consumer magazines, including Whisky Magazine, Scotland Magazine, and The Drinks Report.com. Cameron and Francesca are avid cricketeers, both representing their English County of Hampshire on the under-13 and under-12 teams, respectively. Although Cameron does yoga (like his father) and Francesca learns ballet (taking after her mother), it is cricket that is the shared family passion. They participated enthusiastically in cricket matches held at Savista on nearly every day of their stay, playing with village youth, Savista staff, and random visitors from Jaipur. They watched the Bollywood film Lagaan and cheered for the Indian village cricket team throughout. And by the time they left, they had quite won the hearts of all at Savista. We wish them well for their onward journey through western Rajasthan and a safe flight home.

GUEST STORIES: India-England Cricket Match at Savista Hotel

admin — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 16:41:30 +0000

[gallery ids="774,773,772,771,770"] It was England and India playing cricket at Savista! Savista's brand new cricket pitch - the latest addition to its many features - was inaugurated by a T-10 match played by two mixed India-England teams captained by two of Savista's guests, Francesca (11) and her brother Cameron (12). Francesca is an under-12 player for Hampshire County, and Cameron also plays in his County's under-13 team. They were joined by the village team of Savista's village Sanjharia, by some of Savista's staff, and Stuart, Francesca and Cameron's father.

The final incentive for Savista's new initiative of creating a cricket pitch - long under consideration, but never ever actually implemented until this winter - came from Stuart, who had written to ask if his children, who were "nuts about cricket", would get opportunities to play during the family's stay at Savista. We decided to activate the village cricket team that one of Savista's owners had been invited to inaugurate a year earlier. And low and behold! On the appointed day, at the appointed hour, the village team arrived, and after the introductions and some practice play, the match began.

Cameron (12 yrs), when invited to contribute to the Savista blog, sent us the photos published here and the following commentary:

"Cameron's team won the toss and chose to bowl first. The opening batsmen were Tony and Raju, Raju scored a superb 26 and with Vimal scoring 27, the team went onto score 89 bowled out in the last.

With this high score it would have been a hard task to win. However it came really close with Cameron scoring a great 22 runs and the team scoring a total of 60 runs. One of the highlights was Tony's great bowling taking 2 wickets.What a game!!!!!"

GUEST STORIES: Hiking Trails Around Savista: Art Work by a Young Cartographer

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 03:50:54 +0000

Eleven year old Francesca's contribution to the Savista blog takes the form of a map of one of the hiking trails around Savista. The big day of the England-India cricket match (described by Francesca's brother Cameron in the previous post) began for the two cricket captains and their parents with a cross country walk in the environs of Savista. They walked through green fields of young wheat, garden peas and mustard. As they wandered through the countryside in the bright winter sunshine, they also got to see buffaloes, goats and haystacks, and had the chance to exchange greetings with passing villagers. Francesca drew a map of the hiking trail that they followed. The young cartographer chose to embellish it with illustrations and commentary. Future guests at Savista would no doubt enjoy planning their hikes with the help of her sketch.

GUEST STORIES: Designing for a More Harmonious World

admin — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 07:53:18 +0000

Carol Miltimore is one of the many designers travelling through India whom we have had the pleasure to host. She works with natural fibres, natural dyes, and traditional craftspersons to create beautiful clothes that satisfy, both, the urge for fashion and the yearning for harmony with nature and ordinary people. When she arrived at Savista, she quickly won everybody over by speaking in Hindi and smilingly namaste-ing everybody by way of greeting accompanied by her tinkling laughter, and amazed - and endeared herself to - the kitchen staff by asking for rotis with her breakfast egg instead of toast! But beneath that lightness of being, one could discern a tremendous clarity of focus, steely work ethic, and relentless search for richness of meaning. Every day she would return from her day's work in Bagru, tired but happy, hands deeply coloured and hair filled with the grime of the day's printing labours. At the communal dinners, she was always ready for serious conversation, always asking questions, always seeking to engage... On the last day of her stay when she showed us the results of her experiments that she had systematically documented, we extracted a promise from her that she would write something for Savista's blog about this watershed trip, which marks a bend in the river of her life...a transition from being a designer for a large studio to being a designer with her own label...a promise that she gave willingly. _________________________ Carol Miltimore December 15, 2013 Savista Retreat, Bagru, and India Since my years in college, something in me always had an urge to travel to India and more specifically work with artisans there. Something drew me to the culture as well as to the long history and trade of textiles. For years I made some small attempts, but honestly it remained but a dream for I was equally as scared of the journey. Finally, I decided that enough was enough. I left my job and bought a one-way ticket. Though I in no way find that to be an original start to a journey to India. It seems that it is one of those countries where, if the undefined pull exists in someone, it inspires a ticket there for an undetermined amount of time. I ended up in India for three months on my first trip, where I participated in a month long artist residency, met with some artisans, and traveled a great deal. I still got equally challenged as well as inspired along the way. In the end, after a car accident, infection of my intestines and stomach, and a traumatic motorcycle accident that resulted in a trip to the government- run hospital, I ended my journey earlier than originally planned, yet still sad to leave all the same. One might think that after all of that I wouldn’t want to journey back, at least for some time. Yet I knew I had to go back. By the time I returned about a year later, I was on my way to starting my own business working with various artisans, in particular the block printers of Bagru, thus this is what brought me to Savista Retreat. Staying at Savista Retreat while working in Bagru felt incredibly special and was an experience unlike any I had had in India thus far. What first stands out to me are the people who took me in so warmly. In the evenings we would walk down to dinner past jasmine and hydrangea bushes and throughout the meal I’d always learn something new about the history of India, textiles, Savista, or any number of topics. It’s true for most places and experiences that it is the people that last the longest as part of the fond memories. People and places that touch you have a way of becoming a part of you and you in turn take a piece of them with you. India is such a place of extremes; wealth and poverty, beauty and garbage, insanity and serenity, noise and quiet. While there are always going to be people to be wary of, one thing that instills such love of India for me is the people. For, when you meet the right ones, their warmth and kindness exceeds all else as they make you feel a part of their family. This is true for several people I’ve come to know in India, including the community at Savista. A particular experience that felt unique to any other I had yet in India was being able to go for a walk before sunset into the surrounding countryside of Savista. Along the way, passing an old goat herder and then happening upon a village that felt removed from anything else going in the world, though I’m sure they probably all still had cell phones. The people were indifferent to the presence of my friend and me, not particularly caring about us wondering into their space, hanging out, taking pictures as well as talking and laughing with the children. We became mesmerized by how adorable the baby goats were trying out their legs with jumping and the children became equally as mesmerized by us taking pictures of what seemed like everyday life to them. The hazy sun was glowing red on the parched land and our nostrils were filled with the smoky and spicy Rajasthan air. In no way did we idealize the harshness of life in the village but their smiles were magical and we left feeling deeply touched by them. Not far from Savista is the community of Bagru, which is famous for it’s block printers who have been doing work there for over 350 years. There’s an area there where nearly every house has some sort of block printing facility or table so it really is ingrained within their way of life. I work with a group of artisans who go by Bagru Textiles, the head of which is Vijendra. Vijendra, his wife Santosh and his two children, Yash and Chehika, are another family who make me feel incredibly welcomed. When I went last time, the block carvers in town had carved my designs out of wood so that when I arrived I could immediately start printing. I was taught about the process and technique but really spent the bulk of my time experimenting with the different outcomes of natural dyes. While chemical dyes are most common in this day in age, the truth is they are toxic and pollute the water and land. Natural dyes limit you in color range as well as to results of color placement on prints yet it all began with these dyes made from various roots, flowers, and metals so it feels more authentic. In addition, it causes much less harm to the environment and the people handling them. Like India, they never cease to challenge you, but in that the results feel more rewarding. My background is that of a painter and for the last 10 years a fashion designer in New York City. I feel happier, more alive and more inspired by being in a place like Bagru where I am accepted into homes and peoples lives with numerous cups of chai, am challenged, learn something new in the process, and get to utilize crafts that date back for many generations which are embedded into a culture and world. Thus I’m beginning to create a line that collaborates with artisans to produce goods for the western market in a way that brings transparency and consideration to the process, community and people involved. I never know how a day will unfold in India or what results will yield from a natural dye batch. Nothing ever seems to go according to plan and in that space there is room created for the unexpected. It’s not easy but if it was it would never be nearly as fulfilling or expanding. It is the people, the unexpected of every day, the textiles, the color, sights, sounds, and textures and the rawness of being which continues to draw me to India. Through all of that, it becomes even more of a blessing to stay at a place such as Savista Retreat.

GUEST STORIES: WinterSavista 2013

admin — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 10:13:19 +0000

Beautiful memories inserted into the new Chapter of my guide book. Savista always in Winter, 2013: Jaipur - Rajasthan, India. A special edition in the collection that lies forever; the biggest discoveries uncovered during my stay. All priceless... [caption id="attachment_845" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] Starting a new chapter in 2014 with friendship and love[/caption] [caption id="attachment_837" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] Early morning discovery of secret beauty of mustard flower in winter[/caption] [caption id="attachment_838" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] From the color combination to the placement, each item in the haveli catches your eye[/caption] [caption id="attachment_839" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] Plants and flowers bring the joy of nature into the haveli[/caption] [caption id="attachment_840" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] Elegance of white throughout the haveli[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] Collection of books in the library[/caption]

GUEST STORIES: Block Printing on Holiday

admin — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 10:45:07 +0000

One of the most memorable holiday trips. A 10-day trip that focused on printing patterns on fabric using traditional printing technique i.e. hand-block printing, and turning them into cushion covers. The prints were inspired by travels through Middle East, the love for Islamic motifs, patterns and and basic colors. 4 patterns: 1) 'Hamsa' the palm (protection from the evil eye), 2) 'Umayyad' for geometric print, 3) 'Isfahan' for vessel cutouts found in the Ali Qapu music room in Iran and 4) 'Maroc' for the elegant blue white porcelain plate from Morocco. At the brilliant suggestion of Savista, wooden blocks were carved ahead of time which enabled me to print the cushions using the custom blocks. Like a true amateur, I underestimated the complexity of the printing process at the beginning. As I delved deeper, anxiety and mild stress began building up. How do you achieve perfection in an entirely hand-made/ nature-driven traditional printing process? Achieving that precise turquoise color, the desired shade of sky blue that depends on hand-dye, was impossible. The delay in the delivery of custom wooden block. A couple of cloudy days that disabled almost the entire printing process that relies on sunlight and dry air. Those moments/ days were rather agonising but they quickly gave way to understanding and appreciation of a traditional craft and a cottage industry challenged by modern-day factories. What's more, spending most of our time in the workshop (more like small factory, not the corporate workshop as we understand) alongside the printers and its owners, we began to bond with them... at the beginning over cookies, muruku snacks, chai, Fuji instax sessions, candies. Then we started tasting their on-site cooked lunch, learning to wear the saris that they were making, visiting their home and mingling with the women and children at home and taking rides on their bikes as we shuttled between the workshop and the stitcher's workshop. Ellie even remembered the way to the workshop from our retreat 30 mins away, located in the middle of a village/ farm with no street signs, after only 4 days! We missed the workshop! It is an experience and memory that would stay for a long long time, made possible by gracious hosts Bhanwar and Radhika's help. This trip will inspire me to make more activity-based holidays.

