Manu Maharani – The Curation Maestro
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’s in Gajraula.
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.
A Warm Welcome
Whatever little tiredness we felt vanished, experiencing the warm welcome at the resort. They honoured us with traditional Uttarakhand caps and ‘tilak’ (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 (local lentil soup).
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.
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!
Cosy, nah, Kosi Curation
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 (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 ‘Tandoori Chai’ (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!
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!
Corbett Experience and More
The next morning, they had organised a walk to Pandava Nagari (a small settlement where the exiled royalty of ‘Mahabharat’ had spent some time). I had to give it a miss as the walk was strenuous and the resort guys advised me against it.
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 ‘Arre Bhai, khila khila ke maaroge kya?’
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.
More Food and Fun
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 (potato Patty in a bun) and the rolls, the Kumaon main course was Tehri (a Kumaon Pulao), Kumaon Raita (made with grated cucumber, yoghurt, mustard seeds, green chilli, turmeric, and coriander leaves), Mooli Saan (radish, lemon, mixed with curd, bhang or cannabis seed powder, and salt) and stinging hot fried green chillies. The dessert was Moong Daal (split Green Gram) Halwa. This meal left us licking our fingers!
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!
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’t I say something about Manu Maharani being a curation maestro?
Depart with Memories
The Gypsy ride during the safari chilled us to the bone as the wind-chill factor on the vehicle in a hurry to make it on time to the Park entrance brought down the 4°C another few notches. Hot Maggi and Chai at the forest Guest House helped. The ride in the park made us one with nature. I will not talk about the sightings as Corbett is notorious for showing the visitors fresh poop and fresh pugmarks. The sightings here are few.
Once back at the resort, we tucked in some more finger-licking food for breakfast and checked out. But not before putting in a couple of frames of pool in their activity room. The entire affair lasted about 60 hours, but the curations at Manu Maharani left us with a trunk full of memories!
If you are heading out to Corbett and looking for some unique experiences, try Manu Maharani. Their go-getter and attentive staff brigade will not let you down!
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