A unique heritage hotel- Sterling Swamimalai.

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081393839125485378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmfadtJ43JAeHYR6ygd5g_rYSBngxfUdvmWuDQsSB8WYz-N5HrFiSnp0Yt72qotvklRzkzvzQ_Raa1VjikFQNVP1KfK7PF0gyq4TBemq8TwJSPSlPy8x04fJX7OwEH9h-SJFlh7qrBabh/s400/ss14.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="http://www.sterlingswamimalai.net/">Sterling Swamimalai</a> was our first choice when we decided to make a trip to Tanjore last December and we cherish our stay and memories till date. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081403794859677714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexwpI-sM9glF7hQ4FW2eJ1Yn8hppF5JKs1rA-Nm871A1DwjrD-oyO4Sp_3C2ZnK0D1HEWjCOW8qIafbPo0eD8ZBdBbICO6y0rg0ZIFLH5krKpmndqF5lZp4T0fUnw5JPMgtgVpRU3Ki2a/s400/ss17.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A villa built in 1896 in a traditional south indian style is the nucleus of this resort. The other cottages are inspired by this main structure. The resort is the brain child of <a href="http://www.indecohotels.in/steve.html">Steve Borgia</a> of <a href="http://www.indecohotels.in/">Indeco Hotels</a>.<br /><br />The minute you step into a very discreet entrance, you are transported to the 19th century.<br />You are welcomed with temple bells ringing and a beautiful 'Kolam'- Rangoli design at the entrance. The setting is very rustic with the ambience like that of an old south indian village.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081408051172268098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PpVVIxeD6f_nTnkyVOv1iKayupEmQ_uUVVQe0ohE7wElUdsDVZh_ndTAROeSCL1-v3ZMF0xBk_M5CY94FHrvp6Ll3KDjlTdg7qpTesfmxD-c9UIkvDjHs39j7A7wnn4J8OAMa_ljOGOH/s400/ss18.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Amazing terracotta figures of Gods & Goddesses are scattered all around the resort. All courtesy the in-house potter.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTqFb1DFHWhoYUHJ27n6dq4hsuv2s6KTOdPNveAbM-5a3JKH-7Lpsb5b_mtdMTA86QvapipBXTlOBYkjwnPg6sn00mx4c-waIF7hO65RCkKR4fm74jMiRI2T_LPeE8mRBWI_b-4wokOZL/s1600-h/ss5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081394380291364738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTqFb1DFHWhoYUHJ27n6dq4hsuv2s6KTOdPNveAbM-5a3JKH-7Lpsb5b_mtdMTA86QvapipBXTlOBYkjwnPg6sn00mx4c-waIF7hO65RCkKR4fm74jMiRI2T_LPeE8mRBWI_b-4wokOZL/s400/ss5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Coconut, Banana, Jackfruit, Papaya trees form the perfect setting for the village scene.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlOZteRkWqPRJcXF4lIxbCDCqpvNHK6_fS9Y8ozA0VFN4UW-cwEfsdCCfCfKDw_f7U0RKZPR3IyCw_N8sGBTcXrxITJrxgsfurGbV839Bya5l1njMagus-pWFAibjGN9XpjVyjNB38elx/s1600-h/ss12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081394384586332050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlOZteRkWqPRJcXF4lIxbCDCqpvNHK6_fS9Y8ozA0VFN4UW-cwEfsdCCfCfKDw_f7U0RKZPR3IyCw_N8sGBTcXrxITJrxgsfurGbV839Bya5l1njMagus-pWFAibjGN9XpjVyjNB38elx/s400/ss12.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Beautiful folk goddess figure!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6UH4i74PXbzIAhTvg36DacAFmhXc90q58Y-AYLlz6TqpCDebAkr7gL9dQkxxj0GkWBVnZzX59wG8d9d31coUZRW6KwvY4_xLfL0g_NtSBHzXJbUO0VZUrN3NnEikRmlZzmdZuENoufQt/s1600-h/ss10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081394384586332066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6UH4i74PXbzIAhTvg36DacAFmhXc90q58Y-AYLlz6TqpCDebAkr7gL9dQkxxj0GkWBVnZzX59wG8d9d31coUZRW6KwvY4_xLfL0g_NtSBHzXJbUO0VZUrN3NnEikRmlZzmdZuENoufQt/s400/ss10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A traditional village house forms the dining area.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081395522752665538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhWIpM1h03VizosV61igZk36qjEfi6nV1ZYP0dOmdAd5wnXliW-isDmZ5aURM3LEG6usecKfJDIXn5ftcS4_xbrq5D6WP6dtRIZ1YDU3LsfENWjOynDfVlgjEllCOgi0xlqQ0X55Asv2l/s400/ss6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Even the trees are treated well, the potter has created lovely terracotta eyes for the trees.