Guest Stories: A Working Holiday at Savista

admin — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 09:51:52 +0000

When Ling Choo Tan wrote to us from China to say that she wished to be at Savista for ten days to do block printing, and that she would prefer to drive straight here from Delhi international airport and drive straight back for her flight back to China at the end of her stay, we were impressed. We expected to see a hard-nosed businessperson totally obsessed about getting bales of fabric printed with a view to her next sales. Was Indian block printed fabric so big in China, we wondered? Or would it be for re-exporting stitched garments, given that China was famously flooding world markets with manufactured goods? Soon, Ling was sending us sketches of her own designs and sounding anxious about whether she would be able to see those designs realised on fabric before the end of her mere ten day stay. So we offered to get her blocks hand-carved in advance of her arrival to help her meet her target. It was sounding more and more like a business trip. The persons who arrived - Ling and her good friend Ellie - turned out to be two very young, very charming, and totally non-business travellers. Although suffering from sleep deficit - they had checked in in the wee hours of the morning after a long drive from Delhi through the winter fog - they were up for breakfast bright eyed and bushy tailed, exploring the grounds, asking about the trees and shrubs, and exclaiming over the birds. Breaking into irrepressible laughter every few minutes, they told us that they were actually here to pilot a new resolve: to make every vacation a new cultural experience, with some practical learning and exploration as its core. In this case, it was to learn Jaipur block printing, while living in a rural environment. The aesthetic at Savista had attracted them, as also the prospect of being in a pure natural environment, eating Indian vegetarian food, and digging deep into their micro-Indian encounter. Although this was their first trip to India, India itself was not new to them. As Malaysian citizens of Chinese origin they had grown up in an ethnically diverse environment, and were familiar with things Indian. Besides, both were widely travelled. But how essentially - and laudably - Chinese they were, became evident very quickly as, over the next ten days, we witnessed the famous Chinese work ethic at work. Every morning, the two young women would be out like a shot, spend the whole day at the print workshop and return only by day's end. By the end of their stay, they had not only printed out fabric to their hearts' content, they had also participated in the dyeing and washing of their own fabric, helped in dyeing and drying other orders that the printer was working on, and got all their output stitched and ready for use. At our urging, they graciously even put up an exhibition of their work at Savista on the morning before their departure! Ling's post "Blockprinting on Holiday" is a wonderful account of their working holiday, along with some pictures of her work. They limited sightseeing and shopping in Jaipur to the two half days that the master printer had declared as free days (because he had other business to attend to). And even on those two days they could not resist returning to their "workplace" in the evenings, just to gaze at their unfinished work and say hello to their work colleagues! Although Ellie had hopped on to the trip late in its planning stage and had not arrived with her own designs, she proved just as productive as Ling, using the readymade blocks available with the printer. When she left for home, it was with beautiful accessories for her bedroom (pictured here). As a skilled photographer, she created beautiful visuals of their work, the workshop environment, the printing and dyeing processes, and the interiors of Savista, making them up into exquisite collages, some of which she has contributed to the Savista blog in her post "WinterSavista" (see previous two posts) .

Guest Stories: "Another View of Savista "

admin — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:10:42 +0000

Even while Ellie was clicking Savista in exhuberant colour and composing her collages (see previous post titled "WinterSavista"), Christopher Edwards was amusing himself with creating yet "another view of Savista" as he called it. Christopher and Mona Edwards were at Savista for an extended vacation over Christmas and the new year. Apart from a couple of short excursions into the city, they seemed content to spend their time in and around the property - reading, watching films, going for walks, napping on the rooftop, visiting blockprinters in Bagru... Very quickly they settled into being a gentle and comfortable presence in our midst. Being French but of Tunisian origin, Mona - a scientist who works in the Geography Laboratory at Oxford University - confessed to feeling totally at home in the semi desert ambience of Rajasthan, and perhaps even experiencing a twinge of nostalgia for the land of her childhood. Christopher took many many pictures of Savista, and being an IT wizard proceeded to experiment with different softwares to create the most amazing effects on them. We are grateful to him for giving us a totally new and exciting visual feel of Savista through a selection of effects - such as etchings on parchment, marble effects,old Victorian postcards, and mysterious colour effects. We present below a small selection from his unique "creations" in the form of collages put together very kindly by Ellie. When Christopher is not doing his day job in IT, he plays the trumpet, and also teaches and performs across the Oxford and Berkshire region under the banner of Trumpet Voluntary. He comes from a family of British brass and military band players that goes back several generations. He is presently training the fourth generation in this musical tradition. Trumpet Voluntary's services include Jazz, Classical and Popular; Solo and Support ; Theatre, Orchestra, Sacred and Marching; and it performs in the U.K., France and Canada. Christopher can be contacted at: Website: www.trumpetvoluntary.com Email: Admin@trumpetvoluntary.com Tel. : +44 - 01235 - 814901

Jaipur Travel Diary: Learning hand blockprinting

admin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 08:07:58 +0000

I traveled to India for the month of August 2013, on the National Artist Teacher Fellowship, to study hand-wood block printing from the master artisans in the village of Bagru. I was so pleased to find Savista as a base to call home for my several weeks abroad. I’m an experienced printer who specializes in textile design and works as a design educator in New York City. I’ve been trained in all forms of printing, but I wanted to work with the craftspeople in a region where the art form has thrived for generations. That is how I found master printer Vijendra Chhipa and the remarkable Bagru Textiles.

Vijendra and I in his studio after printing some yardage.

Between working at Bagru Textiles and staying at Savista Retreat, I gained an extraordinary perspective on the people, crafts, and spirit of India. The best way for me to communicate my experiences is through visuals.

Here are some of my favorites moments at Bagru:

Observing the block carvers create my designs.

Printing with all natural inks

I learned Dabu, or mud resist, printing from Hemlata.

Indigo dying with Vijendra.

Watching the bangle makers! (and obviously buying a few dozen)

Drying finished products on the rooftops and taking a much needed breather.

Vijendra and his family, including Eric who is working there to help grow the Bagru Textile company and community

And here are my favorite Savista Retreat moments:

The Savista wildflowers!

Getting home from a long day of printing, climbing up to the Haveli’s roof and watching the sunset or a monsoon storm roll in.

Beautiful breakfast outside every morning...

...then a ride with Gajendra through the rural fields to the printing village of Bagru. One of the best parts about staying at Savista Retreat is getting to know the owners. I learned more about Indian culture from dinner and chai tea breaks with Radhika and Bhanwar than from any museum I visited. I learned everything from how I could eat the neem tree leaves on the property after a meal for digestion to why an statue or picture of the Hindu God Ganesh hangs over everyone’s doorways. They made sure I was completely taken care of as if I was their own daughter. They truly are the reason why Savista Retreat is so extraordinary! __________________________ It was Julie Zenobi's first trip to India. And her mission - learning hand blockprinting using traditional techniques, from master artisans of Bagru. What a place to arrive at, straight from New York...A village in the middle of northern India! It had all the ingredients of a massive culture shock! But Julie settled quickly and smoothly into her life at Savista and her daily blockprinting trips to Bagru. It helped that as a textile designer and artist, she was able to see beauty in everything around her and delight in the simple pleasures of nature. As an educator, she was curious about everything, and receptive to new learnings. And being warm, affectionate and trusting by nature, she was soon best friends with everybody in her new environment. Above all, it was Julie's work ethic which made her special. In the evenings after her return to Savista and on her days off from printing lessons, she would be in the Savista library working on her notes and designs towards the Fellowship report that she was required to present at a public event after her return. Julie not only learnt snippets of Indian history during her stay in India, she also shared with us snippets of history that we had not known of before. Upon learning that her family name Zenobi resonated with an Indian name of Persian origin - Zenobia - found among girls of the Parsi community, Julie told us a most interesting story (the Parsis of India are a community of Zoroastrians whose ancestors fled Persia centuries ago to escape conversion to Islam; they accidentally arrived in India, and have made it their home ever since). Zenobia was the queen of the kingdom of Palmyra (in modern day Syria) in the third century. A beautiful woman, fearless warrior, and ambitious monarch who adopted the title of "Empress of the East", Zenobia dared to challenge the might of Imperial Rome, but was defeated in battle. The Romans did not kill the proud queen, but shackled her in chains and brought her to Rome, there to be publicly paraded in her silks while still in chains. Some of her loyal warriors secretly made the journey to Italy in the hope of freeing their queen and helping her return to claim back her rightful kingdom. But it was never to be. Zenobia died a prisoner in Rome. And the "Zenobis" - the followers of Zenobia - lost heart and melted into the local population, settling in Umbria. Julie's parents migrated from Italy to the U.S., where their Asian association lives on in the name that they continue to carry. We thought the story beautiful enough to share with the readers of our blog, as a reminder of how closely connected we all are as citizens of this planet, whichever part of the world we may think we belong to.

Jaipur Travel Diary: When New Orleans came to Savista, All on a Mardi Gras Day

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 06:42:10 +0000

[caption id="attachment_931" align="aligncenter" width="90"] Royce Osborn[/caption] When documentary film maker Royce Osborn, his artist wife Dama, and anesthesiologist sister Dr. Irene Osborn - all hailing from New Orleans - booked into Savista for a vacation, they were doing so on the recommendation of their elder brother Alton who had stayed with us last year. Within the space of just a few months with all the Osborn siblings connecting with Savista, New Orleans and the Osborns became a part of our extended family. Alton is a man of many parts. Among them, former jazz musician and sports star and currently fashion designer, including of sports wear. He now runs a boutique fashion store in New Orleans, which is a watering hole for jazz musicians, show biz and sports celebrities, and other associates from his multiple past careers. His trip to Jaipur had been in pursuit of the magic of hand printed designs. Wandering around the chhipa mohalla (printers neighbourhood) of the village of Bagru, he felt deeply moved by the simplicity of the lives of the printers whose workshops and homes he visited, and the warmth with which they welcomed him and showed him their products and processes. He was impressed by the intricacy of their printing and dyeing methods that relied on nature - vibrant natural colours, the heat and light of the sun, and dryness of the air - and by what he saw as their struggle to preserve and sustain the integrity of their craft and way of life in the face of major odds. He also explored the community of screen printers and their techniques that he encountered in Sanganer and Jaipur. When he left, it was with the promise to return within the year, with a view to possibly pursue a collaboration with a local screen printer. All of us are familiar with the feeling of wanting to return soon to a place that we have felt a great sense of connect with. But more often than not, it doesn't happen. Alton did not come this year. But he sent us a gift instead. His wonderful siblings - Royce and Irene - and Royce's wife Dama. The warmth, friendship and affection that the younger Osborns brought into their interactions at Savista were a treasure. Their presence stimulated wide-ranging conversations about art and films, the connections between human physiology and consciousness-awareness, Nelson Mandela and the human spirit (we collectively mourned the day of Mandela's passing), New Orleans before and after Katrina... Royce and Dama had lived through the worst days of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, evacuating only briefly to L.A., and we were able to learn a great deal from them first hand about what happened at the time. Royce – the quintessential documentary writer and film maker of all aspects of New Orleans, his native city – had documented the city's cultural revival following Hurricane Katrina through his film “Walking To New Orleans” that he wrote and produced. When we exchanged goodbyes, Royce generously gifted his award winning film "All On A Mardi Gras Day" to Savista's film collection. This film which won Royce the Louisiana Filmmaker Award at the 2003 New Orleans Film and Video Festival, was broadcast nationally on PBS, and continues to be used as a teaching tool in schools and colleges. The film brings alive aspects of New Orleans' history and diversity that are not so widely known, namely the coming together of native Indian and African cultures in the face of colonialism and slavery, to forge and preserve a unique expression of their identity. "All On A Mardi Gras Day" celebrates black Carnival in New Orleans in all its riotous, colorful and spiritual glory. Incorporating classic New Orleans music, previously-unseen photographs and film footage, and interviews with major Carnival players, the film explores African-Creole Carnival traditions. These celebrations date from colonial times, and continue into the 21st century. The men and women who make Mardi Gras happen in the black community include the Indians and the Skeletons, the Baby Dolls and the Second Liners, the marching bands and flambeaux carriers, and the Kings and Queens of Zulu. The songs, stories, costumes and dance reveal a living, unique folk art culture. New Orleans has been called the “most African of cities in the United States.” These Carnival traditions clearly are rooted in an African-Caribbean-Creole culture that is unique to the Crescent City, and have had an enormous impact on the music and culture of New Orleans – and beyond. Mardi Gras — “the greatest free show on earth” — has been part of New Orleans culture for more than 200 years, and has attracted millions of visitors from around the world. But few tourists – and even natives have witnessed the culmination of the Carnival celebration that is part of the city’s black culture. Those interested in a copy of the film can write directly to Royce: Royce Osborn, www.spyboy.com

