Geoffrey's has a unique distinction in Chennai. It is the city's first pub. Part of the well-entrenched Geoffrey's chain in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, this too is no different: the same classic English pub interior, framed clippings of old English newspapers on the walls, an 1800s advertisement of 'Crappers & Co valve toilets' in the loo. "The idea is to provide fun, food, drinks and music to everyone," says hotel gm Abhi R. Thakur. A 30 ml peg of premium Scotch costs Rs 160, tequila and cognac Rs 200 and Rs 350 (without tax) respectively. Recommended for guzzlers at lunch and dinner: a helping of Murg Banno Kabab (Rs 125) or The Combo Plate (Rs 95). For dessert: the sinful Death by Chocolate. At Radha Park Inn, 171, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (Inner Ring Road), Chennai-6. Call: (044) 475-7788.

RANTHAMBHORE
Jungle Resort

Vanyavilas, pegged as "India's first luxury jungle resort", is the Oberoi Group's newest addition. Adjoining the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, between the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges in south eastern Rajasthan, the resort is equipped with air-conditioned luxury tents and a restaurant that offers Indian and Continental dishes on the menucard. There is also a bar to let the spirits soar. Jungle sightseeing, lectures and wildlife shows by animal conservationist Fateh Singh are part of the itinerary. But if that does not buy your interest, try the 1,000-year Ranthambore Fort and water reserves nearby. Who knows? If lucky, you could even capture some rare, migratory birds on camera. In Delhi, call: (011) 389-0505.

DELHI
Home Accessories

Casa Paradox, the flagship store of designer Raseel Gujral and her business partner husband Navin Ansal, now stocks the couple's furniture and home accessories collection 2002. Comfy cane-backed planter-type chairs, cushy sofas, quaint lamps and ingeniously shaped candles jostle for attention. Sleek, modern lines subtly blend with traditional Indian motifs and colours: tantric swirls on a minimalistic wardrobe, fish patterns inlaid on a granite table-top, a candle fixed on a slab of water-worn riverine stone. At A-574, Lado Sarai. Call (011) 696-1951/8591.

-contributed by Arun Ram and Shuchi Sinha