The Tamara Coorg welcomes Saswata Banerjee as new General Manager

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , ,

Banerjee brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success with Indian and international brands, making him a valuable addition to The Tamara family

Saswata Banerjee, General Manager, The Tamara Coorg

The Tamara Coorg, a leading luxury resort in the hills of Coorg, announced the appointment of Saswata Banerjee as its new General Manager. With 21 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Banerjee brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success with Indian and international brands, making him a valuable addition to The Tamara family.

His dedication to excellence and adventurous spirit have garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious MD’s Club Member Award at TAJ Exotica, Maldives, and the esteemed LQA Star Award at COMO Bhutan. Under Mr. Banerjee’s adept stewardship, RAAS Jodhpur achieved international acclaim, securing a place among the “Top 50 Best Hotels in the World” in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards 2020.

Shruti Shibulal, CEO & Director of Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “The appointment of Saswata Banerjee as General Manager at The Tamara Coorg underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. His extensive industry knowledge and steadfast dedication to excellence are in perfect alignment with our vision at Tamara Leisure Experiences. We eagerly anticipate his invaluable contributions in enhancing our guest offerings and upholding our esteemed status as a leading luxury destination.”

source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Operations / by Staff Writer / September 20th, 2023

Poetic rendition of East End Hotel, Coorg in Sonnet style

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , ,

The East End Hotel is a well-established hotel and restaurant located in Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka, India. It’s known for its comfortable accommodations and a restaurant that offers a diverse menu of Indian and Chinese cuisine.

Amidst Coorg’s embrace, where nature’s sighs,
East End Hotel’s dishes, a feast for eyes,
In sonnet’s verses, their essence shall rise.

Spice-Infused Symphony: Chicken Biryani

In fragrant notes, where spices entwine,
Chicken Biryani, a dish divine,
Each grain tells tales of flavors that shine.

Tandoor’s Enigma: Seekh Kebab’s Delight

From the tandoor’s flame, where secrets ignite,
Seekh Kebab’s Delight, a savory flight,
Each bite whispers stories of the spicy night.

Garden’s Bounty: Vegetable Manchurian

In the garden’s embrace, where colors unite,
Vegetable Manchurian, a veggie’s delight,
Each ball of joy, in the sauce takes its flight.

Coastal Rhapsody: Fish Curry’s Dream

By the coastal breeze, where waves excite,
Fish Curry’s Dream, a sea’s endless sight,
Each morsel dances in the flavors so right.

Paneer’s Serenade: Paneer Butter Masala

In creamy melodies, where curdles unite,
Paneer Butter Masala, a vegetarian’s light,
Each bite in richness, brings comfort to sight.

Sweet Euphoria: Gulab Jamun’s Bliss

Under dessert’s spell, where sweetness takes flight,
Gulab Jamun’s Bliss, in syrup’s embrace so tight,
Each dumpling of joy, in the sugary night.

At East End Hotel’s table, where dining complies,
These dishes, in sonnet, their essence shall rise,
In Coorg’s heart, where nature’s beauty belies,
A poetic feast, under the open skies.

A sonnet is a structured and highly stylized form of poetry that has been used for centuries in various literary traditions, most notably in English and Italian poetry. The sonnet is a structured and versatile poetic form known for its precise structure, rhyme scheme, and meter. Its rich history and ability to convey complex themes in a concise manner have made it a beloved and enduring style of poetry in both traditional and contemporary poetry.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Blogs> Lifestyle / by Food Connoisseur in Symphony of Taste, Lifestyle. TOI / September 10th, 2023

Karnataka’s Kodagu district ranks 7th in global tourist searches

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In 2023, the district claimed the 3rd spot among the most searched tourist destinations by Indians, with Goa securing 2nd place and Kashmir at 6th.

Karnataka's Kodagu district ranks 7th in global tourist searches
Waterfalls in Kodagu.

Kodagu: 

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Kodagu district in Karnataka continues to enchant tourists globally, securing the 7th position among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

The recognition comes as a testament to the district’s breathtaking natural beauty and popular attractions, making it a sought-after destination for millions.

Kodagu’s captivating scenery, including verdant hills adorned with lush green forests and glistening streams, transforms into a winter wonderland during the cold and rainy seasons, drawing visitors from far and wide.

In 2023, the district claimed the 3rd spot among the most searched tourist destinations by Indians, with Goa securing 2nd place and Kashmir at 6th.

Home to over 18 prominent tourist spots, such as Madikeri Rajaseet, Abbifalls, Cauvery Nisarga Dhama, Dubare elephant Camp, Abbifalls, and Irpufalls, Kodagu witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with more than 1 lakh visitors on weekends and 30 thousand on weekdays.

The district boasts over 4 thousand homestays and 1000 resorts, all bustling with activity during the year-end.

