Category Archives: Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

8th edition of Barefoot Marathon on Sunday-Dec. 8

Kodagu:

The 8th edition of Barefoot Marathon will be held on Dec. 8 (Sunday).

The event, which is a fund-raiser for The Coorg Wellness Foundation, set up for the wellness of people, wildlife and ecology of Kodagu, will be flagged from Tata Coffee Sports Grounds at Pollibetta, at 6 am.

Bib distribution will be done Dec. 7 between 11 am to 1 pm. 

To volunteer, contact Varun on Mob: 96868-55539 and for accommodation, call Ricky Monappa on Mob: 96323-38111.

For registration, interested may log on to https://youtoocanrun.com/races/the-barefoot-marathon-8th-december-2024/

The Marathon will be held in five categories — Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 5K Run and 1.5K Run.

The registration fee for all categories is Rs. 1,000 which includes brunch and T-shirt.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News (headline edited) / November 04th, 2024

Karnataka: Tourists flock to Kodagu during long weekend

With a string of holidays including Deepavali and Kannada Rajyotsava weekend, the tourist-favorite district of Kodagu has seen a massive influx of visitors.

With four consecutive holidays, including Naraka Chaturdasi, Kannada Rajyotsava, Balipadyami, and Sunday, lakhs of tourists have flocked to Kodagu. Tourist spots and religious sites are bustling with visitors and devotees, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the region.

Tourists have thronged Raja’s Seat, the popular hilltop spot in Madikeri, where visitors are enjoying the panoramic views. Other attractions like Abbey Falls, Dubare, and Nisargadhama are also seeing a surge in footfall. The recent holy occasion of Cauvery Theerthodbhava has further drawn thousands of pilgrims to Talacauvery and Bhagamandala.

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported at major tourist spots and religious centres, including Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, and Talacauvery, posing challenges for the police in ensuring smooth traffic flow.

The month-long Kiru Sankramana period after the Theerthodbhava is seen as an auspicious time for a holy dip in the Cauvery River at Talacauvery. Thousands of devotees, including those from other districts and states, are visiting the sacred spot. The ongoing holidays have further increased the number of visitors, causing some local concern over difficulties in performing rituals peacefully.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / November 03rd, 2024

Karanang Kodpo – Homage to ancestors by the Kodavas

Kodagu is deep- rooted in the culture of the past, the glorious past.

The traditions, the idealsand the institutions of the past are inherited by us as a rich legacy. It is not just the abundant natural beauty that makes Kodagu a distinct place. It’s people- the Kodavas with discrete culture and heritage boost the glory of this land. This is the season of the year, where Kodavas in Kodagu district perform the annual ritual KARANANG KODPO held in memory of their ancestors.

Amidst the misty hills and lush coffee plantations of Kodagu, the indigenous community of Kodavas honour “GURU KARONA” the first ancestor as their protector and guide. With Guru karona as their guardian, they walk the path of their ancestors, connecting to the very soul of their land. 

Our ancestors are as much a part of us as we are part of them. Karanang kodpo is an occasion for kodava usually after the changrandhi, to invoke the ancestors, offer them sweet, meat, liquor, take their blessings and the families rejoice followed by a feast. 

All auspicious ceremonies and works of Kodavas were usually done during this time because Kodavas did not have temple culture and kept Brahmins away as we Kodavas adore ancestral worship and venerate our man of yester year “Guru karona”.

Karanangkodpo is an important annual observance where offerings are made to a clan’s ancestors. The food and drink habits of deceased members of the family are remembered. Accordingly, offerings are made to the dead.  The Karona, or the dead patriarch, is prayed to. Offerings of food and drink made to Gods and ancestors are called “Meedhi”. Kodava cultural traditions and practices were transmitted orally from generation to generation.

