Amanvana Coorg Resort

Amanvana is a luxury spa resort in the heart of a Coorg forest. It is an enchanting and tranquil place. Whether you’re in your bungalow or taking a walk, you can always hear a pin drop. Amanvana is situated on the banks of the River Kaveri. The river...

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Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations in Karnataka

Newlyweds in Karnataka need look no further than their own state for some memorable honeymoon destinations. There are many options to choose from. One can explore the misty mountains of Coorg, the forests of Kabini and Bandipur, the beaches of Gokarna or the royal palace and gardens of Mysore. Here's a low down on 5 of Karnataka's best honeymoon destinations.

Coorg

With its misty mountains, rolling hills and abundant greenery, Coorg tops our list of honeymoon spots. There is much to discover in this place. Explore coffee plantations. Visit waterfalls like Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls. Visit temples like the Omkareshwara Temple. There's also a stunningly beautiful Tibetan settlement in Kushalnagar with an awe-inspiring temple. The more adventurous can enjoy trekking in Brahmagiri Mountains or even go white water rafting. And then there's the food which is very unique and flavourful. Whatever you do, this places promises beauty, activities and privacy. It's perfect for newlyweds.

Where to stay: Amanvana Spa Coorg Resort Distance from Bangalore: 235 kilometres, 5 hours

Kabini Kabini lies in the Karapur Forest Area of Karnataka, nestled among the Western Ghats. Home to exotic flora and fauna, the forests surrounding Kabini are beautiful and soothing. It's a series of postcard-perfect views. There's a lot to do as well. Take a trip through the forests in jeep safaris or elephant rides so you can blend in with the surroundings and view animals in their natural habitat. Other things to do include a visit to the Kabini dam which has a reservoir that has a lot of wildlife around the area. You can travel along the Kabini river in boats or coracles. If you love animals, visit Nagarhole National Park which is home to unique flora and fauna including some critically endangered species. All in all, Kabini makes for a vibrant and tranquil place for honeymooners. Places to stay: Orange County, Red Earth, The Peepul Tree Distance from Bangalore: 209 kilometres, 4 hours Bandipur For lovers of the quiet thrill of forests, Bandipur is very exciting. The key attraction is the tiger preserve that's part of the national park. Bandipur National Park is one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km. Together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it creates the India's biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'. Opt for the safari trek and you can see elephants, deer, bears, peacocks, monitor lizards and if you're lucky, the majestic tiger strolling through the fields, looking for prey or relaxation. There are many resorts to stay in too. Places to stay: Serai Resort, Country Club, Ambuja Farms Distance from Bangalore: 220 kilometers Gokarna Originally a Hindu pilgrimage spot, Gokarna has grown into a tourist spot. It has beautiful hills and inviting rocky beaches. It is very different from Goa and Karwar; this is a peaceful beach holiday for lovers of the sea. You can go beach trekking because the beaches lie alongside the hills. This is a unique experience. There are 5 major beaches – Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach, OM Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. The beaches feature shacks or inns and it's a great place for foodies. There's also yoga by the beach, temples to visit like the Mahabaleshwar Temple, and a star-studded night sky that's perfect for lovers of constellations and well, just lovers too. Where to stay: Sanskruti Resort, Namaste Café Distance from Bangalore: 34 hours, 2000 kilometers

Situated at the base of Chamundi Hills, Mysore is covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests. The city of Mysore still preserves the old world charm that has not given way to modern amenities. Mysore boasts of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples. You will never forget this city with its plethora of wonders: Mysore Palace, Krishna Raja Sagara, Kukkarahali Lake, Jaganmohan Art Gallery, Brindavan Gardens, Lalitha Mahal, Datta Peetham, Chamundi Hills, Mysore Zoo and the Folk Lore Museum. The city is well known for its beautiful temples like the Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple and the Shweta Varahaswamy Temple. Use your time any which way you like. There's no dearth of options. Mysroe Mysore has all the colours of nature to make your honeymoon special. Where to stay: Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens, The Atrium Boutique Hotel Distance from Bangalore:  145 kilometres, 3 hours 

The best of these destinations is, far and away, Coorg, with its lush green hills, misty mountains, rivers, birds and coffee estates. It is easily one of the most popular holiday destinations and hill stations in South India.

Reference Article : https://www.tripoto.com/trip/5-memorable-honeymoon-spots-in-karnataka-587f3fe07e85f

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Your guide to a fun Sankranti festival in Coorg 2017

It’s that point of the year once more once the just-vanished joys of Christmas and also the year get resurrected with Sankranti. Makar Sankranti could be a time of joy and festivities in Coorg. What we tend to love best concerning its spirit of abundance. Abundance isn't a far cherished plan. We tend to believe that we don’t have enough and also tend to know that we don’t have enough love. Our kids don’t grasp enough. Our organizations and economies aren’t ok. But for us, Sankranti could be a time once all awareness of need drops away and one considers the marvelous abundance all around us in terms of nature altogether its splendour, the love of family and friends, and our own  gifts. it's with this spirit that Coorg rides intent on meet this joyous event of the year, rather like however the sun starts its journey within the hemisphere and enters Makar Rashi or Capricon.

One of the foremost spirited festivals in Coorg, Sankranti demands that you just drive right down to this picturesque hill station and skill the fun first-hand. What are you able to expect and the way do you approach it? Here’s the low down.

Brace for a sky packed with kites

Sankranti is that the festival of kite flying. All enthusiasts leave of their homes and fill the sky with kites that measure a sign of auspiciousness. The kites are available all shapes and sizes. There measure competitions too.

Forget past bitterness by giving sweets

Some of the foremost attractions square measure the ‘tilguls’ or laddoos product of til (sesame seeds) and gul (jaggery). It's said that folks want one another by saying Tilgul Ghya Aani God God Bola (Take the sweets and speak sweet words). Distributing sweets amongst your loved ones signifies your love and fondness towards them. Makar Sankranti is all concerning forgetting bitter moments within the past by giving sweets.

Harvest the good times with Pongal

In South India Sankranti is also celebrated as Pongal, the harvest festivity. Pongal is also the name of a sweet rice dish that's ready on this occasion. On the primary day Pongal and prayers  will be offered to Bhogi for providing the rain for harvest. On the second day of festival, Pongal is obtainable to the sun. Devotees additionally supply water and flowers to the sun and that they pray for religious growth and prosperity. On the third day Pongal is obtainable to one’s cattle.

Safety tips

1) Drive slowly. whereas riding two-wheelers, wear a helmet with a muffler / scarf and glasses.

2) Never fly kites close to overhead power lines or cables. To avoid killing birds throughout the pageant, don’t fly kites before 9am and once 5pm.