Nagendra Prasad, President of the Hotel and Resort Owners Association, noted that the surge in tourists during the year-end festivities emphasizes the district’s growing popularity.

The 7th global ranking positions Kodagu alongside renowned destinations like Goa, Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar, Italy, and Switzerland.

Lush greenery, waterfalls

The lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers of Kodagu leave an indelible mark on visitors, contributing to its rising fame.

The Tourism Department of Kodagu acknowledges the significance of Rajaseeti in Madikeri, the nature reserve, and Dubare as prime attractions. Plans are underway to develop user-friendly websites for tourists, enhancing accessibility to information about these sites.

Speaking to Siasat.com Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, expressed joy at Kodagu consistently captivating the world’s attention in terms of tourism.

The surge in Google searches for Kodagu’s tourist destinations reflects the district’s universal appeal and marks a significant milestone in its tourism development.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Diganth Kengeri / December 15th, 2023

Inauguration Of Kodagu Gowda Samaja’s New Auditorium

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Kodagu Gowda Samaja President Thotambylaya E. Manohar said that the new auditorium of Kodagu Gowda Samaja at Vijayanagar Railway Layout in the city will be inaugurated on Dec. 23 at 9.30 am.

Addressing media persons at Pathrakarthara Bhavan in city yesterday, Manohar said the auditorium built on the top of the existing building will be inaugurated by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Dr. Sri Nirmalananda-natha Swamiji and Adhi-chunchanagiri Mutt, Mysuru branch’s Someshwaranatha Swamiji. Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha, MLA K. Harishgowda, former MLAs L. Nagendra and Vasu, President of Kodagu Gowda Samaja Okkoota Soorthale R. Somanna,  former Corporator K.V. Sridhar and others  will participate.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja Vice-President Kuyyamudi B. Ramappa, Honorary Secretary Kuntikana S. Ganapathy, Assistant Secretary Kaleramma M. Nanaiah, Directors Naduvettira G. Lakshmana and Kombarana U. Basappa were present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 20th, 2023

NGO revives border school in Kodagu by introducing smart class

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The High School was on the verge of closure after three teachers posted at the school opted for transfers. The school is located on the Kerala-Kodagu border.

Smart class

Madikeri:

The Kannada High School of Karike, the border government school, is in a revival mode following the efforts of an NGO. It has now been turned into a smart class even as teachers have volunteered to take online classes for the rural kids.

The High School was on the verge of closure after three teachers posted at the school opted for transfers. The school is located on the Kerala-Kodagu border. It had just one permanent teacher this academic year who is also the acting Head Master. The residents of the village were fearful of the future of their kids. Nevertheless, the NGO Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) has come to the aid of the students in this government school.

“SVYM was active in the district from 2017 as we introduced mobile science labs to the students of government schools after tying up with Rotary institutions. We were approached by the district education department to depute teachers to the border school at Karike,” explained Praveen Kumar S, the education head and CEO of SVYM.

As a first approach, SVYM requested the network of teachers volunteering with the NGO to take classes at the Karike School. Three teachers volunteered for the initiative.

“During the break or vacation period, the three teachers visited the school at Karike and conducted classes. Over 100 students of the school visited the institution during the Dasara holiday to be part of the classes,” he added.

As a second approach, SVYM called for more teachers to volunteer to teach in the institution.

“Under the initiative of Vignyana Vedike, SVYM has a big network of Science and Math teachers. These teachers are state awardees who volunteer with us to help support the education of government school kids. They visited Karike and taught the students,” he said.

Further, as the third approach, SVYM introduced smart classes at the school. Audio-visual study content developed by the NGO was used to teach the students Math and Science lessons and this arrangement will continue at the institution till the end of the academic year.

“The problem at the Karike school will find a permanent solution only with the appointment of teachers. Nevertheless, we have started online classes through smart class setup and this will continue regularly till the end of this academic year,” he confirmed.

SVYM has supported over 300 government schools and reached over 45000 students through its School Education Programme.

“We have been working across government schools in the state for the past 15 to 16 years. From providing learning resources, capacity building of staff and infrastructure building, we focus on empowering government schools to provide quality education to the students,” he concluded.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / December 22nd, 2023

Rare variety of lemons weigh 5 kg in Kodagu

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HIGHLIGHTS

A coffee plantation in Polibetta in Kodagu has become the unexpected home of a rare lemon variety, with each lemon weighing approximately 5 kg.

Madikeri:

A coffee plantation in Polibetta in Kodagu has become the unexpected home of a rare lemon variety, with each lemon weighing approximately 5 kg. Local laborers and farmers are astonished at the sight of these unusually large garden lemons.

