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

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

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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

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

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 

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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

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

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

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Go Mahseer fishing at this riverside homestay in Coorg

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

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 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.

A room at Firefly by the River

About the homestay in Coorg

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.

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.

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

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.

Food at Firely by the River, Coorg

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.

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.

Nuputtu and vegetable stew

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

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.

Firefly by The River. Doubles from Rs5,000 onwards per room plus taxes (includes breakfast). Website

source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Nast Traveller / Home> Hotels & Homestays / by Shikha Shah / June 20th, 2022

Ritz Ponnu remembered by Bangalore Neela Megha Shyaman Deepak Muralidharan Iyengar, I presume !

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

When I wrote a tribute to Mysuru’s iconic restaurateur and a socialite Chonira Ponoo Muthanna (Ponnu) when he passed away on June 21, 2024, I did not think it would ring a bell and revive old memories from his old buddies. The title of my Abracadabra column on Ponnu was “Ritz Ponnu’s Last Supper” and was published on Sunday, the 23rd of June, 2024.

I was wrong. We received many letters and I received calls from Ponnu’s friends and admirers. However, there was one e-mail I received, rather late by two months. It was from an unlikely person, hold your breath, Mr. Bangalore Neela Megha Shyaman Deepak Muralidharan Iyengar. No prize for those who will tell this name in full, please. For short, he signs off either as Deepak or N. Shyaman. I am afraid in case, in the frontierless future, should I meet him, I may have to exclaim in the clichéd refrain “Dr. Livingstone, I presume” because I would not be knowing which of these names would come to my lips! Let it be.

In that e-mail, Deepak vividly remembered his association with Ponnu while he was an engineering student in Mysuru after accidentally reading my Abracadabra on Ponnu. He wrote that he stumbled upon it “by chance” while looking for info on what has become of Ganesh and Gayathri Talkies. It was then he ran into the sad news about Ritz Ponnu. It was a gut-wrench feeling indeed, he wrote in his e-mail. He even thanked me for giving Ponnu “a wonderful send-off to a real nice fellow.”

All this sentiment is okay for me but what made me “stick” Deepak’s letter in this Abracadabra was his presumption about my connection to Kodagu and Virajpet and using it as a trigger to draw my attention to his letter. He wrote: “My wife Ranie is from Virajpet, you may have known her parents K.V. Thomas and Dr. Molly Thomas (both sadly deceased).” Certainly, I had heard of them and sent him an e-mail in response and sought his biodata to know what manner of a man he is. Now retired, he seemed to be a jolly good fellow (like me!).

His biodata left me spellbound. A man of many parts, many interests — a life’s journey any man will envy. Man with brawn and brain Swami Vivekananda would have loved him as fitting his idea of man who is the architect of his own destiny. In modesty and humility Deepak asks me to “Please keep that (‘thumbnail’) from general publication.” Sorry, let me let you down because you are an inspiration to our students in youth and to professionals in adulthood.

N. Shyaman studied engineering at Mysore University in the 1970s. After a two-year research stint at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, he matriculated at Stanford University in California, graduating from there in the early 1980s. He worked on laser applications in aerodynamics for Boeing, NASA, US Army and on Formula 1 race car aerodynamics for Lamborghini and Ferrari, before becoming a businessman.

He had a career in international business covering continental Europe, Japan, ROK and the US. He started two trading companies in Japan with Japanese partners. He had decent exits from them and retired in the 2000s.

He split time between homes in Silicon Valley and at a ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

He writes occasional papers on military affairs and geopolitics of Europe and Asia and enjoys alpine ski racing, golf, target shooting, world film, opera, ballet and music.

Osho was right when he said LIFE happens only to those who dare and strive. Now about his memories of Ponnu:

Dear Sir,

My wife and I were deeply saddened — indeed, devastated — to learn from you of our beloved Ponnu’s passing.

It happened just by chance, when I stumbled across your article whilst looking for any info on what has become of Ganesh and Gayathri Talkies. All steeped in nostalgia, au fond dans les couloirs du temps, as it were. To then run into that sad news about Ritz Ponnu, even as we were in such a ‘way back’ state of mind, was a gut-wrench indeed. Thank you for that wonderful send-off to a real nice fellow.

Before we were married, my wife and I went on literally hundreds of dates that invariably began with late lunch or early dinner at The Ritz. Ponnu would always show up for a chat, and the first thing he checked was the temperature of the plates as the staff laid our table — he insisted they be warmed exactly to his specifications.