3) Keep empty cardboard boxes with holes within the high handy to secure the injured birds. Kite flying will provide you with painful cuts, thus wear gloves or a minimum of wrap your fingers with a special white bandage.

Read more : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/your-guide-to-a-fun-sankranti-in-coorg/

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Why Amanvana is a favourite among travellers

It’s been delightful to watch the evolution of travel. Travelling has evolved from weekend pastime to meaningful activity. More and more people now use travel as a means to expand the mind and deepen the soul, in addition to just taking a break. And Coorg is always a favourite destination for soul searching travellers, thanks to its lush green hills, beautiful views, and vibrant culture. There are many places to experience. Amanvana, resort in coorg has its own charm. We’ve had many visitors over the years but a large percentage of our business runs on repeat customers. We spoke to some of them lately, to understand what is it about the resort that compels them to return to it, time and again. Here’s what they said.

A place with soul

Amanvana is a place that’s been designed with soul, and our guests have always noticed that. From the flat architecture that calms the eyes to the hardbound books that lie all around the resort for one’s reading pleasure, every square inch has been put together not for tourists or even travellers but for people who are alive to the idea of connecting with their souls.

Natural, non-manicured beauty

Amanvana, luxury resort in coorg was built with a landscaping and gardening ethos that aimed to be as natural and non-intrusive as possible. So we eschewed manicured lawns and designer gardening in favour of a more natural, effortless look. Guests have noticed that and loved it.

The sense of ownership and attention to detail  

Amanvana Spa, Coorg Resort is run by a very tight team with Kavya, the MD, at the helm. Kavya loves to travel to new places, enjoys art, and has a good eye for colour, design, and harmony. The nice thing about that is everything in the resort has been handpicked by her – from the painting above your table in the restaurant to the lock on the bungalow door. A thread of beauty and tranquillity runs through it all. Nothing you see at Amanvana is there by accident or is the result of an expedient purchase. It’s all part of the story. One of our guests asked if she could have one of the ceramic candle holders in the rooms. She said she wanted something from the resort to signify tranquillity when she went back home. We were only too happy to oblige.

The mysterious river!

Of course, the river. No one who comes to the resort is free from its charms. From the moment you see it, the River Kaveri hypnotizes your senses with its gentle babbling and its silvery water flowing around smooth round stones with the occasional blue jay flying fast and close to the water looking for fish. It’s a great place to read, think, or just sit in silence. Guests have often told us they have experienced minor epiphanies while sitting by the river. Being close to the heart of nature can give us answers we have not yet learnt to ask. Our guests also have great memories of our famous riverside barbeque.

The easy luxury of the bungalows

A couple once came to Amanvana Coorg Resort and told us they liked the bungalows so much they never stepped out all weekend, except to eat and get a massage at the spa. They liked the easy luxury of the bungalows, with its calming colour palette, cosy nooks, and of course, the sky-lit bathroom. Many guests like to sit in the private lawn and get a tan or read a book, while looking up every now and then to observe the roses, listen to the frog in the lotus pond, or pick out the sound of the wind running through the trees.

The underground spa

When we first started out, we called Amanvana a ‘spa resort’ and the spa is still one of our most beloved amenities. It is an underground spa. So you walk down the steps to reach it and this evokes the intrigue and calm of ancient Roman baths. Guests have enjoyed our rejuvenating treatments and have sometimes come back during the course of the same visit for a chocolate facial or a round of foot reflexology that does a great job of unclogging your mind and body.

The rainbow room! (Restaurant)

Did you know the Rainbow Room, our restaurant, was so named because guests spotted rainbows in the sky many times and excitedly clicked pictures to share with us? This was in the monsoon period. The rains would come down and later, when the water left the air freshly washed and the leaves in the trees glistening, one could look up and sometimes spot that familiar band of raggedy colour arcing across the sky like the trail of a spaceship from some distant, enchanted planet.

A Tom Collins in the Jacuzzi

One of our charming features is amenities that are loosely but stylishly designed to make a guest’s experience seamless. The Jacuzzi beside the bar is one such amenity. For those who would rather be intoxicated by words instead of liquor, there’s also a bookshelf with new authors like Jodi Picoult and lost classics like the Reader’s Digest Condensed Novels series. There’s also a coffee hut where one can sip our estate-brewed coffee and look at the river. You get a clear view of the river from here. It’s a good place for deep conversations into the night.

Walks, treks, and picnics

Though we designed the place as a keeper of all things connected to the soul, we wanted it to appeal to both indoors and outdoors folks. So there are many interesting activities. Outdoorsy guests have thrilled to the nature walk, the river trek, and the picnic on the islands. The more literary minded have spent hours disappearing into a book or playing chess in the entertainment room. Then there’s also the opportunity to roam through our coffee plantation where you can savour the invigorating smell of coffee and join in the picking with our staff.

Excerpts from reviews by our guests

“A wonderful nature resort. The river walk was thrilling and everyone should try it once. The rooms are too good. The food was yummy. The place is full of greenery and feels so fresh.”

“Beautiful landscaping, so many varieties of flower and fruit trees. Thoroughly enjoyed the morning walks and trekking through the Kaveri at Amanvana Coorg.”

“Bungalows are so cosy with the view of the sky from the bathrooms. The best part is there is no room category. All 19 cottages are equally lovely at Amanvana Coorg Resort.”

“Serene, beautiful, quiet, and royal.”

Why should you be here now?

If you’re the kind of person who loves nature, enjoys a little quiet and soul-searching, likes rivers, books, and coffee, doesn’t shy away from 11 pm conversations, and appreciates a good massage, this is the place for you. Staying at Amanvana Coorg Resort is also great to sort through your mind and clarify your passions and dreams. Many guests have walked away from here, feeling like they came into contact with their soul all over again after a long time. How many places do that to you? Not too many, in our estimate!

Reference Article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/why-amanvana-is-a-favourite-among-travellers/

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5 tips for the best Christmas party ever

An exciting invite

This is a great touch. It’ll create the mood and the anticipation with your invitee list. Create a simple e-invite with a nice, vibrant image and a witty headline. Include snippets of forthcoming attractions inside. You can make it in Photoshop or you can simply make it in Powerpoint and save the slide as an image. It gets converted into a JPEG and now you can mail it to your friends!

A carefully planned menu

Since you’re calling people for an Xmas dinner party, you need to create the mood with relevant dishes that have an Xmas flavour. There are many ways to do this. For starters you can make some mulled wine. This is very easy to make. All you need is a bottle of wine and some oranges. You can serve that with a piece of plum cake. The main course can involve items like turkey for non-vegetarians and pies for vegetarians. An interesting continental menu will set the mood well. Plan in advance. Don’t run around on the last day.