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2C2DtAkZWWHuS-ZYYGMAp-r8Gi4fPS8c9DhxHD2XnUTwk0tSmqhArWsgtpMvskDAs0rwCBS2PVyZvftuPEgzBtvUtYMbFxH-nDQ-5aH3PARfibt3SywavA6QY-BJYZUD7d_wrJG4ByXv/s1600-h/ss16.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081394388881299378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2C2DtAkZWWHuS-ZYYGMAp-r8Gi4fPS8c9DhxHD2XnUTwk0tSmqhArWsgtpMvskDAs0rwCBS2PVyZvftuPEgzBtvUtYMbFxH-nDQ-5aH3PARfibt3SywavA6QY-BJYZUD7d_wrJG4ByXv/s400/ss16.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081395527047632866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQGhStGB-679Foy6320H9o_oLI1jAOzhB4TJsYsabmD4cpgC7_SwEkaAzIQZzWgucGb1B-BO-wrrXqHhMmLqwHrusR9Hem2KD2HUj-sKpLybaNuqFO6GOB-JoetdQsjBSQBcZjIvOH7_a/s400/ss8.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The rooms are basic with traditional furniture. The roll-up blinds are made of natural fibres for good air circulation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbObeUlr5STGiRlzNUqz4Afd4pYRiW9AYyLdKbudzm91lJ1Ly-eMczwUh03C6cXLtdCH81_CdSGqcsOjFpCxE46DT3EUsZ5aF33YIbuC8Zn-S3cBdifPL-7w8kP-HaqIkph51HNDk1SIk/s1600-h/ss1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081393843420452690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbObeUlr5STGiRlzNUqz4Afd4pYRiW9AYyLdKbudzm91lJ1Ly-eMczwUh03C6cXLtdCH81_CdSGqcsOjFpCxE46DT3EUsZ5aF33YIbuC8Zn-S3cBdifPL-7w8kP-HaqIkph51HNDk1SIk/s400/ss1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqrGprUNAv_XCdu5lyFmzcRxsOKGvQkZ1XxgjPjNQIQhinRnA4-Y2Ajq6jqkKmSqVmPWmsXv12P4vpM4CcDfX2PwO03Af-kGpPY7LM5oz0VL42YZyubMuVoz349RKyhoGXJ3ZanM_vzC3/s1600-h/ss3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081393847715420002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqrGprUNAv_XCdu5lyFmzcRxsOKGvQkZ1XxgjPjNQIQhinRnA4-Y2Ajq6jqkKmSqVmPWmsXv12P4vpM4CcDfX2PwO03Af-kGpPY7LM5oz0VL42YZyubMuVoz349RKyhoGXJ3ZanM_vzC3/s400/ss3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081404400450066482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetWmtC7E8H1pcEQwyV821IFv5PytIYbd8b6UoykdygT156S28thIfxJRJqT0DqpQGLnKR5St36LhGaqpyHtItEjXw7P9gWA6UDIrFz1u3ibil0Kx3RyBCjAeQ65DPYQi8KsEgBS1_kPw2/s400/ss15.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHa9M76ImyZ4WJ0WlMpYq0Ca85IQeDT9VU-DYx6O2OhZmt_um6ErPsL08qQhhaDJIFN7jtXII2zGqf6nparoY4mboDhScUNUvDk5k7IdHzelgILTpmvkpwRUrndb1Ol5Wfb5CEg6LqHAk/s1600-h/ss4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081393856305354610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHa9M76ImyZ4WJ0WlMpYq0Ca85IQeDT9VU-DYx6O2OhZmt_um6ErPsL08qQhhaDJIFN7jtXII2zGqf6nparoY4mboDhScUNUvDk5k7IdHzelgILTpmvkpwRUrndb1Ol5Wfb5CEg6LqHAk/s400/ss4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The swimming pool is designed like an old temple tank. On special occasions the side slots are lit with earthern lamps in the evening. What a gorgeous sight would that be!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081403786269743090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP7J3PQjEnB2X4hK4Ylulr2ZDy2rTy7VavbjDZnkp_Jn_harqSlcVlx7HEUjQWnEtyjUlmk60YxeNPpOQNrYX4z0VuY6t9TFzyavvPKCAU5Un4Yrsriz6lzzkrl7FEN3fFiD92kOdJSSu/s400/ss11.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081395527047632850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6X2Aezix-SVb1BTeEv4hpnVuFS96NYRSe17RfkXMurHkedkLjyxt7NoUFoVPVCFJTIRwso25zohgRG9M5PB2SE0FhkPfjfzaXrEiAuCaPaDjvNQJ5omBC-NhffORVQUuO7Mi6vSF5aK2/s400/ss7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The main villa has a lovely courtyard with a natural well and a museum of antiques.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081404400450066466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_8TwsfFbRJJFwME_Wvs7jbPTxsCWSkeqFesuKqeDQh7cpYAV_nBpBFy6A7b8nny5OpoIC4W0pUbSp6SEyWVfwt9iHMu_y_CT71wgGzA9DsLtaDYXUzPqrcW-oRh9LMjcJFVhie8NuDTB/s400/ss13.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Truly traditional, truly spiritual, truly Indian.</div><br /><div></div><div>Experience it- <a href="http://www.sterlingswamimalai.net/">http://www.sterlingswamimalai.net</a></div></div>