Jaipur Travel Diary: Letting Travel Change You

admin — Sat, 10 May 2014 05:15:50 +0000

In an effort to see as much of India as possible in the short time we could slip away from everyday life, we dreamt up a packed itinerary and spent plenty of time in the backseat of a car, gazing out at the villages and fields and temples dotting the landscape between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. One of my favorite parts was seeing the lorries - at truck stops, barreling down the road, deftly avoiding camel carts and brave bicyclists, and getting in the way of our car and various auto rickshaws. Like everything else in this great country, the trucks are decorated, colorful, individually beautiful and unique. I couldn’t take my eyes off them- each painted to indicate if they held an All India Permit or a state-specific one, instructions to Sound Horn or Honk Please, birds or cows or flowers on their sides. And, my favorite, the Indian flag - on every one - and the words Great India, or in very special cases, I Love My India. [caption id="attachment_945" align="aligncenter" width="5184"] On the highway[/caption] So many travelers make their way to India, each for very different reasons. I was drawn after hearing stories and seeing vignettes from friends who visited. I wanted to experience the country for myself, let it change me, and years after I first wanted to, we arrived early one morning. After ten days (much too short!), I, too, love my India. I think here, more than any other place I’ve visited, we each find something a bit different, our individual highlights making the country our own in a way. Colorful, individually beautiful, and unique, just like the trucks. -- I knew I would love Savista before I even arrived. For months, I looked forward to the blockprinting class that Bhanwar and Radhika arranged for us. When we arrived and were greeted with warm smiles and hot chai, my suspicions were confirmed. Here was a haven lovingly created over many years to help travelers delve deeper into Rajasthan, discover the local artisans, and relax. It’s hard to say what we enjoyed more - the incredible opportunity to learn about and practice the art of blockprinting with Deepak in Bagru or the amazing conversations with Bhanwar, Radhika, and their other wonderful guests over meals served in the fresh air. Getting a chance to talk about the area’s history and current events made India come alive for me in ways that reading a text or listening to an audio guide never could. It didn’t take long for me to settle in, feel at home, and wish we could stay for many more weeks. [caption id="attachment_946" align="aligncenter" width="2448"] Learning hand blockprinting[/caption] Since returning to the U.A.E., I find myself thinking of Rajasthan, Bagru, and Savista often. It’s not just that being on vacation there was relaxing since we weren’t worrying about bills or deadlines or responsibility. Savista created an atmosphere where I could pause and reflect. Savista offered a space to appreciate simplicity and that which nurtures. Savista’s landscape - especially the flowering jasmine that perfumed the air - was the perfect backdrop for the April full moon. It’s not often that you come across a place like Savista or the creative, warm, giving people in and around Bagru. Now that I know it’s there, I’m already planning my next visit. I want to learn more about printing, the surrounding villages, and life outside of Jaipur. I need a few more sunsets from the roof of Savista, and I’m pretty sure I’d love a camel cart ride along the river banks. And I definitely haven’t had my fill of chai yet! So much yet to see. [caption id="attachment_947" align="aligncenter" width="5184"] At the printer's: helping dry dyed fabric[/caption] As we were leaving Savista to travel to Kerala (with many personalised recommendations!), Radhika tucked a small package tied up in beautiful printed cloth into my hand. She sent us away with plenty of freshly picked jasmine blooms so our next room would smell sweetly and so we would remember our stay. As if we could ever forget. [caption id="attachment_949" align="aligncenter" width="2448"] Sunrise at Savista: view from the roof[/caption] ___________ There are travellers who set out on tight schedules, knowing in advance what they want to see and do. And feeling disappointed, angry or let down every time the expected doesn't happen to them. And there are travellers who may have only a short time off from their daily lives, but who make the choice to remain open and curious. Eager to be surprised. Excited to encounter new experiences, sights and people. Determined to hold on to a sense of wonder and discovery. Savista is lucky to have more than its fair share of guests belonging to this latter genre. Indeed it is our greatest blessing, the only reason we stay open as a hospitality destination. Lindsay and Nick belong in this special group. They arrived in mid April, all fired up and eager for their blockprinting and "rural" experience. We had pre-warned them that it would be very hot in the printing workshop and in the outdoors, generally. And that the place would be very un-busy, since mid-April is well past the conventional "season". They were living in the U.A.E., they said; so the heat was not going to be a problem. They had grown up in quiet parts of the U.S., they said; so the quiet was not going to be a problem either. We began to feel a little better. But their enthusiasm - shining through their emails - was still making us a wee bit nervous. Would Savista fulfil their obviously excited expectations? Lindsay's very personal foregoing account of her encounter could not be more evocative. At the lazy, interminable lunches and dinners, their questions came tumbling out incessantly, punctuated with humour and laughter. It was a memorable few days...Made more special by the shared experience of witnessing the magic of the full moon of Baishakh (the month in the traditional lunar calendar that signals the end of the harvest and the start of summer). The mid-April full moon is regarded in India as the most beautiful full moon in the whole year, and is celebrated across large culture regions of the country - from south to north - as New Year's day. Lindsay and Nick's chosen destination for their next taste of India was Kerala. Given the short time that they had, the choice serendipitously turned out to have been perfectly planned. For, between Rajasthan and Kerala, they would get a wide-angle cultural glimpse of India in their short time here: north and south, wheat and rice, martial traditions and martial arts, royal history and recent communist past, verbal understatement and argumentative expressiveness... On the morning of their departure, a little farewell committee - of Savista regulars and the few other resident guests - prepared to walk them down to their car. The continuing animated conversation was causing us to pause in our tracks every now and again. An endearing image that will stay with us is of Lindsay stopping by the Jasmine bushes - suddenly, like a child - and insisting that we continue our conversation standing there...just so we could breathe in the fragrance of the blooms as we talked... We wish them many more enjoyable travels in Asia and look forward to their next visit to Savista! ________________

Savista A Farm-to-Fork Destination: Summertime Super Heroes

admin — Sat, 24 May 2014 10:28:33 +0000

There are some distinguishing features to the lifestyle at Savista Retreat and it's gardens.

Particularly the kitchen garden. It is a continuous source of delight. And. that its produce frees us from pernicious dependence on the fruit and vegetable markets which have a dubious record of harmful stocks, is of considerable significance too. The newspapers in Jaipur, these days, are full of stories of vegetables arriving at the market yards from the most polluted grounds, riverbeds, and lands in which sewage water stagnates, with all the poisons that seep into the vegetables. These are alarming and worrisome practices, and most hotels and restaurants surrender in resignation.

However, at Savista Retreat, we do not despair. The hero here is our kitchen garden. The agro-climatic feature of Savista's location is that we have sixty-day agricultural cycles. Each cycle has its unique and varied produce that is in sync with the peculiarities of the season, and this ensures variety across the year. You need never ever eat vegetables that are stale or have been stored. Our food is always straight from the farm yard to the kitchen and then on to the plate.

The vegetables and fruits that form the menu at Savista these days were sown around the middle of March. It is now the middle of May, and in exactly eight weeks time we have a wide enough range of vegetables to rotate that can satisfy our palate. When you roam through our kitchen garden you will find gavaar beans, tomatoes, karela (bitter gourd), lauki ( bottle gourd), turai (ridge gourd), tinda (belonging to the tomato family), baingan (eggplant), bhindi (okra), palak (spinach), pudina (mint), green chillies, kakdi ( cucumber), hara dhania (cilantro), kadi patta (curry leaves) and leswa ( a local berry). This is a decently large list of vegetables and herbs, given the heat of the summer. The variety of ways in which each of these vegetables can be prepared guarantees a fairly rich and refreshing platter at the kitchen at Savista. In the category of fruits, we currently have on our grounds the king of fruits - mango -, the equally glorious water-based fruits - watermelon, musk melon, limes -, and dates.

As mentioned earlier, each of these vegetables and fruits now being harvested at Savista has a perfect fit with the seasonal conditions that obtain here in the summer months. One could write an article on the specifics of such a fit, in respect of each of these vegetables and fruits; but in this post, we will turn the spotlight on just one of our summer season super heroes, the watermelon.

Citrullus Lanatus is a vine-like flowering plant. Its fruit, known as the watermelon and referred to as pepo by botanists, is a big sized berry which has a thick rind and a fleshy centre. Originally a native of South Africa, it is grown in Rajasthan during the summer season. At Savista we grow it both in the kitchen garden and in our fields.

Currently - in the months of May and June - the daytime temperature in Jaipur rises to over 45 degrees celsius. The sun is scorching and hot winds blow, exposing our skin to the burning sunlight and our bodies to the dangers of dehydration. But the watermelon shields us from all of this.

The lycopene present in the fruit protects our skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Rich in electrolytes and high in water content, the fruit helps to hydrate our bodies, regulates body temperature and transports the nutrients to various parts of the body. Research on the watermelon across the globe reveals a large number of health benefits from its consumption. The fruit delivers an array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals which together provide immune support, prevent cell damage, heal wounds, maintain healthy skin, nourish the eyes, reduce body fat, provide anti inflammatory and anti oxidant support, diuretic and kidney support, muscle and nerve support, and maintain heart health.

Summertime is when all of us at Savista indulge in this fresh, succulent fruit. It can be eaten straight after harvesting from the field, by cutting open the fruit and scooping out the flesh using the hard exterior as a bowl. It is amazing how cool the pulp tastes even when the fruit has just been taken in from the sun-baked field! If you like yours ice-cold, all that it needs is a few minutes in the refrigerator.

Hello world!

admin — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 08:13:34 +0000

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

A blog post

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:07:49 +0000

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Another blog post

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:11:40 +0000

H2 header

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This is a blockquote style example. It stands out, but is awesome. Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Dave Gamache, Skeleton Creator

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Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Quisque commodo hendrerit lorem quis egestas. Maecenas quis tortor arcu.

And one more blog post

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:12:33 +0000

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This is a blockquote style example. It stands out, but is awesome. Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Dave Gamache, Skeleton Creator

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Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Quisque commodo hendrerit lorem quis egestas. Maecenas quis tortor arcu.

This is the SixtyOne Resort

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:15:47 +0000

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This is a blockquote style example. It stands out, but is awesome. Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Dave Gamache, Skeleton Creator

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Vivamus id mollis quam. Morbi ac commodo nulla. In condimentum orci id nisl volutpat bibendum. Quisque commodo hendrerit lorem quis egestas. Maecenas quis tortor arcu.

Mayura

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 00:50:37 +0000

Pale aquamarine, deep green and brilliant blue soft furnishings,– the hues of the peacock, bird of Rajasthan, from which the room takes its name – complement the traditional Rajasthani muted-green hand-painted furniture in this room. Situated on the first level, the room’s unique feature is two private open terraces that overlook fields of wheat, mustard and pulses, and a large deck overlooking the pool.

The peacock, called Mayura in Sanskrit - pavo cristatus (Linnaeus) - , is the national bird of India; it is also the bird of Rajasthan. Once bred for food, the hunting of peacocks is now banned under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. In the wild, peacocks live in jungle lands near water, and roost in trees. In Rajasthan, they are also domesticated in villages. The symbolism commonly associated in India with the call of the peacock and its dance with its magnificent feathers fanned out, is the appearance of dark rain-bearing clouds and celebration of the onset of the monsoons. The term ‘peacock’ is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, only males - large, colorful, swan-sized pheasants with a fan-shaped crest of feathers on the head, white patch under the eye and long slender glistening blue neck and breast and spectacular bronze-green tail of around 200 elongated feathers - are peacocks. The female - brownish, slightly smaller than the male, and lacking the tail - are peahens. Together, they are called peafowl. Suitable males may gather harems of several females, each of which will lay three to five eggs. Peacocks are ground-feeders that eat insects, plants, and small creatures. The two familiar peacock species are the blue peacock that lives in India and Sri Lanka, and the green peacock that is found in Java and Myanmar (Burma). The special beauty of the peacock lies in its iridescent tail. These tail feathers, or coverts, spread out in a distinctive train that is more than 60 percent of the bird’s total body length, and boast colorful "eye" markings of blue, gold, red, and other hues. The large train is used in mating rituals and courtship displays. It can be arched into a magnificent fan that reaches across the bird's back and touches the ground on either side. Females are believed to choose their mates according to the size, color, and quality of these outrageous feather trains. Behind the stunningly beautiful plumage of the peacock lies a complex structure that changes color with the angle of incident light. The diversity of bird feathers’ colors can generally be explained by just two factors: pigments, and simple structures in the feathers that interfere with incident light. In the case of the peacock, pigment particles are embedded into the newly grown feathers during the molting season. They absorb light of certain wavelengths, or disperse the reflected light, and so contribute to the color of the plumage. The vivid colors of a peacock feather, however, do not arise entirely from pigments. In fact, according to investigations by scientists at the Fudan University in Shanghai, the role of pigments may be minimal, and it is the structure of the feather that plays a major role in the color. Each feather consists of thousands of flat branches. When light shines on the feather, we see thousands of glimmering colored spots, each caused by minuscule bowl-shaped indentations. Stronger magnification reveals microscopic lamellae (thin plate-like layers) at the bottom of the indentations. As with butterfly wings, the regular pattern of the lamellae leads to interference phenomena and iridescent colors. The feathers of pheasants, birds of paradise, and hummingbirds, all create color using the same mechanism. Almost all the major ancient cultures revered the peacock, which symbolized for them, variously, glory, vision, royalty, spirituality, awakening, wisdom and immortality. In Hinduism, Indra the god of thunder, rains and war, is depicted in the form of a peacock. In south India, the peacock is the 'vahana' or vehicle of Lord Muruga, the son of Shiva. The peacock is also associated with both Lakshmi and Sarawati, the goddesses who between them represent grace, benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion, knowledge, wisdom and good luck. The figure of the peacock can also be found painted on various Islamic religious buildings. We wish you a pleasant stay in this room.

