Lifestyle

Sustainable Jungle Retreats in India

Spotting a wild tiger in the jungles of India is crucial, but taking time to relax after a strenuous 3-hour gypsy journey is equally important. Escape the concrete jungles and plan a stay at these sustainable properties that are close to wilderness and leave a positive handprint.

Ketki Gadre gives you places to escape the concrete jungles and plan a stay at these sustainable properties that are close to wilderness and leave a positive handprint.

Waghoba Eco Lodge – Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra

Waghoba Eco Lodge offers 14 exclusive luxury cottages inspired by local tribal villages. The Eco Lodge has adopted Environment Social Governance (ESG), the international sustainability criteria for hotels, and is aligned with its commitments. From green architecture to waste treatment, from using local ingredients to wildlife conservation, from energy-efficient cooling to gender equality in staff, the eco-lodge has shown its commitment in a real sense.

The lodge won the prestigious John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2023 in its Outstanding Category, during the 6th TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards.

Address: Waghoba Eco Lodge, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Near Khutwanda Gate, Village Wadala Tukum, Tehsil Bhadravati, Dist Chandrapur, Maharashtra – 442906

Phone No: +91–11-40146400 | +91–11-40132687 | +91–11-40132103

Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa – Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, with its carefully curated tented accommodations, seamlessly combines colonial charm, subtle elegance, and contemporary finesse. Located on the fringe of Rajaji National Park, the tailor-made safari experiences will make the explorer’s heart thump with excitement.

The resort offers a diverse range of cuisines, using locally sourced ingredients and flavours that reflect the essence of the region. The resort also offers mindful activities such as guided yoga and meditation sessions amidst the natural surroundings, fostering a deep connection with the environment. A relaxing and revitalizing spa here also ensures a rejuvenated mind and soul.

Address: Aalia Jungle Retreat and Spa, Khasra no. 192, 193 &194, Village Lalwala Mazbata, Bandarjudh, Tehsil Bhagwanpur, Uttarakhand – 247662

Phone No.: +91 11 3955 5000

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Thoughtfully designed, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is dedicated to wildlife and conservation, seamlessly blending with nature while delivering impeccable hospitality. Located in the buffer zone of the Satpura National Park, the lodge has cottages and luxury tents using locally sourced materials.

The emphasis at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge lies in eco-friendly methods of exploring the jungle and surrounding areas, providing options such as walking, canoeing, cycling, and camping safaris, in addition to traditional jeep and motorboat excursions for wildlife observation. The lodge also offers many curated exclusive experiences involving the local communities.

Address: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge near Sohagpur, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh – 461771

Phone No.: +91 99 81997714 | +91 98 9312 6773

Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding villages, Samode Safari Lodge’s architecture follows the vernacular style of the region, incorporating local principles, aesthetics, and materials that blend harmoniously with the forest landscapes.

Prioritizing sustainability, the lodge has implemented various measures to minimize its environmental footprint, including using low-energy products, maximizing daylight, and minimizing the use of steel and cement. The floors are made from reclaimed wood, there is reasonable use of solar energy, and there is water conservation with rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse in the gardens contributing to the replenishment of the groundwater table.

All of this makes the stay at Samode Safari Lodge after a wildlife safari extremely cozy and relaxing.

Address: Samode Safari Lodge, Tehsil, Village Mardari, Bandhavgarh National Park, Distt, Mardari, Madhya Pradesh – 484661

Phone no.: +91 8319576811 | +91 141-2632370

Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Demonstrating a dedication to conservation, Diphlu River Lodge stands out by eschewing any fencing between its grounds and Kaziranga National Park, preserving the crucial animal corridor.

Emulating the architecture of a Mishing village, an indigenous Assamese tribe, the cottages, and communal spaces showcase construction using natural materials such as bamboo and wood. The lodge boasts a range of sustainability initiatives, including organic farming, meticulous waste segregation and management, and efficient water recycling practices. Furthermore, the lodge consistently employs local weavers from neighboring villages, who skillfully contribute to the creation of tapestries.