Splendid décor and a uniquely designed tree

Décor is to Xmas what diyas are to Diwali. They’re essential! You can get a range of decorations from candy canes and socks to Santas and stars. You can have them all over the place. Then of course, there’s the highlight: the Xmas tree. No party is complete without one. But don’t do the same old thing. Get creative. Make a tree out of a tower of books. Or try something else. Another great idea is to set up the tree with your guests, with Xmas music in the background. You can also have someone videotape the whole session and then create a time lapse video that’ll be a lot of fun to watch and share later!

Small, surprise gifts for guests

Delight your guests with little, surprise gifts hidden in socks and under the tree. One needn’t go out of the way here. Simple, thoughtful gifts will be very meaningful to your guests without making them feel awkward.

Lots of sleep in the afternoon

It’s going to be a long, eventful night with lots of singing and eating and drinking and dancing. You don’t want to look like a zombie. Get lots of sleep in the afternoon so you can sustain the Xmas cheer way after midnight.

Reference Article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/5-tips-for-the-best-christmas-party-ever/

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Want to visit coffee plantations in Coorg?

Do you like drinking coffee? And trying various kinds of coffee? Then you might create a special relationship with Coorg. One of the biggest manufacturers of coffee in India, this beautiful hill station is covered in green acres of coffee plantations. It is a sight both serene and invigorating.

Coffee plantations are one of the most visited spots in Coorg. There are several ways of enjoying the sight. You can opt for a guided tour. This will be a pre-packaged tour. You will get a tour guide and a fixed itinerary. The tour guide will explain the process of preparing the best coffee beans. They will also take you on an expedition of abundant coffee estates where you can enjoy the green, dreamy vistas, listen to the birds in the trees, and soak in the strong aroma of the coffee town. The other way of enjoying a coffee plantation is to live in an estate or lodge that’s close to it.

Route 1: Guided tours

There are numerous thriving estates set amidst innumerable coffee plantations. It is hard to navigate them on your own but with a guide it becomes much easier. Many coffee estate owners offer guided and informative tours around their property and a chance to explore the verdant coffee fields. They even allow you to witness the process and be part of it. You can watch how coffee beans are plucked. Then you can see how they get sorted, refined and roasted. It is an intriguing, time-consuming process and one comes away from it feeling enriched and refreshed, and with a wider view of the places one loves.

In order to enjoy a guided tour, you could get in touch with manufacturers like Tata, Orange County and Bombay Burmah. They all offer personalised tourist tours and special explorations. There’s also the option of exploring the coffee estate at Amanvana Coorg Resort. The manager will offer you a guided tour.

Here are links on how to get to some of these places:

Tata Plantation Trails: http://www.plantationtrails.net/locations

Orange County: http://www.orangecounty.in/coorg-resorts/route-map/

Route 2: Lodging

There’s another more ‘in situ’ option that will be more immersive for true coffee lovers. One could live in a lodge or resort that is situated inside a coffee plantation or is close to one. There are many home stays that also make this experience possible. They are nestled inside coffee plantations and one can enjoy delicious home-cooked food that is very authentic, the comforts of a home, and then, when you feel like it, take a walk through plantations. In the afternoons, the sun filters through the canopy of branches and falls on the ground in a profusion of golden yellow dots. It is the best time to observe the plants. For more scenic views, you can try early morning with the mist rolling down into the plantations from the hills. That is also when the planters awake and supervise the work of the coffee pickers who walk down the aisles laboriously but gracefully and very quickly, as they pluck the coffee.

Make sure you spend time with the pickers and absorb the details the process. Harvesting is almost entirely manual. Few machines are used. So it is an art as well as a science. Also Nov and Dec are the best times to go, so pack your bags!

Some of the popular homestays around coffee plantations are: Plantation Trails, Comfort Homestay, Silver Brook Estate and Bell Home. You can find all details online.

How to get there:

Plantation trails: http://www.plantationtrails.net/locations

Silver Brook Estate: http://www.silverbrookestate.com/route_map It is advisable to book rooms 10 days in advance for a confirmed booking lest you lose out on a coffee flavoured holiday.

What to carry with you on a plantation tour

1) A camera is essential to capture the wonders of coffee picking.

2) A pair of binoculars to catch sight of rare birds.

3) Good soled shoes for walking and exploring; the forest floor tends to be full of pines and needles.

4) Mosquito cream.

5) A cap/sun screen if you want to keep of the sun.

6) A knapsack for water, cream, and snacks.

7) A notebook: get your kids to take notes and make a video essay afterwards on “Adventures in a coffee estate!”

Reference Article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/want-to-visit-coffee-plantations-in-coorg/

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Itinerary for 2 Day trip in Coorg? Here’s what you should check out.

It’s a place that engulfs your senses. Your eyes are mesmerized and soothed by green hills. Your sense of taste awakened by coffee of a different flavour. Your sense of smell refreshed by aromatic herbs and flowers one never finds in cities. Coorg is a beautiful mystery, a balm for the soul. It’s great for a two-day trip. But there’s so much to see and savour in this place.

What should you prioritise? Here’s what we think:

1. The serpentine Iruppu Falls

No one who witnesses the curve and rush of Iruppu Falls can forget it. Watching this fall reminds one of the poem, ‘The Brook’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson:

I come from haunts of coot and hern,

I make a sudden sally

And sparkle out among the fern,

To bicker down a valley.

The magnificently cascading waterfall is frequently ranked as one of the best tourist spots in Coorg.

Itinerary: Two hours, involving sightseeing, photography and visit to market.

Distance: 1 hour 34 minutes (61.3 kilometres)

2. The source of the legend: Talacauvery

Situated in the Brahmagiri Hills, at about 1000 feet above sea level, Talacauvery is an awe-inspiring sight. Every year, water pours forth from this little pond, the birthplace of the River Kaveri. The river and surrounding temples is a pilgrimage spot.

Itinerary: Two hours, involving view of the Kaveri origin, photography, and visit to the nearby temples.

Distance from Bangalore: 6 hours (300 kilometers)

Distance from Coorg: 1 hour, 30 minutes (54 kilometers)

3. Golden Temple

Situated in the Tibetan settlement of Kushalnagar, the Golden Temple is a place you will never forget. As soon as you enter the compound a sense of quiet and otherworldliness enters your soul. The inside of the main interior is beautiful with giant statues of the Buddha, flanked on either side by the bodhisattvas.

Itinerary: Around two hours, including visit in the interiors of the temple, viewing the activities of the monks, browsing in the book store, and shopping in the Tibetan marketplace.

