Nestled along the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, Kannauj is a town that quietly holds the key to one of India’s most aromatic treasures — attar, or natural perfume oils. Known as the “Grasse of the East,” Kannauj has preserved its ancient perfumery traditions for over a thousand years. The Attar Kannauj produced here are more than mere fragrances; they are distilled reflections of Indian soil, culture, and craftsmanship that have captivated the senses of royals, traders, and spiritual seekers for centuries. Attar from Kannauj is made using traditional hydro-distillation methods, a process that has remained largely unchanged since the Mughal era. In this method, flowers, herbs, spices, or woods are slowly heated in copper stills (deg), with the fragrant steam condensed and collected into sandalwood oil or another natural base. This method creates deep, complex scents that develop over time and linger longer than synthetic perfumes. Each attar is handcrafted with pa...