Thursday 26 February 2015

New York Weddings Magazine featured Lakshman Sagar

This Way to Nowhere

No Internet, no TV, no phone, no nothing: a dozen dream destinations for a truly off-the-radar honeymoon.

http://nymag.com/weddings/honeymoon/2014/winter/vacation-unplugged/
Lakshman Sagar, India 
Raipur, India
The dizzying, nonstop bustle of New Delhi feels a million miles away from Lakshman Sagar (from $350; sewara.com), a nineteenth-century hunting lodge turned conservation retreat, stretched across 32 acres in rural central India (a.k.a. the badlands). The property blends beautifully into the barren environs—green architects Revathi and Vasant Kamath used indigenous materials to construct the dozen mud-and-stone guest cottages—and features plenty of local handiwork, like embellished Zenana tables inspired by the colorful style of Rajasthani women. Take a lesson in yoga or meditation, trek through the surrounding badlands on horseback, bring a picnic lunch (the hotel will pack it for you) to nearby Fort Bagri, or try to spot a sloth bear, a langur (a slender gray monkey named after a Hindu god), or a chinkara (Indian gazelle) at the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary. No one will judge you, of course, if you opt simply to loiter by the pool and admire the surrounding desert’s foothills.
Need to rewire? The property has no TVs, Wi-Fi, or cell-phone service. To log on, you can hit the Internet cafés in the town of Raipur, five minutes away.

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Review of Lakshman Sagar by Sharell Cook

View of Lakshman Sagar Zanana (Women's) Tower. 
Rakhee Ghelani





There are plenty of hotels that don't live up to what's portrayed on their websites. Lakshman Sagar isn't one of them. From the moment you arrive, this spectacular hotel will mesmerize you with its striking concept and design, attention to detail, and outstanding service. It tops my list of hotels in India that I've stayed in.


Lakshman Sagar: Location and Setting
In terms of accessibility, Lakshman Sagar is situated near the village of Haripur in the Pali district of Rajasthan, off National Highway 14. It's approximately two hours drive from Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer (near Pushkar). Guest also frequently come from Jaipur.

The location is an aspect of Lakshman Sagar that holds particular appeal. Rural and rustic, and just incredibly picturesque and peaceful, it's set around a ridge with a large lake (sagar means lake or ocean in Sanskrit) below. One of the only sounds you'll hear there is that of birds -- the splash of ducks in the water, and the call of peacocks during the day and owls at night.

The first thing to catch my eye as I approached the hotel was the gleaming white and pink Zanana (women's) tower. It's imposing, but the extensive grounds that lay beyond really took my breath away.

Lakshman Sagar was originally a royal 19th century hunting lodge, owned by the then Thakur of Raipur, who hosted noble families and British dignitaries there. The Mardana (men's) tower has been converted into a breezy white and blue dining space, with a kitchen below it, while a swimming pool has been cut into the rock plateau behind the Zanana tower. Day beds, sheltered by thatching of dry vegetation, line one side of the lake. And, 12 mud and stone guest cottages are spread out over the 32 acre landscape


The way the hotel has been constructed is ingenious. It blends old and new in a very chic way. Eco-friendly architects Revathi and Vasanth Kamath, as well as Delhi interior designers Sahil Bagga and Sarthak Sengupta, have shown remarkable creativity in using local products and culture for inspiration. Not all of their ideas are obvious though. One of the hotel staff pointed out the light fittings, made from recycled and painted milk cans and truck diesel filters. I never would've guessed!

Lakshman Sagar: Accommodations
The 12 cottages are no less stunning than the rest of the property. They're very spacious (around 900 square feet each), and have independent bedrooms, living rooms with fireplaces, private plunge pools overlooking the lake, and stone bathrooms with rain showers. 

I loved the way my cottage was furnished, with cushions and rugs providing the bursts of color that Rajasthan is known for, against the earthy beige dried mud walls. Yet, it was the unexpected extra touches, usually not found in hotels, that really impressed me. I found freshly ground plunger coffee in the fridge, a tray of incense cones in the living room, and twigs from a Neem tree in the bathroom (this is how teeth are traditionally cleaned in India). The rain water shower was absolutely divine, although the curious wild peacock that peeked through one of the windows while I was bathing brought me back to reality!

For what you get, the room rates at Lakshman Sagar are reasonable. A double cottage costs 13,500 rupees ($250) a night, including all meals and in-house activities such as cooking classes and nature walks. Alcohol is extra, but the hotel doesn't try to make money from this. The bottle of wine in the mini bar in my room was priced less than at restaurants where I live in Mumbai.
 
