Bang in the middle of a village in Haryana lies a lush 75-acre holiday haven. The best part: it's just an hour's drive from Delhi
Bang in the middle of a village in Haryana lies a lush 75-acre holiday haven. The best part: it's just an hour's drive from Delhi
Away in the Aravallis, dream-dust blows easy. Hop into your humble car; maneuver through trucks, taus and tiger butterflies, and voilu00e0, you're in wonderland.
Tarudhan Valley stands tall in the middle of an otherwise tough Tauru village, some 40 odd kilometres off the city into Haryana. So, honking your way through a heavy vehicle-laden highway was the only battle I had to fight on the way. The balminess and breeze of an early winter afternoon proved worthy allies, and after a couple of curves and crevices in the road, I entered the idyllic insides.
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Clean, contemporary, calm. Those are the three words that sum it up the best |
Clean, contemporary, calm. Those are the three words that sum it up the best. I was gladly shown the way to my neat, no-nonsense room, which opened into a small albeit endearing balcony with cane furniture and a sweet-smelling temple flower tree. Sounds from the closeby fountain completed the charm. After settling into the warm, muted interiors of your room, there's little you'd want to do until dinner. Soaking in some peace seems like the best thing.u00a0
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There are plush picture books to feast on, like Dinesh Khanna's Bazaar and one on the majesty of the Maharajas. Inu00a0 background: The Club House Bar |
Scot-freeIn the middle of the pin-drop prettiness of the night, you have the option of walking through Victorian streetlights to what is called The Club House: the hub of all activity, other than golf. If you're tired, there's the option of being ferried by the amusing li'l golf cart. What awaits you is worth either effort. The restaurant, named after James Skinner, a Scottish officer who once dwelt here, stocks up on most flavours of his multicultural life. In years of yore, the commanding chief was married to a Rajput princess, just as the eatery's menu weds continental to Indian. Mellow cooking talks to strong spice in just the right intonation. I only wish the wine had started flowing in, too.
A table by the corner of the porch, one that overlooks the vast expanses of golf fields and lakes, is but the best you can ask for. Especially when a candle in the wind accessorises it, and Sinatra stirs a note in the background. Look at your loved one, nibble on niceties and sip on sweet silence. And nod when chef Amit Jha appears for approval. The jackal call, you can ignore.u00a0u00a0
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The golf grounds have been designed by top golf architect Graham Cooke |
Room for moreu00a0u00a0
Once back, you have the option of channel-surfing, reading or writing, but an hour in the bathtub is the most relaxing of them all. They'll gladly give the candles you need to add to the romance. Be careful on the tiles, though, the bath area happens to be a tad too slippery. Recommended: Foot mats all over. Bathroom slippers, too.u00a0u00a0u00a0
Even if sleep starts to set in at two after a rerun of one of your favourite classics, and you discover the last bottle of water has just a drop or two, room service stands ready at that forbidden hour. Highly appreciated.u00a0
Birdie danceA morning round of the golf fields is a must, whether or not you're smitten by the sport. The nine-hole ground is grand and green, and it's unlikely you'll find curious company. Which makes tee time even better. The stretch has been designed by top golf architect Graham Cooke, so you know what to expect. The first three holes are planned as links-style golf, with large rolling greens embracing the look of famous courses like St Andrews and Royal Troon. The following four are dedicated to some of the world's best parkland courses, including Augusta Nationals. The orchard trees, rocky outcrops and shrubs capture the character of courses such as Valderama in Spain and Pebble Beach in California, if you're into details. The villas that surround the greens have all been sold out. Like you will be, on the place.
You've got bhainsIf golf's Greek to you, there's other stuff to take pleasure in. Like the camels and peahens and cattle that crosses the road as you set out for a village drive. Or a few games of table tennis, like the ones that charged me up. An odd wall peels off in the poolroom, but you don't mind that. The sparkling swimming pool makes up.
Then, there are plush picture books to feast on, like Dinesh Khanna's Bazaar and one on the majesty of the Maharajas. Other than sights of hibiscus hedges and pink-amber bougainvilleas. Sometimes, you don't have to go far to find yourself again.
Seasons Hotel at Tarudhan Valley Village Dadu, Tehsil Tauru, District Manesar, HaryanaPh: 0091- 9650798000-4, 00919810997625Log on to: https://www.seasonshotelscollection.com/