The unique lemons have thrived in the coffee estate of Mookonda Viju Subramani, a former Zilla Panchayat member and prominent social worker. The lemon plants, have reached a height of about 6 feet and bear lemons ranging from small to an impressive 5 kg in size.

Mookonda Viju Subramani, the owner of the plantation, shared the story behind the rare lemon variety, saying, “Four years ago, I purchased citrus fruits from the Mysuru market. I planted the seeds in the backyard, and within a few days, two saplings emerged. After transplanting them to the garden using organic manure, the plants grew for three years but did not produce flowers or fruits. Consequently, I was unable to identify the plant. A few months ago, the plant blossomed with large, jasmine-like flowers, which eventually transformed into pods. Over the next few months, these pods grew into enormous lemons.”

This particular lemon variety is rarely found in Italy and other European countries. Known for its adaptability to various climates, the oval fruits contain small seeds, and their dull skin encases juicy pulp. Often used in the preparation of pickles and cold drinks, the lemons also boast several health and medicinal benefits. The unexpected growth of these rare and massive lemons has sparked excitement and curiosity among locals in Polibetta, Kodagu.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by The Hans India, Hans News Service / December 25th, 2023

Youngster Abhin Rai from Kodagu emerges as champion of Indian National Rally Championship

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Abhin was leading in points, was named the National Champion in four categories, and was declared the second runner-up at the Junior-level INRC rally.

Abhin Rai (centre) awarded the Rising Star trophy at Kodagu; Abhin Rai in action during the INRC rally. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

A youngster from Kodagu is emerging as the favorite driver in the motor rally world even as he was declared the National Champion 2023 at the Indian National Rally Championship. Abhin Rai, a 24-year-old motor enthusiast from the district, shares his dream and experience at the recent rally.

Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) is a pan-India rally championship that was held across six stages this year. The rally began at Arunachal Pradesh and then was held at Chennai, Coimbatore, Kodagu, and Bengaluru.

Abhin enthusiastically took part in this rally and has emerged as the champion. He was leading in points, was named the National Champion in four categories, and was declared the second runner-up at the Junior-level INRC rally. He also won the Rising Star award during the rally at Kodagu. 

“Ideal Racing has supported me throughout the rally and my Honda City was perfectly tuned by Amshad Pasha.

Each category has a different number of participants and they were over 60 in all. The overall experience was great despite facing technical issues in Hyderabad,” shared Abhin. He turned up first in three stages and fifth in Coimbatore. However, he did not finish the rally in Hyderabad due to technical troubles. Nevertheless, his unabated performance helped him emerge as the champion.

He started off rallying only in 2022 and he participated only at the K1000 rally last year. “I could not finish the rally then and it was like a test run,” he recalled.

However, in his second year as a rallyist, Abhin has made everyone’s head turn. “I started driving at a very young age and I drove at an autocross in a pickup. I later bought a race car without the knowledge of my folks and I attended races discreetly. However, after winning several trophies, I revealed my passion to my parents, who are now very supportive,” he added.

Apart from the national championship, Abhin has won 48 trophies in autocross even as he has bigger dreams for the sport.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / December 24th, 2023

Sangeetha Raviraj conferred with Gowramma Endowment Award

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Writer Sangeetha Raviraj was presented with the Gowramma Endowment Fund Award given by the District Unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

gowramma endowment award for sangeetha raviraj

Madikeri: 

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district unit president Sangeetha Raviraj was conferred with the Gowramma Endowment Fund Award for Kodagu.

She was felicitated with a shawl and fruits and tambourines at a function held at Saraswathi DEd College auditorium in the city on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Sangeetha Raviraj said that valuable writings should increase. Only then will a new wave be created in the society. She also opined that creative writing will be seen.

In the past, writings upheld the value of society. Writings should come in that direction. She said better literature should be written.

She suggested that the Sahitya Parishat should take the lead in reprinting the book Gowramma of Kodagu.

Writer Kasthuri Govindammaiah said that literature hides the pain of the mind. He said that writing helps in documenting the happenings of the society.

Gowramma of Kodagu has written many stories and poems to highlight the ups and downs of the entire society. He said that the youth should be able to develop a taste, taste and fondness for literature.

It is a matter of happiness that a programme is being organized in the name of Gowramma, who has contributed immensely to the field of literature in Kodagu. The exception that Kodagu has not contributed to the field of literature is decreasing today. He said that it is highly self-evident that women today are not confined within the four walls but also pervade the field of literature.

He advised the students to take full advantage of the opportunity available in the competitive era and move forward.

Speaking as the keynote speaker, Smita Amritraj said that Gowramma’s stories are about questioning, protesting and highlighting the slants of society through literature.

Sreekumar, principal of Saraswathi D.Ed. College, said that the shortcomings of the society can be highlighted through literature. In this regard, he suggested that students should study the work of Gowramma of Kodagu.

