During the initial extended weekend of this splendid year, we embarked on a journey to a ‘luxurious retreat’ just a short distance away from Delhi.
For a Delhiite, the thought of spending a winter weekend in Jaipur is as commonplace as sipping on your evening tea. However, if that tea is accompanied by the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the Aravalli hills, you will undoubtedly be captivated.
Therefore, during the first long weekend of this delightful year filled with long weekends, we embarked on a journey to Anopura, a luxurious retreat located just a short distance away from Delhi. Thanks to the newly constructed Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, our drive was incredibly smooth and effortless. As we cruised at a speed of 120 kmph, passing by convenient Texas-style rest stops and witnessing the vibrant bougainvillea adorning the road dividers, the scenery was truly mesmerizing from the moment we left the National Capital Region (NCR).
Upon entering Rajasthan, the somber grey sky gave way to a somewhat lackluster shade of blue. Nevertheless, for those who have long forgotten the sight of the sky, any shade of blue, except for the ones resembling Mondays, is considered a pleasant hue.
In any case, we departed from the highway at the Dausa exit and proceeded towards our accommodation for the next two nights: Anopura Jaipur. This resort offers a unique combination of a farmstay and a luxurious retreat in Jamwa Ramgarh. It is situated amidst the picturesque Aravalli foothills, just before reaching the outskirts of Jaipur. Therefore, you can avoid the chaotic influx of tourists in Jaipur, yet remain within close proximity if you wish to make a spontaneous trip to the Pink City.
Upon our arrival at Anopura, the sun in late January seemed poised to descend upon us before we could even finish our lunch. Our meal was arranged right in the heart of the resort’s expansive farm.
Amidst the shelter of a Babul canopy, we indulged in the delightful flavors of authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The Baati, a traditional dish, was prepared right before our eyes on a traditional stove called chulha. The wisps of smoke emanating from the chulha seamlessly merged with the surroundings, imparting a nostalgic essence to our lunch.
The vegetables adorning our plates were sourced directly from the farm situated in front of us. The farm boasted an abundance of local produce as well as ‘European’ varieties. A picturesque sight unfolded before us, with rows upon rows of vegetables stretching as far as the eye could see. A harmonious coexistence was observed as cauliflowers peacefully shared space with their Mediterranean counterpart, broccoli, while zucchini and cucumber thrived side by side. In the distance, we also caught glimpses of pomelo and kumquat trees, adding to the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
We were presented with a selection of cocktails from Anopura’s Cherry Bar to accompany our lunch. During my time there, I stumbled upon a newfound favorite cocktail that I consistently enjoyed throughout the four meals: the Guava Spice. This delightful concoction was garnished with a tantalizingly spicy green chili. Its ingredients included guava, tabasco, red chili powder, and white rum. The Guava Spice was refreshingly light on the taste buds and proved to be the ideal choice for a late-winter afternoon. As soon as I finished my Guava Spice, a blissful feeling of contentment washed over me.
We arrived at the Khas Niwas, also known as the ‘Important Residence’, a charming two-room villa decorated in a unique style. The walls were adorned with shades of dark pink and indigo, creating a captivating ambiance that was filled with natural light throughout the day. As we entered, we were greeted by a handwritten letter, which felt like a precious relic from the past, reminding us of a time when autocorrect was non-existent and printer-ink was a luxury we couldn’t afford.
The seating area by the pool, filled with the delightful scent of frangipani, possessed a unique charm. Serving as an unexpected bar table, a Gujarati wagon wheel added to the ambiance. Numerous coffee-table books caught my attention, ranging from Tarun Chopra’s India: Exotic Destination to The Maharaja & The Princely States of India by Sharada Dwivedi. Books were scattered all around, but what stood out were the two bookshelves at the bar in Anopura, adorned with names spanning from Antarctica to Tintin, with a sprinkle of Lonely Planets.
The property originated in 2010, when a Belgian architect constructed it as a residence consisting of two villas. Subsequently, the architect sought potential buyers who could assume ownership of Anopura, and it was at this point that Aditya Baheti from Jaipur became involved.
According to Baheti, in an interview with India Today, “Since I acquired it, this personal endeavor spanning across 80 acres has gradually transformed into four sets of villas featuring private pools, a luxurious farmstay named Khet Niwas comprising of seven units, flourishing organic farms, flower farms, a dairy farm, immersive dining arrangements, and a spa. The vision was to reintroduce wildlife and revitalize this breathtaking landscape.”
FACTSHEET
Location: Anopura Jaipur, Jamwa Ramgarh
Access: Accessible by road, approximately 290 km from Delhi
Closest airport: Jaipur
Ideal visiting period: The best time to visit is from October to March.