Kesar

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:11:05 +0000

Kesar is the Hindi word for saffron, and this folky Rajasthani room reflects the sun-kissed desert - furnishings in flaming saffron and deep red with folk motifs. With a king-sized bed and large atrium, this room overlooks the garden and rising sun. Kesar in Rajasthan has several connotations. It is saffron, the most delectable of spices…It is the colour of fragrant, sublime sandalwood…Kesar reflects the sun and golden sand dunes of the region…It symbolizes the aspiration of the people for auspiciousness, plenty and prosperity…It is one of the most favourite colours of choice, singly or in combination with hot pink and bright red, for women’s veils and men’s turbans… Above all, Kesar is the colour of the native Rajasthani’s love and longing for her/his lover… embodied as the Kesariya… In this arid desert region of vast distances, men of all communities – other than agriculturists – have traditionally, for thousands of years, been compelled to migrate far from home in search of livelihood or fortune… whether as merchants, warriors, herdsmen or artisans. Given the tradition of early betrothal and marriage, the experience of loneliness and separation came early in the lives of men and women here (Rajasthan’s notorious institution of child marriage, and the resulting maternal and infant death statistics, continue to reflect some of the negative outcomes of this social practice). Marriages in Rajasthan have always been based on clan exogamy. And since clans were concentrated in specific regions, marriages generally took place between families located almost 1000 km. apart. Teenaged daughters left home and parents after marriage, to live in distant lands with strange families. A young woman’s emotional sustainability thus depended on her skill in crafting a mutually supportive relationship with the people in her new and complex social environment. The only person in this environment with whom she could share a deep intimacy was her husband. In such a situation, when couples were separated for extended periods due to male migration, they lived in a permanent state of longing for the beloved…a loneliness most poignantly felt by women, for obvious reasons. All of this is embodied in the popular word-name for lover – Kesariya. Kesar, thus is, both, the colour of and metaphor for love and longing for the beloved…It is separation from and union with…the beloved. It is also a popular name in the region for both men (Kesar Singh) and women (Kesar Kanwar).

Lapis Lazuli

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:11:22 +0000

The décor for this room is a mosaic of different shades of blue, complemented by an antique Rajasthani king-sized bed and elaborately carved wardrobe. With an additional sitting room and outdoor balcony, this room overlooks a garden, a grove of khejri trees and undulating cropland.

Khejri

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:12:23 +0000

The green and yellow colours of the khejri, - iconic tree of Rajasthan - find their echo in this light filled room on the first floor. Its other features include: antique teak furniture, a cozy fireplace, windows overlooking fields and a balcony overhanging the pool. The Khejri trees on the Savista estate that were pruned (and some pollarded) last winter, have all got back their dense green foliage. The sheep in the area are probably already eyeing their winter feed, and if there is a ‘social network’ that is active among them, the message should have already gone out that Savista’s trees are looking good enough to eat! Many guests ask us about this tree, since it is found everywhere around Savista and looks even more interesting when it is bare of leaves. And you can see lots and lots of stark-looking trunks and branches during winter which is the traditional pruning season. The Khejri is an iconic tree of Rajasthan. It is so admirably suited to the ecology of the region that it has acquired a whole body of folklore and cultural significance. It is drought and frost resistant, and can withstand the most extreme of temperatures. Its deep and extensive root system stabilizes the soil in the face of fierce desert winds, thus preventing soil erosion. Its tough roots travel long distances below the ground in search of the tiniest drops of water. This water is carefully absorbed by every part of the tree until it reaches the miniscule green-yellow leaves. The leaf-size is clear evidence of evolution at work, because the foliage stays green round the year. Being a legume, the Khejri fixes nitrogen in the soil, and the nutritious fallen leaves act as a further fertilizer. Hence farmers ensure that these trees are spaced out across their fields. Every part of the Khejri tree is useful to the local animal and the human population. The leaves – used as both green and dry fodder - are relished by the local sheep and camels. The generously-tufted branches provide welcome shade. The trunk is virtually termite-proof and is used in house-construction. The bark is used in the preparation of local medicines for common respiratory and stomach infections, in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition. The fragrant resin makes for aromatic firewood. The green beans are cooked into a delicious vegetable dish. The beans are dehydrated by villagers for use through the year, and are also fed to farm animals during droughts. So iconic is the tree that no Rajasthani wedding feast is complete without the vegetarian dish Khair Sangri prepared from the Khejri’s green beans. The environment-worshipping Rajasthani agricultural community called Bishnois worship the tree, and would rather give up their lives than allow a single Khejri to be cut down. Savista has over 150 Khejri trees, and many of them are several decades old. New trees can be seen coming up all over the estate as a result of fruits dropped by birds who feed on the beans. Every three years, in the winter, Savista’s Khejri trees are pruned by rotation in keeping with local farming practices. Migrant sheep farmers offer to do the pruning, in return for being able harvest and bag the leaves for their sheep. They also get to use the small twigs as firewood. During the pruning period, they live with their flocks on the host farm, and the animal droppings act as fertilizer for the soil. At Savista we use the chopped branches to light our winter fires – in some of our guest rooms which have fireplaces, in our dining room and bar lounge, and for the evening bonfires around which guests share drinks and swap stories on chilly evenings.

Gulaabo

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:12:40 +0000

Pink is one of the defining colours of Rajasthan, and Gulaabo is a name given to both men and women in the region. This large cool room on the ground floor celebrates Jaipur’s pink theme and block-printing craft, reflected in both the soft furnishings and furniture (antique carved king bed and wardrobe, imaginatively designed coffee tables). French windows overlook gardens and fields of wheat and maize on one side, while a balcony opens out into the pool-court on the other.

Small roses in a vibrant scarlet-pink carrying a distinctively strong fragrance are ubiquitous in roadside flower shops in this part of Rajasthan. Legend goes that Jehangir, son of Akbar the first Mughal emperor of India, ordered this variety of rose to be commercially cultivated in the region as the source of both perfume (ittar) for the elite, and flower offerings at the dargah (mausoleum) of the Sufi mystic Kwaja Moinuddin Chishti in the neighbouring city of Ajmer (revered by the Emperor Akbar as his spiritual mentor). At Savista, the Gulaabo room celebrates Jaipur’s identity as Rajasthan’s “Pink City”, its block-printing craft, and its tradition of wood carving. We also hope that the roses in your room will waft you back, at least a little, to the Mughal past. The room’s colour theme complements the haveli’s red sandstone-paved inner courtyard. Red sandstone has been quarried in the vicinity of Jaipur for centuries. The colour so fascinated the Mughals when they arrived here, that they built two of their most celebrated forts - the Agra Fort and the Delhi Red Fort – using this Jaipur resource. The mellow shade that the stone matures into with use inspired Jai Singh - the Kachchawa scientist-astronomer king of Jaipur– to decree that the whole walled city be painted in this hue. It was Jai Singh who moved the capital city of the Kachchawas from Amber to Jaipur, and the city derives its name from him, Jai-pur = the city of Jai. It may be considered India’s first planned city. The Gulaabo room’s curtains are hand block printed in Sanganer, one of Jaipur’s celebrated block printing centres (the other centre is Bagru in Savista’s neighbourhood). The imaginatively-designed coffee table top is composed of discarded hand-carved wooden print-blocks. The embellished bed and wardrobe are antique Rajasthani and have long been part of the haveli. And the basket chairs (muddas) are made from reeds (mature kusha grass) that grow wild in and around Savista.

Nimbuda

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:13:07 +0000

The lime is a prized fruit in Rajasthan, given its cooling properties, and addressed affectionately in folklore as Nimbuda (the Savista farm has over a hundred lime trees). This spacious tubular room on the ground floor has a modern décor and the coolest of lime green interiors. The green theme blends seamlessly with the luminous green landscape that comes right up to the two large French windows and many smaller windows: groves of neem, khejri and lesva trees. A pool-side balcony anchors the room to the haveli.

Parijat

admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:13:26 +0000

Celebrated in Indian folklore, the aromatic Parijat flower is the inspiration for this garden room. A mango tree growing outside also begs to be included in the conception of the décor: a fusion of glowing pink, magenta and mango yellow, offset by silver grey. This is our only twin bedroom. A small glass enclosed sitting room is an addition, leading to the garden and the fields beyond.

The Parijat is native to south Asia, and can also be found across south-east Asia. It is the official flower of the Kanchanaburi province of Thailand (called Karanikaa in Thai) and the state flower of the Indian state of West Bengal (called Shefali in Bengali). The Parijat is worshipped in India as a celestial tree, one of the symbols of eternal purity and goodness that was thrown up when the oceans were churned during an epic battle between the gods and the demons (samudramanthan, symbolic of the never-ending struggle between good and evil). It is believed to have been brought down from the heavens by Lord Krishna, and is associated with the worship of the mother godess Durga. Its intriguing quality of flowering during the night and falling to the ground before the first rays of the sun, has spawned many myths. One is that the flowers are seen to be voluntarily offering themselves to the earth mother in worship. In south Asia, the Parijat is the only flower that is permitted to be picked up from the ground to be offered in worship (as against the injunction that flowers used in worship must be freshly plucked). There is also the romantic myth of the princess Parijataka who is believed to have fallen in love with the sun god. Despite all her efforts to win his love, she was rejected by him. Heartbroken, she committed suicide and from her ashes sprang a tree with the most beautiful and fragrant flowers. Unable to stand the sight of the heartless lover, the flowers bloom only at night and fall to the ground like tear drops before the sun rises.

The flowers and leaves are prized for their multiple medicinal – immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal – activities, and native medicines are made from them in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition. The oil is extracted as perfume. The flowers – brilliant white with orange-red centres and a glowing orange-red tube – were also traditionally used to dye the yellow silk and cotton robes worn by Hindu priests and Buddhist monks.

Bhaskara

admin — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:00:43 +0000

Bhaskara is one of the many Sanskrit names for the sun. The colours here, in brilliant yellow and silvery white, are a homage to the sun and moon. Large French windows across two walls open out into a grove of shady neem trees, and the balcony leads to the pool. This spacious tubular room has a modern décor, with a wrought iron king bed.

Bhasa = light, kara = creator (“Creator of Light”). Other names in Sanskrit that variously describe the attributes of the sun are: Ravi, Mitra, Aditya, Surya, Divakara, Dinakara, Savitra, Prabhakara, Sahastraanshu, Vibhaavasu… and so on. The sun is fundamental to the existence of life on the planet, and the Hindu ancients not only understood this but also expressed it through poetry, philosophy, ritual, and the body,. The sun in Hindu philosophy is the symbol of consciousness, awareness, illumination and enlightenment. The most fundamental Hindu mantra - the Gayatri mantra – likens wisdom and illumination to the sun; it is a non-sectarian prayer asking for the mind to be illumined with wisdom, to shine like the sun. The recitation of slokas (short poetic compositions) in Sanskrit in the early morning, face raised towards the rising sun, has always been part of everyday life in India. Similarly, sun worship or salutation to the sun, known in its physical form as the sequence of yoga asanas that are integral to the practice of yoga. This room with its golden yellow theme faces both east and west, and was therefore conceived as a homage to the sun which pours into the room both in the mornings and in the evenings. The silver white sheer curtains woven by the weavers of Benaras (Varanasi) have been included to acknowledge the importance of the moon in the firmament and its impact upon life on earth. Incidentally, Bhaskara was a 7th century Indian mathematician, who was apparently the first to write numbers in the Hindu-Arabic decimal system with a circle for the zero, and who gave a unique and remarkable rational approximation of the sine function.

Terracotta

admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:14:37 +0000

A spacious poolside room with French windows opening out onto a leafy arbor of karanji trees, the décor is a blend of wood-carved and painted antique Rajasthani furniture, with soft furnishings in orange and brick-red, offset by brilliant blue.

