Dr. S.V. Narasimhan, a family physician based at Virajpet in Kodagu district, is an avid birder, nature lover, adept at computers, Karnatak music and astronomy.
Author of Feathered Jewels of Coorg, a field-guide to 310 species of birds found in Coorg, Dr. Narasimhan is the pioneer in spreading wildlife conservation messages through his unique hand-painted Wildlife Message Cards that are sent free to individuals throughout the world to mark the Wildlife Week.
Total number of hand-painted cards made by him this year is 2,180; in 40 years, 81,595 cards. Total recipients this year including Star of Mysore – 1,236; in 40 years – 16,220 persons.
The Special Wildlife Messenger of this year is Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus). A resident bird of the Himalayan foothills of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland States of India, these birds belong to the most beautiful family of pheasants. Males about 70 cms, have a rich mix of colours on their feathers. They are found in the tropical forests of sub-Himalayan States of Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya. They are found near human settlements and have been domesticated since 7,400 years, forming the primary species of all the domesticated chicken all over the world. Omnivorous, they feed on fallen fruits, seeds, roots and tubers along with arthropods, larvae and earthworms, lizards and insects foraged with its toes.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 13th, 2024
Kodagu, the lush green forests in the faint backdrop of the hill range, graze each other as the warm light pours through the valley. The boundaries of small towns slowly melt into the green with flowering plants blooming by the roadside. Also known as the Kashmir of South India and Scotland of India by the British, the sunlight trickling through the hazy landscape of Coorg is a dream setting for a photographer.
The facade of Huilekere House in our team member and artist Rashmi Manodhas rendition.
After an eighteen kilometer drive from Virajpet to the small village of B Shettigeri and another five kilometer downhill, mesmerized by the strong scent of coffee flowers past the Koottiyal lake, welcomes you to the Huilekere House, peeking beyond the lofty coffee plantations seated in a 200-acre land in the Kerala-Karnataka border. The birds chirp merrily along the burbles of the river as the dewdrops settle slowly on the coffee berries. The scent of the mouldy dried leaves infuses the chilly atmosphere, with every step feeling more in tune with nature.
At night in Coorg, when I was talking with the estate manager Husainika in the courtyard of the estate, it unexpectedly rained like a guest. The rain fell on the coffee plantations that lay outside.. the cold wind.. fell into a great feeling. An unforgettable night in beautiful Coorg.
The front elevation of Huilekere House
The design of the house pays homage to the richness of the traditional Ainmanes resided by the Kodava clan. The Kayale (the wide front veranda), Chadara Kamba (large square wooden pillars that taper upwards), and Munds (square central courtyards that are open to the sky) are characteristic features adopted from the Coorg Ainmanes.
Chadara Kamba supporting the verandah
The Chadara Kambas support the courtyards and the verandah, while the roofs slope inside the courtyards and the four exterior walls. The rafters and the joinery fit perfectly, which involves skilled wood craftsmanship. It is one of the three types of Ainmanes called the Mundmane (a square structure built around a mund), followed by the Othe Pore and Madakmane. The extensive, wooden slab seating called the Aimaras was a significant feature of these houses. The one on the left was used only by the founder of the clan or the Karanavas. It was the reserved seating for the Pattedar or the head of the family.
The house is raised on stone pillars instead of mud. The long, polished wooden slabs fixed to the low parapets called ‘aimara’, which sit on the front verandah, evoke the grandeur of tradition. The courtyards of this house encourage natural light and ventilation. All other rooms lead to corridors around the courtyard. The tiled roof slopes down to the two courtyards and four sides of the house. The service block containing the laundry and servant quarters is located across the entrance to the house. Elaborate woodwork done by skilled craftsmen can be seen throughout the house. Thus, this traditional style house is proof that aesthetic creations can be created without any additional decorative elements on the elevation.
View of the front verandah
Strolling along the extensive laterite stone pathway as the breeze from the trees brushes across the face, it takes you back to the past glory of the Kodava heritage. The lush green grass adds a pop of colour that compliments the facade extending twenty six meters horizontally.