A unique heritage hotel- Sterling Swamimalai.

Sterling Swamimalai was our first choice when we decided to make a trip to Tanjore last December and we cherish our stay and memories till ...

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Thanks Happy Living Blog!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosSPLjwTWx7UiBaSZuDckTYho2OJlOrrjey10IWJ2hPPZ24bupsgdpb6AZ1TJvbERiZr0eotN7BMAFmGw1jofdlgbUsFj8ZIzbxZZBjeUXtY4ktNjW0brOy_TSbgYhyphenhyphenCx98w81unuES-a/s1600-h/happyliving.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081307321304274738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosSPLjwTWx7UiBaSZuDckTYho2OJlOrrjey10IWJ2hPPZ24bupsgdpb6AZ1TJvbERiZr0eotN7BMAFmGw1jofdlgbUsFj8ZIzbxZZBjeUXtY4ktNjW0brOy_TSbgYhyphenhyphenCx98w81unuES-a/s400/happyliving.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><a href="http://happylivingdesign.typepad.com/"><strong>the happy living blog</strong> </a>became an instant favourite, ever since I stumbled upon it while blog- hopping few weeks back.<br /><br />Erinn describes - <em>'This blog is about everything having to do with the place, experience and spirit of home and making our homes a place that we love'</em>.<br /><br />Erinn of <a href="http://happylivingdesign.typepad.com/"><strong>'the happy living blog'</strong> </a>has been very kind in giving a <a href="http://happylivingdesign.typepad.com/happy_blog/2007/06/new-favorite-bl.html"><strong>great introduction </strong></a>to my blogs.<br /><br />Thanks Erinn!

Thanks Happy Living Blog!

the happy living blog became an instant favourite, ever since I stumbled upon it while blog- hopping few weeks back. Erinn describes - '...

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Illuminate your interiors.

