Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu reopens today, Sunday, September 20, with a strict no‑touch visitor policy. The Forest Department’s updated protocols replace elephant bathing and feeding with distanced viewing from barricaded areas. Expect time‑slotted batches, safety briefings and capped crowds as day visits resume after months.
What changes on the ground? Visitors must stay behind ‘green zone’ barricades with a minimum 10‑metre buffer. “Public shall be restricted to designated ‘green zones’ surrounded by barricades.” Touching, feeding, selfies and entering the river are barred. Sessions run in batches of about 50 for 45–60 minutes; only calm, cleared elephants are displayed. Camps also observe a weekly rest day, usually Tuesday.
Dubare Elephant Camp entry timings and on‑site ticketing Entry will be managed at on‑site counters near the access point, issuing time‑slot tokens. Arrive early to secure a morning batch and avoid noon queues. The SoP authorises slotting and batch caps. Official records note a dedicated ticket counter. Carry cash or UPI and government photo ID. Expect brief holds if elephants show stress; staff can reshuffle batches. Families with seniors should budget extra time for queuing and the safety briefing
Bengaluru route and Sunday return rush
From Bengaluru, follow NH‑275 past Ramanagara and Mandya to Srirangapatna, then continue via Hunsur toward Kushalnagar. This is the quickest, with predictable facilities en route. Expect Sunday return spikes on the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway between 4 pm and 9 pm. Leave mid‑afternoon or after 8 pm.
Weather, river‑flow watch and Dubare rafting
Today’s forecast for Madikeri shows afternoon thunderstorms and persistent cloud, which can slow crossings. Rafting at Dubare runs only when river flow is safe. Check status on site before detouring. Heavy discharge or sharp showers may pause activities without notice, so keep plans flexible
Nearby add‑ons and safe alternatives
If Dubare fills its batches, pivot nearby. Harangi and Mathigodu elephant camps are already open under the same safety rules. Kaveri Nisargadhama’s forest island and the Bylakuppe monastery circuit offer easy detours for families. These options keep your day rewarding without bottlenecks, and suit a Bengaluru start and Sunday return.
source: http://www.nativeplanet.com / Native Planet / Home> Travel Guide / by Priyank Gupta / September 20th, 2026
A three-day stay at Club Mahindra Virajpet changed how I think about short holidays, with food, coffee, family time and plenty to do.
A monsoon weekend at Club Mahindra Virajpet with coffee plantations, lazy breakfasts, family time, local food and plenty of green views. (Hindustan Times)
I think I have been doing short holidays wrong. For years, a three-day trip meant one of two things. Either I would pack the itinerary so tightly that by the time I was heading home, I needed another holiday to recover. Or I would book a lovely hotel, stay put for three days, eat, swim, sleep and eventually start wondering what we were supposed to do next. My three-day stay at Club Mahindra Virajpet in Coorg made me realise there is a third option. Find a property where the holiday is already happening. And suddenly, three days felt like a lot more.
Do you really need to leave the resort?
This was the first thing that struck me at Club Mahindra Virajpet. The property is enormous, surrounded by the green hills of Coorg, with its own coffee plantation, private lake, walking paths and plenty of open space. It is the kind of place where you can arrive, check in and then realise you have absolutely no reason to get back into the car.
That sounds like a small thing, but for me it was quite a revelation. I usually want to see the place I have travelled to. If I am in Coorg, I want coffee, viewpoints, local food, pretty roads, little shops and all the things that make Coorg, well, Coorg. But when you only have three days, trying to fit everything in can turn a holiday into a very attractive version of a timetable. Here, I could actually slow down. Our family room was spacious enough for two people to spread out properly, with a sofa cum bed and a balcony overlooking the greenery. And that balcony quickly became my favourite spot. Coffee in hand. Rain in the distance. Green hills in front of me. Honestly, I could have sat there for hours.
What do you do for three days without getting bored?