The word Terracotta – from the Italian - means cooked (or baked) earth and refers to hard fired clay that is brownish orange in colour when unglazed, and that is used for pottery, architectural ornaments and facings, bricks, material for sculpture, etc. At Savista, the Terracotta room echoes the centrality of the brownish orange colour in the external décor of the place, namely the grounds…the pots holding palms and other potted plants both within the courtyard and in the gardens, the brick pathways leading out from the haveli, the firepots lining these pathways which light up the way through the gardens after dark, the unplastered brick linings of the lily pools and garden walls, the clay lampshades and candle holders that add to the coziness of restaurant and bar area, and that deepen the mystery of the spa area. Overall, it celebrates the ‘earthiness’ of Savista and its rural moorings. The room curtains and bedside rugs are hand blockprinted locally in Bagru using natural colours. The bed is antique, made of hand carved wood, and is an example of traditional Rajasthani furniture. The coffee table is another antique piece with a still visible handpainted image of the god Ganesha in vermillion. The rug and ceramic bedside lampstands in brilliant blue provide an interesting counterpoint to the deep terracotta hues of the other furnishings. The room overlooks the pool court. Along the opposite wall, a row of windows open out onto a tree filled arbor.

Kachnaar

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:14:54 +0000

Named after the flower of the Kachnaar tree, this small cozy upper level room with king bed has mirror-worked embroidered soft furnishings in brilliant shades of red and hot pink. The room is poised between the great outdoors: its own large private sun terrace on one side infused with the aroma of nearby flowering plants and providing a vista of tree-tops; and on the other side an open deck overlooking the pool.

Hot pink and red are the colours that form the core theme of the Kachnar room, with flashes of olive green as the counterpoint. The furnishing fabrics are all hand woven, and the curtains have the added embellishment of embroidered mirror work done by the nomadic camel and cattle herding tribal women to western Rajasthan. A full length traditional wood carved mirror hanging on one of the walls gives an impression of space within this room that is in itself somewhat smaller than the other guest rooms, but has the unique features of opening out on to a large private sun terrace on one side from which to view the front gardens, the fields extending beyond to the north, and the rising sun, and a large sun deck on the other, from where to enjoy the afternoon sun. The room was named for the three Kachnar trees growing just outside, with their branches drooping over the wall of the sun terrace. During the months from late winter until early summer, the branches would be dense with flowers. Stepping out in the mornings, one would be greeted with the sight of the fragrant pink, crimson and mauve blossoms carpeting the terrace floor; it was an exquisite sight. Sadly, two of the trees crashed into that side of the haveli during a particularly fierce summer storm a couple of years ago, causing considerable damage to the structure; reminding us of the reason why traditionally in Rajasthan, trees are not planted too close to dwellings. In fact, the old saying here is that trees around a house must be planted only where the shadow of the house ends. Kachnar is the Hindi name for the tree (Sanskrit: Kanchanara, sometimes shortened to Kanchan) while its English names are Indian Orchid (for its orchid-like flowers), and Mountain Ebony (for the deep brown bark). Botanically it belongs to the Fabacea family, and was named Bauhinia variegate after 16th Century herbalists Jan and Caspar Bauhin who were twin-brothers. The tree is easily recognized by the peculiar shape of its leaves, each constituting of two identical halves, folded at the midrib. When opened at the fold and spread, the impression is that of a camel’s foot. Hence another one of its names, Camel Foot tree. Found across the sub-continent from Burma in the east to Afghanistan in the west, the Kachnar is native to south Asia and also parts of south east Asia, being equally at home in the hot tropical plains all the way up to the cool middle Himalaya. A medium sized deciduous ornamental tree, the Kachnar has also been prized by traditional Ayurvedic and tribal healers for the many curative and health promoting properties of its stem bark, flowers, and leaves. The buds are additionally used to make delicious vegetarian dishes. The health benefits of the tree are particularly notable, for which reason the various parts of the tree – particularly its deep coloured bark and large leaves – are used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine and by tribal communities in Rajasthan (Rajasthan has a huge tribal population, almost 10 per cent of the entire tribal population of India): Kachnar extracts have been found to have anti-diabetic activity (the presence of insulin like proteins in the leaves of the plant); anti-ulcer activities (decrease the amount of gastric acids, thus aiding in healing of ulcers); protection of liver (Kachnar extracts have been found to display considerable hepatoprotective or liver protecting properties); can control tumours (apart from possible tumour control, the extracts of Kachnar have also been found to possess chemopreventive or cancer preventive properties); nephroprotective properties: ( research into Kachnar extracts has shown that they possess protective properties against nephrotoxicity; nephrotoxicity is the accumulation and action of certain chemicals on the nephrons which can result in oxidative stress and damage to nephrons, and the extracts of Kachnar have been found to display nephroprotective properties by shielding nephrons from such attack); wound healing properties (the extracts, when administered on wounds have shown improved and faster healing when compared to controlled wounds; the wound healing was found comparable to standard medicines). (Sources: (i) http://www.satvikshop.com/blog/herbs-knowledge-base/kanchanara; (ii) http://www.bimbima.com/health/post/2012/11/16/medicinal-use-of-kachnarbauhinia-variegata-or-bauhinia.aspx, Bimbina: Daily life experience of ayurvedic medicines, complementary therapies); (iii) http://www.ijlpr.com/admin/php/uploads/139_pdf.pdf “Tribal uses of medicinal plants of Rajasthan: Kachnar”, by Santosh Sharma and Ashwani Kumar, Intl J of Life Science and Pharma Research, Vol 2, Issue 4, Oct – Dec 2012).

Sujalam

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:15:17 +0000

Named after the old river that used to flow alongside the Savista estate, this room overlooks the dramatic jagged wooded ravines of this former tributary. It has a simple double bed and mix of modern and old Rajasthani furniture. The soft furnishings are in traditional deep red and black, and reflect pastoral weaves from western Rajasthan and hand-block prints from Bagru, an ancient artisan village 10 km from Savista. It has a balcony overlooking the pool.

Gulmohar

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:15:50 +0000

The orange, fuchsia and warm mustard décor of this room, reflected in the hand-painted flowers on the traditional Rajasthani bed and wardrobe, is inspired by the flowering gulmohur trees of the region. The room has its own private sun terrace that overlooks a garden, trees, and gently rolling fields. A reasonably tall tree with widely spreading branches and tender fern-like leaves that grow in dense green clusters, it is the Gulmohur’s flamboyant display of flowers that gives its name. The flowers are large, with four spreading scarlet or orange-red petals up to 8 cm long, and a fifth upright petal called the standard, which is slightly larger and spotted with yellow and white. Seed pods are dark brown and can be up to 60 cm long and 5 cm wide; the individual seeds, however, are small, weighing around 0.4 g on average. The compound leaves have a feathery appearance and are a characteristic light, bright green. They are doubly pinnate: Each leaf is 30–50 cm long and has 20 to 40 pairs of primary leaflets or pinnae on it, and each of these is further divided into 10-20 pairs of secondary leaflets or pinnules. ‘Gul’ means flower in Persian and Hindi, and ‘Mohr’ means coin or stamp. ‘Mor’ also means peacock; the flower thus being likened to the physical appearance and beauty of that brilliant bird. Because of the flame colour that dominates, the Gulmohur is also called Flame Of The Forest or Flame Tree. In the eastern Indian states of Assam, Orissa and Bengal, as also in Bangladesh the flower is called Krishnachura (Crown of Krishna). In Vietnamese it is known as Phượng vĩ ( "Phoenix's Tail), and in Khmer the tree and flower are known collectively as "Peacock". The Gulmohur is valued mainly for its ornamental character, its other virtues being that it is a shade giving tree. Because it is a legume, the tree has nitrogen-fixating and soil-improving properties. Although it grows best under tropical conditions, it also grows and survives easily in dry conditions. Its botanical name is Delonix regia. Delonix regia is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It is noted for its fern-like leaves and flamboyant display of flowers for which in English it is given the name Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant. This species was previously placed in the genus Poinciana, named for Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, the 17th century governor of Saint Christophe (Saint Kitts) of which it is the national flower. The Poinciana is very widely grown in the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, the Canary Islands, Mexico, Cyprus, Malta,Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. It also grows throughout southern Brazil.

Bangle Making Lessons

admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 07:48:10 +0000

Bangles are ubiquitous in Rajasthan – stacked on every woman’s wrists, and sold in tiny shops on every street – and bangle-making is one of the traditional crafts practised in every village, town and city of the state. Invested with great colour, beauty and ornamental detail, bangles are an essential ornament and accessory worn by every Rajasthani woman, whatever her caste, community or economic status; and every social or religious occasion is an excuse to buy or be gifted with new bangles. Even middle class and wealthy women who customarily wear expensive gold bangles, add a few coloured bangles to their everyday wear, as these are believed to be auspicious and in keeping with tradition. Today, traditional Rajasthani bangles have become a fashion accessory also for modern women across India’s cities, adding flamboyance to both Indian and “Indo-western” clothing. The bangles of Rajasthan crafted outside of goldsmith workshops are made from a wide range of materials – lac, glass, wood, metal, silk threads and, before the ban on wildlife-derived products, even of ivory – and are variously coloured, painted, and embossed with rhinestones, mirrors, glass, beads, gold/silver/copper plated wires…and a myriad other materials, to make for infinite varieties of highly ornamental wear. Of all the varieties of bangle making material, lac is most specific to and considered most traditional and auspicious in Rajasthan. Savista offers resident guests the experience of learning to make lac bangles under the guidance of traditional women artisans. A half day workshop would typically involve: learning to select and prepare the lac for moulding into bangles, colouring the raw material, shaping bangles in the required size and, finally, embellishing them with the chosen ornamentation (rhinestones, beads, mirrors, glass…as described above). It is a unique experience - to sit in a traditional bangle maker’s workshop and watch and learn from her, and to leave with one or more set of bangles for oneself or as gifts for friends and loved ones back home. (Photo credits: Julie Zenobi, a friend of Savista from the U.S., who stayed with us in the fall of 2013)

Cooking Lessons

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:35:21 +0000

This one day experience has several components:

Planning for the dishes that the participants wish to learn (morning).

A guided visit to a vegetable market (morning).

A guided walk through a spice and grain market in the Jaipur walled city (morning).

Back at Savista by early afternoon, assembling all the ingredients for the dishes to be learnt.

A walk through the Savista grounds to identify herbs and medicinal plants, and the vegetable garden to pick out organic vegetables for the day’s cooking lessons (afternoon).

Learning to cook the dishes, and understanding the nutritive principles underlying the use of the various condiments and spices; the blending of spices with cereals, legumes and vegetables; and the overall role of all of these ingredients in imparting both flavours and nutrition within the framework of Indian culinary philosophy (late afternoon).

This experience requires a minimum of two persons and needs to be booked well in advance. (Photo credits: Jonathan Haellmayer, a friend of Savista from Germany, who stayed with us in the winter of 2013)

Jaipur Travel Diary: "From Norway With Love - Spring 2014"