Distance from Coorg: 1 hour (34 kilometres)

Distance from Bangalore: 4 hours, 45 minutes (220 kilometres)

4. The Eight-Islands around Amanvana

If you want to experience nature in a different key, untouched by commerce, you should take a little trek into the eight islands surrounding Amanvana, the luxury resort near Kushalnagar. You have to enter the resort, cross the river, and get to the other side. Once there, a guide can help you navigate the eight islands. There are plenty of hidden, undiscovered surprises that lie waiting from streams to birds. It’s a perfect spot for either a solitary trek or a family picnic.

Itinerary: Day visit in Amanvana can include a spa treatment in the morning followed by a swim, and a sumptuous lunch at the Rainbow Room. This can be followed by a riverside experience. Or else take a one night, two days stay and add more activities and amenities, especially the luxurious private bungalow that includes a private lawn, reading nook, and stone clad bathroom with a skylight.

Distance from Bangalore: 4 hours, 34 minutes (237 kilometres)

5. Brahmagiri Mountains

No trip to Coorg is complete without an early morning trek. The Brahmagiri is the best option as it is a relatively simpler trek, compared to some other peaks. Winter is the perfect time to go because the weather is pleasant and the sun isn’t oppressive. Start early on day two and finish your trek by noon. Then stop over at The Rainbow Room in Amanvana on the way back for a sumptuous Coorgi lunch, another thing you cannot afford to miss!

Itinerary: A day-long trek that includes hiking, walking and climbing. Preferably done in a large group and with a tour guide.

Distance from Bangalore: 300 kilometers

Reference Article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/2-days-in-coorg-heres-what-you-should-check-out/

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Quiet Diwali weekend getaways, Part 1

Those of us looking at having a quiet, green and healthy Diwali with minimal noise and smoke will do well to explore some options outside of the city. There are many charming places one can go to for the Diwali weekend. Here are some great options for those residing in Chennai or Bangalore.

From Chennai

Coonoor

The Lonely Planet has this insightful thing to say about Coonoor: ‘Coonoor is one of the three Nilgiri hill stations – Ooty, Kotagiri and Coonoor – that sit high above the southern plains. Smaller and quieter than Ooty, it has some fantastic heritage hotels and guesthouses, from which you can do exactly the same kind of things as you would do from bigger, busier Ooty. From upper Coonoor, 1 km to 2 km above the town centre, you can look down over the sea of red-tile rooftops to the slopes beyond and soak up the peace, cool climate and beautiful scenery. But you get none of the above in central Coonoor, which is a bustling, honking mess.’

So depending on whether you want a quiet experience or an active experience you can make your choice. Either way, this is a hill station with cool air, refreshingly green views, and very homely people.

Where to stay: The 32 rooms at The Gateway Hotel Church Road offer luxury and privacy. The cottage-like rooms, some with fireplaces, are perfect pods for the chilly November nights.

The Gateway Hotel Church Road Coonoor, the Nilgiris, Coonoor ([phone]; www.thegatewayhotels.com) Doubles from Rs 5,000

Pondicherry

One of the most charming places you can visit, Pondicherry is situated in Tamil Nadu. The city comprises of two distinct areas: the town which is a bustling marketplace, filled with shops, sellers and tourists, and the French Quarter which is tucked away in the outskirts of the city and the real reason why people visit this beautiful place. The French Quarter is aptly named because it really does feel like a seaside fishing village in France. It is rustic and vital at the same time. The first thing you notice is the neatly paved roads lined with trees and the pastel coloured old-world bungalows. Many of the bungalows are still occupied by families. Many others have been refurbished into home stays. If you prefer a homely atmosphere with more authentic cuisine, you can plan in advance and stay in one of these bungalows. If you prefer the hotel or resort experience, you can check out the many beautiful resorts and hotels. All around the quarter are restaurants and bars that serve tasty, Mediterranean cuisine. The beach is a stone’s throw away. Time moves at its own pace at Pondy. It’s a relaxing, clarifying experience. Don’t forget to try the pancakes. It’s the specialty of the place.  And of course, the Osho Ashram which is spectacularly beautiful and calming.

Where to stay: With 38 rooms and beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal, The Promenade is located in the heart of Puducherry. Its rooftop restaurant, aptly named The Lighthouse, specializes in grills and sea food and should offer a memorable dining experience.

The Promenade, 23, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry ([phone];http://www.sarovarhotels.com) Doubles from Rs 4,800

From Bangalore

Coorg

Coorg is known as ‘The Scotland of India’ and for good reason. As soon as you drive in you see green rolling hills, misty mountains and birds and deer peeking at you from the forests. Situated in Karnataka, this is one of South India’s most popular tourist spots. It has something for everyone. Those seeking adventure can enjoy trekking as Coorg has some excellent trekking options. There are also places where you can river rafting. For those who like a quieter time, there are resorts where one can unwind. There are also soothing nature walks and river treks. The town, Madikeri, is where all the action unfolds. So you can get your fill of the Diwali action and then escape it by huddling back in your resort in Coorg.

Where to stay: The Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri, Coorg is a 62-room property nestled in the rainforest. You can walk through the Buddha Garden or the strawberry farm at the hotel. The ceiling to floor windows in each room give you the best views of Coorg.

Vivanta by Taj – 1st Monnageri, Galibeedu Post, Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka (1800 111 825; www.vivantabytaj.com) Doubles from Rs 12,000

For those looking at a quieter stay that’s closer to nature and with a more authentic Coorg experience, there’s always Amanvana!

We have private bungalows resting on the banks of the River Kaveri, delicious Coorgi cuisine, a sunken spa with over 40 treatments to choose from, and river treks and plantation walks. 

It’ll be a perfect Diwali at Amanvana. Start the revelry in the evening with special cocktails made by our bar man, talk with friends under the constellations with the sound of the river in the distance and sing songs while dipping later into our sumptuous buffet.

We also have an offer running from Oct 16-26 for an additional 10% off, so if Coorg is your choose, make your booking with us soon!

Reference Article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/quiet-diwali-weekend-getaways-part-1/

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The Sunken Spa at Amanvana Spa Resort -Rabbit Hole for the Soul

Amanvana Spa, Coorg Resort is now featured on Salon International July 2016 Magazine.

A luxurious spa on the bank of the Kaveri River in Coorg, The Sunken Spa at Amanvana Spa Resort is straight out of a postcard! The picturesque design dynamics have harmoniously fused flora and fauna with water to soothe your senses and centre your soul.

Size of the spa: 6,000 sqft

Time taken to construct the spa: Around two years.