This was the other pleasant surprise. There was so much going on that everyone could do their own thing for a while and then come back together. There was a gaming zone, pottery, cycling, live music and a pool. You could book a pottery session and actually sit down to make something instead of simply watching someone else do it. There was also a cake decorating session where a pastry chef prepared the cake and brought out all the cream and decorations for us to use.
It was the sort of activity that made sense for the entire family because everyone could get involved at their own level. Then there was the spa. We tried a Swedish massage, and I think the weather decided to provide its own soundtrack. Sitting there while the rain fell outside was possibly one of the most relaxing parts of the entire stay. And when we did not feel like walking all the way across the property, there were golf carts to take us around. Which, considering just how big the place is, was very welcome.
The coffee plantation walk was my favourite part
I will admit I was slightly apprehensive about this one. A coffee plantation in monsoon sounds gorgeous until you remember that you have to actually walk through it. So we put on long socks, pulled on our boots and headed out. It turned out to be completely worth it. Walking through the plantation, surrounded by all that greenery, felt very different from simply looking at a coffee plantation from the road. We also got to do a coffee tasting, which made the whole experience even better. This was one of those moments when I realised the property was giving us a taste of Coorg without making us spend the entire day driving around Coorg. And that became the recurring theme of the holiday.
Then came the food. Lots of it.
I have to talk about the food because it was a fairly important part of our three days. Breakfasts became long, lazy affairs. We sat in the balcony area of the buffet restaurant, ate slowly and looked out at the scenery instead of rushing off to the next stop.
Then came the Chef’s Table, which was a completely different experience. The chef served us a menu that brought together Kodagu flavours and international cuisine. It was fun, a little fancy and very different from simply picking something off a buffet. We got to try dishes we probably would not have ordered on our own, and the whole afternoon felt like an occasion.
Then there were the Coorg thalis. What I particularly liked was how much attention went into individual preferences. Vegetarian meals were catered for vegetarians, ingredients could be left out for people who did not eat them, and the non-vegetarian thalis could be planned around the meat each person preferred. It made the meal feel personal rather than like a standard regional thali placed in front of everyone. And yes, I ate very well.
Maybe the property is the destination
There was something else I liked about the stay. You could still get a little local shopping done without turning it into another outing. There was a shop selling local coffee and chocolates, along with another space where you could pick up local silks. So even the little bits of Coorg that I usually look for while travelling were right there. Of course, you can leave the property and explore the rest of Coorg. The location gives you that option, and the drive itself is beautiful. But for this particular trip, I did not feel that familiar pressure to make sure we had “seen enough”. That was new for me.
This changed how I think about a weekend holiday
I came to Coorg thinking the destination was the important part. I left thinking the property might matter just as much. If the purpose of a three-day break is to spend time with family, catch up with friends, relax with your partner or simply get away from city life for a bit, you do not necessarily need an itinerary filled with tourist spots. You need enough things to do, enough space to breathe and enough variety that everyone can enjoy the holiday in their own way.
At Club Mahindra Virajpet, one person could be at the spa while another was playing a game. Someone could be walking through the coffee plantation while someone else was sitting on the balcony with a cup of coffee. We could all come together for lunch, a thali dinner or an activity and then disappear into our own little corners again. That, I think, is what made the three days feel longer. Not because we were constantly doing something, but because we were never stuck for something to do. And perhaps this is what I have been missing from short holidays. I do not always need to see more places. Sometimes I just need to choose a place that gives me more holiday.
For three days in Coorg, Club Mahindra Virajpet did exactly that.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Neha Khandelwal / September 13th, 2026
Drawing on a 40-year career in global hospitality leadership, Manoj Mathew V M FIIHM, Senior Vice President of Operations at Tamara Leisure Experiences, announced the release of his debut literary work, The World Is Carried Within: Volume I of The Third Eye Series.
The book was officially inaugurated today by S.D. Shibulal, Chairman of Tamara Leisure Experiences, during a launch ceremony held at the organization’s headquarters at the Verandah Boutique Lounge in Bengaluru and w delivered the opening remarks and presented the first copy to Shruti Shibulal.