In olden days, all the members if an “okka” lived together in their ” Ainmane” or ancestral home. While many of these Ainmanes have been rebuilt, the traditional ones that are still standing are 150 to 200 years old. Today even if they do not live in the Ainmane, members of an okka gather to celebrate festivals and traditional ceremonies. The Karona, the first Ancestor or founder of the okka is revered as a God. Kodavas consider their Ancestors as their guiding spirit and their elders as their living guides. As a mark of respect, younger people touch the feet of their elders when they meet during auspicious occasions.  Elders invoke their ancestors when they bless those who touch their feet.

The cultural heritage of the Kodavas is a priceless legacy passed down from generation to generation. Every legacy followed strengthens our collective voice, fostering unity and resilience.

Together we strive for an empowered kodava community that stands proud, preserving our roots and shaping a future rooted in our unique traditions.

Sadly, with the passage of time our culture has been ambushed by modernization.

Currently conserving our rich heritage to let our future generations know who truly are, is of surmount importance. Every nook and corner of our Ainmane act as a silent reminder into our colourful past.

An architectural aspect which as stood the tests of time are our Ainmanes. Homes to the native communities of Kodagu, these Ainmanes stand as a silent testimony of our story. 

Let’s join hands, in conserving the little that remains of ancestors and their impressions left on the phase of earth.

Because Ainmanes are a matter of pride and the soul of kodava rituals and their revival provides a surety to Kodavas customs and legacy. As traditions passes on from generation to the next it is a duty of every Kodavas to maintain the sanctity of their places of worship.

source: http://www.clnnews.in / Coffee Land News / Home> Articles / by Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah / October 25th, 2024

Kodava Ain Mane established at Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai

The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today.

The Ain Mane established at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai.(Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The Kodava Ain Mane forms the epicenter of the culture of Kodava community. The Ain Mane aka ancestral house act as curators of the Kodava traditions and culture. With an aim to introduce these traditional edifices to the world, a model of the Ain Mane will now be inaugurated at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai today.

Dakshinachitra is a cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyle, performing arts and craft. The museum is home to 18 traditional houses that depict the unique culture of South India. And as a 19th addition to the museum, a traditional Kodava Ain Mane has now been established at the center in Chennai and depicts the rich culture of the Kodava community.

“Our long search for an Ain Mane from Kodagu bore fruit in 2022. We acquired and dismantled the 1852 built Kodira family Ain Mane in Kodagu. The entire house was documented in detail and all the wooden elements were numbered, dismantled and transported to Dakshinachitra Museum in early 2023,” shared Rathi Vinay Jha, former secretary of the tourism department, member of the Sandooka Museum Trust and Life Trustee of Daskhinachitra Museum who headed the Kodava Ain Mane project. She was earlier involved in curating materials for the Sandooka Virtual Kodava museum.

The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today. The Ain Mane is lined with materials that exhibit the unique culture, traditions, rituals, folk culture, attire and cuisine of the Kodava community.

The project was supported by the CSR wing of Hyundai Motors and Mobis India Foundation. As confirmed by Rathi, a Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform at Dakshinachitra today and tomorrow during the inaugural ceremony.

“The Dakshinachitra Museum managed by Madras Craft Foundation showcases ancestral homes from all the Southern States. The museum is 35 years old and they already have 18 such ancestral homes. The Kodava House will be the 19th such house. The Kodava house will showcase the culture and heritage of Kodavas and Kodagu,” she concluded. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Pragna GR / October 22nd, 2024

Karnataka Tourism Launches ‘Connect Kodagu’ to Showcase Sustainable Tourism in Madikeri

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has launched the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative in Madikeri, unveiling a comprehensive plan to elevate Kodagu as a prime example of sustainable tourism.

Through this initiative, KSTDC aims to promote eco-friendly travel practices, enhance visitor facilities, and preserve the natural beauty of the Kodagu district, a region renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The program gathered local tourism organizations and district officials to discuss actionable steps to ensure a responsible tourism approach that aligns with the needs of both the environment and the visitors.

Among the key measures discussed were upgrades to tourist amenities, tighter control over unauthorized wine production, and collaborative efforts with health and law enforcement agencies to ensure quality standards for local products. KSTDC’s vision is to build a cohesive tourism ecosystem where environmental stewardship is balanced with visitor satisfaction, creating a memorable and responsible experience for all who visit Kodagu.