The stone pathways leading to the entrance
The flight of steps carved intricately from stone leading to the entrance on a structure built on a stone plinth instead of mud stops at the Kayale. There are two entrances on the western and northern sides of the house. The majestic scale is a recognizable aspect of the Ainmanes, ranging from ten to twenty meters. Upon opening the main door, two Munds with elegant seating and Chadara Kambas emerge into view.
Steps carved intricately from stone
The courtyards encourage natural light and ventilation into the house, as the narrow corridor circulates and connects the rooms. Paintings on the wall, the carvings on the pillars, the wooden frames, and the capital beams celebrate their love for fauna and flora.
View of the interior courtyard
View of the exterior courtyard
To lend a signature touch to the house, terracotta tiles were used in the verandah and in the interior, natural stones have been used. The residence is adorned with numerous antique treasures on display. The dark-coloured furniture and wall decorations provide a striking contrast to the light-coloured interior. A warm lighting with coloured and pattered decorative fixtures is used to light up the house as it feels natural and fosters relaxation. All in all, this summer residence emanates warmth and comfort by striking the right balance between neutral beige hues and pops of colour.
Living room of the Huilekere House
Dining room of the Huilekere House
The residence is adorned with numerous antique treasures on display
The timber roofing in Huilekere House
Designed by Benny Kuriakose and Associates, it heeds the concept of “form follows function”. The beauty in the simplicity confirms that additional decorative elements are unnecessary for the aesthetics of a building. Coorg can make any voyager fall in love with the scenic beauty anew with every visit, invoking memories of the timeless grace that will continue to follow for a lifetime. This residence is a beautiful and elegant space where you can enjoy the beauty of nature all around you.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.
FILE PHOTO: Robin Uthappa. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Robin Uthappa will lead a seven-member Indian team at Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, set to be held from November 1 to 3.
The rest of the squad includes Bharat Chipli, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami and Stuart Binny.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017 and will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.
The 12 teams will be divided into four pools of three each, who will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. While the winners of the quarterfinals will enter the Cup semifinals, the losers of the quarterfinals will compete in the Plate semifinals.
The bottom-placed team in each pool will play the Bowl Competition.
A total of 29 matches will be played in the three-day tournament.
A Women’s Exhibition Match will also be held on the final day of the tournament to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.con / Sportstar / Home> Cricket / by Team Sportstar / October 12th, 2024
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East, was held at the Association premises in Vidyashankar Nagar, Sathagalli Layout, recently.
Picture shows the newly elected office-bearers and Managing Committee Members of the Association for the year 2024-2026:
Sign USD70 Million deal to build a Waterfront Hotel in UAE and three resorts in India
L to R – Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Dinesh Yadav, Founder and Director, Kamah Hotels & Resorts
Kamah Hotels & Resorts, an upcoming luxury and wellness brand, proudly announces a major partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s second-largest hotel and resort brand. Together, they have signed a $70 million deal to develop four new hotels—one in Dubai and three in India—under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. This partnership was formalised at the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 in Dubai and marks a significant expansion for Kamah’s portfolio, developed by Fine Acers Group in India and Global Branded Residences (GBR) internationally.
The exclusive signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both companies, including Dimitris Manikis, President of EMEA, and Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director of TMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Dinesh Yadav, Director of Fine Acers & GBR.
“After our successful collaboration with Wyndham Grand Jaipur last year, we are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,” said Dinesh Yadav, Managing Director of Fine Acers Group & GBR. “This partnership will see the launch of four hotels under the Kamah brand, offering an exclusive luxury and wellness experience under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The first set of properties are located in Dubai, Coorg, Jawai and Udaipur with further expansions planned in global destinations like North America, Australia and Europe, as well as prominent Indian locations such as Goa, Lonavala, and Dharamshala.”