Having spent over three decades with the Taj Group and held executive operational roles across India, Zambia, and Sri Lanka, Mathew applies his long-cultivated expertise in reading human behavior and organizational dynamics to the natural environment. The World Is Carried Within features 18 essays paired with original wildlife photography captured by the author across Coorg, Nagarahole, Gokarna, and Bentota. Rather than offering traditional corporate frameworks, each piece uses wildlife observations—from the movement of a Coorg snail to the behavior of a Stork-billed Kingfisher—as a catalyst for broader reflection on human nature, leadership, and personal awareness.
video
Key Highlights of the Release:
Author: Manoj Mathew V M FIIHM, Senior Vice President — Operations, Tamara Leisure Experiences
Title:The World Is Carried Within (Volume I of The Third Eye Series)
Format: 18 literary essays paired with original wildlife photography from India and Sri Lanka
Featured Speakers: The event included an in-conversation session hosted by mind coach Ian Faria, alongside addresses by Mahesh Iyer (Principal & Founder of Iyer & Mahesh Architects) and Kamal Bali (President & MD of Volvo Group India).
The World Is Carried Within is now available through select literary outlets and online distributors.
source: http://www.thisweekindia.news / This Week India /Home / September 03rd, 2026
Despite hike, visitors continue to throng the tiger reserves.
Mysuru:
The Forest Department has increased the tariffs for the safari at both Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves.
The Department had issued a notification announcing the increase of safari tariff during July this year which has come into effect since yesterday.
The revised tariff has come into effect at safaris located at Bandipur’s Melukamanahalli Gate and Nagarahole’s Kakanakote, Veeranahosahalli and Nanachi Gates.
Under the new rates, the fare for a bus safari has been increased from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,000 per adult, while children will be charged Rs. 500.
Jeep safari charges have been revised from Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 1,500 per adult and Rs. 750 per child.
The Department has also revised camera charges. While cameras fitted with lenses below 200 mm will continue to be exempt, those carrying lenses above 200 mm will have to pay Rs. 1,500 plus GST.
191 visitors to Bandipur safari
Following the revision of the tariff, a total of 191 visitors went on a safari on the first day yesterday.
The four safari buses did a total of seven trips, five trips by 4 camper vans, two trips from one gypsy at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
The Department also collected a total of Rs. 2,72,824 which includes Rs. 70,102 through offline including the parking fee, Rs. 54,000 through offline park entry fee, Rs. 42,250 online safari fee, Rs. 35,100 online park entry free, Rs. 7,080 camera fee, Rs. 4,132 GS Betta parking fee and Rs. 60,160 Jungle Lodges and Resorts revenue.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 02nd, 2026
Locals fear that the sudden influx of tourists in ecologically fragile areas could cause irreversible damage to forests, water sources, and wildlife habitats.
Social media posts are promoting commercial mass trekking in sensitive areas around Nelji, Perur, and the neighbouring regions. | Photo Credit: File photo
Residents and environmentalists across the Western Ghats, particularly in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts, have raised concerns over the growing trend of private groups and tour operators promoting hidden and remote natural spots for commercial trekking and adventure activities.
Locals fear that the sudden influx of tourists in ecologically fragile areas could cause irreversible damage to forests, water sources, and wildlife habitats.
Residents allege that several travel agents and private groups, particularly from Bengaluru and Mysuru, are identifying lesser-known hills, waterfalls, and other natural locations and promoting them on social media. Treks are subsequently being organised to these spots without permission from the Forest Department.
The increased footfall has resulted in tourists leaving behind plastic waste and other garbage, they alleged.
In Kodagu, the Forest Department recently intensified action against unauthorised commercial trekking in sensitive forest areas and warned travel agents and tour operators against promoting illegal trekking routes.
The warning followed the circulation of social media videos showing trekking activities to mountains, waterfalls, and areas where Strobilanthes kunthiana, popularly known as Neelakurinji, an endemic shrub seen in the Western Ghats, is in bloom at Perur village near Napoklu. The department said that social media posts are being used to promote commercial mass trekking in sensitive areas around Nelji, Perur, and the neighbouring regions.