Kodagu’s popularity as a destination for solo travelers and wellness enthusiasts has been steadily growing, thanks to its peaceful ambiance and potential for health-oriented tourism. To add cultural depth to visitors’ experiences, the initiative includes plans to convert historic local homes into unique lodging options, drawing inspiration from similar projects in North India. Infrastructure enhancements were also highlighted, with the proposed addition of essential facilities such as restrooms and small retail outlets at intervals along key highways to support visitor needs.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, KSTDC and the Kodagu administration are set to release a coffee table book showcasing the district’s many attractions, from scenic spots to cultural landmarks. Additionally, a tourism app is under development, designed to provide tourists with easy access to information on local sites, activities, and services. The initiative has already garnered strong backing from regional tourism associations, which view ‘Connect Kodagu’ as a landmark effort to position Kodagu as a sustainable and culturally enriching destination in India.

Through the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative, KSTDC is setting a precedent in the tourism industry by not only addressing current challenges but also proactively planning for the future. By focusing on environmental preservation, cultural authenticity, and infrastructure development, KSTDC aims to create a tourism model that other regions in India could follow. This program underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in fostering economic growth while protecting the region’s ecological and cultural wealth.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Trave and Tour World / Home> India Travel News / October 29th, 2024

At this riverside homestay in Coorg, spot Mahseer and Malabar hornbills

Firefly by the River

Firefly by the River is run by a pair of well-travelled, fun-loving sexagenarians who bring their taste for the slow life to this spot in the woods.

In the sleepy Madalapura village of Coorg, on the banks of Harangi river, lies Firefly by the River—Nina and Captain Prio Chaubey’s labour of love. Initially, it was a single cottage with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a large verandah, enough to serve as a second home for the couple and their loved ones. The Bengaluru–based couple had found this spot when they went scouting for a place to spend their retired life. On this site by the tributary of the Kaveri, Prio and his fishing buddies would spend their weekends, patiently waiting for the elusive mahseer to come for the bait. Gradually, friends of friends and their families started calling in to check if they could come. Soon, Nina and Prio found themselves adding new rooms, and the result is now a homestay in Coorg where you can enjoy the riverside life.

Firefly by the River

About the homestay in Coorg

Firefly by the River

Think waking up in a villa sitting in the middle of coffee and pepper estates, paddy fields, orchards, bamboo groves and coconut, cinnamon and betel palm trees. Named after the thousands of luminescent fireflies that are spotted in Coorg in the month of April, the property has a total of five tastefully-done double rooms designed by the hosts themselves and built using local labour. “We always wanted a space that was not glitzy or luxurious but an extension of our home and the natural surroundings. We wanted the homestay to be a reflection of our personalities. Prio, with his artistic bent, was able to quickly execute our ideas,” says Nina Chaube. The two superior and two deluxe rooms are set as two independent cottages and the garden room comes with its own private entrance. Boasting rustic design elements and warm, earthy colours, all rooms are spacious and well-appointed with luxury mattresses and super soft duvets, a writing desk and a closet made of wood. The attached bathrooms have a shower with running hot and cold water 24×7. Tea/coffee sachets, an electric kettle and mineral water are part of the basic comforts.

Firefly by the River

Sit-out areas come with a variety of comfortable seating and offer picturesque views, especially during the mornings when the sun rays filter through the trees, painting them in a golden glow. No televisions in the room ensure you spend quality time bonding with yourself and your folks. Rooms do have Wi-Fi though.

Firefly by the River

However, the hammocks placed under the trees by the riverside remain the highlight of the property. “Our vision was to help people, especially those living in cramped apartments of chaotic cities, get a taste of a home in the outdoors. Our homestay is where you feel inspired to read, paint, write, cultivate hobbies, plant a tree and appreciate farm life. You are reminded of the fact that eggs and milk come from hens and cows and not from supermarkets,” says Nina Chaube.