admin — Sat, 24 May 2014 10:57:06 +0000

Somewhere in Rajasthan... A shaky Scottish/Norwegian couple has just got out of a shaky autorikshaw after 40 tense minutes in midnight darkness on the motorway from Jaipur, crammed, maybe almost crushed, between lorries with much heavier load than the autorickshaw carrying only us and our backpacks in the back (although more than heavy enough for this all at once loveable and intimidating wee vehicle, clearly not created for the purpose of transporting anyone or anything on the motorway from Jaipur among lorries)... We pay Khan, the autorickshaw driver, a few hundred rupees more than required, simply out of gratitude for not getting us killed on the way. Out of confusion, desperation, relief and/or politeness we also take down his number and promise to call him next time we need an autorickshaw around Jaipur. We hurry from Khan's autorickshaw into Bhanwar's car, waiting for us at the beginning of a pitch black country road off Ajmer Road. "We were waiting to hear from you", Bhanwar says. "We would have arranged transport for you from Jaipur". I close my eyes and take a deep breath. While the young European couple in the back tries to regain balance, strength, speech and smiles, Bhanwar converses reassuringly. "So, you are Norwegian? I have friends in Norway. An Argentinean actually, who married a Norwegian woman. Well, he's not alive anymore. He was an anthropologist." As the fear of ending my life on the dark roads of Rajasthan slowly diminishes, I realise that this Argentinean sounds strangely but undoubtingly familiar. Do I know him? No. But I know someone who knows him, or knew him. And for some reason I am certain that this Argentinean that Bhanwar knew is the same Argentinean that my father knew, and played football with for years, and have talked about many times. And it is. There you go. A guy from one country and continent, who has passed away, has suddenly created a bond, a link, between strangers of other countries and continents, in the countryside of Rajasthan. He might have liked the thought of that. I want to write about Bhanwar and Radhika. How they generously, warmly and unsentimentally shared their views, reflections and knowledge with us, on poverty, education, culture... on India, while understating their own significance when talking about their obviously admirable work in, with and for the poor local community. But Radhika wanted me to write something about what I do, about Bacalao, the small theatre company I run, that started off in London, then travelled to Portugal and Scotland and now has its base with me in Oslo, Norway. She wanted me to mention how I make theatre with "real people, real stories, in real surroundings". I finished my Masters degree in theatre directing in 2010 and started Bacalao Performance Company in London in 2011 together with Sofia Marques, a Portuguese actress and Fado singer. The idea was to develop a company focusing on the intimate and personal, in terms of space and in terms of stories, and on mixing together various cultural forms and expressions. The last couple of years I have worked closely with my father who is a writer, and writes scripts with humour and seriousness, based on people's real experiences. My most recent project was with and about people who have lost close relatives to suicide. We used a lot of dance as a kind of metaphor on life in this performance. It was this piece that I was discussing with Radhika. I told her about the project and the background for it: that in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Norway, with a population of about 5 million, there are between 5000 and 6000 people that attempt to take their own lives each year. About 500 of these "succeed". That's a lot in a small country like ours. But suicide is so loaded with taboo that there has been hardly any discussion around it at all, neither in the media nor in other public arenas. Hence, it's also difficult to work preventively with this problem, when it's not being talked about. That's what we wanted to express with our performance "Sad stuff"; the need to talk about this, suicide, but also more generally about grief and mental health. And of course this is not just a Norwegian problem. A quick Wikipedia search can tell me that in 2010 the estimated number of Indian suicides were 187 000. There is probably no direct solution to this problem or phenomenon, neither here nor there. But we can talk to each other, listen to each other, look after each other, share our experiences and learn about each other, and try in our own human and fallible ways to support and back each other up. In Norway, maybe because we are so privileged compared to so many others, in terms of having everything that on paper facilitates happy, fulfilled and free lives (money, peace, freedom, education and healthcare for all), that to still not experience the ability to feel happy and fulfilled and free becomes perhaps more shameful and difficult to accept and live with than in certain other places. When it comes to Indians and their national identity and living with pain and grief, I am obviously not going to attempt to give any form of analysis after a three week trip there. That would be ridiculously arrogant. But I will say, on a different note, that what has perhaps surprised me the most in meeting and talking to Indians, in Old Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Goa and Mumbai, is friendliness. Friendliness and humour. Not that I had any reason to expect the opposite, but considering the very difficult circumstances that so many live under, it wouldn't be completely unreasonable if people didn't feel the need to bother about being nice and cool to a white, wealthy, ignorant pair of tourists from very far away... But the smiles and friendly banter from almost everyone, from our spontaneous and persistent guide in Old Delhi (calling himself Peter), to the equally persistent autorickshaw drivers in Jaipur (Khan, Salim, and Salim Salim Khan), to the waiter in our beach shack restaurant in Goa (calling himself Denzel), who worked 15 hour shifts and preparing for the season and hence work to finish up, hoping to join a fishing boat for the next few months, to the tourist families at the Gateway of India in Mumbai wanting to take pictures of and with us, making us the attraction at the attraction... Smiles and banter. Everywhere. That's a good reason to come back to India. My only regret about our trip is that I didn't get to meet any elephants. After listening to Radhika talking about the significance of the elephant and why it is so important to Indians, how it is so big and strong, but still a vegetarian... How it symbolises that you can be strong without it being at the expense of others, without destroying others or the environment on your way... How beautiful! I have a new-found respect and fascination for elephants. I'll look them up the next time. Well. Finally. On behalf of the Scotsman and myself, a massive thank you to Bhanwar and Radhika, for the truly memorable and inspirational stay at Savista! I hope and believe that we will be back one day. And thank you to Eduardo Archetti, the Argentinian, who without knowing it created a connection between a Norwegian, a Scotsman and Indians, in Rajasthan. Namaste. _______________________________ Marianne Lorentzen Director Bacalao Performance Company Tel: 0047 90736886 www.bacalaocompany.com ______________________________ Our discovery upon meeting with Marianne and Rob on that dark country road, that we shared common bonds across three continents and five nationalities, was heartwarming for many reasons. For Marianne - as she so vividly describes it - it signaled, above all, refuge and security. Something that appeared to be seriously imperiled when, with the typical confidence of European youth, she and Rob simply assumed that they could do everything on their own in an unknown country, and hopped off their train close to midnight and on to the only person on wheels they could find who agreed to transport them to their destination! Happily, their sense of comfort on meeting us translated, in their subsequent time at Savista, into cultural and intellectual exchange, and the basis for a long-distance friendship. For us, it brought back poignant memories of our own unforgettable first visit to Norway decades ago (when we could not have been much older than her and Rob). The warmth and openness with which our common (late) friend Eduardo hosted us. The exhilaration of intellectual engagement with the bright young academic colleagues we met in the course of our lecture tour. The eagerness with which all the Norwegians we encountered reached out to us and plied us with questions about India...After all these decades, our association with Norway continues through ties of friendship. That wonderful visit also included long drives through silent forests where we saw no humans for hundreds of miles, beautiful fjords, blue lakes, apple blossoms, quaint medieval towns that retained their history but bustled with modernity, exquisite crystal handicrafts and woollen garments, mindblowing concepts of design...and much more. Above all, a people truly in harmony with their environment and who took pride in keeping it pristine. The encounter made at least one of us wish to be reborn in Scandinavia in the next life! Never mind the risk of becoming a suicide statistic! A problem that Marianne explores in her somber play. Scandinavia's suicides have come up for scrutiny more than other countries, also because they happen against the stark contrast of extreme economic security. But if affluence brings suicides, so too does extreme poverty - as the statistics Marianne cites from India show. Mental health is a huge issue almost everywhere in the world today; it all depends on how willing a society is to introspect about it and craft solutions that can deal with it. In India, health and social policies brush it under the carpet. Both, because mental illness is not 'supposed' to exist in a country of apparently strong family and kin ties (in the same way that AIDS was never supposed to exist because of Indian society's cultural emphasis on gender segregation and monogamy); and, because the immediate issues relating to sheer physical survival of huge sections of the population dominate the policy consciousness. Yet, both suicides - and AIDS - are big problems here. And yet, it is true - as Marianne's keen observation and openness of spirit were quick to sense- that ordinary Indians are a people given to friendliness and banter and optimism - unmindful of the multitude of problems they may have in their daily lives - and have always been welcoming of and hospitable towards "the other".... Yes, there is so much food for thought... and sharing.. from communicating across national - and cultural - boundaries. Like, the fact that the Norwegian national independence day (recently concluded) is celebrated with all the little children of the country taking pride of place, walking in procession through the streets of their cities holding flowers in their hands and cheered on by the grown ups. So different from many other countries which parade their armies and guns on their national day. Or, that their approach to their own minorities - albeit a tiny proportion of their population, that includes immigrant communities - is to have a full-fledged Ministry to understand and manage this, staffed by highly qualified anthropologists and other knowledgeable experts, rather than only politicians and bureaucrats. Or, that gender equality is a hard fought and realized ideal in their society, but one that is constantly being interrogated and fine-tuned by both women and men... Hopefully, the Norway-India dialogues will continue...:) Meanwhile, Marianne has to come back for her elephant experience. Hopefully, she will visit Savista again, for we would love to welcome her back! P.S. A postscript for the readers of this blog. We felt awful when Marianne told us about their terror on the highway on that night of their arrival. But it was an entirely avoidable trauma, had they been able to access our mail to them offering to arrange a pick-up. Savista arranges for guests to be picked up and dropped off, whatever the hour. For those (like Marianne) who book with us through our travel partners such as Booking.com we write to them immediately upon receiving their booking, and ask if they would like our help in any way. We hope that future guests do not get to go through an ordeal such as Marianne and Rob's. __________________________ [caption id="attachment_958" align="alignleft" width="4320"] Rob exchanging Facebook details with autorickshaw driver[/caption] [caption id="attachment_961" align="alignleft" width="584"] Rob purchasing an exciting musical instrument at local market[/caption] [caption id="attachment_972" align="alignleft" width="584"] Scene from the play "Sad Stuff"[/caption] [caption id="attachment_967" align="alignleft" width="584"] Breakfast at Savista[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963" align="alignleft" width="584"] Last day at Leopold's, Mumbai - made famous in Shantaram[/caption]

Razai

admin — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 12:56:22 +0000

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Crops

admin — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:58:41 +0000

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam in dui mauris. Vivamus hendrerit arcu sed erat molestie vehicula. Sed auctor neque eu tellus rhoncus ut eleifend nibh porttitor. Ut in nulla enim. Phasellus molestie magna non est bibendum non venenatis nisl tempor. Suspendisse dictum feugiat nisl ut dapibus. Mauris iaculis. Lorem Ipsum Dolor Porttitor posuere. Praesent id metus massa, ut blandit odio. Proin quis tortor orci. Etiam at risus et justo dignissim congue. Donec congue lacinia dui, a porttitor lectus condimentum laoreet. Nunc eu ullamcorper orci. Quisque eget odio ac lectus vestibulum faucibus eget in metus. In pellentesque faucibus vestibulum. Nulla at nulla justo, eget luctus tortor. Nulla facilisi. Duis aliquet egestas purus in blandit. Curabitur vulputate, ligula lacinia scelerisque tempor, lacus lacus ornare ante, ac egestas est urna sit amet arcu. Class aptent taciti. Sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Sed molestie augue sit. Phasellus Molestie Magna Non Est Bibendum Non Amet leo consequat posuere. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Proin vel ante a orci tempus eleifend ut et magna. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus luctus urna sed urna ultricies ac tempor dui sagittis. In condimentum facilisis porta. Sed nec diam eu diam mattis viverra.

Camel

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:59:50 +0000

Haveli

admin — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:00:37 +0000

Vicki D., Canada (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:54:31 +0000

Our stay at Savista was exactly what we’d hoped for. The comforts of a superior branded hotel with the added charm and character of a lovingly restored, historical home... The beds with their cozy down duvets, were our most comfortable nights in India… Food was fresh and tasty and they were more than happy to accommodate special requests. We booked in for four nights and stayed five. Not to be missed!

Cushions

admin — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 16:57:14 +0000

Jasmine

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:55:23 +0000

A large room on the upper level, the all-white décor – redolent of jasmine – is a counterpoint to the deep copper hues of the four-poster king bed, and traditional Rajasthani furniture. It has a fireplace, windows overlooking tree tops and green fields, and a balcony that hangs over the pool. An excellent choice as a honeymooners’ hideaway.

The fragrant Jasmine that blooms all around the haveli through the summer and drenches Savista with its moist exquisite fragrance ( as if to compensate for the rigours of the dry Rajasthan summer) is the inspiration for this all-white room. The copper coloured bed and cupboard are examples of old-style Rajasthani wood work, while the traditional copper water canteens standing on the cupboard-top remind us that drinking water stored in copper containers is considered healthy in the Indian ayurvedic (indigenous system of medicine) tradition. Jasmines are native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australasia. Their centre of diversity is South and South East Asia, and of the 200 species, only one is native to Europe. The Jasmine (genus Jasminum) belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae). The name is derived from the Persian Yasmeen (“gift from God”), through Arabic and Latin, and its hallmark is its pure white beauty and unique fragrance. In Hindi it is called chameli and mogra, and it is malli in the southern Indian languages. Typically, the buds get formed in the heat of the day and the petals open up in the cool of the late evening and night. The Jasmine blooms in greater profusion during the waxing phase of the moon. Across the Oriental world, the Jasmine is revered for its many symbolisms. In India, it is associated with the spiritual quest and divine hope, and is used extensively in worship and marriage and other rituals. It is grown in home gardens, sold by the weight in the market, and in the summer months you will also see women sitting by the roadside weaving it into garlands for the consumer on the run. Women in South and South East Asia routinely wear it in their hair and offer Jasmine garlands as gifts to women visitors to the home. Pakistan, Indonesia and the Philippines all honour the Jasmine as their national flower. In Thailand, it is the symbol of the pure and unconditional love associated with motherhood. In China, it symbolises love, sensuality and attachment, amiability, nobility, grace and elegance. In Syria, it is the symbolic flower of Damascus which is called the “City of Jasmine”. In these countries Jasmine is also used in many other ways. Jasmine essential oil is produced in India, Egypt, China and Morocco. In aromatherapy it is used as an anti-depressant and to promote relaxation. The scent is used in incenses and massage oils. Some cultures believe that when Jasmine is burned or worn it will attract wealth, spiritual peace and prophetic dreams. The drinking of Jasmine tea is believed to prevent cancer. In the Indian ayurvedic tradition, the Jasmine flower is believed to have medicinal uses and is used to treat medicinal worms, ulcers, boils, skin diseases and eye disorders.