To add the sparkle to your interiors, just light few candles, diyas (earthern lamps), kerosene or hurricane lamps.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIzE8VLL553eOzaObSB_DF23xfhpX6lFlejfVmGnAWjhnWh60o4tmFftUalcPjUPiw3dEWyMgTF9OMrHQL3Cymm_9PGL32SeTP17CVlhNIWe5IEyQemqxoeiojWQnKRsUhn5srROtXG7o/s1600-h/diya2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078809595285769874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIzE8VLL553eOzaObSB_DF23xfhpX6lFlejfVmGnAWjhnWh60o4tmFftUalcPjUPiw3dEWyMgTF9OMrHQL3Cymm_9PGL32SeTP17CVlhNIWe5IEyQemqxoeiojWQnKRsUhn5srROtXG7o/s400/diya2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I love lighting diyas or floating candles at the entrance to the house, in balconies, on tables or just about anywhere.<br /><br /><div><div>Here are some interesting ideas.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823614059024114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65kLQnFwKfg9sxXlqxwVw82AOJiWDIG5Sf_WJfBXB6UMnNOrbxsGXa-s8MmJZyIb8wjYL7v30PDME0Ei15NOEc7l7SlXIDwzMsbleFJrVSCWx-t1KVhlIlnS5jxZPatX4AGpPlVAMaO8F/s400/ill6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078819722818653890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgTTggIq03BXsmulZpnLLo1Bqa9F1VcPL_B4gUjLjvu_XRYkTRD2TreVCRowMTHilyIBZApr6cUESrtWZdibKNRfjZ6lXOfPrvu2EiKptngKHzK62Ok5ETWCR9nx66Oqh56UJkXMNqBiB/s400/ill3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><em></em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078819722818653874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB7RcN0Hl8jwUFw5T8FArfcklwVvxL6ZhCSZ80KhmRxI9ADUGG-zWt48O2Iob76l75ybDVc0mG50mBlnTJn_LLlAowHg7pwfXbWI-INqk_E7d7Pt-70yDX2i8FifJSk8Aw6jCRxFmGWq6/s400/ill2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div></div></div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823876052029186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUF5efWd5Dsrbg2NYWAtMttYUAkdZvpsFn64gdfSDrURWfW6dsGzlwVP-1Co07iumHRu86Kqew3l5iBgxvCN9kEeW2TPbmSdJTm5LifZ2Dj0I1hn5qfC3xu13H1Q48Q5PXbQn_RV5Qptd/s400/ill7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078819727113621202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJlmBQCz4_lBZT9zBrGMNzLRKhVZ46rVHJpNU95yhlLKXEvy2C3U_u9AaOKR_ZGgiQHdyWT2Flqpfx4D5_4Zm1dnHIDI8zuiiLb91HmMpDsLTdtJbc6gGFhXdbRT1YrUaqtrjLsQczmUk/s400/ill4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078819718523686562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HGoWX4axQtTVFLCcUhvVKJRqWFmJTLO05nN-e_4b9xfGt56Q21S74g1pQcoY8Xqs-Rh-r5vJk5GJBnthhIFnyVCYarUKjqu2dJctLQnps4FP9mB41o3bxyNNsRVY0x7z_daB_jgQH_ee/s400/ill1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><em></em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823609764056802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xqmEo9voa-i9xOIFxIvJGtMnUlz92990G-h17raeGnetL12_EQC4HdaROLiOT6IaZwfmYnGhbXxRLvIfUW4k6si4W4KJGNbPttUhHBvgl8VPa2VxQP21o8g30MsdErtCEihz1Aje72yZ/s400/ill5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><br /><em>(Images from Inside Outside, Oct 2006 & Good Earth)</em>

Illuminate your interiors.

To add the sparkle to your interiors, just light few candles, diyas (earthern lamps), kerosene or hurricane lamps. I love lighting diyas or ...

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Mallika Sarabhai's Country Retreat.