Imran Khan, International Director of KAMAH, highlights a substantial gap in the wellness hospitality sector that requires attention. He suggests that for the industry to truly flourish, leading brands should prioritize creating strategic partnerships that can drive both growth and innovation.
KAMAH has finalized several key locations for its Lifestyle, Luxury and Wellness Resorts, including Coorg, known for its lush landscapes and serene environment; Jawai, a rugged region famous for wildlife and immersive natural experiences; Udaipur, the heritage-rich “City of Lakes; and Dubai, a global hub of opulence and cutting-edge wellness ” offering a regal blend of tranquillity and luxury.
The newly announced properties include Kamah Hotel, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, and three Indian resorts: Kamah Resorts Coorg, Kamah Resorts Jawai, and Kamah Resorts Udaipur.
These hotels will be developed under a branded residences model, providing investors a unique opportunity to purchase units in an internationally branded hotel and resort, situated in popular leisure destinations.
The four properties will be branded as part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, a soft-branded collection of midscale to upscale properties that maintain their individual character. This partnership introduces the Trademark Collection by Wyndham in the UAE for the first time, marking a significant milestone for both Kamah and Wyndham’s expansion strategies.
“We are delighted to extend our collaboration with Fine Acers Group and to introduce the Trademark Collection by Wyndham to the UAE market,” said Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “This partnership is just the beginning, with plans for many more properties to follow and building on the ‘Owners First’ policy of Wyndham. Udaipur and Coorg are already established tourist destinations in India, and Jawai is emerging as a popular destination in Rajasthan.”
Both India and the UAE are key growth markets for the hospitality industry, with increasing tourist arrivals. Dubai remains a prominent international trade and tourism hub, contributing 9% to the UAE’s GDP in 2022, with expectations to grow this to 15% by 2031 according to the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.
source: http://www.traveldailymedia.com / TDM News / Home> Hotels> Global / by Kanchan Nath, TDM Editor / October 07th, 2024
Aimed at coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public, IICF will feature speciality coffee stalls, equipment showcases, workshops, competitions, and entertainment.
The Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, is set to launch the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) in October 2024. Built on the success of the 2023 World Coffee Conference in Bengaluru, which attracted over 2,400 delegates and more than 20,000 visitors, IICF aims to offer an even larger celebration of coffee culture.
The festival will span three major cities, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with preliminary events scheduled for Delhi (October 4-6), Mumbai (October 11-13), and Bengaluru (October 28-30). The grand finale will take place in Bengaluru from December 13-15, where India’s national coffee champion will be chosen to represent the country on a global stage.
Aimed at coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public, IICF will feature speciality coffee stalls, equipment showcases, workshops, competitions, and entertainment. The event will also include prestigious contests such as the National Barista Championship, the Brewers Cup Championship, and Coffee in Good Spirits, combining coffee and mixology.
SCAI President DM Purnesh expressed excitement, stating, “It gives us immense joy and satisfaction to bring the largest coffee festival to India. The country with an ever growing coffee drinking audience is a very important market for us and India does play a major role in shaping the future of coffee culture. We hope to see connoisseurs and stakeholders coming and spending three fruitful days in these three leading cities of India. Let the festival be a meeting ground of ideas and exchange of creative skills.”
source: http://www.bwhotelier.com / BW Hotelier / Home> F & B / by BW Online Bureau / October 07th, 2024
“Set amidst verdant green coffee plantations in Coorg, the film is an ode to every coffee farmer, the backbone of the coffee industry.”
NESCAFÉ Sunrise together with Dentsu Creative Webchutney has launched a campaign to celebrate coffee farmers and honor their dedication and tireless efforts in growing coffee.
The campaign, which features a film directed by George K Antoney and produced by Kadhai Films, pays tribute to the love and commitment with which these farmers work in their fields while also highlighting the association with Nestlé agronomists.
Nestlé India works closely with around 5,000 coffee farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala through the NESCAFÉ Plan.
