Lush green turmeric plants swaying in the breeze greet you on the way to Tamara. This resort, in the lap of the Western Ghats, is on the banks of a check dam in Perumalkovilpathy, about 30 km from Coimbatore, just past Alandurai.
The resort has eight tents, with two double-beds each and an attached bathroom. Purple flowers line the path to the tents. The towering Ghats, which dominate the skyline, are a stone's throw away. Birdcall overwhelms the sounds of pumps, lawnmowers and the air conditioner. Egrets people the tops of the palms by the water and cormorants fish in the crystal waters. Goats languorously graze on the opposite bank. The lawns of the resort slope down to the water.
Just perfect to stretch your legs and let the bugs play at your feet. The sunset behind the Ghats is breathtaking. The Sun's orange brilliance lights up the dense hills and the water shimmers pink. The Pricol Academy of Excellence (PAcE) is just next door. PAcE, which resembles a military obstacle course, is known for its corporate leadership training programmes. The resort also has an Ayurveda clinic.
Tamara is close to the Siruvani Dam, Perur Temple, Isha Yoga Centre, Vaidehi Falls and Kovai Kutrallam. A tent for two costs Rs. 3,500. The tariff is higher from December 20 to January 10. For reservations, call 0422-6560111 or 2615779. Or, visit www.tamararesorts.com.