When I saw this on the cover of <em>Inside Outside Magazine</em> few years back I just wanted to be there on the swing...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQZH4z6NBmRzRGdLvaIgzoW5UK12poA8etnF037dRqEq9YeTa7mcYBihzAf0hmLeiik50VFyHvYBEMR8ax5WMeiunCcNVgW7K5b_HidR_c5uSa-kh3y6nNXupdKUEC225FbfvRWedZ2FL/s1600-h/ms1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076214533095853026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQZH4z6NBmRzRGdLvaIgzoW5UK12poA8etnF037dRqEq9YeTa7mcYBihzAf0hmLeiik50VFyHvYBEMR8ax5WMeiunCcNVgW7K5b_HidR_c5uSa-kh3y6nNXupdKUEC225FbfvRWedZ2FL/s400/ms1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a></div><div>This country retreat is designed by Nimesh Patel & Parul Zaveri of <a href="http://www.abhikram.com/Home.html"><strong>Abhikram</strong></a>, for their friend <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallika_Sarabhai"><strong>Mallika Sarabhai</strong></a> a famous Indian dancer, activist & environmentalist.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRbCtpsP5FtRK_XZA1K_gf6A9f3YtztAnvvo21lVuddpk_QWsyimpgB_9XyEaq9z0JIlMmJxg3HBR_Wof5C9tNS1-2DwB6t9jaR8z3IuThMDAMUg5HcucpmzSyxgXKypZuwIqT3hVxorQ/s1600-h/ms2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076214533095853042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRbCtpsP5FtRK_XZA1K_gf6A9f3YtztAnvvo21lVuddpk_QWsyimpgB_9XyEaq9z0JIlMmJxg3HBR_Wof5C9tNS1-2DwB6t9jaR8z3IuThMDAMUg5HcucpmzSyxgXKypZuwIqT3hVxorQ/s400/ms2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>This is a traditional Gujrati <em>Hitchkar</em> (swing) which can be moved either way to face inwards or outwards.</div><div></div><div>A place in a natural setting where one can rejuvenate and escape from the stressful city life.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcB1-pOxoDvTIQLX18Wot2wL4CQnkN55PgJ5F_rMFVmASvXtFau-oUMzgDxAnsRFj9qno5Kt-NcMe8IqOxudJIkKbjVxO8CqmnnA0GN-tFFHgMvOZFpDo2O4dKk696kFFllOisPjHh9wF/s1600-h/ms3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076214537390820354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcB1-pOxoDvTIQLX18Wot2wL4CQnkN55PgJ5F_rMFVmASvXtFau-oUMzgDxAnsRFj9qno5Kt-NcMe8IqOxudJIkKbjVxO8CqmnnA0GN-tFFHgMvOZFpDo2O4dKk696kFFllOisPjHh9wF/s400/ms3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A series of wood sculptures of birds & serpents are scattered around the place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89O-fWfP68vA-WaLQJNQuOohio1k-lstq9vjEtWUJNoLKgcJoIs5-hQh3neyvk_9mNVTlyEQTUSwk2Gw1NAvn8XtkKxh5sB6yOlOKCsXdDbD1gC0jmYgLWPumV8NyU5N0yRTHbpZN-ami/s1600-h/ms4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076214537390820370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89O-fWfP68vA-WaLQJNQuOohio1k-lstq9vjEtWUJNoLKgcJoIs5-hQh3neyvk_9mNVTlyEQTUSwk2Gw1NAvn8XtkKxh5sB6yOlOKCsXdDbD1gC0jmYgLWPumV8NyU5N0yRTHbpZN-ami/s400/ms4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The walls of the house are plastered with mud to provide natural insulation against heat. The wall has mud patterns with small mirrors fixed on them. ( Lovely!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN61Qv0SA0JdJjusNjcogE2DhSS8J2hrqot8fQKItS1oGgr1n_3OKHAOoAthagoW84wF1rbjYI140sp4q-MNJ4QDa-q9F0P6QteaW7I5vSmQzscKY0kF5vgEHaheI8vWnQXEUCpZdHi4r/s1600-h/ms6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076214537390820386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN61Qv0SA0JdJjusNjcogE2DhSS8J2hrqot8fQKItS1oGgr1n_3OKHAOoAthagoW84wF1rbjYI140sp4q-MNJ4QDa-q9F0P6QteaW7I5vSmQzscKY0kF5vgEHaheI8vWnQXEUCpZdHi4r/s400/ms6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Her living space reflects her beliefs of conserving natural resources & importance of indigenous traditions. The sofas are made of natural materials like cane, jute & handloom.<br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076214885283171378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujxtVoJHqM2SvOk4PZnEiOM5QlJBcwej8StNCTsp9EeCj5eCcQyFnyS7TtmKKbyTEJtLktc1NTFvPJXghJaF3jwMYkHu9F6BssRX8bX9dBx7cWpzCAWolGuX7ybEO1TwXiPoY3_xGx1Te/s400/ms7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div></div><br /><p>Mallika's love for traditional crafts of Kutch can be seen in the hand embroidered covers and quilted bedcovers in her rooms.</p><p><em>( images from Inside Outside Magazine, June 2003 issue)</em></p>

Mallika Sarabhai's Country Retreat.

When I saw this on the cover of Inside Outside Magazine few years back I just wanted to be there on the swing... This country retreat is de...

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Doorway to Heaven.