Lakshman Sagar: Food and Dining
Lakshman Sagar aims to give guests a taste of Rajasthan. There's no fixed menu but rather guests are served a range of dishes from the region according to their preferences. The friend I was traveling with is a big foodie, and she was delighted to be able to get the recipes off the chef and see a cooking demonstration. On the other hand, I was particularly pleased with the organic vegetable garden at the front of the property, which provides much of the ingredients for the meals.

The splendor of the hotel really reveals itself at sunset, and it's best enjoyed on the rooftop of the Zanana tower with a cocktail. To get up there, we climbed three flights of stairs past a bubbling water fountain, dining room, and writers alcove all in eye catching hues of white, blue and pink.

Although Lakshman Sagar is a luxury hotel that's worth staying in by itself, admirably the hotel also focuses on providing guests with an "experience" centered around rural Rajasthan and village life. One of the best ways to have this experience is by going on the field breakfast. We were driven by jeep to a nearby village home where pristine day beds and a table were laid out for us, overlooking a carpet of green crops. A village woman was preparing the breakfast, cooking whole grain parathas over a fire. As we ate, we watched bright green parrots playing amongst the stalks of wheat. 

Lakshman Sagar: Activities
The variety of activities offered by Lakshman Sagar is extensive. After breakfast, we went for a walk through the fields and visited some more village homes. We drove past a henna plantation, marveled over thousands of bricks being made by hand, saw huge piles of chillies drying, and walked through Raipur town to the old Raipur Fort (built by the rulers in 1606 and which still remains inhabited today).

Other activities that are possible include nature walks and bird watching, a trip to a wildlife sanctuary, picnics, horse safaris, fishing, yoga and meditation, and massages.

If you're interested in rural tourism in India and exploring rural Rajasthan, but don't want to sacrifice comfort, Lakshman Sagar is a highly recommended destination. Alternatively, it's a rejuvenating place to pamper yourself in the desert, while talking a break from city sightseeing. 

Visit Their Website


Monday 23 February 2015

"Unplugged Wednesdays" featuring The Yellow Bucket at Lodi - The Garden Restaurant

Ritwik De & Subhadra Kamath
A fantastic way to wrap up the month of February 2015 with an unplugged set by "The Yellow Bucket". They are an electro-acoustic duo who experiment with happy, lingering melodies and harmonies, constantly trying to re invent acoustic music in the circuit.

The Yellow Bucket is a project started by Ritwik De and Subhadra Kamath in an attempt to put together some simple acoustic songs with just a hint of electronic intervention.. Its a musical break from complications- in life and music.

Catch them this Wednesday (25th February) 8:30 PM onwards as these two get set to put on a colorfully musical evening to add to the fantastic outdoor setting at Lodi - The Garden Restaurant.

Great Food, Great Music and special offers at the bar make it an evening not to miss.

Venue: Lodi - The Garden Restaurant
Date – Feb 25, 2015 (Wednesday)
Time – 8:30 pm onwards
Address: Lodi – The Garden Restaurant, Lodhi Road, Opposite Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi – 110003
For Reservation Call : 9818743232


Friday 20 February 2015

"New Delhi's 10 Stunning Restaurants You Should Experience" by The Culture Trip

New Delhi is not only the political capital of India, it is also a cosmopolitan city at its best, boasting a wide range of outstanding cafés, award winning restaurants and memorable local eateries. This list explores the best places in town to experience mouth-watering local and international cuisines in impressive settings.



Indian Accent Interiors
Indian Accent | © Indian Accent

Indian Accent

Overlooking a lush lawn and a beautiful veranda, Indian Accent at The Manor offers Indian fusion food at its best, combining global techniques and ingredients with traditional flavors of India. In 2014, Indian Accent was rated as number one restaurant in India and number three in Asia by the '2014 TripAdvisor Travellers’ ChoiceTM Restaurants' awards, honoring travellers’ favorite fine dining restaurants around the world. Welcoming guests on a unique culinary journey, the restaurant’s chef Manish Mehrotra has succeeded in designing a menu which can satisfy both adventurous palates and traditional ones. The chef’s menu can be paired with delicious wines, offering good value for money.
Indian Accent, 77, Freinds Colony West, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2692 5151



roast scallops balchao, saboodana papad, kokum powder
roast scallops balchao, saboodana papad, kokum powder | © Indian Accent

Social Offline

Social Offline offers a variety of dishes from around the world, but what it really stands out for is its innovative design and concept. Also located in the trendy Hauz Khas Village offering beautiful unmatched views of the area, Social Offline is a space that blends both office and coffee shop worlds together. It is the ideal urban hangout place to work while relaxing, to be in the real world, socialize offline on their premises, while staying connected to the virtual world. Social Offline is the urban hub for New Delhi’s most talented innovators and artists, offering them a collaborative workspace. They always have an exciting art and culture agenda, including stand up comedies, photography exhibitions and guest DJs playing live.
Social Offline, 9A & 12, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, India, +91 (0)7838652814