And, of course, there is free-flowing love and cuddles from resident dogs—Husky and Leo. They never fail to give you a warm welcome every time you’re back after a wander around Coorg.

The hosts

Well-travelled, fun-loving sexagenarians, Prio and Nina have mingled with people from different parts of the world and always have interesting tales to tell their guests. Prio, who has studied in the UK and Australia, is an ex-master mariner with the Merchant Navy. As a child, Prio spent a lot of time on his father’s farm in Hunsur, a city in the Mysore district. During his school holidays, he would often go fishing and camping with his parents. Growing up on farms, Prio has a deep love for the outdoors. He is an avid angler and bird watcher besides being a talented musician, painter and sculptor. If Prio is around during your visit to the homestay, don’t miss sitting with him around a bonfire. He will regale you with his angling stories while strumming his guitar.

Hosts Prio and Nina / Firefly by the River

Nina, who has spent over 25 years in the luxury hotel industry, is an image consultant and a soft-skills trainer. Her passions lie in travel, food, wine and people. Nina and Prio have beautifully combined their talents and exposure to offer the guests an experience to remember.

The food

At the centre of the property, there is a common area where all meals are served. Yet again, the space is elegantly designed around a well and a little waterfall. You can hear the therapeutic sound of water as you dine. Every evening, they set up a bonfire here.

South Indian home-style breakfast / Firefly by the River

Nina believes that food is a huge part of a holiday and personally looks into the daily food menu, ensuring it is customised as per the guests’ tastes and preferences. Rithvik, the property manager and a local from Coorg, loves experimenting with his grandma’s recipes, giving them his own delicious twist. His South Indian chutney, sambar and fruit custard are a favourite with the guests.

No two meals are identical and everything is prepared from freshest, local ingredients. Since Coorg, also known as Kodagu, has its own unique cuisine, the hosts have put ample effort into gathering recipes from the kitchens of local families. Staff hired from a nearby village cook all the food incorporating local spice mixes.

Expect a home-style breakfast with South Indian delicacies like idlis and dosas, along with fresh milk, bread, fruits, juices, cornflakes and more. There is also organic honey from the region which you can take back home. Sample their melt-in-mouth Coorg-style River Pomfret, Pandi Curry (Coorg-style spicy pork curry), Akki Roti (flatbread made with rice flour, spices, herbs and vegetables), Coorgi pumpkin and vegetables, seasonal bamboo shoot curry, wild mango curry, kuru bean curry and Coorgi mutton pulao. Nool Puttu (rice noodles) with vegetable stew and kadambuttu (steamed rice balls) with chicken curry are other local specialties served here.

How to spend 48 hours at Firefly by the River, Coorg

Firefly by the River

While this homestay is the best place to master the art of doing nothing and simply revel in the beauty of the surroundings, there’s no dearth of places to visit and things to do in and around the property.

Go for a walk around the property premises and look for lemon grass, exotic Thai ginger, kaffir lime trees and Australian fig trees that are thoughtfully planted by the hosts.

If you’re a bird watcher, there are plenty of birds to spot in the area.

A coracle ride on the Harangi river is a great way to spend a morning at the homestay.

The resort staff can facilitate the same for you minus any additional charge. Offering the coracle experience to the guests is their way of supporting the local fishermen. You can tip the boatman an amount you like.

The hosts are happy to help you with hyperlocal experiences like coffee plantation tours, angling trips and more. Bylakuppe in Coorg is one of the largest  Tibetan settlements in India and worth a half-day tour. Spend a few minutes meditating at the stunning Namdroling Monastery, also referred to as Golden Temple, and finish with an authentic Tibetan lunch at Potala kitchen and cafe.

