Recently we decided to take a short family vacation. After an elaborate internet search we zeroed in on an eco-friendly resort situated near sea-shore. The experience, in short, was nothing less than a peep in the past.
As the journey was nearing its end, GPS signaled us to move
away from the well-constructed broad highway. The narrow lane became narrower
as we moved ahead, with speedometer indicating a sharp decline. The automated GPS voice highlighted our close vicinity to our destination. However we seemed
to be heading towards a small village. The kachha road (dirt-road) was broad
enough to allow one mid-sized vehicle to pass through. It probably came into existence
only due to this vehicular movement. At one point we had to push our car into
the bushes on the sides, just to allow a bicycle rider to pass.
As we entered the resort premises, we saw an open field,
being used as parking area. In one corner of this field was a stand-alone
structure, comprising of a single room, big enough to accommodate maximum 4-5
people at a given time. A board hanging at its door revealed its identity as the ‘reception
desk’. Trees and other forms of greenery covered and hid other structures present
nearby, if any.
The welcome drink, we were told, was a mix of hibiscus
extract and few other natural ingredients. All grown within the resort
premises. And the drink actually worked the way a breeze of fresh cool air works in blazing hot sun.
The place offered independent houses of different
architectural styles, followed in olden days. We opted for a naturally cooled
room. Which in simple parlance is a non-air-conditioned room. The well-furnished and spacious room had four
low height walls. The thatched roof started at a height of 5 ft from the ground
and extended high up taking a triangular shape. Lying on my extra large and extra high 4-post bed I could see a huge
bamboo frame providing a base for dried leaves. Quite interestingly these were
two separate pieces. The walls never really reached the roof.
The room had a private garden with sit-out area. The bamboo
furniture merged well with the surroundings. The garden was ill-maintained in a
planned fashion. Grass grew naturally and so did the trees and bushes. Everything
providing a natural habitat for birds and insects alike, who came in plenty to
greet us.
The bathing and washing area was outside the room. It had
four concrete walls and a wooden door. However the roof was conspicuously
missing. What was present was a big tree spreading its arms and providing a
notional cover. And how I wished it would rain…….and it did. Once when god
heard my prayers through the thick layer of leaves. And on all other occasions
through the shining metallic shower.
The hotel premises also offered a few places to explore. Staff
members guided us to the beach, sea-side restaurant and other amenities present
inside. Wherever we went, we only saw graveled paths. We borrowed bicycles,
which were available readily and in plenty for all hotel guests, thus aiding in
our movement across the vast expanse.
The path to the sea was through a belt of naturally growing
vegetation, giving it a feel of unexplored beach. Since this place was slightly
away from city limit, sparsely spread human presence only added to the feel.
The restaurants presented a mix of local and international
cuisine. Home-made butter and tomato ketchup were served with breakfast every
morning. Fruits and vegetables grown organically within the resort premises
added an extra flavor to the simple and easy on stomach food being served.
On our way back I thanked my husband for choosing this place
for our vacation. When I was a kid, I heard grand-parents' stories of life in villages during pre-modernization
era. This was probably closest that I will ever get to it. And for my daughter,
it’ll be a world she probably hasn’t even heard about.
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