Rural India is a great inspiration for door art & vibrant colour combinations! Here are some inspirations. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075411614729669442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3YI9ui8499Q6Y-4J2Y2F7ntSJNQjfdfEz3nZGcseVAeLDv1z648DsPXcTimE_dTE53PRvnaSNcIZ1s5eTpzA3eCEp7X40011K99kZ8qk0nVB1ePq1WGQrVmac1EFB2eS3BnWJ2NE_tIk/s400/door2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAO9FWWEi5br0qh1OyGHbpPNaNKjT5CA2LTcAKkMvzebX1KXXBXlN93Nt4tU0Gnn7HBrR3YBVJ1zz31ZiANPx7y073nEMl1KO-qzobDz4NsGwxEQf1zL6GF6LhZDWYgtaCY74APCpI75-/s1600-h/d3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075412280449600386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAO9FWWEi5br0qh1OyGHbpPNaNKjT5CA2LTcAKkMvzebX1KXXBXlN93Nt4tU0Gnn7HBrR3YBVJ1zz31ZiANPx7y073nEMl1KO-qzobDz4NsGwxEQf1zL6GF6LhZDWYgtaCY74APCpI75-/s400/d3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMumoLaVXNBcmn0pih-amwkBM8A1b11fvLIta7j2L-QNYvfTecye5IpgDHrDfYRZDf_5v1vCG-IADgqdnLqu_uDxvmLCYiK8aqmbdP6heV49IR8-JGa5z4yq5FfQa7ptRjKN_sT-HnQgQN/s1600-h/d4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075412280449600402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMumoLaVXNBcmn0pih-amwkBM8A1b11fvLIta7j2L-QNYvfTecye5IpgDHrDfYRZDf_5v1vCG-IADgqdnLqu_uDxvmLCYiK8aqmbdP6heV49IR8-JGa5z4yq5FfQa7ptRjKN_sT-HnQgQN/s400/d4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhyphenhyphenvfkojlFVDCwFcaMVux_2xS4W0bKlN5HiTQnNcmwpw05ZKZMaEVjsSmJXUQJoNOFyEzrZ4XpXAORS5Mosvlkm5APL8Y8QSvSkblCTyljpEjhSzohoYBS6qsIIcUtu8b-JhqhH2zVjMQ/s1600-h/door1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075411610434702130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhyphenhyphenvfkojlFVDCwFcaMVux_2xS4W0bKlN5HiTQnNcmwpw05ZKZMaEVjsSmJXUQJoNOFyEzrZ4XpXAORS5Mosvlkm5APL8Y8QSvSkblCTyljpEjhSzohoYBS6qsIIcUtu8b-JhqhH2zVjMQ/s400/door1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb8PlQKVAspbLmfIFY3vJxSm04vZQrcHdrOKg8rgecgwNpxjouEHlWF3rW241bIhDn15Lxm9ZaphKIuSiOac6TyAeG-zTj_szbmE0H1DzgzAsNMh08-fbJV_yCAE7kpo2NhxBv1evsdOD/s1600-h/door3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075411619024636754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb8PlQKVAspbLmfIFY3vJxSm04vZQrcHdrOKg8rgecgwNpxjouEHlWF3rW241bIhDn15Lxm9ZaphKIuSiOac6TyAeG-zTj_szbmE0H1DzgzAsNMh08-fbJV_yCAE7kpo2NhxBv1evsdOD/s400/door3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075412280449600370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA2IdotFISiMTlMNn30GOuIHL67SK4rRtqy8oKcrKRo6n6PzBXbUaNiGh2oiH7lShZRsW57yVPAomgsDNioJInwZiesU6uXCGE2881WCgUOHzu0NTbgiUuucFYVvQT_2BYRjXlgPxBIjz/s400/d1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTZlNLYa28fkqkUFdk2Ucw60PIK4sjkWGK2thk42fPRWI9Utd4jzwh89309QtlDkFSIy4HkDgZpWEX6HKfUsXrPJi4Ois9_fUuX0F9lEe9vKzkPiMx8lBMKEB1S2xXI3BooM1_-F_XPVJ/s1600-h/door5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075411619024636770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTZlNLYa28fkqkUFdk2Ucw60PIK4sjkWGK2thk42fPRWI9Utd4jzwh89309QtlDkFSIy4HkDgZpWEX6HKfUsXrPJi4Ois9_fUuX0F9lEe9vKzkPiMx8lBMKEB1S2xXI3BooM1_-F_XPVJ/s400/door5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>This an old chettinad door restored from a demolished mansion. We loved the brass door knocker and intricately carved panels, we got it embedded in one of our living room walls.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075411610434702114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpNG42bzMYgx-BFPtXPLAs68woMe2wdcGF7NG2J4SRjignPP1QVkM4oeq2R07FFdDWjY8wce-xuRY_BbYwuhA47XEaFG23fAOLs4heBWRxBX4NuFPGy8XW0aduxrzJ71ighBvGiBogSZK/s400/door.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />

Doorway to Heaven.