Don’t miss taking in the bird’s eye views of Coorg’s lush green hills and forests from Raja’s Seat in Madikeri. When here, treat yourself to a sweet-spicy pineapple chaat from one of the street vendors. And then, there is always the hammock by the river to retire to.

source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Naste Traveller / Home> Hotels & Homestays / by Shikha Shah / October 28th, 2024

Welcome To The Coffee Homes Of Coorg

Managers’ bungalows turned into heritage holiday homes let one share the heritage of this coffee country with a boutique stay experience.

An erstwhile estate bungalow in Polibetta, restored into a luxurious abode under amã, an IHCL companyamã Stays & Trails

We shoot down the Bangalore-Mysore expressway at incredible speed, but fail to shake off the urban landscape. It is as if the city has extruded itself to fill spaces that were once the coconut groves and paddy fields of my girlhood days. A diversion brings us to a quainter, and bumpier – “local road”. Slowly the scruffy quasi-industrial landscape dries up as we turn into the tree-lined road to Gonikoppa.

Checking in with amã Stays

Tata Coffee owned bungalows have been converted into exclusive and luxurious heritage homestays by sister company IHCLamã Stays & Trails

I lose myself in the gigantic bamboo thickets and sky-shattering canopies whizzing past. Soon the undergrowth seems to thin out and appears more regular. Too regular…pruned bushes…coffee country! The road winds gently around soft slopes glistening in the monsoon sprinkle and leads me through a white-and-blue gate. I have arrived at the Tata Coffee Woshully Estate.

Coorg is a tamed wilderness. The British domesticated these ancient forests to carve out estates in the most spectacular locales. They were private, of course, you had to be a sahib or akin to one to sojourn in the estate bungalows.

Taneerhulla Cottage, one of the private bungalows amidst lush estateamã Stays & Trails

All this is irrelevant now because I am at the porch of the Taneerhulla Cottage, one of the private bungalows that Tata Coffee has thrown open to guests. Infact, a clutch of such bungalows have been tastefully restored into heritage stays under amã Stays & Trails, an IHCL company in the recent years.

The porch overlooks a well-groomed lawn dotted with anthurium. The divide between the living quarters and the estate is a narrow strip of lawn with coffee bushes peeping over the fence. I expected the “cottage” to be a tiny space with frilly curtains and basic comforts. But this place is, to use a Victorian term, “well-appointed”.

Well appointed cottage with three rooms and a verdant garden / amã Stays & Trails

Ramdasan, the chef, places steaming coffee before me. I accept graciously, successfully camouflaging my tea fundamentalism. Richie Ponanna, my guide, leads me first to the drawing room with its comfortable couches and generous windows. A warm kitchen adjoins a dining space, the high point of which is the crockery cupboard. I rush to complete my toilette. The estate managers have invited me for a tour.

Hidden estate treasures

We bounce down wet slopes in a jeep, gathering nuggets of history. I learn that Woshully is one among the many estates of the Polibetta area which were managed by British Consolidated Coffee since 1943 before being taken over by Tata Coffee.

The Taneerhulla Bungalow can home ten adults in it’s cosy nooks and spacious bedrooms / amã Stays & Trails

I finally understand the technical difference between a cottage and a bungalow when we visit Taneerhulla Bungalow. From the outside it appears solid and practical, set amidst elderly trees. A commanding porch opens into a lovingly polished rosewood staircase. I am led into the drawing room by gracious hosts. Six of me can fit into the bay window. And there are eight of these gorgeous spots for basking in the winter sunshine or watching the afternoon rain.

Spots perfect for sun basking or watching the rain / amã Stays & Trails

It has been years since I saw a real cloakroom, so I linger there. All rooms, including the five bedrooms, have working fireplaces. The bathrooms are large enough to tango in but, sadly, the fittings are new. Wood-fired kitchen stoves, a king-sized pantry, and a round jewel of a dining table…

At Woshully Bungalow, the façade is distinctly Coorg, with a long, tiled verandah suggestive of the ainmane / amã Stays & Trails

Next, Woshully Bungalow. The façade is distinctly Coorg, with a long, tiled verandah suggestive of the ainmane, the traditional homestead. The bungalow offers a telescopic view of the entire stretch of road though the estate.