“Over the past few days, we have been seeing several illegal tour operators arranging treks and taking tourists to hidden spots in the hills without permission. The main concern is that several lesser-known places inside and around forest areas are now being exposed to tourists for commercial purposes,” Thimmaiah K.B., resident of Nelji, told The Hindu.
He said that the area has several small waterfalls and other natural spots that are increasingly being accessed by tourists. Many of these locations are located in or close to sensitive forest areas and are not equipped to handle large numbers of visitors.
“With the Neelakurunji in bloom, more people are coming here. If the visitors are allowed to enter these places without restrictions, they could damage the plants and other vegetation. Such activities can also disturb wildlife and increase the possibility of human-wildlife conflict. We are worried that continued unregulated tourism will severely affect the fragile ecosystem,” he said.
Another resident, Biddappa of Marandoda in Madikeri taluk, said his village was facing a similar problem at a place locally known as Baliyatre, where a small waterfall is located on a hill.
He said that Baliyatre was never intended to be a tourist destination and, more importantly, the water source is vital for the villagers. “The water from this area is an important drinking water source for the people of Marandoda. It is a place that needs to be protected and not converted into a tourist spot,” Mr. Biddappa told The Hindu.
“People are promoting the location on social media, making reels, bringing tourists and organising treks for commercial purposes. Visitors have already started leaving garbage and polluting the area, putting our drinking-water source and the surrounding forest at risk,” he added.
Chikkamagaluru sees similar trend
A similar trend has emerged in Chikkamagaluru, where environmentalists have urged the district administration and the Forest Department to prohibit private groups from conducting adventure and sports activities in forest areas without permission.
Recently, private groups organised off-road activities in parts of Kalasa and Koppa. Following objections from local groups, the Forest Department intervened and stopped the activity in Kalasa. However, environmentalists said similar activities continued in the Koppa region.
Activist Nagaraj Koove said that environmentalists had studied the impact of such activities on the fragile Malnad ecosystem. “The impact was huge and such activities could cause serious damage. In the name of sports activities or exploring the Malnad region, private organisations are conducting such events with profit as the primary objective. They offer participants a sense of adventure and thrill, but the environmental cost is borne by the forests and local communities,” he told The Hindu.
“Forest areas are not playgrounds for private commercial events. Such activities, particularly those involving vehicles and large groups, should be stopped unless they are properly regulated and permitted by the authorities,” he added.
The risks were highlighted recently when a group of tourists allegedly drove a vehicle to the edge of a nearly 3,000-ft.-deep gorge at the Rani Jhari viewpoint in Mudigere taluk. The visitors were reportedly at the spot to shoot videos/reels for social media. Kalasa Range forest officials seized the vehicle and registered a case against the group.
Meanwhile, Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who was in Kodagu on August 28 for a departmental meeting, said that he had received complaints from residents regarding unauthorised trekking and tourist activities in forest areas and had instructed officials to take action against those conducting trekking activities illegally in forest areas.
“Forest areas cannot be opened up for commercial activities merely because some locations become popular on social media. If such activities are allowed unchecked, they can disturb wildlife and affect the ecological balance. Officials have been directed to identify such activities and take action against tour operators and private groups violating the rules,” he added.
(With inputs from Sathish G.T.)
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B.P / September 01st, 2026
Set across 76 acres of lush Coorg forest, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary brings together secluded luxury villas, immersive nature trails, local cuisine and expansive wellness experiences. From private pools and heritage coffee rituals to birdwatching and the Aujasya spa, this is Coorg designed for slowing down in style.
At the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, bamboo-canopied architecture and laterite stone come together to embellish the 71 secluded luxury villas, each of which offer a distinct experience
Nestled in a 76-acre estate in the heart of Coorg, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary marks a new foray for one of India’s finest hospitality brands. From verdant landscapes and nature trails, local flavours, curated wellness programs and astounding birdlife, Leela’s first wellness-anchored forest sanctuary allows you to truly immerse yourself in the best of Coorg.