Address: Diphlu River Lodge, Near Bagori Police Outpost, Kuthari, Assam – 782136

Phone No.: +91 92092 00013

Woods at Sasan, Gir National Park, Gujarat

Nestled in the breathtaking Sasan Gir forest of Gujarat, Woods at Sasan stands as a pioneering luxury wildlife retreat in India that prides itself on the concept of a nutritional retreat founded on

Sattvic principles. It sets itself apart by embracing the concept of apathy towards nature and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Spanning across 16 acres of mango orchards and lush woodlands, it provides an idyllic haven for those in search of a leisurely, eco-conscious, and nature-immersed lifestyle.

The retreat actively involves itself in the community through social programs, knowledge-sharing endeavors, and skill development initiatives, empowering the locals. Offering crucial healthcare services to underprivileged populations, they ensure that the needs of the community are met with empathy and attention. Moreover, they provide free access to an array of learning resources and programs for individuals of all ages, fostering a culture of continual growth and education.

Address: Woods at Sasan, Sasan Talala Road, Gir – Somnath, Sasan, Gujarat – 362135,

Phone No.: +91 2877 – 281000

December 29, 2023

Open Marriage: What the Law Says in India

In a time where conversations around love, relationships, and commitment are evolving rapidly, open marriages have started entering the mainstream discussion — often met with equal parts curiosity and judgment. Popularized by celebrity revelations and global media, the idea of consensual non-monogamy within a legally recognized marriage is no longer taboo, though still controversial. Hashtag magazine explores what open marriages really are, the potential pros and cons, and where Indian law stands on the subject. What Is an Open Marriage? An open marriage is a consensual agreement between spouses that allows either or both partners to have sexual or emotional relationships outside the marriage — without it being considered cheating. The key component is mutual consent and communication. It differs from infidelity or extramarital affairs, as both partners are aware and accepting of the arrangement. Pros of an Open Marriage 1. Honest Communication To make an open marriage work, partners need to have open, honest, and deep communication. This can lead to stronger emotional transparency and reduced chances of deception. 2. Personal Freedom Some people feel constrained by lifelong monogamy. Open marriages may offer them the ability to explore their identities, desires, and attractions — while still being emotionally and legally committed to their spouse. 3. Better Conflict Resolution Surprisingly, couples in open marriages often report better conflict resolution skills, as constant communication and negotiation become second nature. 4. Avoiding Sexual Stagnation Over the years, some couples report a loss of physical intimacy. An open marriage may help maintain physical excitement without ending the relationship. 5. Emotional Security If done with consent and care, it can reduce insecurities as the primary emotional bond stays intact while physical exploration is allowed outside the marriage. Cons of an Open Marriage 1. Jealousy and Insecurity Despite rules and agreements, jealousy often creeps in. Managing emotional responses can be challenging, especially if one partner feels replaced or less valued. 2. Risk of Emotional Attachment Even

Lifestyle

Alarming Air: Indian States Home to the World’s Dirtiest Air

A breath of fresh air is becoming a luxury in many parts of India. According to the latest global air quality report, Indian cities are now topping the charts of the world’s most polluted urban areas. From Delhi and Ghaziabad to Lucknow and Patna, the toxic air is no longer a seasonal inconvenience but a year-round health emergency. With six out of the top ten most polluted cities globally located in India, the data paints a grim picture of the country’s environmental health and urgent need for reform. The crisis is not just about smoggy skylines—it’s about the millions of lungs inhaling dangerous levels of particulate matter every day. The Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World (2024) These rankings are based on average annual PM2.5 levels, a fine particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to a wide array of health problems—from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to cognitive decline and premature death. Why Is This Concerning? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average of no more than 5 µg/m³ of PM2.5 for safe breathing. Every single city on this list exceeds that limit by more than 18 times—in some cases, even 25 times. This makes air pollution not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency. Why South Asia? The concentration of polluted cities in India and Pakistan is not coincidental. Several factors contribute to this trend: Health Hazards You Can’t Ignore Living in or near highly polluted cities drastically increases the risk of: Solutions: What Can Be Done? While reversing this crisis requires systemic changes, both governments and citizens can play vital roles. Government-Level Measures: Individual Actions: A Wake-Up Call The fact that six out of the ten most polluted cities in the world are in India should serve as a wake-up call—not just to policymakers,

