Last summer, journalist and author Shoba Narayan embarked on a fragrant pilgrimage to Madurai, the jasmine capital of India, accompanied by renowned perfumer Jahnvi Nandan and Jasmine Concretes’ own Raja Palaniswamy, an expert in exporting perfume essences to the world.
Their mission? To trace the origins of the world’s most sought-after Jasmine sambac essence — and uncover the people, processes, and passion that transform these delicate flowers into sensory masterpieces.
As they wandered through flower markets bursting with Madurai malli, visited extraction units, and inhaled scent profiles in shaded labs, the journey became more than just an olfactory expedition. It was a story of culture, craft, and community, told through petals, perfume, and purpose.
Captured in a beautifully written piece for Travel + Leisure, Shoba’s reflections highlight not just the superiority of jasmine from Madurai, but also the people behind the fragrance — from farmers and pickers to chemists and perfumers.
“The best jasmine essence in the world comes from Madurai,” said Jahnvi. And through this journey, that truth bloomed in every breath.
To read the full story and view her stunning photos, visit:
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