Unlike the fibrous, horizontally-spreading root systems common to most grasses, vetiver roots grow fairly deep to about 2-4 m. They produce an essential oil that is extensively used in perfume manufacture and aromatherapy. Vetiver oil has a deeply soothing quality and is valued for its earthy, yet elusive scent.

Vetiver has an amazing variety of practical uses. It is called the ‘moth root’ – sachets of the powdered root are placed in Indian muslin to repel moths and insects. During summer in the north Indian plains, blinds and awnings made of khus – another name for vetiver – are sprinkled with water, allowing for cooled, scented air to circulate through houses. A vetiver sachet in an earthen pot of drinking water imparts a deliciously “cool” flavour and aroma.

In Java (Indonesia), vetiver is woven into mats for thatching roofs. Vetiver lends itself  to a host of household items that combine utility with beauty, like­ place mats, fans, runners and baskets. In agriculture, vetiver finds excellent use as an erosion control system. Vetiver Network International, a non-governmental organisation has pioneered the Vetiver System, a soil and water conservation method, which utilizes vetiver as a natural barrier to slow down water runoff,  hedge paddy fields, treat waste water and control pollution.

In aromatherapy, the soothing oil is used to treat stress, exhaustion and disorders of the central nervous system. Traditional medicine systems use vetiver to balance female hormones during menopause. Generally speaking, vetiver is believed to have tremendous revitalizing and restorative properties. It is also a beauty aid that helps retain skin elasticity.

Pictured Above: Indonesian Vetiver Placemats from Cultural Elements

One is never quite prepared for the reality of Bali. Emerald hillsides curving spectacularly against  azure skies, satin-ribbon beaches, the sensual fragrance of frangipani and jasmine, timeless temples and a culture of slow grace… for a very small island, Bali packs a huge punch as a travel destination.

Arguably the best known island in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali on a map, looks rather like a large, exotic fish facing westwards. Its central and eastern regions are mountainous. Mount Agung, the highest point is a volcano, last active in 1963. Coral reefs rim the island. Southern Bali has white sand beaches while those on the northern side have black sand. Just eight degrees south of the equator, Bali enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 88° F(31° C). The best time to visit is in the drier months between June and September when humidity is low and fresh, cool breezes temper the daytime warmth.

In predominantly Islamic Indonesia, Bali is a Hindu enclave. Over 90 percent of the population is adherents of Balinese Hinduism, which is a fascinating amalgam of Hindu, Buddhist and native deities, besides local practices like ancestor worship and animism. Religion pervades every aspect of existence here.

Life has never been the same since the twentieth century traveler stumbled upon Bali. The island makes more money from tourism than the rest of Indonesia, with agriculture now taking second place in the local economy. It’s not hard to figure out why.

From sinfully luxurious hotels to quaint, family-run outfits, Bali has a wide range of accommodation. The western coastline boasts of world class surf spots; the eastern side is better suited for family vacations. Kura and Seminal are towns synonymous with Bali’s happening nightlife. If you’d rather poke around off the beaten track, visit smaller islands like Nusa Lembongan with quiet beaches and no vehicular traffic

The drive through mountains to the northern coast is manna for the tired, urban soul. Terraced paddy fields interspersed with coffee, vanilla, cocoa and spice plantations make a pretty picture. Exploring the misty trails around the volcanoes is a must-do (you can take a walk across the crater lake at Mount Batur).

Art and life are a seamless blend for several of the locals. Many Balinese work in their fields by day and turn into artisans at night. Religious beliefs are an intrinsic part of artistic traditions. Gold and silver jewelry, textiles, woodcraft, stone carving, painting and metalwork – Bali has it all. A visit to artisan villages like Batubalan, Mas, Celuk, Pengosekan and Sukawati will leave your pocket lighter. Most travelers also do the rounds of art galleries and shops at Ubud, the cultural center.

If you’re lucky, you could catch a religious festival in progress involving community dances and worship. If not, there are staged performances for visitors.  Typically, a Balinese dance performance is a heady combination of theater and entertainment based on mythology; often, there’s a fun, interactive element with performers dressed as exotic creatures bounding into the audience.

There are around 20, 000 temples in Bali of which Besakih or the “Mother Temple”, on the way up to Mount Agung, is the largest and most revered. A trip to the seventeenth century Taman Ayun temple can be combined with a tour of the Monkey Forest, home to around 300 Balinese macaques.

Long before Hinduism reached Bali’s shores, the island had its own, animism-based mythology. Many of the fantastic beings who populated this mythology were adapted into Hinduism. Among these is the Barong, the mythic lion who remains a hugely popular figure in Balinese culture.

A Barong is a protective, spirit king. Balinese mythology has five Barongs for each region of the island, each represented by a different animal.  Barong Ket the lion from Gianyar is a shaggy haired, lumbering village guardian who is at once fearsome and lovable. His primary task is to fight off chaos and evil epitomized in the figure of Rangda, the semi-divine demon queen and restore the balance between good and evil.

This battle is enacted through ritual drama. The performance is highly interactive, with Barong Ket lumbering through the audience, calling out to people to join in the encounter with Rangda. Barong Ket also teases and jokes with villagers in the course of his epic battle.

Virtually every village has its own Barong costume. Two actors take on the lion king’s persona – one shakes the Barong’s head and clacks his teeth while the other is in charge of wagging the golden tail. In these rituals, Rangda is given equal billing as Balinese villagers believe that acknowledging the power of dark forces helps keep them in check. The underlying realism of the ritual lies in the fact that neither side ever wins outright – the aim here is to find balance between good and evil. Actors often take their show on the road, visiting neighboring villages for seasonal performances. It’s also an opportunity to meet new women! Videogame developers have featured these mythic creatures in games like Digimon, Gameboy Color’s Azure Dreams and Persona 3.

Pictured Above: Barong Masks Wall Decor from Cultural Elements