The interiors are tastefully curated for modern comfortsamã Stays & Trails

At dinner, conversation centres around the famous ghost of Anandpur Estate. There is much laughter and the managers trade estate stories. Every now and then, one of the ladies slides quietly behind the doors of the kitchen. I realise that this is the touch that makes my stay comfortable and homey, without feeling like I have intruded on somebody’s private space.

Glenlorna Bungalow is tucked amidst rolling hills of endless teaam / ã Stays & Trails

The next day, after a visit to the elegant Glenlorna Bungalow, we head to the river to see whitewater rafting in action. Estate Manager C.U. Ashok expertly manoeuvres the jeep downhill. We hear the river almost as soon as we see it, a white frothy ribbon set in jade. The olive-green river is guarded on all sides by archaic sentinels – great-grandfather trees stretching up to the sky. There is a deep silence despite the chatter of boys getting ready to go for a ride on the rafts. It’s a beautiful, serene experience.

On the drive back, I make a list of things I could do on a longer holiday here – amateur historiography of the old Anandpur cemetery, a visit to the church, where the first Victoria Cross in India was awarded in 1917, a round of golf… Then again maybe I’d be content to laze around, walk the trails, and visit my friend, the river.

The Information

Getting There:

Coorg is easily accessible from Bengaluru via road. Nearest airports are in Mysuru and Bengaluru.

Plantation Trails:

Tata Coffee, which owns large tracts of plantations in Coorg’s coffee-growing areas, has opened many bungalows as heritage holiday homes, under the sub-brand amã Stays & Trails. Built in colonial style, the bungalows offer multiple rooms and have dedicated staff including a cook. Though seemingly set in the middle of nowhere (actually Polibetta in Coorg), a holiday at the bungalows come with luxuries as room service, a laundry service and local trails. Activities include open-jeep drives through the plantations to learn about coffee-making techniques, cycling in the estate, bird watching, trekking in the surrounding hills and playing golf at the Tata Coffee Golf Course.

For more such bungalows, visit the website

source: http://www.outlooktraveller.com / Outlook Traveller / Home> Luxury / by Usha Banerjee / February 02nd, 2024

Kamah Hotels & Resorts partner with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 

Sign USD70 Million deal to build a Waterfront Hotel in UAE and three resorts in India

L to R – Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Dinesh Yadav, Founder and Director, Kamah Hotels & Resorts

Kamah Hotels & Resorts, an upcoming luxury and wellness brand, proudly announces a major partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s second-largest hotel and resort brand. Together, they have signed a $70 million deal to develop four new hotels—one in Dubai and three in India—under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. This partnership was formalised at the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 in Dubai and marks a significant expansion for Kamah’s portfolio, developed by Fine Acers Group in India and Global Branded Residences (GBR) internationally.

The exclusive signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both companies, including Dimitris Manikis, President of EMEA, and Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director of TMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Dinesh Yadav, Director of Fine Acers & GBR.

“After our successful collaboration with Wyndham Grand Jaipur last year, we are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,” said Dinesh Yadav, Managing Director of Fine Acers Group & GBR. “This partnership will see the launch of four hotels under the Kamah brand, offering an exclusive luxury and wellness experience under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The first set of properties are located in Dubai, Coorg, Jawai and Udaipur with further expansions planned in global destinations like North America, Australia and Europe, as well as prominent Indian locations such as Goa, Lonavala, and Dharamshala.”

Imran Khan, International Director of KAMAH, highlights a substantial gap in the wellness hospitality sector that requires attention. He suggests that for the industry to truly flourish, leading brands should prioritize creating strategic partnerships that can drive both growth and innovation.

KAMAH has finalized several key locations for its Lifestyle, Luxury and Wellness Resorts, including Coorg, known for its lush landscapes and serene environment; Jawai, a rugged region famous for wildlife and immersive natural experiences; Udaipur, the heritage-rich “City of Lakes; and Dubai, a global hub of opulence and cutting-edge wellness ” offering a regal blend of tranquillity and luxury.