Rural India is a great inspiration for door art & vibrant colour combinations! Here are some inspirations. This an old chettinad door r...

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The Chettiar Mansions of Karaikudi.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZKxvGmloinkmfVJ9s8AswfvqyTc3niUMp2GAMRWfQmbZSL6-AF8pBlxwwdI0arlS_X-rmXdGO9AJh_F4Kl9nQGxQ47Bn3dhrXU4IoDvRVFmuIp3I9Vd9_MiwUFnGMPUsWsIPthdvoHrg/s1600-h/c1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074417475829533106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZKxvGmloinkmfVJ9s8AswfvqyTc3niUMp2GAMRWfQmbZSL6-AF8pBlxwwdI0arlS_X-rmXdGO9AJh_F4Kl9nQGxQ47Bn3dhrXU4IoDvRVFmuIp3I9Vd9_MiwUFnGMPUsWsIPthdvoHrg/s640/c1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Karaikudi is a city in Tamilnadu which is known as the homeland of Nattukotai Chettiars. Chettiars are a prosperous banking & business community many of whom migrated to Burma, Sri Lanka, Malaysia etc .<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLDV_Zec6o4VknZszvX5RsndPsOkxb_F9j_UgEceE6D8dfmIxspJHHg8xEuuDPElVY26GkEDSByeDQeOv-i4Q7olpmty9NaJLqaZuIy8up7x3YaAbcAcNroM4boCt7OVvZb1Uo6h65Lkm/s1600-h/c2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074417480124500418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLDV_Zec6o4VknZszvX5RsndPsOkxb_F9j_UgEceE6D8dfmIxspJHHg8xEuuDPElVY26GkEDSByeDQeOv-i4Q7olpmty9NaJLqaZuIy8up7x3YaAbcAcNroM4boCt7OVvZb1Uo6h65Lkm/s640/c2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> We visited a mansion of one of the Chettiars who welcomed us into their home with open arms.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07TKSJf4n4Jm7a-VZHqof_WZODjNe-gxu4DPmunNTqaqYCuh76pS9bKatRRCa4iXonXoPGp9qcR2SPdhwpbqRkaCWj5M2XQNrzUASiCIEJdOeU3sBrSTP7jnW-bO4N2Q0zoi7abX9EQfV/s1600-h/c4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="491" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074417484419467746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07TKSJf4n4Jm7a-VZHqof_WZODjNe-gxu4DPmunNTqaqYCuh76pS9bKatRRCa4iXonXoPGp9qcR2SPdhwpbqRkaCWj5M2XQNrzUASiCIEJdOeU3sBrSTP7jnW-bO4N2Q0zoi7abX9EQfV/s640/c4.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Intricate carvings on the door just took my breath away. <img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074417810836982274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTrya1OVBdVL09ugLxD8dxSBN6dwHAqNPdUKgUAfLrX-1nydzaC5PEx34wTxMMz4Qj5Z1_mCS-UvmSGV4HjmYLV8wFgEA03Wt6oF9qAK4C1qWiSMkSUU_U6886rN5WKqOd1Vmu7sxG7Be/s640/chettinad_doorcarving.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /> Close-up of the carvings in one of the main doors.<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074418725665016338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01VlM2m_5kFKKDsKyfDTmE4aeY4ur_f2dLIrxGlXDFm8xScw01LKKt4pyo-nfs_MLM_XL2ZUZ-e0mhawuWXHL4f9IsdXmZQEhnfJrhgtva62QG3DoJPvdnUyh5INcmQ-5B2wg8E3z8nqR/s640/c6.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />The design is typical of traditional south indian village homes...there is an open courtyard in the centre through which natural light fills the whole house.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl99_SJHbUUNygHNRnE-6MG8ViE-h8DcwoMeoTyYBV4haB6NaRdh7KAAHhZa0VrGmmaFICmCOTQu8v6hhvuCVa0R_7NCBJ12Q5CUxPnq-77fxi3Kmv9NBTzA8jq1G2zE_mil1-5zCXMaJ7/s1600-h/c5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074417484419467762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl99_SJHbUUNygHNRnE-6MG8ViE-h8DcwoMeoTyYBV4haB6NaRdh7KAAHhZa0VrGmmaFICmCOTQu8v6hhvuCVa0R_7NCBJ12Q5CUxPnq-77fxi3Kmv9NBTzA8jq1G2zE_mil1-5zCXMaJ7/s640/c5.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Beautiful stone-carved pillars line the courtyard. Colourful handmade floor tiles called Athungudi tiles demarcate the various sections of the house.<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074418729959983666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMHc7mWoqdgIPNQ8Cnhj0IOkFt903hvc3u5BnBiV2L3Z1UKGTo0Dxff3dkJIp6jeUsQ6plQwn3-eg-eqdvhd6YEjaKu5M-BmmeZ7EnHUNhu6UtWdMSxEt8_myOvtuT95XOdjoXvQCEez4/s640/c8.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />This entrance room had a chess board floor design.<br /><img alt="" border="0" height="472" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074418725665016354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2maP9zif1FmqBEanMKorxRFd6kUFAIWaFcoGTMjv_CVVUeIZbWX3XpOHR9DRsLMr3r8yoqEav1oboAH1tCnuz05raPU5iu0Vqk5-I1Rg2CuozLXCzSamrgsBznrXs_Q4Jifl9ws_3vjF/s640/c7.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />Just loved this space dedicated to the black & white pictures of their ancestors. Lovely!<br /><br />The highlights:<br /><br />* Intricately carved doors in Burma Teak.<br />* Carved stone & wooden pillars and beams.<br />* Handmade Athungudi floor tiles.<br />* Carved wooden furniture with antique tiles.<br />* Antique furnitures, enamel, lacquer & wooden vessels from Burma, Srilanka, Malaysia etc</div>