Lifestyle

The Inspiring Story of Simala Prasad: IPS Officer, Actress, and Change-Maker

In a world where most people follow one set path, Simala Prasad is a trailblazer who walks several with poise, passion, and purpose. A name not just known in the corridors of power but also in the world of art and social change, Simala Prasad is redefining what it means to be a modern Indian woman. Hashtag magazine shares the inspiring story… From Academics to the IPS: A Journey Rooted in Determination Born and raised in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Simala comes from a family that values discipline, education, and culture. She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and was a University topper at Barkatullah University. But what truly set her apart was her fearless decision to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2010 after clearing the Civil Services Examination on her very first attempt. Simala didn’t just enter the service—she made her mark in every role she took on. From managing law and order in sensitive districts to initiating women-centric safety programs, her career has been a mix of grit, empathy, and innovation. Breaking the Mold: The IPS Officer Who Became an Actor What makes Simala’s journey remarkable is not just her bureaucratic success—but her unapologetic embrace of art. While working as an IPS officer, she pursued her love for acting and theatre. She made her film debut in “Alif” in 2016, a critically acclaimed film that focused on education in the Muslim community, directed by Zaigham Imam and co-produced by Pawan Tiwari. The film was screened at several film festivals and even backed by industry veterans like Jaya Bachchan. Her performance was subtle yet striking, reflecting her deep understanding of human emotion—something her work as a civil servant no doubt shaped. In 2018, she acted in “Nakkash”, another socially-driven film, where she portrayed powerful, grounded characters that reflected the struggles of marginalized communities. Despite her high-profile

Lifestyle

Step into a vibrant world illuminated by neon hues

The word “neon” can describe a wide range of ultra-bright hues. Neon paints, when employed, these pieces emit a radiant glow under black light, providing an immersive and interactive artistic experience. Neon painting has numerous benefits as a gateway to relaxation, therapeutic expression, and boundless creative exploration. Prepare to get dazzled by the electrifying glow of neon as Roselin lists down Neon Painting Studios in India. Discover neon painting studios in India Neon Wonderland was established by JNAFAU alumnus Harshini Krishna in November 2023. The studio offers a welcoming 1,200 sqft. that can accommodate about 25 people per session. Visitors are provided with a one-hour slot to unleash their creativity, whether through art, dance, or splattering paint. It provides complete protective gear, including body suits and socks, along with artboards and colours, embracing the freedom to be as messy as they desire. Price: 699per session Timings: (10.15- 8.15 on weekdays) (10.15- 9.30 on weekends) Tel: 77802 78552 Address: Shivani Nagar Colony, Vijaya Gardens, Nagole, Hyderabad, Telangana 500068 2) JALATO Indrajala Moturi Kandimalla, the visionary behind Jalato since its inception in August 2022, presents an unparalleled perspective on leisure and entertainment. Jalato offers a variety of engaging adventures suitable for all ages and occasions, from romantic date nights to corporate team outings. The studio features exclusive private rooms capable of accommodating groups ranging from 2 to 50 people. In addition to neon painting, it offers other craziest art experiences like paint battle, paint pong, paint with smell, Dude! Where’s the colour and Art in the dark. Each art experience has its own expenses and group size. Price: 1499, 1699 (per head without GST) Tel: 9043953077 Address: 3rd Floor, LVR Centre (Bank of India Building), No-7, Seshadri St, Venus Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018 3) SPLASH N PAINT ROOM Paint