About the spa: Set among tropical grounds on the banks of the Kaveri river, the luxe resort, Amanvana Spa boasts of being home to 45 species of birds and 300 species of flora and fauna. The space transcends one from the hustle bustle of the city to the elusive beauty of nature. The spa, suitably named The Sunken Spa, is located slightly below ground level. As you descend the steps that lead to it, you enter an enchanting and relaxing world. The charming plush interiors, frog whispers from the lotus pool and smiling faces of their caring staff welcome one to simply relax.

 About the services: Amanvana is a spa and resort destination where one can enjoy a truly comprehensive list of spa therapies. The Sunken Spa offers facials, body scrubs, soaks and baths, full body massages, manicure and pedicure. All products used at the spa in Amanvana are completely natural and the spa treatments are truly unparalleled among the various resorts in Coorg. It takes a 360° approach to wellness through a wide range of therapies, administered by our expert staff. There are five treatment rooms, not including the sauna and steam rooms.

 Popular treatments: The signature facial therapy of The Sunken Spa is the Wine Facial that brightens the skin, evens the skin tone and restores its radiance. This wine treatment is the best, as it soothes the pores of the skin while the fi bro blast cells in them regain their elasticity leaving it fresh, gleaming and full of life. This anti-ageing facial is a nurturing facial that's designed to reconstruct the firmness of your skin, enhance its density, restore its nutrition and deliver a radiant glow. It leverages powerful and complete anti-ageing systems, therapeutic aroma oil blends, herbs, B-white and rose oil. The duration of this facial is 90 minutes and the products used are cleansing milk, strawberry scrub, aloe vera gel, anti-tan pack, wine massage cream, wine glow pack and rose water.

 A few of the other well-loved therapies are – the Coorg Coffee Scrub is a specialized therapy created from finely ground local coffee beans, handpicked from their own coffee plantations at Amanvana. Slip into bliss as your senses savor the rich aroma as your skin is both cleansed and refreshed leaving it supple, toxin free and rejuvenated.

 The Almond and Fresh Fruit Scrub is a wholesome therapy created through the combined goodness of pounded almonds and fresh fruits to give you soft, supple and de-tanned skin that's refreshed in every way.

 Architect: The spa was designed by Zedaxis/ Third Space Architects.

The principal architect is Amit Benegal. The interiors were designed by Kuala Lumpur-based spa consultant, Reeta Juneja.

The spa is dedicated to bringing the highest quality products and treatments to our discerning guests. The spa is unique combination where nature meets luxury.

The Sunken Spa has the River Kaveri flowing close by thereby enhancing the beauty of an already beautiful space.

– Kavya Madappa,

Managing Director, Amanvana Spa

Website: http://www.amanvanaspa.com

Reference Blog : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/salon-international-cant-get-enough-of-amanvana/

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CHAYA AND THE TREE THAT STEALS BOOKS

While on her morning jog, Chaya sees purple flowers on a Jacaranda tree. The flowers are so pretty Chaya cannot resist plucking a couple and putting them in her pocket. Forty-five minutes later, she goes back home to find the Jacaranda tree in her study, peering at her bookshelf. ‘How do you know where I live? How did you get inside?’ Chaya asks. ‘Oh we have our ways,’ the tree says genially.

Then it says, ‘These are lovely books. I’m taking a few if you don’t mind!’ With its branches it takes two books off of the shelf and tucks them in a hole in its trunk like a marsupial. Chaya gulps. She hates lending her books to anyone, least of all to talking trees that break into one’s home. ‘Look, if this is about the flowers, you can have them back,’ she says and hands over the purple flowers to the tree. ‘I have no use for them now,’ the tree says. ‘They’re dead.’ Then it goes to the balcony and begins to make its way down the wall, using its roots as suckers. ‘What will you do with them anyway, you can’t read!’ Chaya says. ‘You’ll see!’ the tree hollers.

Chaya watches as the tree disappears down a bend in the road. A few days later, she goes back to the Jacaranda tree. The tree recognizes her. ‘Come,’ it says, coiling a branch tenderly around her neck. Then it raises its roots from the ground. Chaya recognizes her books among scores of other books. They are all tethered to the tree’s roots, covered by wet mud, their stories slowly getting erased by time and ants. Chaya realizes the books are making a journey in reverse. They are going from being shining, light-reflecting works of art to being mineral rock from the dark, silent earth again. “I love your books,” the tree says. “But you see… someone has to keep restoring the balance.”

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Say hello to the soulful bachelorette party

There’s a lot out there on what NOT to do at your bachelorette party. Don’t get wasted. Don’t wake up the next morning regretting something you did. Don’t do something that’ll land up on the internet. So on and so forth.

So what should you DO on your bachelorette party? Well, there are many ideas out there but here’s a soulful itinerary, something you can enjoy in Amanvana, our luxury spa resort nestling in a Coorg forest, the ideal destination to feel special, bond with friends and experience a touch of fairy dust from the spirits of the wild!

A bachelorette party is technically your last party as a single woman, right? So it makes sense to use the party to, well, stumble upon your soul – which is exactly what happens to people who come to the rabbit hole. They get long overdue clarity on who they are and what they want and they also bond better with the most important people in their life – which in this case would be your friends. So here are 6 ways to infuse some memorable soul into your bachelorette party at Amanvana:

Candle-lit dinners

For the traditional avatar of the fabled candle-lit dinner, you need to look no further than Amanvana. What’s more, the romance is heightened and nuanced by the surrounding forest. Our restaurant offers delicious Indian and continental cuisine. We also have a well-stocked bar where our bartenders serve up some invigorating cocktails. Order your poison and engage in lively banter all evening right in front of the pool. Later, after dinner, you can shift to the coffee hut where the action can wind down or up, depending on the group’s mood. Whatever you do, there’s always the music of the river in the distance to constantly inspire the conversation and give the evening an otherworldly aspect.

Bonding in the pool

They say some girls become friends over swimming. Do you have swimming buddies? Well, if you do, we have a spacious pool that’s usually freer on weekdays. So if you plan your bachelorette well, you and your friends will have access to the pool for some vibrant swimming and gaming. It’s the perfect run-up to a luxurious massage and an evening full of cocktails and carousing.

Ghost story nights in the bungalow

Our bungalows can accommodate two people and each bungalow is a monument to tranquillity and tasteful luxury. There’s a private courtyard where you can read, talk or just get a tan. There’s a big luxurious bed to sleep in and swap ghost stories through the night! But our biggest attraction is our bathrooms. If bachelorettes are a time to indulge, then you can and should truly indulge in our sky-lit bathtub. Count the lucky stars that brought you and your fiancé together!

Riverside barbecue

We can organize a riverside barbecue if it interests you and your group. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, try some delicious cuisine, and bond as a group.