The Chettiar Mansions of Karaikudi.

Karaikudi is a city in Tamilnadu which is known as the homeland of Nattukotai Chettiars. Chettiars are a prosperous banking & business c...

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Tranquilitea - A Tea Lounge.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2N1NIVziJQVZW2lWO5_tqDeZ2dGik8_Q8IxqtddNsGqOMAyfhE1WwkCOnuHq-ZFpNaVpSU72Ns6bibFBA3liXPSPEcmj3yilqsFC95il8BNetz2F_WKUmjIUfvg-gXXhdMExqABWjaO7/s1600-h/tra1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073885930676979986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2N1NIVziJQVZW2lWO5_tqDeZ2dGik8_Q8IxqtddNsGqOMAyfhE1WwkCOnuHq-ZFpNaVpSU72Ns6bibFBA3liXPSPEcmj3yilqsFC95il8BNetz2F_WKUmjIUfvg-gXXhdMExqABWjaO7/s400/tra1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> On our recent trip to Coonoor, the lovely hillstation at Tamilnadu. We spotted this lovely old british style bungalow with beautifully manicured lawns and colourful flowers.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Hesitantly we drove inside and realised it was a tea lounge called Tranquilitea. Wow! </div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073885926382012674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T1a3st24hxwODTtSkH7TSH_w5EKpM_H56KML1mm6_hHi0VDhqtmAUSU4PSgwr36reF8DHSmXi4RREo2sg0yiY5D1bkB5xpuN5opSbCCypOzF3bMk7rHjdul-Ofn655Jl410B8q1vBJDh/s400/tr.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Retaining the British style, with fireplace et al. intact they had created a tranquil tea lounge where one can savour the flavours of Handmade Teas, Frost Tea and many more and be transported to the bygone days of the Raj.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073885934971947298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h3pGICZNAspj4uQCksbh5h8I_R-q4jl7rSP8F0VndX3OcEBORa5Ef6nfmq4YL3GGeI69lMYI1aEYhcXJnFjqjbh3EZC3yBUAS3FzUB-kRXbyI5npbAEMechT_Lv0-2l6MgEjbIrL9Yis/s400/tt1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073885934971947314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEPmgHAAiOys0u_hWDtncSKSNRGqXfx-D0B4Ygct-6BivJw9ui_L9GPGBziz_syQGMuVhNjz9t_4JeERnwfqK5TmDgiaRLyRO-ryL_0yAbNGg0EPIgAt7Lug4B4RoydmnLQwQ63D4okDL/s400/tt2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />

Tranquilitea - A Tea Lounge.

On our recent trip to Coonoor, the lovely hillstation at Tamilnadu. We spotted this lovely old british style bungalow with beautifully mani...

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