Indigo

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 01:00:55 +0000

With white adobe floors and soft furnishings in deep indigo, this room has a blend of traditional and modern wrought-iron furniture. Overlooking the pool from the upper level, it has a king-sized bed and a cozy fireplace. This room with its rich shades of indigo blue evokes many aspects of India’s ancient and modern history. Indigo is also among the characteristic colours of two of Jaipur/Rajasthan best-known crafts – hand blockprinted fabrics and hand-made blue pottery. Throughout the ancient period, India was celebrated as the original home for the production and processing of the indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria ) for dyeing and printing. Its presence goes back to the Indus Valley period (between the 4^th. And 2^nd. millennium B.C.). In fact indigo, reportedly among the oldest dyes to be used for textile dyeing and printing on fabrics made from cotton, hemp and silk, travelled from India to ancient Greece and Rome through direct trade. And later, Arab traders introduced it to the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe. As the best known source of a rich blue dye for treating fabrics, it was valued as a luxury product across the world. The association of India with indigo is reflected in the Greek word for the dye, indikón (ινδικόν, Indian). The Romans latinised the term to indicum, which passed into Italian and eventually into English as the word indigo. In India itself where it was known as neel, indigo was used not only for dyeing fabric but also for making ink and oil based paints for artists. The plant was also prized in the Ayurvedic tradition (India’s ancient indigenous system of medicine) for its powerful anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties, and was used in the preparation of medicines to treat cardiovascular and lung disease, liver and spleen afflictions, epilepsy, rabies, and multiple other lesser ailments. By the 16^th. and 17^th. centuries, large tracts of land in northern and eastern India were under indigo cultivation. When the British East India Company began colonizing India in the 18^th. century, it quickly saw that indigo could be one of the most profitable commodities to export to Europe, where active industrializing and colonizing powers required it for military uniforms and generally for servicing the burgeoning mechanized textile industry that led the Industrial Revolution. Britain soon monopolized the global trade out of India, making indigo so valuable as a trading commodity that it came to be called 'blue gold'. To feed this supply, every farmer in the indigo-growing regions of British India was made to compulsorily grow indigo on a portion of his land, for which he was not paid. Failure to comply meant a huge penalty. This drove farmers into deep poverty, many had to sell homes and possessions to pay the penalties, and many more left India as paupers to become indentured labourers in sugarcane plantations in other British colonies such as Fiji, Mauritius and Trinidad. Britain continued to control the global indigo trade until the invention of synthetic indigo dyes in Germany in the late 19^th. century broke the British monopoly. In 1916-17, protests by indigo farmers for tax abolition – the Champaran movement - became a major turning point in the Indian independence struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi. Today India is one of the only countries in the world with an unbroken tradition of dyeing and printing using natural dyes extracted from the indigo plant. You may wish to see natural indigo dyes being used in the block printing village of Bagru, just 8 km from Savista.

Camel Cart Rides

admin — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 06:35:15 +0000

The camel is an icon of Rajasthan. For centuries before tractors, buses and cars penetrated the interior countryside, camels and camel carts were the main mode of transport for both people, goods and as draft animals for crop cultivation (like bulls). For the average Rajasthani family, the relationship with their camel(s) was rather like that of an earning family member. Since the late 1980s, camel carts are becoming an increasingly rare sight, especially in eastern Rajasthan where Savista is located. Jaipur, the state’s capital city, has seen enormous growth and its hinterland has witnessed a huge rise in land prices, which means that rural folk are selling off their land as never before. And one of the first things they buy are cars and motorbikes. Raju the camel and Gopal the camel cart man, are among the last vestiges of a bygone era in the village of Sanjharia where Savista is situated. Gopal was financed by the owners of Savista to create a camel cart service, so that he could supplement his agricultural income by hiring himself out with his cart to people wishing to transport farm produce to the market, fetch construction material, earth, manure or firewood, or just about anything. He also hires himself out to us to give rides to our guests. A camel cart ride needs to be booked in advance (by at least a few hours). Typically, guests could spend between two and four hours wandering though the countryside along the now-dry bed of the Sujalam river that once flowed by Savista and through farms and hamlets. They also have the choice of visiting the homes of agriculturists known to Gopal who feel delighted when the “world” comes to them, so to say, and are eager to offer chai, display their babies, kitchens, granaries, agricultural equipment and livestock, and be photographed and shown the results on the digicam! The camel cart ride is a totally non-touristy way to savour the Rajasthan countryside, and is one of the unique experiences that Savista offers.

Hiking & Biking

admin — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 06:39:15 +0000

River bed / ravine hikes and biking along the Sujalam river bed, as well as village walks, are among the special outdoor activity options at Savista. The Sujalam is a now-dry river that once used to flow alongside the Savista estate. Originating in the Kaalak Sagar reservoir (a water harvesting reservoir in the lap of the Aravali Hills, about 15 km. from Savista) , it once meandered 20 kilometers through the villages of Kaalak, Mundia Ramsar, Naiwala, Jaisinghpura, Sanjharia, Dehmi and Bagru. Along its course, the river etched jagged ravines in the sandy soil, giving the area around Savista its undulating character. Some sections of these ravines, in Savista’s neighbourhood, are wooded and are regularly visited by nomadic herders who bring their camels, sheep and goats to graze on the thorny shrubs and trees - babool and khejri - that grow there. Roaming herds of wild nilgai can also be sighted from time to time, particularly when crops are ripening in the fields. Meaning “blue cow” when translated from the Hindi, the nilgai is an antelope that has a rich russet coat and looks like a deer when young, but matures into an ungainly blue/grey adult that looks part stubby horse, part deer. It is considered a sacred animal in these parts and, therefore, protected from harm. But it is also seen as a nuisance, as it regularly invades fields and ravages ripening crops. The village hunter – a colourful- looking character who carries an antiquated rifle - is hired by the local farmers to chase away these animals, by running after them while firing into the air. For this he gets paid a retainer fee over the months of the harvest, or is compensated in kind. Foxes, rabbits, porcupines, deer and a huge population of partridges – not to mention the occasional jackal - also roamed these ravines once. But over the last thirty years or so, they have been hunted to extinction by the local population. For as long as its waters flowed the Sujalam river-bed, with its rich growth of kusha reeds and rushes that sprouted in the wake of the rainy months, offered a refuge for nesting migratory birds flying into the Indian plains in the winter from the cold Northern countries. While most of these birds customarily landed in the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (north of Jaipur and close to Delhi), occasional stragglers who had lost their way – notably red-necked cranes and a few varieties of geese – were known to land on the Sujalam river bed and make temporary homes there. In the summer months, when the river waters shrank to a mere trickle, the local villagers and nomadic herders cut down the kusha reeds to make their own temporary shelters from the scorching sun. But the sturdy thorny shrubs and trees along the river bank continued to provide fodder for camels, sheep and goats. And succulent grass growing in the damp river bed offered grazing grounds for horses and cows. There was also a tradition in these parts, during the summer months, of farmers cutting out section-lengths of the firm saturated soil of the river bed for use as linings for irrigation channels in the fields. In the days before the arrival of water sprinklers and drip irrigation, these damp earthen linings served as water-saving devices, besides facilitating the smooth flow of water. The Sujalam river also historically provided a hospitable environment for the Bagru handmade textile industry. Water is a major raw material for dyeing and printing of textiles, and the medieval town of Bagru situated on the banks of the Sujalam (roughly 8 km. down the river from Savista), traditionally served as a major centre for hand-weaving, dyeing and block printing on cotton cloth, using vegetable dyes. Today, much has changed in the above scenario. But large sections of the river bed still remain unspoilt - albeit without water even in the monsoon months -, and covered with brush and kusha reeds. This makes for a pleasant hiking / safari / cart trail. Those with a greater interest in people, rural life and agricultural practices have the option of walking or biking through the fields and hamlets that surround Savista. One of Savista’s unique features is that it affords the visitor the opportunity to glimpse the lives of ordinary folk, and experience a brief flavour of rural India, from a comfortable and safe vantage point. Following rutted footpath trails (pakdandi in Hindi), you can wander through the hamlets and villages of Sanjharia, Jaisinghpura and Himmatpura, or go cross-country towards the larger villages of Begas or Dehmi, or even all the way to the town of Bagru. You can simply hike and bike along waving to people along the way, or meet farmers and their womenfolk, enter homes to share a glass of tea or buttermilk, watch women churn butter and attend to household chores, or visit any of the schools close-by (with prior permission). Agriculture is the main occupation in and around these villages. The main crops grown are wheat, barley, maize (corn), millets (bajra), many varieties of beans, mustard, chick-peas, peanuts and vegetables. Dairying is a subsidiary activity The village of Thikaria, which is also part of this cluster of villages (and through which you must drive to get to Savista from the highway) has, in just the last four years, ceased to be a predominantly agricultural village. It has been bought over by the Vatika City real estate developers who are building an urban township there. All the farmers of Thikaria have sold off their agricultural lands, but retain their homesteads and continue to live there. They now make a living running little shops and businesses that service the labour colonies that are working on the construction sites. On the other side of Sanjharia, undulating lands which once belonged to Sanjharia and were set aside as grazing grounds by the then big landlord of the village have, in the last four years, been acquired by the Manipal University - a private university - which has created an impressive campus there.

Yoga Lessons

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 06:40:09 +0000

Whether one is an enthusiastic practitioner or an eager-to-learn entrant, the peace and stillness at Savista offers an excellent environment in which to hone one’s yoga practice. The lawns, machaans (platforms) under the trees, amphitheatre, rooftop, sundecks, or the indoors all offer a wide choice of location for individual or group lessons/practice. Learners who wish to be put through their paces can book classes in advance. Savista offers the opportunity to be introduced to simple and joyful methods to de-stress through breathing, meditation, laughter and other relaxation techniques. The style of yoga taught at Savista is the ashtanga vinyasa yoga - known today as the Mysore School of Yoga – which was first taught by Shri Krishnamacharya, the founder of modern yoga during his tenure as teacher of yoga in the princely state of Mysore.

Pink City Walks

admin — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 06:52:34 +0000

For those who wish to go beyond the standard sights Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar (observatory), walking is one of the best ways to experience the crowded and energetic “Pink” walled city. Although the sidewalks are often broken in parts and overcrowded, and one has to keep hopping off and back on to the road, and dodge the crush of pedestrians, hawkers, bicycles, cars, rickshaws, hand carts, cows, and shops that spill out of their premises, the only way to penetrate the tiny lanes and bazaars of the walled city is to do it on foot. And with a guide. A variety of organized walks take you through the walled city’s havelis and temples (often belonging to merchants and traders, the life blood of the city), craft specific and street food specific streets, the jewellers’ bazaar, the textile bazaar, and other random experiences such as turban shops and traditional kitchen utensil shops, many of them dating back to when the city was founded, to give you a flavour of a few slices of frozen-in-time Jaipur. If you decide to experience one of these walks, Savista’s car will take you to the rendezvous point where you meet your tour guide, and pick you up when you are finished. We make sure that – armed with drinking water and a packed lunch/snack - you do not need to miss any of the frenzy of Jaipur city, before you return to the calm and quiet of the Savista estate.

Block Printing Lessons

admin — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 07:56:59 +0000

Savista offers its guests the unique experience of learning textile hand block printing as taught by the traditional artisans of Bagru who have been practicing this craft for at least 350 years. The craftsman whom Savista works with is a fifth generation printer who has his own traditional print studio. Workshop participants will work alongside the printer’s associates (mostly family members) and have the opportunity to savour the artisanal work environment. Adding to the experience will be the daily drive to and from Bagru – 8 km from Savista - through beautiful rolling farmland, small villages, and the past the medieval fort of Bagru which was once a Rajput principality. Guests opting for this experience will learn to print on cotton fabric, using hand-carved wooden blocks of their choice, and custom-made vegetable and mineral-based dyes. The master printer will introduce them to the processes of washing, dyeing, color fixing, block carving, printing, and textile finishing. The quality of the water, soil and plant resources of this region all had a role to play in the evolution of the craft. Guests may opt for a fleeting “brush with blocks” (half day or one day), or the full two nights-three days package that will be a more immersive experience. (Photo credits: 1) Rani Mullen, a friend of Savista from New Delhi, who stayed with us in 2011, 2) Ellie, from China, who stayed with us in 2013, 3) Deepak Chhipa, our crafts partner in Bagru, 4) Carol Miltimore, from the U.S., who stayed with us in 2013, 5) Julie Zenobi, from the U.S., who stayed with us in 2013.)