Self-reflection under the stars

Most of all, Amanvana is full of quiet spots that bring you closer to nature and to your inner voice. Whether it’s the private courtyard in your bungalow, the banks of the River Kaveri, the hammock next to the river, or a wrought iron chair in the centre of the lawn – every nook and corner is suffused with magic and possibilities for self-reflection and reinvention.

Quietly bringing down the house

Of course, it’s not a bachelorette party until you party the night away, sipping cocktails and swapping stories. That’s just what you can do in our lawn, beside the river, or in the coffee hut. And while you’re at it, look up at the stars and find Lepus, the rabbit shaped constellation that brings good luck and tidings!

Article Source : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/say-hello-to-the-soulful-bachelorette-party/

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Yoga Day is on June 21st. If you haven’t yet found the motivation to start, these celebrities should inspire you.

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What are you reading this monsoon?

When skies are overcast and the smell of wet earth is in the air, the time is perfect to stay indoors, look at the rain and lose yourself in a good book. Here is an eclectic list of recommendations that we believe will be just perfect to occupy your bedside table, beside that steaming coffee cup!

1. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, J K Rowling

If you’re staying in for anything this monsoon, it better be the new Harry Potter book that everyone’s excited about! Based on a new story by Rowling and a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series. Harry is now an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three children. While Harry is haunted by his past, his son Albus must contend with a family legacy he never wanted.

2. BFG, Roald Dahl

Everybody’s favourite children’s author is now being adapted for the big screen again, this time by Steven Spielberg. The celebrated director of Jurassic Park and ET, now turns his movie-making magic to Dahl’s beloved story about a giant called BFG who is no ordinary giant. On the contrary he is far too nice and awkward. That’s why Sophie can be friends with him. But the other big bad giants are rushing off to England to kidnap some children. So Sophie must save them and she is going to enlist the help of the friendly BFG! Read this to your children when it’s raining outside and when the big bad giant growls, say ‘roar!’ and make the kids laugh.

3. The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up, Mary Kondo

We’re switching gears now. If you’ve ever been the one to struggle with organizing and maintaining things at home, Mary Kondo is your angel. In this simple, heartfelt and resounding book, she shares her philosophy of organizing your home, your thoughts and your life. Learn the art of de-cluttering and simplicity. Also master simple tricks on how to optimize cupboard space while folding shirts and pants. What more productive thing to do when you’re at home this monsoon?

4. End of Watch, Stephen King

No rainy day list is complete with everyone’s favourite horror story writer. This is the spectacular finale to the trilogy that began with Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers. In End of Watch, the diabolical “Mercedes Killer” drives his enemies to suicide, and if Bill Hodges and Holly Gibney don’t figure out a way to stop him, they’ll be victims themselves.

5. The Lover, Marguerite Duras

Sensuous, enigmatic and beautiful, this is an unforgettable story of a teenage French girl in 1920s colonial Indochina and her reckless, passionate affair with an older and wealthier Chinese man. Despite knowing their affair will have disastrous consequences for both of them, they cannot pull back from a consuming passion. Marguerite Duras’s intriguing voice, the steamy atmosphere of Vietnam, and the dangerous allure of forbidden love makes this a perfect monsoon read. After the book, check out the stunning 1992 film by the same name, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.

6. Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury

Imagine a world where books are banned because they inspire people to think? Imagine if this diktat were enforced through firemen whose job is to enter your house at night, seize books, and burn them? This is the nightmarish world Bradbury envisioned in the 1950s, back when consumerism was in its early stages, TV was becoming the weapon of mass distraction, and the Cold War was causing a rift between the powers. As it rains outside and the protagonist runs from a terrifying creature called the ‘Mechanical Hound’ you’ll get goose bumps.

7. All You Who Sleep Tonight, Vikram Seth

In these simple poems, Seth shows us his insight into human emotions and the effortless grace with which he lights up the seemingly plain surfaces of everyday life and the tides of history. Standing before a conveyor belt to retrieve his baggage after a flight, the narrator identifies the baggage of an ex-lover on the belt and says that while the other anxious travellers looked for their bags all that mattered to his ‘foolish eyes’ was ‘a brave suitcase, red and small, that circled round, not mine at all.’  Lyricism and attentiveness grace every page of this luminous collection.

Source article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/what-are-you-reading-this-monsoon/

Website : http://www.amanvanaspa.com/

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6 ways to make beautiful memories with your children at Amanvana

Amanvana, a spa resort in Coorg, is a place that appeals to adults and children alike. Adults tend to be lulled into relaxation and contemplation, owing to the resort’s tranquillity, its natural resources and, of course, the river that flows through the bungalows with its steady, calming song. But it’s also a wonderful place to bring your kids! There’s a lot they can do and learn. Here are 6 fun and enlightening things you can do with your kids at Amanvana… that’ll also bring the two of you closer!

1. Learn to treat nature as a benefactor, not a resource  

It is common for people in the current generation to think of nature as something to be used, instead of as something to be respected and nurtured. But our children don’t need to think that way, provided we sensitise them now of course! Amanvana has two activities that can open your children’s eyes to the wonders of nature.

Nature walk: This is a guided tour through the resort and the nearby woods where names and peculiarities of several trees, plants and birds are explained.

River and forest trek: This is a more intensive tour where you will cross the river with your children. Carry jackets and shoes with a good grip because you will be waist deep in water while crossing. It is a fun activity that also builds bonding. Once on the other side, our guide will show you around the forest and the other aspects of the river – flora, fauna, etc. There’s climbing and walking involved. It’s fun on many levels!

2. Appreciate diversity

It’s always nice for kids to appreciate the fact that there are attitudes and lifestyles very different from their own and that are just as real and valuable!

Plantation walk: This is a walk through our very own plantation that will introduce children to a completely different way of life… from living spaces and work to people interactions and processes. Our coffee plantation is beautiful. When children see that the things they consume and take for granted back home are actually the result of someone’s year-long labour, it is indeed eye-opening and humbling too!

3. Learn to appreciate ‘quiet time’  

Getting kids to be still is a task isn’t it? Moreover, we don’t always want them to be still. We want them to be active and noisy and alive, because that’s what childhoodis all about right? But one cannot be ‘productive’ all the time. One must learn to enjoy silence too. Why not start early? Amanvana is full of tranquil spots, from the skylight bathrooms and the private courtyards to the tree-lined avenues between bungalows and, most of all, the river. Every child should sit beside a river and listen for a while. It’s a magical feeling!

4. Discover the joy of books!

Not every kid enjoys reading. But those who do will love Amanvana because our resort is full of little bookshelves with quaint, hardcover books… ranging from young adult fiction and thrillers, to art books and literary fiction. Kids who don’t like reading can take pleasure in scores of books full of pictures and photos. Read them to sleep at night, with our special ‘moonlight’ in the roof beams, and the murmur of the river in the distance!