The NESCAFÉ Plan, introduced in India in 2012 aims at developing good agricultural practices, sustainable management of landscapes, and enhancing biodiversity in coffee farms. It blends the valuable traditional knowledge of coffee cultivation with modern scientific practices to aid the sustainable growth of coffee in the region.
“Behind every delightful cup of Nescafé, there are coffee farmers whose hard work and dedication contribute to the exceptional taste of our coffee,” said Sunayan Mitra, Director, Coffee and Beverages business, Nestlé India.
“On International Coffee Day, we paid tribute to these remarkable farmers by sharing their stories on our jars and through this beautiful campaign crafted with love by our teams at Nestlé and Dentsu Creative Webchutney. The coffee farmers are the backbone of our NESCAFÉ Plan. This campaign is a homage to their perseverance and dedication, and I hope that it will be appreciated by our consumers.”
“This campaign is centered on the hard work of coffee farmers and the collaborative work between Nestlé India and the coffee farmers,” added Vidya Sankar, Senior Vice President, Dentsu Creative Webchutney.
“It also shines the spotlight on the contributions made by coffee farmers to our society and how they impact the consumer’s experience while they enjoy a delicious cup of Nescafé Sunrise. Set amidst verdant green coffee plantations in Coorg, the film is an ode to every coffee farmer, the backbone of the coffee industry.
Spotlight: Dentsu Creative India
source: http://www.brandinginasia.com / Branding in Asia / Home / by Editorial Staff / October 04th, 2024
India International Coffee Festival (IICF), a multi-city largest coffee festival, supported by the Coffee Board of India. Building on the momentum of the 2023 World Coffee Conference (WCC) in Bengaluru, which drew over 2,400 delegates, 117 speakers, 208 exhibitors, and more than 20,000 visitors from 80 countries, IICF brings a mega-event to India, promising an even grander experience.
The event will be held across the three cities – Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in October 2024. With preliminary events in Delhi (October 4 to 6 at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden), Mumbai (October 11 to 13 at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla), and Bengaluru (October 28 to 30 at Bengaluru International Centre, Domlur), the festival will culminate in Bengaluru (December 13 to 15), where the national coffee champion will be chosen to represent India on a global level.
Through tastings sessions, interactive workshops and a series of interesting sessions on the itinerary, the festival will enhance awareness and appreciation for specialty coffee among consumers, making it an essential highlight in the global coffee calendar.
The India International Coffee Festival aims to foster a deeper understanding of coffee culture and its significance within the global landscape, making the three-days in each city an event filled with fun, learning and entertainment.
The festival is designed to cater to a broad audience, from industry professionals that include growers, roasters, exporters, traders, cafe chain owners, and retailers to coffee connoisseurs and the general public, offering an immersive experience that showcases the diversity and richness of coffee culture in India. Attendees can look forward to stalls offering a wide range of specialty coffee, equipment, and accessories, alongside workshops, competitions and entertaining activities that promise an engaging and unforgettable celebration of coffee. These multi-city mega events will put India on the spotlight and as a coffee hub which has a major role to play in the global coffee eco-space.
D M Purnesh, president, Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI), said, “The country with an ever-growing coffee drinking audience is a very important market for us and India does play a major role in shaping the future of coffee culture. We hope to see connoisseurs and stakeholders coming and spending three fruitful days in these three leading cities of India. Let the festival be a meeting ground of ideas and exchange of creative skills.”
The event across three locations is set to brew a series of exciting events with three competitions that showcase the ultimate fusion of artistry, skill, and passion in the coffee industry. While the National Barista Championship which is celebrating the Art of Coffee is a premier event aimed at highlighting the skills, creativity, and passion of baristas across the country, the Brewers Cup Championship, a Celebration of Coffee Brewing Excellence is a distinguished event spotlights the artistry and precision of coffee brewing.
Designed for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike, this championship celebrates the diverse methods of brewing coffee. Meanwhile another prestigious competition – Coffee in Good Spirits – Where Coffee Meets Mixology is an exciting platform that helps in showcasing the artistry of baristas and bartenders alike. This unique competition will celebrate the creative possibilities of combining high-quality coffee with premium spirits.
