HOMEWARD BOUND
RAGHAVENDRA RATHORE SHARES HIS SECRET HAUNT IN THE HILLS
Raghavendra Rathore’s heart to hearth creative process
After living in New York for over a decade and making frequent trips to Europe, especially to Paris before the annual fashion weeks, it became clear to me that the importance of being a globetrotting traveller was essential to the nature of my profession.
Over the last few years though, I must confess that the enthusiasm to process the idea of travelling even to a destination within four hours of air travel has diminished and is tedious at best. As a result, I have been driven to look at options closer home, that can provide as much pleasure and a sense of satisfaction as trans- Atlantic sojourns.
In other words, one must strive to be content with the visual and geographical possibilities that exist closer to home as to cut the hassles and perils often associated with ven- turing out to exotic locations.
My quest to satisfy the inner hunger to find the perfect destination closer home, one that in equal partfuels and excites my creative desires season after season led me to Narlai in Rajasthan. This is a pool of tranquillity and satiates my lust to wander the globe in search of a perfect getaway.
My design profession completely hinges on the fact that I can find convincing solutions for all kinds of lifestyle glitches for my clients. Most often, the solutions are inherently resolved via inspiration from a source that charges the mind, giving insight into a realm that has hovered in my consciousness so far. Narlai serves as a “refresh button” in countless ways, helping me reboot far from the crowds and find solace in design manipulations that are then incorporated in my creative process.
Narlai is a little sanctuary that has allowed me, time and again, to recharge my creative cells without travelling halfway across the world. It is a place where I find that perfect balance of peace and joyfulness; an ideal hideaway, a place to recuperate and trust
“I now seek a new haven that is easily accessible and sanctities the idea of solitude and isolation”
again in the process of creation. My forever and favourite refuge is situated at the base of a 300 feet rock in a village halfway between Jodhpur and Udaipur. This charming jewel of a place ignites the soul and turbocharges the weakened mind like none other and for this and countless other reasons I find myself returning here time and again, especially when I need to think.
Dotted with over 200 temples and mosques, this village epitomises Rudyard Kipling’s vision of India. Every evening the air gets heavy with the haunting chants and prayers, and as dusk approaches the entire vibe somehow changes. The spiritual vibrations add a sense of mystic and allows for careful contemplation while the presence of Wif- Fi gives you the choice of connecting with the rest of the world from this haven just 45 minutes from the famous Ranukpur Temples.