Known for its salubrious climate and proximity to the Nilgiris, Coimbatore is a bustling city in Kongunadu in western Tamil Nadu. Teeming with education institutions, engineering companies and textile mills, the city is also considered among the safest and fastest growing ones in the country. About 25 km from the city is the pristine region of Siruvani, through which the river by the same name flows gently. Located close to the foothills of the Western Ghats, this green belt is rife with waterfalls, rolling hills, fields and rivers; a few resorts have sprung up in the Siruvani region, offering visitors an opportunity to unwind, slow down and explore the forests in the vicinity. The newest, and perhaps the plushest, among them is VM Hospitality’s Dvara.
Set in the midst of lush green fields and the picturesque Western Ghats, this boutique resort in Siruvani, about 45 minutes away from Coimbatore, is a getaway in itself. Dvara prides itself in its distinct architecture that offers guests a peek into the unique culture of Tamil Nadu; right from the architecture to the food, authenticity seems to be the buzzword here, making for a truly enjoyable experience.
The reception area called Aarambham (the beginning) sets the tone for the rest of the property giving you a fair idea of what to expect. Think high-ceilings, interesting artefacts such as a 150-year-old locker from Dindugal, traditional art in the form of kolams (Rangoli), windows sourced from old Chettinad homes and the clincher – teak-wood door with a wooden threshold and frame from the Chettinad region, re-assembled to perfection.
As you navigate the property, it becomes clear that the doorway (or dvara) is the central theme here; it’s also metaphorical, as it opens you up to truly immersive experiences. The resort is a collection of ten cottages, some offering views of the surrounding mountains, while the rest overlook gardens. There are seven Mountain View Cottages, each with its own plunge pool and a small private backyard brimming over with colourful flowers, an almond tree and lush greenery. To soak in the view, you can bask in the thinnai (porch) and gaze at the mountains and fields embracing the property. Ravi Varma paintings adorn the wall and the heirloom furniture adds to the charm of the place.
The three Garden View Cottages are slightly different in terms of design but are no less appealing. They come with a wooden swing and an inner courtyard with a small garden, and in keeping with the theme of the resort, the rooms are done up in traditional style with interesting artefacts.
Aarogyam, the spa, offers a range of relaxing therapies combining the best of local and Western techniques. Guests can opt for an aromatherapy session or a Swedish massage or a foot reflexoloy treatment, among many others.
Aaharam, the restaurant, is tastefully done up to feature an array of antique cookware from as far as Austria and Belgium, sourced straight from wealthy Chettinad homes. The food here is predominantly South Indian with plenty of Continental and North Indian dishes added to the menu. The Chettinad specialties are a must-try here, and for lunch, it’s a good idea to go for the elaborate thali with an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from Chettinad and the rest of Tamil Nadu.
Arangam is the entertainment room where guests can spend time watching TV or playing some long-forgotten board games such as Aadu Puli Aatam. Posters of old Tamil movies featuring MGR and Sivaji Ganesan lend the room a retro touch; there’s also a library with a small but interesting collection of books in English and Tamil.
The board-room at Dvara, ideal for corporate meetings and important discussions, features a huge and intricate stencil work of the Madurai Meenakshi temple on one of its walls.
The resort has a lot of open space and is great for destination weddings and corporate get-togethers or team-building outings.
Price
The garden view rooms are priced at Rs7000 upwards and the mountain view cottages can set you back by close to Rs9000. Visit dvara.in for more details.
Places of interest
Nestled in the Velliangiri hills, the Isha Yoga Centre set up by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a well-known spiritual destination that attracts tourists from across the world. The Dhyanalinga under a massive pillar-less dome is ideal for meditation. The campus is massive and every nook and corner is designed to ensure mindfulness and serenity. You can pick up organic clothes, food, homeware and more at the store housed within the campus, and even sign up for Yoga and spiritual sessions here.
This national park located in the Palakkad district, Kerala, is among the best preserved natural habitats in the country. Home to lion-tailed macaque, langur, leopard, tiger, Malabar giant squirrel and several birds, this national park by the Kuntipuzha river in the Western Ghats is a veritable treasure trove of endemic species.
Besides, one can go on nature walks around the property, cycle up to the foothills past verdant fields, visit local weavers in the vicinity or simply lounge in the comfort of the resort.
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