5. Know their body is their first home

Swimming! It’s a great form of exercise and when begun early it also predisposes children to exercise and mental strength. Swimming, as we know, makes us stronger in body and spirit. And we have a big, spacious pool! Weekends see more people coming in. So if you want some privacy, we recommend you come on weekdays with your children so you can practically have the pool to yourselves! Teach them all your favourite strokes. But no diving! Because we don’t want to disturb Kermit the frog who roams around the resort or Woody the woodpecker who works somewhere in the forest nearby!

6. The value of family and shared activities

We hate to say this but new technology does tend to isolate people in their own little cocoons doesn’t it? But family is the greatest resource of ideas and strength. And what better way to experience this than through a picnic! Yes, when was the last time you and your kids actually went on a picnic? We have a guided picnic activity on the river’s islands, complete with picnic hampers. Enjoy sun, sand, and games in the lap of nature.

With so many fun things to do for you and your children, Amanvana proves to be a memorable experience. What’s more, your kids will learn as they have fun. Ultimately, our desire for every young adult who comes here is for them to have a wonderful time and discover the magical idea that nature, the world, isn’t an EGO system that’s run by individual greed and whimsy, but an ECO system that thrives on diversity and collaboration. Isn’t that a powerful idea for the next generation to embrace?

We hope to see you with your kids at the rabbit hole soon!

Source article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/6-ways-to-make-beautiful-memories-with-your-children-at-amanvana/

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Prepare for stress when things go well

We all do it. We think about handling stress when things go badly. But how would it be if we prepared for stress when things go well?

Sounds strange? Or pessimistic?

It’s anything but.

Stress is an unchanging reality of life. As long as we live, it’s going to be around. The Buddha summed up existence as a cycle of ‘suffering’ from which we needed to break. But the trick is not to reach to stress when it hits us. The trick is to prepare our bodies and our minds for stress when things are going right. Then, when the stress hits (and it will) we are prepared.

How is this possible? Invest in these 4 stress pre-emptors today.

Run baby run

Exercise is the most under-utilized anti-depressant. You don’t need to join a gym if that kind of thing doesn’t work for you. All you need to do is find a running mate and go for a three kilometer run every morning. Here’s what happens. Endorphins are released during exercise. These are feel good hormones that clarify the mind and pave the way for good decisions. Good decisions made over time become a new neurological pattern in your brain. In other words, consistent running leads to better decisions which, in turn, lead to less stress. Isn’t that cool?

Find a passion and let it kill you

An extreme amount of stress comes from having no center – mentally, emotionally and quite often, spiritually. Modern individuals and families are not always religious. But we all have spiritual needs. We want to do meaningful things and have a sense of well-being. This is possible through creative activity. Find something you’re passionate about. It could be anything – cooking, gardening, the piano, even stamps. And give it all you’ve got. Invest it. Having a passion and nurturing it is a way of growing the soul. And a strong soul handles stress much better.

Learn to label your feelings

When we are young we panic and we don’t think clearly. When we are adults we must change. We can no longer behave and think like children. And the number one way in which adults are different from children comes down to self-awareness. We have the intelligence, the experience and the language to know and define what is happening to us. That kind of self-knowledge is half the battle won. The next time you’re anxious, label your feelings and explore underlying causes. It’ll make the threat less dangerous and it’ll give you a sense of control.

Embrace the extreme looseness of all things

We are geared to expect things to be firm all the time – our careers, our homes, our mentors, our finances, our values. Fixity is the preferred virtue, not dynamism. But the world we’re in today is a very different place. Duality, displacement and dynamism have become the new norm. What does that mean for you and stress? Let go a little. Embrace the fact that nothing is certain and that you are never in control. This allows you to worry less and focus on what needs to be done. In the long run, this kind of fluid appreciation of life and all its diversity will make you more immune to stress.

Last but not the least, the best stress buster of all is nature. When you get the time, book your tickets, pack your bags and go away into the heart of nature. It could be a log cabin in the woods, a trek through the mountains or a riverside barbecue. But get away often. Nature has music not made by the hands of men and it will gladden your heart and strengthen your soul. Nature is our most natural gymnasium. Use her!

Article source : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/prepare-for-stress-when-things-go-well/

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Best Summer Vacation Destinations in India

Summer is a great time to be outdoors. Walking, trekking, reading, playing badminton, and of course, swimming. There are many nice summer vacation spots in India. A good summer vacation must have 5 things: the right temperature, lots of greenery, lots of activities for the whole family, plenty of water, and quiet nooks to vanish into you when the crowd gets too loud! Coorg has all of this and more.

The right temperature: Summers in Coorg are neither blazing nor temperate. There are fairly moderate with just the right amount of heat to make the body supple enough for a whole host of activities. This is the perfect weather for hiking, wildlife photography, water sports and even yoga. Irpu falls is a lush, charming destination in Coorg. It’s a place that will transfix your senses with the rush and road of water, and the greenery all around. It’s wonderful to take pictures in. Abbey Falls and the Dubare Elephant Camp are also perfect summer spots. During the summer the elephants at the camp come out of their hiding places and enter the rivers and the lakes to wet themselves. Then the mahouts wash them in the lakes while the elephants enjoy being scratched and washed. It is a rare pleasure to see the thick, black hide of the elephant glistening in the sun and to see it take water in its trunk and occasionally spray itself with it.

Nature unlimited: Coorg is a nature lover’s paradise and summer is when everything is in perfect bloom. Coorg is home to many varieties of flowers, plants, and birds. A lot of colourful, rare and exotic flowers bloom in Coorg, one of India's favourite tropical hotspots. Did you know this place is called the ‘Scotland of India?’ Nature lovers will enjoy the vast array of flowers, trees and the River Kaveri. Bird watchers can also have a great time at Coorg that’s home to many interesting species like the Malabar Barbet and the White-bellied Short wing.

Plenty of water: Summer is an awesome time for luxuriating in the water. Coorg has so many exciting watering holes, excuse the expression! For lovers of quiet times, you can enjoy the sights and the sound of the Kaveri at Talakaveri which is where the river originates – a truly mesmerizing sight. For more adventurous people, there is white water rafting at Barapole River.

 Activities for the whole family: It’s very important to keep everyone in the family occupied while on summer vacation. That’s why Coorg is ideal because it’s the kind of place that has something for everyone. Everyone can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pushpagiri hill range where the weather is serene throughout the year. Trekking and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the many trekking spots like Tadiandamol Trek and Brahmagiri Hill Trek. Children will enjoy seeing nature up close and personal during camping trips at Votecad, a place that’s very picturesque.

