India’s oldest mountain range has been a treasure to environmentalists though it may not have found much of a place in India’s tourist map. A drive past the range neither inspires awe nor any quest to traverse the rocky and bushy path in travelers looking for greener pastures. But, after Gurgaon became a commercial hub, weekenders trying to find weekend getaways looked hungrily towards the undeterred, calm rocky hills that silently look over them. So, there was this sudden outburst of golf courses and resorts that came to rescue the corporate honchos who would go any length to find a getaway.
While one is on the way to the more up -market Western Country, Tarudhan and ITC resorts, one may find a decrepit sign board with ‘Vedic Gram wellness farm’ written with an indelible paint. It’s a grim chance that someone would notice it and even if one does, chances are it would be written off as something that may have existed in the past. We, being the ones who are blessed with undying curiosity, decided to know what could be hiding behind the vast extent of ‘Bajra’ fields and serpentine pathways.
Cottages at Vedic Farm
We Googled for Vedic Farm and found a contact number which we promptly dialed not expecting anyone would answer it. To our delight, the phone started ringing with a haunting melody from past ‘Jyoti kalash chhalke’. A dignified and welcoming voice answered the phone. We conveyed our desire to find what’s inside and she gave us an appointment for the coming weekend. We were disappointed for not having unfolded the mystery the same day but also hopeful that we will soon will, as weekend was just a day away.
Panchvati
Came Sunday and we set course for much awaited visit to Vedic Gram on Tavru road in Panchgaon, Manesar. We were escorted by a biker, a typical Haryana Tau, who chatted with us like a lost old friend. After relishing every drop of refreshing Lassi, offered to us as welcome drink, the product of home bred cows, we were onboard a Tractor for a tour full of pleasant surprises. We had beautiful fields on either side. Now and then some playful peacocks would cross our way unmindful of our shrieks of joy in spotting them. We were taken to a place called ‘Panchwati’ that owed its name to the presence of five magnificent trees. One of them was a miracle tree which had three different varieties of trees entangled with each other in an embrace. On our way we saw many elegant cottages and tents which promised comfort and luxury. We dreamt of spending a romantic rainy day or a lazy winter afternoon in them and swooned on what a treat that would be. It was just right for people who love nature and long to be away from the noisy, nosy world. It’s a haven for anyone wanting a retreat from the demanding work life.
Inside of a cottage
Finally, we were taken to our hostess, a petite, humble and very elegant Dr. Neelam Verma. Along with the hospitality that she showed towards us, there was a hint of pride with which She showed us the state-of-the-art Spa which boasted of a lab, work stations for the wellness professionals where they experiment with the oils and fragrances, Showers and Jacuzzi, massage tables with steam and every other equipment one can think of in a beauty and wellness center. We wanted to know, why such a wonderful place is hidden from public’s eye. Why doesn’t she market the place? She, very sweetly, replied “This is our hidden jewel”. We couldn’t agree more! We came back feeling very fortunate to have had a look at the Jewel. We knew we were coming back, not once but again and again.
