Organic food, cards rooms, and more: Antara is senior living with a luxe-twist

Lush green forests. Flowing brooks. Mesmerising countryside view. The drive from Jolly Grant airport to Tara Singh Vachani's Rs 600 crore dream project, Antara, transports you to a different place. But, even that, doesn't prepare you for what awaits at the end of the journey.

Vachani, the youngest of Max India founder Analjit Singh's three children, first conceptualised Antara, a luxury senior living project, in 2010. Visits across continents to countless international senior living projects later, Antara was born at the foothills of the Himalayas in Dehradun.

As you drive through the gates of the 190-apartment complex situated in Purukul, on the outskirts of Uttarakhand's capital city, luxury comes to life.

Fifteen minutes in and you can tell, that this is no ordinary place, thanks to a stunning view and awe-inspiring architecture crafted by New York's Perkins Eastman and Spain-based Esteva I Esteva.The service, conceptualised on the lines of a luxury hotel, retains that personal touch to make you feel at home. "It is home, and should feel like one," says Jishnu Veliyath, General Manager, Antara..

Vachani wanted a space where the well-travelled 55-and older Indian could retire in peace and luxury, without having to worry about the basics. There are no staircases around the 14-acre property to facilitate easy mobility of the seniors. And keeping in mind that artificially heated or cooled air is not very good for the residents, all the public areas at Antara only have fresh air (that has been cooled) flowing through, along with ceiling fans. There is also a fireplace at the bar instead of artificial heating.


Group bonding activities include yoga, art and cooking sessions.

The attention to detail is evident from the font and colours used in printed communication that is elderly-friendly. 210 CCTV cameras installed in the premises promise a safe environment. An in-house team looks after the services and the daily needs of the citizens.

The 190 apartments, ranging from 1400-6000 sq. ft., are priced between Rs 2 crore and Rs 6 crore. Add to that a maintenance fee of approx Rs 50,000 a month, which depends on the size of the flat).

Group bonding activities include yoga, art and cooking sessions. Other recreation facilities include a movie theatre, a reading room (with an expansive, specially-curated collection), a cards room, along with a calendar of events that take place on a regular basis. There's also a steam, sauna, and a swimming pool (that offers aqua-therapy), and spa.

Keeping in mind natural age-related health concerns, the wellness centre is visited by full-time doctors, physiotherapists, and nutritionists (the nearest Max Hospital is a short drive away).


Avika, the restaurant at Antara, is designed to please.

When it comes to food, organic, seasonal and home-grown food rule the menu. The 'ghar ka khaana' concept at Antara enables residents to get a bowl of dal for as low as Rs 20. (Insider tip: They serve the best buckwheat waffles).

Talking about making the move, retired government employees Mr. and Mrs. Rao who shifted here to escape the 'hassles faced in Delhi', say that the decision that has been a wise one.

"After having come here and experienced all this, going back to Delhi, even for a short visit feels like a task," Mrs Rao adds.

Another resident, Amb. Satnam Jit Singh, who spent his life travelling the world with the Ministry of External Affairs, says the decision to settle at the foothills of the Himalayas came after trying to live in Delhi NCR for 14 years after his retirement.

It's the inside jokes and laughs that these previous-strangers share within a few months of staying together (Antara became operational on 15th April 2017), that will make you realise, Tara Singh Vachani's dream to give a home with a heart is much more than luxury brick and mortar.

(The writer was hosted by Antara Senior Living.)