Janapada Parishat district president B.G. Ananthasayana said that students should develop literary writing and share it with everyone. Similarly, scientific writings should come, he said.

Lokesh Sagar, president of the District Unit of The Sahitya Parishat, said, 5. Gowramma of Kodagu is the birth anniversary and is being celebrated as Literature Day. The reason why Kodagu has made a name for itself at the national level is the freedom struggle of Gowramma of Kodagu and her love for literature. Keeping this in mind, gowramma’s birth anniversary is being celebrated, he said.

There was talk that Kodagu was lagging behind in literature. However, this problem has been overcome in recent times and the role of women writers in this has been immense, he said. He said that various programmes are being organised through the district unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

Baithadka Janaki Belyappa spoke. The winners of the competition were Sirigowri (1st), Aishwarya (2nd), Vishank (3rd) and Shravani (Consolation Prize).

Kishan Poovaiah, Diwakar, K.S. Ramesh, Sunitha and Muralidhar were present.

source: http://www.vijaykarnataka.in / Vijay Karnataka, Kannada / Home> Kannada News> Kodagu / by Vijay Karnataka / March 06th, 2018

Book On Freedom Fighters Pandyanda Belliappa And Seetha Belliappa Released

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Siddapura (Kodagu):

“Soulful Sojourns: A Tale of Two Souls” — an autobiography on the lives of late freedom fighter couple Pandyanda Belliappa and Pandyanda Seetha Belliappa — was released at a programme organised  at Swarnamala Kalyana Mantapa in the town recently.

Speaking after releasing the book, United Kodava Organisation (UKO) President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that Bommanda Savera Chengappa, granddaughter of freedom fighters late Pandyanda Belliappa, who is popularly known as ‘Kodagina Gandhi’ and his freedom fighter wife Pandyanda Seetha Belliappa, has scripted the book in English.

Pointing out that Pandyanda Belliappa, who had great concerns for social welfare, always  worked for the cause of the society, Manju Chinnappa said he is also considered as a pioneer in Co-operative movement in Kodagu. Elaborating on the contributions of the late freedom fighter in education sector, Manju Chinnappa said it was he (Pandyanda Belliappa) who got sanctioned the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College in Madikeri when Nehru was the Prime Minister. Stating that the two freedom fighters had made a mark in different fields, he called upon everyone to read the book in order to draw inspiration for doing social service.

‘Poomale’ newspaper editor Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah in his address, said that the younger generation should read books on such great achievers and draw inspiration from their work and lead a purposeful life.

The book author Bommanda Savera Chengappa said that he scripted the book for posterity to younger generation. Highlighting the achievements of her grandparents, she said that the book makes an interesting reading for everyone and draw inspiration from the freedom fighter couple.

Addanda Vittal Nanjappa, Col. Bommanda Dheeraj Chengappa, Tapas Devaiah, Neravanda Shanti Nanjappa, Kusuma Ayyappa, Pandyanda Vijay Belliappa, Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa Forum President Kandratanda Subbaiah, A. Thammu Poovaiah, Delhi Kodava Samaja President Machimanda Thammu Cariappa, Col. Mandepanda K. Ayyappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 24th, 2023

Seven-year-old Maya’s jottings posthumously published as a book

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The book titled, ‘The girl who unleashed magic’, written by Maya Appachu, is the 78th book released by the forum.

A native of Kodagu, Maya is the daughter of Sanchita and Karthik Appachu, who live in the United States.

Madikeri : 

A posthumously published book written by a seven-year-old girl was released by the Kodava Makkada Koota in Madikeri. The book titled, ‘The girl who unleashed magic’, written by Maya Appachu, is the 78th book released by the forum.

A native of Kodagu, Maya is the daughter of Sanchita and Karthik Appachu, who live in the United States.

A student of Highcroft Drive Elementary School in the US, Maya was multi-talented. She used to maintain a diary filled with sketches in which she jotted down her encounters with fear, apprehensions and her experience in the new environment in the beginning days of her school. Her jottings have now been compiled into a book by the forum. 

Thanking the forum for publishing the book, Maya’s parents who took part in the book release event relived the memories of their daughter.  

Maya had an untimely death before she turned eight as she was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malfunction (AVM). By donating organs, Maya found meaning even in death. The parents of Maya were honoured with the ‘Honour Bridge’ award for donating their daughter’s organs and a cherry tree has been planted at Maya’s school in her memory.

She was a child with many talents who found interest in various things. Besides classical music, dance, literature and art, Maya aimed to become an entomologist due to her interest in the study of insects.

“The books will be made part of all the school libraries in Kodagu to inspire the younger generation,” shared Bollajira Aiyappa, the president of the forum. The book has been translated into Kannada by writer Pushpa Devaiah.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 23rd, 2023