Diamond In The Rough

MAYFAIR Lake Resort in Naya Raipur with its verdant gardens, luminous lake, and ample tranquillity is proof that there is more to the industrial hub.

- Kumar Shree

THERE IS ABSOLUTE silence even though there are 20 of us in the bus. All eyes are fixed on the dense foliage around, trying to spot a tiger that might be hiding somewhere. The wait prolongs, and most of us give up. Just then, a dark figure peeks from behind the camouflage of grass and tea trunks and keeps us curious for a good 10 seconds before finally coming out in the open. A sudden ecstasy takes over the insides of the bus, and the big cat, as if sensing the attention, struts and poses for the many cameras.

I’m at the Nandanvan Botanical Garden in Naya Raipur for a jungle safari, as a part of my weekend sojourn at the MAYFAIR Lake Resort. A swift and scenic ride of 20 minutes from the airport takes me to the sprawling resort, the looming façade of which catches my eye from afar. The property enjoys a strategic location with excellent connectivity from the Swami Vivekananda Airport and the railway station here. It also boasts sweeping views of the Jhangh Lake, which adds to the serene setting and gives MAYFAIR Lake Resort its name.