Lodhi Gardens on a bright sunny day
Lodhi Gardens on a bright sunny day | © Amaninder/WikiCommons

Lodi - The Garden Restaurant

Set against the backdrop of the ‘Lodhi Gardens’ heritage park, which showcases beautiful 16th and 17th century Mughal architecture, Lodi - The Garden Restaurant is one of the most popular al fresco casual dining establishments, offering the best of European influenced cuisine. Hidden behind beautiful trees in a lush botanical environment, this restaurant offers a quaint and peaceful atmosphere, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Against a backdrop of jazz and chattering birds, guests can enjoy a romantic dinner on the outdoor terrace, mouth-watering evening cocktails and even a leisurely Sunday brunch in the elegant interiors. Lodi also hosts a range of cultural events from live music to book readings and stand up comedy, making it the ideal cultural hub in New Delhi.
Lodi - The Garden Restaurant, Opposite Mausam Bhavan, Near Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi, India, +91 98187 43232



Evening Scene at the Hauz Khas Village Lake
Evening Scene at the Hauz Khas Village Lake | © Sanjayscifi/WikiCommons

Yeti - The Himalayan Kitchen

Located in one of the hippest and happening places of New Delhi, namely the Hauz Khas Village, Yeti - The Himalayan Kitchen offers the best of Himalayan cuisine. A wide range of this hilly area’s cuisine is available on the menu, which also reflects culinary imagination. This type of cuisine is particularly spicy even to Indian palates. The food is always delectable and the service efficient. Guests sitting near some of the windows can also enjoy beautiful views on the Hauz Khas lake and the 14th century structures overlooking the park.
Yeti - The Himalayan Kitchen, 50 A, 2nd floor, Hauz Khas village, New Delhi, India,+91 98119 90608

Latitude 28

Latitude 28 is Chef Ritu Dalmia’s gem, a café with a kitsch design at its best located in the popular Khan Market, inside Good Earth; a premier destination for sustainable home, housewares and clothes. Also popularly known as the Good Earth café, Latitude 28 is the perfect place to hang out with family and friends and enjoy food in a small, modern and comfortable urban Indian setting. The food is always fresh and healthy, including a variety of dishes such as bruschettas, mouth-watering desserts, fresh pasta and crisp salads among others, and can be paired with exquisite wines selected by the Chef herself. Latitude 28 was voted the best café in Delhi by Hindustan Times.
Latitude 28, 9, Khan Market, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2462 1013

Sevilla at the Claridges Hotel

Set in one of Delhi’s oldest and most prestigious hotels, namely the Claridges, Sevilla offers the best of Spanish food to be found in the city and beyond. Indeed, the restaurant was awarded the Times Foods Awards for the Best Spanish Restaurant in 2014. Named after the beautiful cultural capital of Andalusia in Southern Spain, Sevilla at the Claridges Hotel is New Delhi’s most reputable Mediterranean casual dining restaurant. Even the interior design was planned in a way that reflects the Spanish Riviera to the delight of the restaurant’s guests. Its innovative gastronomy continues to attract Delhi’s food lovers’ attention who keep praising this place year after year.
Sevilla, The Claridges Hotel, 12 Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi, India, +91 11 4133 5133



Connaught Place, New Delhi, India
Connaught Place, New Delhi | © Daderot/WikiCommons

Wenger’s

Located in New Delhi’s old business district, namely Connaught Place, Wenger’s is a pastry shop and bakery that offers a wide range of signature cakes and desserts, pastries, sandwiches, artisan breads and much more. They have been around in the same location since 1926, making it one of the oldest and most reputable bakeries in Delhi. Starting as pioneers in the Swiss confectionery business in India, the reputation they have earned over the years is one to die for, and other bakeries around the city are still not able to compete with this legendary place.
Wenger’s, A-16, Middle Circle, Block A, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2332 4373

Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs

No visit to Delhi would be complete without a visit to Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, especially for kebab lovers! Located in the historic city centre of Connaught place, Nizam’s Kathi Kabab serves the best of North Indian cuisine. Kebabs are of course a house specialty, especially kathi kababs and roasted kababs, but so is the delicious biryani! Also, it is worth noting that the meat they serve is always halal and includes goat meat and chicken.
Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs, H-Five & Six, Plaza Building, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91-11-2332 1953

Cherie

Located in Old Serai, Cherie is a romantic restaurant with a French touch of elegance blending influences of well-known energetic Parisian jazz clubs and the warm Garden Bistros found in Provence. Set against the backdrop of the Qutub Minar, the second you enter this area, it feels like you went back in time. Luckily, there is Cherie, a beautiful restaurant where guests enjoy evenings in the vicinity of the Qutub! There is also a great ambiance in the restaurant itself which specialise in Italian, European and Continental cuisines. It's a must try for any pizza and Italian cuisine lover is their wood fired pizza!
Cherie, One Qutub, 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli,, New Delhi, India, +91 88004 80048