Secluded luxury villas
Bamboo-canopied architecture and laterite stone come together to embellish the 71 secluded luxury villas, each of which offer a distinct experience. The Presidential Villa is an abode in itself with easy access to the in-resort helipad. It combines four villas with a drawing room that will transport you to a colonial-era, planters club replete with leather sofas and dark wood.
The large private kitchen at the villa can be manned by one of Leela’s chefs or your own personal Chef. The accommodation also includes a large private pool with a poolside bar and a dedicated gym. Villa options include the massive 3,200 sq. ft.
The Forestlight Villa includes a stunning outdoor lounge, and a temperature-controlled pool with twin massage beds on the deck. There’s also the Mistwood Villa which features two large indoor spaces, a private pool with a deck and a jacuzzi.
For your taste buds
Zen, Leela’s signature Pan Asian restaurant, plays out in a new setting. Located over a shimmering water body, this outdoor paradise offers a choice of private gazebos that overlook acres of green landscapes. The menu includes Zen’s signature sushi rolls and dim sums with a cocktail program that incorporates local ingredients. Some of these ingredients also play out in the cocktail program at The Cellar, the resort’s cosy bar that’s tucked away under the all-day diner. Do check out the bar’s signature cocktail, the Kachampuli Highball with a tangy Coorg slant.
The Presidential Villa at the Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary is an abode in itself with easy access to the in-resort helipad
Luma, the all-day diner, offers some of the best views of the private lake within the resort. Ask for the chef’s specially curated local menu where emblematic dishes like the pandi (pork) curry and ingredients like bamboo shoot are usually in the mix. I’d also recommend a signature heritage coffee curation experience at 92 degrees, the resort’s dedicated coffee lounge that allows you to get up close with Coorg’s coffee heritage. You will be tempted to take advantage of the resort’s elaborate in-room dining menu that blends the best of Asian, European and Indian flavours.
Rejuvenate, relax in luxury
The 27,000 sq. ft. Aujasya by The Leela Spa is one of the biggest in any luxury resort in India. With 25 treatment rooms spread over multiple levels, it’s easy to find your zen space. The spa offers a hammam and treatments from across the world. You can also opt for the in-villa spa experience. The large Vinyasa deck on the edge of the lake offers yoga and pranayama sessions. There are a host of activities, including kayaking on the private lake, that truly let you unwind.
The 27,000 sq. ft. Aujasya by The Leela Spa is one of the biggest in any luxury resort in India
Trails, at your doorstep
The best trails begin at your doorstep. Sign up for one of the nature walks that are worth waking up early for. The resort is a hub for Coorg’s fabled birdlife. It’s not unusual to spot at least 25 species of birds during the space of a 90-minute walk through the resort. Look out for woodpeckers and hornbills as well as the Giant Malabar Squirrel (one of the world’s largest squirrels) as it leaps from one tree to the next. Coorg’s popular attractions like Talacauvery (where the Cauvery river originates) and Abbey Falls are easily accessible from the resort. Do make time to visit Namdroling Nyinmape, a Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe (45 minutes from the resort) that is home of one India’s largest Tibetan communities.
Plan your stay
The resort is about six hours from the Bengaluru International Airport. The Kannur International Airport is three hours away. You could combine your trip to the resort with a pit-stop in Mysore (three hours away). The in-resort helipad also allows you to arrive on a chartered helicopter service.
Flaunt insider tip
If you’re planning a romantic break, do book the Forestlight Villa with an intimate bedroom, a large outdoor lounge and outdoor showers.
source: http://www.firstpost.com / First Post / Home> First Post Flaunt> Travel / by Ashwin Rajagopalan / August 26th, 2026
Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) has written another chapter in its success story by winning five key awards at the FHRAI 56th Annual Convention. The awards are a testimony of TLE’s focus on leadership, innovation in food and beverage, engagement of employees, performance of properties and social wellness. The awards appreciate TLE for providing experiences with a ‘people’ and a ‘purpose’ touch and incorporating ‘place’ through real time experiences offered during their stays.