Organic Detox

admin — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 07:57:52 +0000

This is a customized, one-on-one 3 nights/4 days workshop, offered both as an empowering wellness exercise, and as yet another way of experiencing Savista’s slow pace of life and agrarian environment. The framework is a simple and effective one where the emphasis is on diet and yoga:

A vegetarian approach to nutrition, with a focus on striking a balance – of acid and alkaline; cooked and raw; grains, vegetables, seeds and fruits; nuts and herbs; fasting and feasting; and

A yogic approach to body and mind: exercises using sound, breathing, laughter and physical postures to stretch, strengthen, stimulate and becalm.

The program also includes a traditional Indian massage. As different from “detox” programs where you hand yourself over to “experts” for the space of a few days and leave the facility feeling good only to gradually lapse back into your previous state of mind and body, at Savista you are an equal collaborator in the quest for enhancing your own wellbeing. At our detox workshop, you learn simple yet potentially powerful lifestyle changes, whose effects you begin to feel even during your time here. You also learn how to carry them forward on your own, so that with time and practice you become more adept at engaging in a continuous process of detox, which is the only enduring approach to a healthy life. The detox package includes room and all its amenities, pool, gym, films, library (which has a good collection of books on related subjects), all meals and drinks, three yoga sessions a day, airport transfers, and taxes.

Abhaneri Day Trip

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:42:34 +0000

The stepwell known as Chand Baori in the village of Abhaneri (which means “City of Light”) can be done as a comfortable day trip from Savista, being a 95 km drive each way on the Jaipur-Agra Highway. It is located in the neighbouring district of Dausa. The dramatic architecture of the Chand Baori and its desolate location also make it a favourite location for film shoots. For movie buffs - the stepwell was the setting for the underground prison in Christopher Nolan's epic film, "The Dark Knight Returns", where Bruce Wayne must attempt a perilous climb to escape his confinement and return to save Gotham. Once part of a thriving kingdom, Abhaneri now lies abandoned by history. The exquisitely beautiful gigantic stepwell believed to have been built between 800 and 900 A.D. along with the Harshatmata Temple that stands next to it, is a magnet for those who appreciate historical monuments that go beyond forts and palaces. Reputedly the deepest ancient stepwell in the country, the Chand Baori at Abhaneri is one of many ornamented stepwells that are characteristic of the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and its neighbouring state Gujarat (bordering the Thar desert), where they historically served important ecological and social functions. Stepwells were uniquely designed to harvest rain water in a season of plentiful rains, preserve it through consecutive dry seasons, and enable people to access the water even as the level in the well kept dropping. Stepwells were thus designed to be several stories deep, each story connected to the next through vertical flights of steps all around the internal circumference and linked horizontally by pillared halls whose stone walls were beautified with a profusion of sculptures and friezes. The Chand Baori stepwell was created to celebrate three objectives: to be a water-harvesting mechanism, to serve as an object of sheer visual beauty, and to be a venue for the performing arts. Built in an era when water was literally worshipped as a life-giving resource, it is an example of how collections of water - rivers, lakes, ponds, and in this case a water-harvesting reservoir - were exalted through architectural embellishment, sanctified through religious rituals, and celebrated as spaces for social interaction. It is an architectural marvel of carved and embellished inner walls that are 13 stories deep, and intricately connected through hundreds of flights of steps, leading all the way down to the lowest prevailing water level. Interspersed in and around this amazing structure are temples, figures of gods and goddesses, and performance platforms.

Pushkar Day Trip

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 08:30:47 +0000

Pushkar, located around two and a half hours by road from Savista, with its holy lake and the hundreds of whitewashed temples built around it is one of the holiest cities of the Hindus. If you are keen to get a fleeting experience of “religious India” and are not planning to visit Varanasi (the most ancient and holiest of living cities), Pushkar is a reasonable substitute that is well worth a half day visit. Ancient, quaint, colorful, and full of history, Pushkar is renowned for two things. It has one of the only temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma (god as Creator)); hence its importance to the Hindus, the dominant religious community in India. And Pushkar hosts an annual Camel Fair for one week in November each year, coinciding with the full moon, when animals – mainly camels and horses – are traded. During this week, Pushkar is flooded with upward of 200,000 visitors – Indian and foreign - and more than 50,000 camels that arrive adorned with nose rings, bangles and bracelets. Although there is a lot of energy and spectacle during the camel fair, Pushkar feels more charming and manageable during the quieter times of the year when you can enjoy the bustling market for beautiful handcrafted goods (friendly and less aggressive merchants and cheaper prices than Jaipur’s walled city bazaars), and explore the innumerable lanes and bylanes which speak of a layered history and a living museum of architectural structures – temples, palaces and residences - that go back several hundreds of years. The important thing is to do your explorations on your own, and to determinedly shake off the innumerable wily self styled “religious” men and their touts who will try to ensnare you with flowers or offers of rituals that can help your ancestors reach heaven. Pushkar also has an unmistakable cosmopolitan flavour that goes back to the 1960s when the American flower children discovered it and made it their home, encouraged by the marijuana fields surrounding the town, They have been followed over the decades by other international nirvana seekers, including Israeli youth weary of the militarism in their home country. You will encounter these residents in the bazaars, some of them running restaurants offering Israeli and European cuisine.

Kesar

admin — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 09:45:43 +0000

Pool at night

admin — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 09:46:16 +0000

Camel

admin — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 09:46:53 +0000

Jasmine

admin — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 09:47:20 +0000

Tina N., London (on Alastair Sawdays)

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:54:47 +0000

Savista Retreat proved to be everything that I had hoped for. A very beautifully restored and furnished country hunting lodge turned ecological retreat by the current family After traveling alone for 3 weeks, I was made to feel as if I had returned to visit good friends from India who are deeply passionate and knowledgeable about their country and local environment.

Wendy W., U.K. (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:54:57 +0000

Savista is exactly the sort of place one hopes to find on a visit to India. The place is a delight, the staff genuinely friendly, the pool extraordinary, the rooms individually designed, and the food delicious. What makes it extra special is that the warm and welcoming hosts treat you like friends.

Peter S., New York (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:37:26 +0000

What can I add to the enthusiastic reviews already here -- reaffirmation that they are completely accurate. And more, that the owners/hosts are warm, intelligent people you will be delighted to sit at dinner table with, in animated conversations about your lives, theirs, and world affairs. This is NOT your usual hotel experience!

Marianne K., Oslo (on Booking.com)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:39:35 +0000

We had a brilliant stay at Savista, a quiet, serene, idyllic and eco-friendly place in the countryside. The hosts are a lovely, charming and knowledgeable married couple who are doing great work with and for the local community in this poor part of Rajastan. Learning about their work made the stay at Savista even more enjoyable and interesting. The food was delicious too. Savista was a much welcomed contrast to the business, noise and chaos of Jaipur. A bit tricky to get there, but well worth it when we did.

Signe W., Copenhagen (on Holidaycheck.com)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:40:38 +0000

Imagine you had to rate and review your childhood home - a place of love and peace, where your every need was met and you learned so much about yourself and the world around you. That is the task I am faced with here, as I am writing about Savista Retreat where I stayed for 7 nights in February 2012. But I shall try to be objective. As a part of my stay, I had booked a yoga-and-massage-detox package. I learned so much about healthy eating, yoga and the balance of mind and spirit. It was rewarding beyond expectations, but even if you are not up for the detox programme there are plenty of reasons to stay at Savista. The surroundings are beautiful as is the hotel itself. And the Jaipur region offers many sights to see and excellent Indian shopping, which my friend an I discovered on our outings with the personal driver, the hotel has provided for us. But the best experiences of my stay were "back home" at Savista. The sun there is as bright as the smiles on the faces of the local Indian women who work at Savista and who took my friend and I on a tour of the surroundings and bestowed upon us the honor of showing us their homes. I am so thankful for this memorable experience that I would never have gotten anywhere else. And the food!! I could go on and on about how excellent it is! If staying there, do eat at Savista. It's the best food I had on my entire trip and it is served poolside in the candlelight. A final mention should be given to our hosts who went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable at all times. When a sudden, unusual, and very unexpected cold front made it a little cold inside the palace, they made sure heaters were in place. When I was so unfortunate as to fall and hit my head, our hosts themselves drove me to their own doctor to make sure that I was okay! They are the nicest, warmest people you could imagine as hosts. In short, I recommend Savista with all my heart. Stay there and get an experience that you will carry with you a lot longer than the beautiful tan you can also acquire. You might even be as lucky as l have been and find a place in a far away land that you can call home.

Wako T., San Francisco (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:41:37 +0000

If you're looking for an out-of-the-way getaway and willing to pay a little more, I highly recommend Savista. And especially if you are committed to living -- and traveling -- as sustainably as possible, this is a great place to check out.

Aibhinn B., Ireland (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:42:30 +0000

This hotel was listed in the guardian newspaper under top 20 best boutique hotels in India... WE AGREE … The owner and staff are what made our stay one of the most amazing experiences of our trip to India (We've been 3 times to India). We thoroughly enjoyed the camel cart ride to meet the local families and drink gallons of delicious chai.

Rosemarie C., London (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:43:08 +0000

I had heard so much about Savista but it exceeded every expectation. A true retreat in a wonderful place. We enjoyed delightful service and surroundings, sunrises, sunsets and the food was far too delicious! Additional benefit was easy access to Jaipur - a fascinating, colourful and characterful city - and miles away in every sense from Europe.

Caroline O., Liverpool U.K. (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:43:58 +0000

I would recommend this as a place to stay in Jaipur. The drive into Jaipur can take about 45 minutes which definitely adds time to your day - but when you get back to Savista you realize it was MORE than worth the ride.

Richard H., Leeds U.K. (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:44:48 +0000

We arrived at Savista Retreat after staying at the Trident hotel in Agra .. and found Savista totally different for all the right reasons. It's personal, and it's authentic. The best thing I can say about the Savista Retreat is that during our time there we felt fully relaxed, with all our requirements taken care of by our hosts, and by staff never short of a genuine smile.

Marianne V., U.S.A. (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:45:44 +0000

I have been to Savista twice: once with my family and once alone. Both times were memorable occasions. The service is delightful, the food delicious and the hosts charming… Savista is truly a retreat and I highly recommend it as a place to get away from the bustle of India's cities and enjoy incredible Indian hospitality.

Malia D., Austin U.S.A. (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:46:35 +0000

The owners are genuinely interested in their guests and we left feeling as if we had been staying with old friends. We learned so much about India through our conversation with them. The hotel itself is beautiful and the atmosphere is one of tranquil and informal elegance.

Anouchka I., Dubai (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:47:05 +0000

If only we could have stayed longer!... Savista is superb: beautiful lush gardens; a character-filled house with comfortable, clean and spacious rooms; delicious local homestyle meals; and welcoming, personalized and professional service. Being in the countryside enabled us to discover Jaipur by day and mellow out by night. We could not have hoped for a better stay.

Kristin K., New York (on Tripadvisor)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:48:00 +0000

The rooms are clean, spacious and beautifully decorated. We loved the absolutely delicious homemade Indian food prepared fresh for every meal, and this was the only resort we stayed in during our 3 week trip to India where we did not have to drink bottled water… I highly recommend the camel cart ride through the surrounding local villages where the children love to have their pictures taken and you are always greeted with a steaming hot cup of Indian tea

Annetta M. Edinburg (on Holidaycheck.com)

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:48:32 +0000

An absolutely wonderful retreat. We stayed for a week, and were sorry to leave, there being so much more to see and do in this part of the region. Savista provides a perfect contrast to the chaotic hustle and bustle of the heart of Jaipur, and it was a joy to return to the tranquility and homely, luxurious comfort of this beautiful haveli, after days out exploring. Our hosts were extremely warm and friendly, and thoroughly attentive in a relaxed and discrete manner, nothing was too much trouble. The ambience of this beautifully restored ancestral home both during the day and at night was calm and inspiring - colourful and well maintained, and a feeling of contentment emanated. We breakfasted and dined outdoors each day, and all the Indian style food we experienced was delicious and varied, and served with a smile! So all that remains is to set a date for our return, and then with a little more time to allow for relaxation beside the beautiful courtyard pool, and opportunity to further explore the lovely semi arid countryside surrounding Savista.