 

Thai High

Thai High, with its fashionable bar and rooftop terrace, is one of the hidden gems in New Delhi. They mix authentic Thai cuisine to contemporary designs and romantic views overlooking the Qutub Minar, and other beautiful and green areas of Delhi to make their guests’ dining experience one of the most memorable! Candle lit tables, and the sounds of world music and rippling water, only help creating a fairy tale but modern and refreshing ambiance. Not to be missed are the signature prawn black pepper, crispy vegetable salad, and red snapper chili sour.
Thai High, 1091/1, Ambawatta Complex, Kalkadass Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi, India, +91 99108 84229

By Sarine Arslanian
http://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/new-delhi-s-10-stunning-restaurants-you-should-experience/?utm_source=emails&utm_medium=featured&utm_campaign=200215newdelhirestaurants

Monday 16 February 2015

Pushkar Resorts - The World's most spectacular place to tie the Knot.

When it comes to destination weddings,PushkarResorts has what you need for an elegantand fun celebration.
We know you want an experience that is stress-free and filled with personalized details that reflect your style. 
For Reservation call 09910029109, +91-11-26494531/32, or write to reservations@sewara.com

"Unplugged Wednesdays" featuring MUKUL & SHENJIT at Lodi - The Garden Restaurant

After a stellar couple of "Unplugged Wednesdays" in February so far, gear up for the third episode on the 18th of February.

Next Wednesday features an acoustic duo who go by the name "Mukul & Shenjit". They are to put it simply, united by Two acoustic guitars, crazy ideas, and a passion for music.

Starting off in the same school as band members, they both developed an amazing sync that was difficult to find in their other endeavors. This gave birth to their acoustic project and the sole aim of providing deconstructed music, without compromising on quality. 

Venue: Lodi - The Garden Restaurant
Date – Feb 18, 2015 (Wednesday)
Time – 8:30 pm onwards
Address: Lodi – The Garden Restaurant, Lodhi Road, Opposite Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi – 110003
For Reservation Call : 9818743232






Thursday 12 February 2015

The Lodi Pop Up at India Design 2015

Find us at the Design Pavilion at ID 2015 between 13th - 15th Feb 2015 where we're serving signature dishes from the kitchens of Lodi – The Garden Restaurant as well as a range of organic dishes using the produce grown at the farms of Sewara Organics. 



Valentine's Day Celebration


Celebrate Valentine's day at the city's most romantic restaurant, Lodi with a romantic themed menu for two. For Reservations, call +919818743232

Sunday 8 February 2015

Valentines Day at Lakshman Sagar

This Valentine's weekend "enjoy a getaway with your loved one at Lakshman Sagar."For Reservation call 09910029109, +91-11-26494531/32, or write to reservations@sewara.com.

Romantic getaway with your loved one at Pushkar Resorts

This Valentine's weekend, enjoy a getaway with your loved one at Pushkar Resorts. For Reservation call 09910029109, +91-11-26494531/32, or write to reservations@sewara.com.

Thursday 5 February 2015

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Love week at Lodi - The Garden Restaurant

The most romantic restaurant in the city is celebrating the Valentine's love all week from 7th Feb - 14th Feb with a special romantic themed menu.For Reservation Call : 9818743232

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Unplugged Wednesdays featuring Sunil Pradhan

Sunil Pradhan
This Wednesday (4th February) will feature Sunil Pradhan, a passionate musician from Darjeeling, West Bengal.
He will be performing acoustic interpretations of classic rock, Blues and Rock n Roll tunes as well as some of his own melodies in order to provide a fantastic evening at one of the best outdoor venues in the city Lodi - The Garden Restaurant.


Venue: Lodi - The Garden Restaurant
Date – Feb 04, 2015 (Wednesday)
Time – 8:30 pm onwards
Address: Lodi – The Garden Restaurant, Lodhi Road, Opposite Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi – 110003
For Reservation Call : 9818743232

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Lakshman Sagar 2015

The former 19th-century hunting lodge in Raipur, Rajasthan, now turned into a heritage resort, is offering a Valentine’s Day package for two nights.

The offer includes:

Traditional Rajasthani welcome
Non-alcoholic welcome drink, a bottle of wine and cake on arrival
Made-to-order meals (organic) served in the lounge or room service—as per your choice
Access to the rock-cut swimming pool and private splash pools
Nature walk, followed by breakfast in the fields
Angling in the lake
Foot scrub
Local liquor tasting
Qawwali nights

The package costs Rs32,000 per couple for two nights and is available from 13—15 February. For reservations, call 09910029109, +91-11-26494531/32, or write to reservations@sewara.com.