The awards reflect the diverse strengths of TLE’s hospitality portfolio. At The Tamara Coorg, Mohd Jafar was honoured as Hotel Front Office Manager of the Year – Luxury Hotels (Male), recognising his contribution to delivering exceptional guest service. Chef Baranidharan M from O by Tamara Coimbatore received the title of Executive Chef of the Year – Midscale Hotels (Male) for his culinary leadership and innovation. Jijo Mathew from O by Tamara Thiruvananthapuram was recognised as Human Resources Manager of the Year – Upscale Hotels (Male), highlighting the group’s strong focus on talent development and workplace excellence.
Further strengthening TLE’s achievement, O by Tamara Coimbatore was awarded Best Upscale Hotel of the Year, while Amal Tamara received the award for Best Wellness Resort. The recognition celebrates Amal Tamara’s unique approach to holistic Ayurvedic wellness and its efforts to provide transformative wellbeing experiences. Together, these accolades underline TLE’s continued pursuit of excellence across its properties and its dedication to redefining contemporary hospitality.
Speaking on the recognition, Samir M.C., CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “These recognitions are particularly meaningful because they reflect the different elements that come together to define Tamara – our people, our destinations and the experiences we create. We have always believed that responsible and memorable hospitality is built through authentic engagement with our guests, our teams and the places in which we operate. To see this philosophy recognised across both individual and property categories is a strong affirmation of the work our teams do every day.”
The FHRAI 56th Annual Convention, hosted from August 21 to 23, 2026, at Taj Ganges, welcomed over 1,000 delegates from India and international markets, including policymakers, hospitality leaders and key stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality sector. The event provided a significant platform for discussions, partnerships and industry collaboration, focusing on the changing priorities and future direction of Indian hospitality.
The recognition highlights TLE’s core belief that hospitality should extend beyond delivering memorable guest stays and create a positive impact on people, communities and the destinations where its properties operate. This commitment is reflected through its strong focus on local employment, with nearly half of its workforce recruited from surrounding communities. By generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods, TLE ensures its properties remain deeply connected with regional traditions, cultural identity and the natural landscapes that define each destination.
With modern travellers increasingly searching for authentic experiences, cultural connections and meaningful journeys, TLE continues to develop hospitality concepts that celebrate a strong sense of place. From the nature-inspired luxury of The Tamara Coorg and stylish urban experiences at O by Tamara to the personalised Ayurvedic wellness offerings at Amal Tamara, each property reflects a unique interpretation of responsible hospitality. Through its philosophy of Responsible and Memorable Hospitality, TLE focuses on preserving local heritage, strengthening communities and creating experiences that deliver lasting value for guests and the destinations they visit.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel andTour World (TTW) Home> Hotel News / by Benny Mehera / August 25th, 2026
In a press release, the department said it had noticed the promotion of such activities through social media.
The department warned that unauthorised entry into adjoining forest areas beyond the boundaries of private land constitutes a punishable forest offence under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. | Photo Credit: File photo
The Forest Department has cautioned the public against organising commercial mass trekking and tourism activities in Nelji, Peruru and surrounding areas, which are known for their rich floral wealth, including Strobilanthes species, and natural water sources.
In a press release, the department said it had noticed the promotion of such activities through social media. The areas are located close to forest regions and form part of a sensitive wildlife habitat frequented by wild elephants.
The department warned that unauthorised entry into adjoining forest areas beyond the boundaries of private land constitutes a punishable forest offence under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963.
It also prohibited activities that could damage the sensitive shola-grassland ecosystem, including plucking, trampling or destroying native vegetation. Unauthorised drone flights over forest areas are also prohibited under the applicable forest and wildlife protection laws, the release added.
The department said uncontrolled tourism activities in sensitive zones frequented by elephants could pose a serious threat to human life. In the event of wildlife conflict, injury, loss of life or any other untoward incident during such tourism activities, the organisers and agencies concerned would be held directly responsible under applicable civil and criminal laws, the department said.