Ponnu and we were quite close — we would all go up Chamundi to the Palace up there, which Srikant (Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar)  had converted into a restaurant — with velvet walls and all sorts of exotica. And in the dark on the way back down, we would park by one of the many vista points by the road and look on at Mysore lights, while I sipped a rum double (neat, no ice back in those halcyon days of youthful alcohol assimilativeness), a gimlet for my wife and water for Ponnu, all while keeping an eye out for sundry leopards on the prowl. Needless to say, I let him drive…

We went to several weekend parties at Ponnu’s before we left Mysore for faraway domains, overdoing by half a world newspaper editor Horace Greeley’s ‘Go west, young man’, etc. Ponnu had just built his retreat over by Hinkal Road and there was always an eclectic bunch hanging around. For instance, a German professor and his wife, who tried to teach us German at Gangothri. My wife and I met during the week of the first German classes and that’s all she wrote — we never learned any German because we were always hanging around together, playing hooky every chance we got.

As for those Germans at Ponnu’s, the guy would be all normal and everything, till he had had a few, then he would start with a very soft ‘If only WE had THE Bomb first, Germany would surely have won.’ As my Russian friends say, scratch a German and  you get a Nazi.

Oops. I have gone on long enough — could easily do this till the day after the day after tomorrow. In closing, we have nothing but fond memories of Ritz Ponnu. RIP, dear friend…”

I guess as we grow old and keep losing friends, we realise friends make memories, not places or wealth.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Abracadabra> Columns / by K B Ganapathy / September 11th, 2024

Ayatana Hospitality Triumphs at the World Travel Awards 2024 with Double Wins

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ayatana Hospitality has been honored at the World Travel Awards 2024, with Ayatana Coorg and Ayatana Ooty recognized as leading resorts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Manila:

Ayatana Hospitality, a premier luxury hospitality brand, has been recognized for excellence in hospitality at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024. The awards ceremony held at the City of Dreams in Manila, honoured Ayatana Coorg as Karnataka’s Leading Resort and Ayatana Ooty as Tamil Nadu’s Leading Resort, underscoring the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The World Travel Awards recognises excellence across all key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality. As part of the global annual initiative, World Travel Awards covers the entire globe with its Grand Tour which is a series of regional activities to recognise excellence within each continent. 

Commenting on the recognition, Vishal Tony, Founder and MD, Ayatana Hospitality said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive the prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards 2024. We were listed among the best resorts, with public voting determining the winner.”

“At Ayatana, our vision is to rediscover the hospitality landscape across the country by launching resorts in historically & ecologically diverse locations. We are constantly working with our service team to improve our services offered to our guests and ensure the experiences they take back home would keep them wanting for more. I want to express my gratitude to our guests and our hardworking team for making this achievement a reality.” he added.

Ayatana Coorg is a luxury resort situated in the serene landscapes of Coorg. Surrounded by lush greenery and captivating views, the property provides a tranquil escape with its luxurious accommodations, top-notch amenities, and unmatched hospitality. The resort offers a perfect blend of nature and luxury, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Ayatana Ooty, located in the Nilgiris Hills in the midst of tea plantations of Ooty is a tranquil resort meticulously designed to ensure ultimate comfort while offering an immersive experience in the heart of nature, surrounded by lush green forests and picturesque mountains. It boasts luxurious accommodations with well-appointed villas offering breathtaking views of the valley. 

About Ayatana Hospitality

Established in 2017, Ayatana Hospitalities is a distinguished full-service Hospitality Chain celebrated for its bespoke luxury resorts and hotels. Operating under the umbrella of Aratt, its parent company with a rich legacy tracing back to the early 2000s in the real estate and architecture industry, Ayatana inherits a tradition of excellence.

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotels Hot Topics> Hotel / by Hospibuz / September 10th, 2024

Embrace peace and beauty at Aurika, Coorg

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

Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Coorg, Aurika is not just a hotel; it’s an oasis of tranquillity and refined luxury.

Aurika, Coorg review: Know everything about the hotel here

As a travel critic, I have had the privilege of visiting some of the world’s most luxurious retreats, but my recent stay at Aurika, Coorg – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels, left an indelible mark on my soul. Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Coorg, Aurika is not just a hotel; it’s an oasis of tranquillity and refined luxury.

Hospitality:

From the moment I stepped into the resort, I was greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the tone for my entire stay. The staff, impeccably trained and attentive, ensured that every aspect of my experience was nothing short of perfection. Their dedication to guest satisfaction was evident in every interaction, making me feel like royalty from check-in to departure.

