Chef-turned-perfumer Pranav Kapoor cherishes the ancestral heritage of perfume making, and as his perfume sightseeing tour takes us to India’s perfume capital, aka Kannauj, It will give you a glimpse behind the scenes of the carefully selected products.
If I get caught off guard by just a whiff of your scent, that’s my vibe check. I think most of you are like me on this point. Fashion and style may help shape your personality, but scent creates your aura. Pranav Kapur, founder of perfume tourism, agrees. India has always been the epicenter of traditional handicrafts and authentic cuisine, but I had no idea that perfumes also share the same heritage. Known as an 8th generation perfumer and chef, Pranav’s Mr. Kapur has an innate ability to identify the perfect scent and flavor. So he decided to give us exclusive access to develop our sense of smell by starting Perfume Tourism in Kannauj last year. Considered the perfume capital of India, Kannauj is a hidden gem that Pranav has revealed to us by transforming his ancestral property into an experiential tourist attraction. India has a long fragrance history that we don’t know about and we had to start somewhere, so Pranav made the right choice and brought us the fragrance heritage.
“We recognized the potential to offer visitors a unique and immersive experience and explore the artistry, craftsmanship and history behind Kannauj perfumes,” says Kapur. I remember stumbling upon a social media feed full of… And that is what inspired me to explore Kannauj valley. But first, we needed to hear from the man himself about perfume tourism, its origins, and more.
Pranav Kapoor talks about perfume tourism, travel and Kannauj
First of all, please tell us why you decided to start perfume tourism in Kannauj.
I started perfume tourism in Kannauj not only out of a passion to showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and centuries-old tradition of perfume making, but also out of a gap in experiential travel and the need for such experiences. It’s also because I found my sexuality. I recognized the potential to offer visitors a unique and immersive experience where they could explore the artistry, craftsmanship and history behind Kannauj perfumes. Additionally, we saw an opportunity to support local artisans, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to local economic development through tourism. That’s the main goal.
Do you think travel and scent are inextricably linked? If yes, how do you think the two are correlated?
absolutely! Travel and scent are closely related. Scent has the power to evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of place. When people travel, they often encounter new and unique scents that become part of their overall experience and memory of a destination. For example, the scent of spices in a busy market, flowers in a garden, or the smell of local cuisine leave a lasting impression on travelers. Incorporating scent into tourism experiences can strengthen visitors’ connection to a destination by stimulating multiple senses, not just sight and sound. It adds depth and richness to the travel experience, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the culture, history and natural environment of a place. Whether it’s exploring perfume-making workshops, visiting fragrant gardens, or discovering the distinctive scents of a region, incorporating scent into tourism creates memorable, multisensory experiences for travelers. can be produced.
As an 8th generation perfumer, what do you want people to know about scent that you’ve learned so far?
As an 8th generation perfumer, my journey has taught me some valuable lessons about scent. We think these are important things that people should know.
Scent is a powerful memory trigger. Fragrances have the ability to evoke vivid memories and emotions. Certain scents transport us back to specific moments and remind us of people, places, and experiences from our past.
The Artistry of Perfume Making: Perfume is a delicate balance between science and artistry. Creating a fragrance requires a deep understanding of raw materials, chemistry and composition, as well as keen creativity and intuition.
Scent diversity: Nature offers an incredible variety of scents, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy. Each fragrance has its own personality and story, reflecting the complexity and beauty of the natural world.
The importance of sustainability: Sustainable sourcing and production practices are critical to maintaining the integrity of natural ingredients and protecting the environment. As consumers, we can support ethical fragrance brands that prioritize sustainability throughout their supply chain.
A personal connection to scent: Scent is very personal and subjective. A scent that is pleasant to one person may be unpleasant to another. By embracing our personal preferences and exploring different scents, we can express our identity and enhance our sensory experience. Overall, I want to share my passion for perfume and inspire others to understand the art and science of scent and the deep impact it has on our lives.
Tell us more about your journey from chef to perfumer and how you blend aromas and flavors.
My transition from chef to perfumer has been a rich journey, allowing me to seamlessly blend fragrances and flavors in innovative ways. Drawing on my culinary background, I approach perfumery with a developed sense of taste and a deep understanding of how different ingredients interact to create a harmonious composition. In both areas, I prioritize sustainability, quality raw materials and creativity. Just as we carefully layer flavors to create gourmet dishes, we blend fragrances by combining essential oils, absolutes, and synthetic molecules to create unique and memorable scents. Whether in the kitchen or in the lab, my goal is to create multisensory experiences that stimulate the senses and evoke emotion, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter my work.
perfume tourism
Please briefly explain what people can expect from a tour in Kannauj. What are some of the hidden gems of Kannauj that people are unaware of?
Visit to flower fields: Our journey begins with a stroll through the lush flower fields of Kannauj where you can pick delicate flowers like jasmine, roses, marigolds, etc. Set the stage for a captivating olfactory adventure.
Distillation Demonstration: Guests are then invited to witness the ancient distillation process in which aromatic oils are extracted from freshly harvested flowers. Skilled artisans will demonstrate traditional techniques passed down through generations, providing an insight into the artistry and craftsmanship of Kannauj perfumery.
Perfume Bar Experience: After understanding the distillation process, participants can get creative with a perfume bar. Guests have the opportunity to blend their own scent using carefully selected fragrance oils and botanical extracts. Whether creating a floral bouquet or a spicy concoction, each perfume is an expression of individual taste and style.
7-Course Fragrance and Flavor Pairing Menu: Enrich your taste buds with our decadent 7-course Fragrance and Flavor Pairing Menu. Each dish has been carefully selected to complement and enhance the aromas of our signature perfumes, creating a multi-sensory dining experience that delights the palate and awakens the senses.
Courtyard Suite Experience: For those looking for an immersive overnight experience, we offer the opportunity to stay in the haveli’s luxurious courtyard suites. Surrounded by the enchanting aromas of our family’s rich fragrance history, guests can relax and soak in the timeless charm of Kannauj perfumes.
When it comes to the hidden gems of Kannauj, countless treasures await discovery by intrepid travelers. From ancient temples and vibrant bazaars to tranquil riverbanks and historic havelis, Kannauj enchants visitors with its authentic charm and cultural heritage.
Finally, what are some other destinations to enhance your love of fragrance? And where do you think “perfume tourism” will be in the next five years?
surely! There are several destinations in India that have a special appeal for perfume lovers and enhance their scent exploration experience.
My top 5 picks are –
Kashmir is synonymous with saffron and lavender.
sandalwood mysore
kerala spices
jasmine of madurai
Assam celebrates its love for oud.
Over the next five years, I plan to map fragrance trails across India, including these locations, and create immersive experiences across these destinations. As for the future of perfume tourism in Kannauj, I see huge potential for growth and development over the next five years. With increasing interest in experiential travel and wellness tourism, perfume tourism is poised to become a prominent niche market in the region. I envision Kannauj expanding its offerings to include a wide range of immersive experiences, such as guided tours of perfume workshops, visits to fragrant gardens, and scent-themed festivals. Additionally, there may be opportunities to collaborate with local artisans, chefs, and cultural organizations to create unique and authentic experiences that showcase the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Kannauj perfumery.
All images: Instagram