The newly announced properties include Kamah Hotel, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, and three Indian resorts: Kamah Resorts Coorg, Kamah Resorts Jawai, and Kamah Resorts Udaipur.


These hotels will be developed under a branded residences model, providing investors a unique opportunity to purchase units in an internationally branded hotel and resort, situated in popular leisure destinations.

The four properties will be branded as part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, a soft-branded collection of midscale to upscale properties that maintain their individual character. This partnership introduces the Trademark Collection by Wyndham in the UAE for the first time, marking a significant milestone for both Kamah and Wyndham’s expansion strategies.

“We are delighted to extend our collaboration with Fine Acers Group and to introduce the Trademark Collection by Wyndham to the UAE market,” said Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “This partnership is just the beginning, with plans for many more properties to follow and building on the ‘Owners First’ policy of Wyndham. Udaipur and Coorg are already established tourist destinations in India, and Jawai is emerging as a popular destination in Rajasthan.”

Both India and the UAE are key growth markets for the hospitality industry, with increasing tourist arrivals. Dubai remains a prominent international trade and tourism hub, contributing 9% to the UAE’s GDP in 2022, with expectations to grow this to 15% by 2031 according to the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.

source: http://www.traveldailymedia.com / TDM News / Home> Hotels> Global / by Kanchan Nath, TDM Editor / October 07th, 2024

Kodagu Prepares for a Remarkable Surge in Sustainable Eco-Tourism with an Innovative Website Showcasing Luxury Eco-Resorts and Stunning Natural Wonders

Kodagu launches an innovative tourism website to boost sustainable eco-tourism, featuring luxury eco-resorts, sacred sites, and breathtaking natural attractions.

On Monday, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja revealed plans for a new tourism website to highlight the district’s key attractions, including its temples, sacred sites, hotels, homestays, resorts, reservoirs, and waterfalls. This announcement was made during the World Tourism Day event, hosted at a city hotel and organized by the district administration, zilla panchayat, tourism department, and various tourism partners.

During his speech, Venkat Raja stressed the importance of offering detailed information about notable holy sites such as Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, alongside the district’s natural attractions. He announced that the website is scheduled to launch by December and called on the community to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness for tourists visiting Kodagu. Raja also emphasized the need to support eco-tourism and reduce plastic usage in the area.

BR Nagendra Prasad, president of the District Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significant influx of tourists, noting that around 100,000 visitors arrive each weekend. He underlined the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the district and encouraged local organizations to take a more active role in preserving the environment.

Prasad also suggested implementing measures to manage tourism better, including deploying guards at popular tourist and holy sites to ensure cleanliness and protect these areas. This initiative is seen as a step toward creating a more sustainable tourism environment for both visitors and the local community.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World – TTW / Home> Tourism News / October 01st, 2024

Theerthodbhava at Talacauvery in Kodagu district on Oct. 17

Madikeri:

The Annual Theerthodbhava at Talacauvery will occur on Oct. 17 (Thursday) at 7.40 am in the auspicious Tula Lagna as per the Hindu almanac on Tula Sankramana Day.

On this day, it is believed that Goddess Cauvery comes in the form of a fountain-head where water gushes up from Brahmakundike in front of the Kalyani at the predetermined time.

The authorities of Sri Bhagandeshwara-Talacauvery Temple have announced the date of this year’s Theerthodbhava. The temple authorities are gearing up for this important occasion.

On the occasion of Theerthodbhava, rituals such as rice being poured to ‘Pathaya’ (Tula Lagna) of Sri Bhagandeshwara Swamy Temple at Bhagamandala will be held as per tradition on Sept. 26 at 8.35 am.

Oct. 4 (10.21 am): ‘Ajna Muhurtha’ will be held at ‘Vruschika Lagna’; Oct.14 (1.35 am): Placing of ‘Akshaya Patra’ (Dhanur Lagna); 04.15 pm, offering boxes will be placed (Kumbha Lagna).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 15th, 2024