LISTEN<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nManu Maharani – The Curation Maestro<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Last week, Manu Maharani, a luxury resort near Jim Corbett National Park, invited me to experience their resort. Early Sunday morning (10th December 2023), a dozen bloggers and influencers from the Delhi-NCR region set out for Corbett. Despite being in different vehicles, the resort management ensured we met for breakfast at Haldiram\u2019s in Gajraula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Manu$ <\/a>
Manu Maharani Signage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
We got to know each other during this breakfast. The journey after breakfast was mostly about catching up on sleep, as we had left early. It was almost lunchtime when we reached Manu Maharani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Warm Welcome<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whatever little tiredness we felt vanished, experiencing the warm welcome at the resort. They honoured us with traditional Uttarakhand caps and \u2018tilak\u2019<\/em> (applying vermillion to the forehead). The GM of the resort handed over a welcome letter and our itinerary for the trip. The welcome drinks were Jal Jeera (a cool spicy drink) and hot Gahat Daal <\/em>(local lentil soup).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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$\"Manu$ <\/a>
My room… er… my cottage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
$\"Manu$ <\/a>
The floral arrangement in my sitting area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
$\"Manu$ <\/a>
King-size bed in my room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
$\"Manu$ <\/a>
The bathroom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The room gladdened my heart as the sitting area had a gorgeous fresh flower arrangement. The decor was neutral. And that is saying a lot as many rooms I stayed in have evoked vehement reactions of distaste as the decor was too overpowering or in-the-face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soon, we gathered in Dasos, a restaurant by the Kosi River. An elaborate buffet spread offered delectable choices everyone in the group appreciated. While the food was delicious, the view of the Kosi River took the cake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Kosi$ <\/a>
Kosi River viewed from Dasos Restaurant in Manu Maharani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Cosy, nah, Kosi Curation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After a leisurely meal and some rest, we made our way to the Kosi Riverbank, where a curated high tea was waiting for us. A variety of teatime favourites like fans, cookies, marodas<\/em> (a savoury, crunchy, yet fluffy pastry), fritters, etc. were accompaniments to your preferred beverage. The beverage choices were interesting and included the now-very-popular \u2018Tandoori Chai\u2019<\/em> (charcoal-fired oven tea). The venue was replete with fresh flowers. If you need to organise a destination wedding here, ask for this curated experience. And make memories for a lifetime!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Curated$ <\/a>
Curated High Tea by River Kosi at Manu Maharani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The dinner was a multi-course affair, again curated for our group. This dinner was hosted by the Managing Director, Mr. Priyanshu Agarwal. By the time we were through with the dinner, I am sure the people in the group must have already gained a kilo or two!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corbett Experience and More<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The next morning, they had organised a walk to Pandava Nagari <\/em>(a small settlement where the exiled royalty of \u2018Mahabharat\u2019<\/em> had spent some time). I had to give it a miss as the walk was strenuous and the resort guys advised me against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Manu$ <\/a>
Manu Maharani Swimming Pool<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Breakfast followed. Another sumptuous spread! It seemed the resort management was plying us with gourmet delicacies, intending to kill us with food! In Hindi, the phrase we used was \u2018Arre Bhai, khila khila ke maaroge kya?\u2019<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soon, we were off to the Jim Corbett Museum, at Dhangadhi Gate of Corbett National Park. This visit was filled with oohs-and-aahs as we meandered through enlightening displays, dioramas, and experiential 3D jungle realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Jim$ <\/a>
Jim Corbett’s bust at Dhangadhi Gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
More Food and Fun<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From here, we made our way to another curated experience – a picnic lunch by the riverside. Typical Kumaon cuisine was served. Besides the Vada Pav<\/em> (potato Patty in a bun) and the rolls, the Kumaon main course was Tehri <\/em>(a Kumaon Pulao), Kumaon Raita (made with grated cucumber, yoghurt, mustard seeds, green chilli, turmeric, and coriander leaves), Mooli Saan<\/em> (radish, lemon, mixed with curd, bhang<\/em> or cannabis seed powder, and salt) and stinging hot fried green chillies. The dessert was Moong Daal<\/em> (split Green Gram) Halwa<\/em>. This meal left us licking our fingers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Manu$ <\/a>
The mini-train that served food during the Gala Dinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
After a relaxing high tea at the resort, soon enough, it was time for our gala dinner. The different bogeys of the mini-train at the resort served different dishes, comprising starters and a variety of main courses. The kebabs melted in my mouth, and the stone oven pizza was delectable! The drinks counter mixed some killer cocktails. In short, an evening of food and fun! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this meal, we shared with the Managing Director that we would have loved to go on the jungle safari. And soon, we were told that a morning safari had been organised! The safari bookings are typically made about 45 days prior. But, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of the hat, the Manu Maharani management arranged the safari for us with barely 8 hours to spare. Well, didn\u2019t I say something about Manu Maharani being a curation maestro?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A post shared by \ud83d\udcf8 Ajay Sood (Travelure) (@travelure)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>