Any violations would be reported to the competent district authorities for further appropriate administrative action, the Range Forest Officer said, in the release.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 25th, 2026
The curtains will come down tonight on ‘The Roost’, the popular garden restaurant and hotel on Hunsur Road at Hinkal that has been part of Mysuru’s social landscape for nearly three decades.
The establishment will serve its last customers on May 31, marking the end of a 30-year journey that has left behind countless memories for patrons.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Founder Konganda Dilip Biddappa said, the closure follows the expiry of the property’s long-term lease. The restaurant was established on Jan. 19, 1996, on a 30-year lease, which was later extended by three years. “With no further extension possible, I have to vacate the premises,” Dilip said.
He described the parting as an amicable arrangement, a “golden handshake” with the property owners, but admitted that leaving was emotional.
“We are leaving with a heavy heart. When I took over this place, it was just a jowar field. Every plant on this one-acre property was planted by us,” he recalled.
Over the years, ‘The Roost’ grew from a modest eatery into a well-known landmark, particularly popular for hosting Kodava community gatherings, family functions and social events. Besides its sprawling garden restaurant, the property also featured 12 guest rooms.
Dilip attributed much of the restaurant’s longevity to the support of his staff and patrons. “I have been fortunate to have a wonderful team and loyal customers who have stood by me for decades,” he said.
Though ‘The Roost’ will cease operations, Dilip said, the brand itself will live on. The property is set to be taken over by the landowners and reopened under new management. “I am retaining the brand name if I start a new venture in the future,” he said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 31st, 2026
Here’s a sneak peek into a luxury nature resort in Coorg, featuring surreal views and a floating pool overlooking hills and lush greenery.
Priyam Saraswat gave a tour of this stunning villa in Coorg. (ayatana.residences/Instagram)
Set amidst the mountains in Coorg, this stunning villa is one of the most surreal spots, offering calming interiors, a floating pool at its centre, and panoramic views. Content creator Priyam Saraswat took to Instagram on April 12, 2026, to share the glimpses of this villa that offers luxury amidst nature at its best. Let’s take a closer look at the villa.
Inside the villa
Within Ayatana, a luxury nature resort, this villa is one of the recently launched projects that offers luxury to travellers amidst nature. In order to save the natural earth, all the structures in this villa are built on stilts. Surrounded by greenery all around, the property features minimalistic decor with calming interiors worth visiting for.
The highlight of the villa is its private floating pool built amidst trees and nature. The pool is designed with sharp linear geometry and vanishing edges that visually merge with the landscape. The water body acts as a reflective architectural element, amplifying openness and luxury while cooling the microclimate around the villa.
Into the bedrooms
The villa features two bedrooms, each with one master suite. The calming wooden and earthy interiors of the room makes it perfect for relaxation. The massive space inside the bedroomdelights with a beautiful swing overlooking the mountains and views. The bathroom features an open shower space that looks surreal.
This villa interior leans heavily into tropical modern architecture, where the design blurs indoor and outdoor living while maximising natural light, ventilation and landscape views. The central void creates a dramatic double-height atrium that visually connects different levels of the house. It allows daylight to penetrate deep into the interiors while also improving passive cooling and airflow, a signature feature in contemporary homes built in humid, hilly regions like Coorg. Large floor-to-ceiling glass panels erase the boundary between the interiors and the surrounding greenery.
The architectureintentionally frames the forest and mountain views almost like a living artwork. The space uses clean lines, exposed geometry and a restrained material palette instead of decorative detailing. The focus remains on volume, light and proportion rather than ornamentation.
The extended sloping metal roof with deep overhangs serves both functional and aesthetic purposes by protecting interiors from heavy rainfall and harsh sunlight, encouraging passive cooling, creating shaded outdoor transition zones, and enhancing the sleek contemporary silhouette.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. This article is for informational purposes only.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Anukriti Srivastava / June 01st, 2026
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