Secret nooks: No summer vacation is complete without time to oneself for reflection. Coorg is a peace-inducing place that provides ample time and space for just that. Whether it is sitting in trees and the banks of rivers or on the top of peaks and within the sun-dappled hearts of forests, it is a truly calming and beautiful place. It’s perfect for thinking, writing, and reading. It’s truly a perfect place for extroverts and introverts, indoors folk and outdoors folks, adults and children!

 Last but not the least, Amanvana is a luxury, fun destination that’s special among all Coorg resorts. It has all these five things – nature, water, activities, secret nooks for reflection and of course, the right temperature thanks to all the trees and plants all around. We have an exciting summer offer running right now. Come down to the resort, avail of it, and make a memorable vacation for the whole family!

Article : https://www.tripoto.com/trip/best-summer-vacation-destinations-in-india-57206d32b087b

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Summer reading at the rabbit hole

Summer is a great time to catch up on your reading and Amanvana is the right place for it. There are so many reading nooks on the property – from very bungalow’s private courtyard to the hammock beside the river. But summer reading gets more beautiful when you have the right books – books about passion. Here are 4 passionate summer reads about friendship, self-discovery, change, change gone horribly wrong, and forbidden love.

My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante: The first in a quartet of novels by Elena Ferrante, this book is a poignant, intimate look at friendship and the limits two women – Elena and Lila - will go to preserve their friendship. The writer’s style lends itself perfectly to a ravishing portrait of two women that also becomes a story about a nation. Elena Ferrante is one of the most talked about writers in recent times. The latest book in the quartet has also been long-listed for the Booker prize.

Red Dragon, Thomas Harris: A summer reading list about passionate people is not complete without a passionate serial killer. Frances Dolarhyde had a troubled childhood. Really troubled. As a result, he hates happy families. He likes to wipe them out. Inspired by a drawing by William Blake, he rechristens himself ‘The Red Dragon.’ On his trail is Will Graham, a consultant to the FBI, with some demons of his own. There’s one man that can help him find the killer. But he’s a cannibalistic psychopath confined to a mental hospital. His name? You guessed. Hannibal Lecter. Red Dragon is great reading for quiet mountains or shaded woods where mist curls in from the valleys and you never know if the sound through the windows is a thrush a river or well, something else! Those who like the pleasant, exciting claustrophobia of suspense, will enjoy this perfect book for the summer!

In Other Words, Jhumpa Lahiri: Jhumpa Lahiri has started writing in Italian. No really. Ever since she visited the country several years ago, she has been in love with the language and wanted to master it. But no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t. The reader might wonder why Lahiri wants to master a new language. Because that is what she is doing – searching for a new language to express something new in her, to go beyond the known horizons and find a simpler, yet more powerful means of expressing her indefinable self. This is a tender, rewarding read. Lahiri writes with beautiful economy and poignancy. Her predicament, her sense of cultural alienation and her need for a home in the world that she can call her own, will linger in your mind days after reading the book. If summer is a time of adventures and new beginnings and lush romances, then Lahiri seems to suggest sometimes the finest adventure you can take is to meet another side of you.

Bonjour Tristesse, Francoise Sagan: This is the only classic I have added in the list. It’s here for a reason. Bonjour Tristesse or ‘Hello Sadness’ is the perfect emblem for a summer of forbidden love, awakenings and difficult resolutions – the furnace out of which adults are born. Sagan tells her story of a young girl with a single father who has many love affairs until the day he decides to marry. This creates problems for everyone as loyalties shift and emotions run high. Sagan was dubbed the French Scott Fitzgerald in her time. Reading this book will tell you why. If you loved Gatsby, you will like this book where love and permanence are as assured as the heat haze rising up from the French countryside.

Don’t forget to drop in at the rabbit hole if you’re passing by Coorg. Have lunch with us and then pick a nice reading nook, perhaps next to the river, and enjoy the poignant voices of these authors; their voices ripe with longing, their stories stuffed with wonder.

Source: http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/summer-reading-at-the-rabbit-hole/

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8 tips for bird watchers

Often when I sit with my friends watching movies, some of them will authoritatively birds that appear in the films. The bird names come by really quickly, and I am amazed at how my friends can identify them. But bird watchers are a special breed. And they are no different in their passion than us. Like any other passion bird watching takes practice, patience, careful observation, and the willingness to let nature unwrap you in its wonder. Amanvana is home to over 300 species of birds. Watching them can fill you with a wonder and excitement that is almost child-like. There is great wisdom and empathy to be gained by closely observing another species or form of life. It teaches us lessons about the need to abstain from egocentricity and about the vastness and the complexity of the universe.So how do you go about discovering the birds at Amanvana Luxury Coorg resort? What should you bear in mind? Binoculars: The only way you’re going to see those birds is through your binoculars. So it’s important you have a good set that offers a great view. Don’t buy a cheap one. Buy a more expensive one so that you can reap the benefits of vastly superior images, lifetime warranty, waterproof housing, and light weight.

A guide: Once you spot the bird, your next challenge is to identify which bird you have spotted and understand its key characteristics. Is it migrating? Is it nesting? Salim Ali, India’s leading ornithologist, has the best guide and if you’re planning to invest in bird watching in a serious way, it might be worthwhile to make the investment.

Bird feeders: It’s important to lure the birds into your backyard so you can observe them at your leisure. But how do you do that? Simple. You need to install bird feeders. Start with a black oil sunflower feeder. Add a suet feeder in winter and a hummingbird feeder in summer.

Spotting scope: This much will equip you to be a pretty damn good bird watcher. But what happens when you want to study the eagle at the top of that hill over there? Spotting scopes are what you need. They are expensive but they are indispensable when it comes to identifying the final clues in determining the bird’s name.

Camera: You will want to take pictures of some of your best bird sightings and post them on Facebook or Instagram. A good semi-automatic camera will be good to carry around. Even a cell phone camera will work if it is at least 12 mega pixels.

Skills: Once you’re outside and surrounded by birds, we recommend practising a four-step approach to identification. First you judge the bird’s size and shape; then look for its main colour pattern; take note of its behavior; and factor in what habitat it’s in. 

Social connections: The theoretical or media image of a bird watcher typically features a lone watcher. But to be honest, bird watching is more fun when you do it with other people. I like doing it with at least two other people, one of whom knows more than me and the other who is probably a beginner. Then an excited conversation can be sparked off upon sighting a bird.

Wonder and surrender: But more than all this, the most important qualities of a truly great bird watcher are wonder and surrender. You must not be careful with nature. You must be generous. You must allow yourself to be carried away by her spell. You must see not just with the eyes in your face but also with the eyes in your mind and your heart. That is when the animal kingdom and nature truly reveals its secrets to you.