Sreeram G, co-founder, Maverick & Farmer, said, “The coffee culture across the globe has seen an unprecedented growth in recent times. Festivals like this are great platforms to get the coffee community together and aim towards a joint endeavour of exploration and innovation.”
Hamsini Appadurai, owner, Sangameshwar Coffee Estates, said, “The coffee industry is going through a revolutionary phase with new trends and amazing innovations. The festival is the perfect platform to get industry leaders and stakeholders together and give them an opportunity for knowledge sharing.”
Tapaswini Purnesh, owner, Harley Estate, said, “Being in three different cities also helps in spreading awareness on the latest coffee trends.”
source: http://www.fnbnews.com / FnBnews.com / Home> Top News / October 05th, 2024
In a significant advancement for the healthcare needs of Kodagu District, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine was inaugurated in Madikeri on Sunday, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the local community.
This state-of-the-art facility is now operational at the teaching hospital of the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS).
Minister for Medical Education Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil inaugurated the facility, alongside Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna.
Previously, residents of Kodagu had to travel to Mysuru, Bengaluru or Mangaluru to access MRI services, as no such diagnostic facility was available in any Government or private medical centre within the district.
The introduction of the MRI scanning facility at the teaching hospital will enable patients to receive crucial diagnostics right in Madikeri, streamlining their access to necessary medical treatment based on the reports generated.
Minister Patil said that this installation will significantly enhance the ability of patients to undergo essential MRI diagnostic tests locally. He also assured the establishment of a cardiac centre at the District Hospital in Madikeri under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, emphasising the need for improved healthcare facilities in the hilly terrain of Kodagu.
The MRI equipment, initially sanctioned for another location, was relocated to Madikeri due to persistent advocacy from MLA Manthar Gowda. Additionally, Minister Patil confirmed that a proposal for Rs. 60 crore has been submitted to the State Government for the construction of a new building at the District Hospital, which is expected to receive approval soon.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 03rd, 2024
From Odisha to Karnataka, these coffee producing regions in the country are a must visit!
In Frame: Coffee Beans
As we celebrate International Coffee Day today, it goes without saying how coffee has become an important aspect of our lives. Currently, in India, we are witnessing a rising trend of more people experimenting with coffee. This does not come as a surprise as we have ample plantations across the country that specialise in coffee. Therefore, we bring you three such spots in the country where you can experience this concoction at its best!
Madhu Agro Plantation
Madhu Agro Plantation is a relatively new plantation located in the tribal region of Koraput district, Odisha and the mountainous landscape of the Eastern Ghats. The Madhu Agro Plantation grows both commodity and specialty coffee, however at the moment, they prioritise the sustainability of the environment while concentrating on their specialty coffees. On the farm, vermicomposting is an essential component of the farming cycle, and all of the coffee is produced under shade. By doing this, they keep the soil moist and help preserve its integrity without using additional water or chemical fertilizers. In addition, the farm features two artificial ponds designed to hold rainfall during the summer.
Elkhill Estates
This group of eight coffee estates is situated in the Kodagu (Coorg) district in Karnataka. Historically, Coorg is considered one of India’s best coffee-growing regions, with the British introducing the crop in 1854. Situated in the core Robusta growing zone in the Coorg district, the eight estates at Elkhill, spread across 1,008 hectares, produce 750 tonnes of high-quality coffees, including specialty coffees, exporting over 50% of their production to the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Shevaroy Hills
Located in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, with an impressive elevation of 1500 metres above sea level and the temperature usually ranging between 15 to 25 degrees celsius, it has the apt climate required to produce high-quality Arabica beans. The locals here are very experienced in cultivating the best coffee that is sure to impress national and international buyers who are interested in securing high-quality beans.
Email: alwin@newindianexpress.com / X: @al_ben_so
source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / Indulge Express., The New Indian Express / Home> Travel / by Alwin Benjamin Soji / October 01st, 2024
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