Here’s to a hamper full of memories

Chennai: Fresh air, greenery and lots of yummy food — that’s what Sharon Deepak remembers of the picnics she went on with her family while growing up in Tuticorin. In the hustle and bustle of city life though, these experiences have remained mere reminiscences locked in the past, even as the pandemic kept her indoors. But recently, when the homemaker passed a scenic spot on Old Mahabalipuram Road, the memories came rushing back.

"We chanced upon this beautiful pond with shady trees. It reminded me of the times when my family used to pack food and picnic in the fields, so I decided to come back with my mother and daughter. We made curd rice and chicken gravy, spread out a rug and relaxed," says Sharon, who has since moved into an apartment complex near the spot. "It was the first time my eight-year-old had been on a picnic, and loved looking at the cows and birds. This stretch of road has plenty of beautiful spots and we intend to spend more such leisurely afternoons."

Life’s no picnic, especially during a pandemic. But small getaways spent in the lap of nature and in the company of friends and family are gaining popularity in a world that is battling a difficult year. They are light on the wallet, involve little travel, and allow you to meet and greet loved ones in safe spaces.

For some, they bring on nostalgia. "Picnics were part of my life while growing up and, after I had children, a few families we know used to get together, drive down East Coast Road and enjoy a picnic in a shady spot somewhere along the way," says Jayashree K P. "My kids have grown up but, in July, four of us couples got together and drove to a friend’s farmhouse on OMR where we enjoyed a picnic lunch we had packed in the fields, just like the old days."

For others, it’s a way to bond as WFH and online classes have disrupted the work-life balance. "We had our first picnic after the first wave last year. We didn’t want to risk having food from outside so we packed homemade vegetable biriyani, rasam, rice, raita, and potato chips. We took a rug, drove down ECR and picnicked in a shady spot full of trees and a pond nearby," says Divya Karthik, adding that they have since gone on two more such trips. "Usually, we eat within the four walls of our home or at a restaurant, so enjoying a meal outdoors, in nature, is refreshing. WFH doesn’t leave much family time, so a picnic also gives us a chance to sit, chat and share memories."

Hotels and companies have also been quick to cater to this segment. "Our hotels in Yercaud and Kodai do picnic hampers for guests. Many visitors like to go on treks or explore the place, and enjoy a meal outdoors," says Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.

In Bengaluru, friends Bhawna Rao and Shwetha Gupta launched The Picnic Company in October 2020. "People were confined indoors and yearning to step out, but also concerned about safety. Since I run a travel company and Shwetha runs a restaurant, we came up with the idea of curating food-related experiences outdoors," says Bhawna.

The two help people choose a location, come up with a menu and even set it up at scenic spots in and around Bengaluru. "You just have to land up and enjoy the experience," says Shwetha, adding that they work with local farmers, who live next to reserve forests. "Depending on the customer’s preference we pick a spot that involves less travel and ensure that we offer security along with exclusivity. If people want to pick their own spots elsewhere, we just give them the hamper, as we cannot take responsibility for their safety or experience."

The fare offered includes good old picnic food that travels well and can be eaten cold — dips and breads, fresh fruits and cheese, biriyani, pasta, sandwiches, khow suey, and the like.

For Monika Manchanda, who grew up on a steady diet of Enid Blyton books, the picnic experience made her birthday special. "My husband contacted the company for a picnic in Kolar, on a small island in the middle of an artificial lake. The décor and food were very Mediterranean and it was a safe space for me to catch up with friends," says Monika, adding that trips to spots like India Gate with relatives, friends and sumptuous hampers were a big part of her childhood in Delhi.

These small, curated trips also help people who are still working from home enjoy some down time with friends amid a hectic weekday. "Our friend’s birthday fell on a weekday and since we were all working, we wanted a space that was within city limits. So it was arranged on the lawn of a five-star hotel, but we had the whole space to ourselves," says Bengaluru-based Nritya Ganesh. "We had a picnic hamper with finger food and mocktails, low seating with jute mats and cushions. We wore dresses and hats, and with all the greenery around, didn’t even feel like we were in the city," she says. "We could have brunch, be done by 1pm and continue with our work day."


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