Ode to Nature (Page 1)

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Opening the windows of your cottage in the morning to see the giant Malabar squirrel leaping from branch to branch, and to hear the whistling thrush's sing-song melody and the gurgling of the stream flowing along side, are good enough reasons to check into Kurumba Village Resort. But this charming place in the heart of the picturesque Nilgiris mountains nestled in a spice plantation has more attractions. Spectacular views, a taste of pure, undiluted nature, very elegant interiors and superb landscaping are among a few of them.

However, creating this exotic resort was a daunting task-the location was tough mountain terrain with only a broken one-foot wide path then available. The site was located 150 ft below the adjoining road and spread over six levels (!), the weather conditions were unpredictable as they always are in the hills and there was plenty of wildlife around.Certainly, it would have put off a less determined resort-builder.

However, the owners Nature Resorts India Pvt Ltd, were insistent that this 11-acre site is the perfect location. After all, how many resorts can boast such advantages-a spice plantation replete with nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, jackfruit, rosewood, and exotic durian-fruit trees, a natural waterfall and stream flowing through the Centre of the site, a rich and varied birdlife (60 species recorded, and 40 photographed), wildlife (wild boar, bison, elephants, bears, langur and monkeys), many species of butterflies, the beautiful Nilgiris mountain-face for a border; the thick foliage of the surrounding rainforest and a profusion of natural springs throughout the site.

(Continues...)

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