India is a land of myriad cultures, languages, and traditions, that unfolds like a vibrant tapestry. Every state in our nation comes with its distinctive historical past and heritage, contributing to the wealthy tradition that defines this unimaginable nation. Nestled throughout the jap state of Odisha is Bhubaneswar, a metropolis the place the traditional temples coexist completely with up to date marvels. A few days again, I had the unimaginable alternative to go to the enchanting metropolis of Bhubaneswar and expertise a gorgeous concoction of custom and modernity at Lyfe Lodge. Let me take you thru my expertise at this splendid oasis!
How I Reached The Lodge
Lyfe Lodge, which started operating in January 2024, is nestled on Janpath Highway – the guts of Bhubaneswar metropolis – in Odisha. From Biju Patnaik Worldwide Airport to the lodge, the journey merely takes 20 minutes by automotive. Actually, you can too avail of the web transportation companies supplied by Ola and Uber. I used to be picked up by the automotive despatched by the lodge, and on my method, immersed myself into the bustling streets of Bhubaneswar. Belief me, it was one thing out of a storybook. Since I arrived a day earlier than Pana Sankranti – which is the Odia New 12 months – I noticed folks dashing round with their households, from one grocery retailer to a different prepping for the D-Day. The journey to the lodge was a breeze, and I couldn’t wait to expertise what lay forward of my day.
My Keep At Lyfe Lodge
I used to be welcomed on the Lyfe Lodge with a lot enthusiasm by the employees and the administration. The property exhaled luxurious but sombre vibes. Nonetheless, the factor that caught my eye was not the large glass door or the help however the structure of the lodge. The foyer’s beige and brown color mixture had accented patterns impressed by Solar Temple. Even the mats and carpets across the property had been designed in a option to incorporate the essence of temples – one thing Bhubaneswar is legendary for.
As soon as I checked in, I used to be escorted to a Deluxe room on the seventh flooring. Lyfe supplies you with three choices – Commonplace, Deluxe, and Superior King Room. The rooms had been spacious and opulent and got here with nearly each amenity you may consider – bathtubs, laundry service, 24*7 catering, and so forth. The second I opened the curtains, I may see the town of Bhubaneswar proper in entrance of my eyes. My room had a beautiful view with a king-size mattress, a stocked mini fridge, and a toilet with a tub and salts.
Property At Massive
Though the lodge had all the trendy facilities, its roots and essence lie prior to now. All around the property, I may spot little inspirations drawn from native temples. Lyfe has 4 banquet halls – Jade, Amber, Opal and Iris – that are spacious and geared up with the most recent know-how. With the basement parking choice accessible, these halls are good to host all the pieces – from enterprise conferences to kitty events.
The latter two – Opal and Iris, are a public favorite I used to be instructed since they had been pool dealing with. The partitions in and across the property had floral and temple-inspired carvings, and that too in refined tones, which balanced the trendy and conventional essence completely. Contained in the premises, there have been 4 little mandirs devoted to God and Goddesses – Sai Baba, Ganesha, Bajrangbali, and Durga Maa – capturing the essence of the town of temples.
The place To Eat
I’m not going to lie however through the three-day keep at Lyfe lodge, all I did was superb meals. The property homes 4 eating places – Lyfe’s Kitchen, Cafe Deli, Mojo, and Candy Basil. As I discussed above, I arrived within the metropolis a day earlier than Pana Sankranti and through the Navratri season. I had a scrumptious Navratri thali in Lyfe’s kitchen, specifically ready for the non secular season. Nonetheless, that was not all. Lyfe’s kitchen additionally had an elaborate buffet choice accessible for non-fasters, boasting meals and dessert choices ready by Government Chef Shailesh Shekhar. Talking about how he makes use of his over 2 a long time of expertise to reinforce the culinary scene at Lyfe, he mentioned, “As a substitute of disturbing the unique, conventional flavour mixtures of dishes, I work on their presentation model, making it extra visually interesting.”
Photograph Credit score: Nikita Nikhil
Due to Chef Shailesh, I obtained to style the genuine Odia thali throughout my go to to the town. Offered to me on the day of Pana Sankranti, the large thali comprised 10 dishes (Chenna tarkari, Chakuli pitha, Dahi baigana, Chatu Bara, Masala Papad, Kanika, Ghantia, and Dalma), three condiments (Alu chakata, Badi chura, and tomato khata), two desserts (Rasgola and Chenna poda), and one candy drink (Pana).
Simply reverse Lyfe’s Kitchen lies a small bakery referred to as Cafe Deli. Head by pastry chef Swodesh Mohanty, the bakery had all gadgets – from recent breads to mouthwatering desserts. Actually, I didn’t waste this chance and requested Chef Swodesh probably the most burning query within the culinary world proper now, How Ought to One Retailer Bread To Keep Its Freshness For Lengthy!? He responded, “Breads like sourdough, French loaf, and baguettes, if not refrigerated, will be saved outdoors for a most of 15 days. Nonetheless, in the event you plan to make use of the bread later, freeze it. However, be sure the shop it in a freezer with -18*C. Everytime you need to use it, thaw it correctly.”
The third restaurant on the property is a bar referred to as MoJo, which is ideal if you wish to get pleasure from it with your folks and companion. Separated by a sliding door is the genuine Thai restaurant on the property referred to as Candy Basil. Headed by chef Sara Panisara, this restaurant faces the town and on the time, was internet hosting the Songkran Meals Pageant celebrating Thai New 12 months.
Photograph Credit score: Nikita Nikhil
Throughout my go to to the restaurant, I had probably the most scrumptious Thai meals I’ve ever had. Proper from Koong Pow Nam Jim See Meals (lobster cooked and served with Thai salsa) to Gang Pet Ped Yang (Purple Duck Curry) to Gai Sa Tay (Hen Satay), the choices had been quite a few. Actually, Chef Sara additionally ready Lamb Massaman (Australian mutton cooked in coconut milk and spices) for one among my dinners.
All in all, the meals choices within the property are a lot and cater to each style.
What To Do In And Outdoors Property
Chill out, eat, and roam round. These three are a should on a trip, particularly when you find yourself in Bhubaneswar staying at Lyfe Lodge. The property has two swimming pools and a soothing spa choice that may make you’re feeling on the prime of the world. What’s extra? Each Sunday, Lyfe’s Kitchen hosts a “Sunday Brunch” which is accompanied by a reside efficiency by native singers. It’s also possible to expertise the Odisha arts and crafts village referred to as Raghurajpur.
Konark Solar Temple, Puri
Photograph Credit score: Nikita Nikhil
Actually, you can too go to the well-known temples in Puri, which is a one-hour drive from Bhubaneswar. I had the superb alternative (and luck for that matter!) that I used to be capable of go to the UNESCO World Heritage – Konark Solar Temple – and pay my respects at Jagannath Puri temple.
My three-day journey to Bhubaneswar was a mixture of fashionable and conventional, simply the best way I prefer it! And my keep on the luxurious Lyfe Lodge was what made it so memorable!