Beautiful View from Room:

My room at Aurika, Coorg offered more than just a place to rest—it provided a breathtaking window into the natural splendour of Coorg. Waking up to panoramic views of mist and lush greenery was a privilege reserved for those seeking serenity and connection with nature. The design of the room itself complemented the surroundings, blending modern comfort with traditional charm seamlessly.

Relaxing Spa:

The spa at the resort was a sanctuary of peace and rejuvenation. It offered a range of therapies that combined ancient healing techniques with modern luxury. From aromatherapy massages to revitalizing facials, each treatment was a journey toward relaxation and renewal. The skilled therapists ensured that every visit to the spa was a personalized experience, leaving me refreshed and invigorated.

Food:

The resort’s culinary offerings were a delightful exploration of Coorg’s rich gastronomic heritage. With its elegant ambiance and attentive service, the restaurant became a haven for culinary indulgence. Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with local ingredients and presented with artistic flair. Whether savouring traditional Coorgi delicacies or international fare, every meal was a culinary journey that satisfied both the palate and the soul. That’s not all, their bar set-up and mixologist stood out for me – I have my favourite tangy cocktail that I am missing in Delhi.  

During my stay, Coorg’s famed monsoon rains added an enchanting dimension to the resort’s beauty. The rain-kissed landscape transformed into a vibrant tapestry of greenery, enhancing the hotel’s natural charm. The sound of raindrops against the lush foliage created a symphony of tranquillity, inviting guests to immerse themselves fully in the serenity of their surroundings.

One of Aurika, Coorg’s most remarkable attributes was its ability to foster a sense of calmness and relaxation. Whether lounging by the pool, exploring the meticulously landscaped gardens, or simply enjoying a quiet moment on my private balcony, the hotel exuded a peaceful ambiance that was both soothing and rejuvenating. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, allowing for moments of introspection and mindfulness.

Improvement Suggestion:

To further enhance accessibility and comfort for all guests, including senior citizens and those with mobility challenges, the resort could consider adding a lift to its infrastructure. While the hotel’s design harmonizes beautifully with its natural surroundings, ensuring universal access would make it even more inclusive and welcoming. This enhancement would cater to diverse guests’ needs and reinforce Aurika’s commitment to providing a seamless and exceptional hospitality experience.

source: http://www.financialexpress.com / Financial Express / Home> FE Leisure> Business News> Life> Lifestylye / by Eshita Bhargava / September 01st, 2024

‘Permanent solution needed to prevent elephant-human conflicts’

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

“There is an urgent need to find a permanent solution to prevent wild elephant-human conflicts,” stated Meriyanda Sanketh Poovaiah, Member of the State Board  of Wildlife (SBWL).

Speaking at the ‘World Elephant Day‘ celebration organised by the Madikeri Wildlife Division of the Kodagu Circle at Harangi Elephant Camp, Poovaiah highlighted the critical role of community involvement.

“Rescuing wild elephants is not solely the responsibility of the Forest Department and the Government. There is an immediate need for the participation of border residents, organisations and the public in this effort,” he emphasised.

Poovaiah also mentioned that, to address the rising human-wild elephant conflicts in Kodagu district, a consultation meeting was held with Forest Ministers and officials from the neighbouring States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A decision on this matter will be taken by the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

During the event, Dubare Elephant Camp Veterinarian Dr. Chittiappa educated students about elephants and their habitats, answering their questions. Madikeri Regional Division Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Bhaskar underscored the significance of World Elephant Day.

The elephants at the Dubare camp, including Lakshmana, Eshwara, Ekadanta, Vikrama, Rama and Karna, were bathed, anointed with castor oil, adorned and honoured with a puja. Mahouts Putta, Manju, Vishwanath, Nagaraja, Sanju and Manja guided the elephants in raising their trunks to greet the guests.

Notable attendees included Kodagu Elephant Task Force DCF P. Anusha, Virajpet Subdivision Conservator of Forests N.H. Jagannath, Forest Mobile Squad DCF Syed Ahmed Sha Hussain, Madikeri Wildlife Division DCF K.A. Nehru, ACF Srinivas, along with Forest Officials N.C. Shaman, Mariswamy, Range Forest Officers (RFOs) Rathan Kumar, Kotresh, Aravind & Ravindra and Deputy Range Forest Officers (DRFOs).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 02nd, 2024