The sanctuary within

Mantra Koodam

Kumbakonam

, Tamil Nadu

, India

Mantra Koodam is tucked away in a quiet corner of Veppathur, Kumbakonam. Where, cocooned within nature’s greenest wonders, you go on a journey steeped in legend. As the vibrant cultures and rustic charms welcome you with arms wide open, your soul finds its home amidst a blend of historical, cultural and spiritual experiences.

The resort is planned like a rural village, where you encounter quaint little delights at every turn. Walk on old-world ‘Agraharam’ streets, as you pass by a temple pond, shrines, coconut groves and an occasional peacock if you are lucky. Straddled by the Cauvery and Veera Chozha rivers, the Mantra Koodam landscape abounds in plentiful flowers and foliage, flittering butterflies and is home to over 64 species of birds. Take a refreshing dip into the crystal blue waters of the swimming pool, or cycle around the village.

Crafted around the Tamizh way of life, the sacred simplicity of Mantra Koodam unburdens the mind and uplifts the spirit.

Our Rating: Luxury

Property Type: Heritage

Destination

Kumbakonam is located right at the heart of the celebrated temple trail of South India. With over 5000 temples spread across its landscape, it is rightly called the ‘temple town’. The Darasuram temple with an 85-feet vimana, and the Gangaikonda Cholapuramn temple built by King Rajendra Chola I are a must visit.

An hour away from Kumbakonam is the town of Thanjavur, the epicenter of the Chola dynasty and a hub of South India’s indigenous arts, crafts and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples are located here, and are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Don’t miss the majestic Brihadeshwara Temple, or ‘Big Temple’, made from 130,000 tons of granite.

Accommodation

There are three types of cottages– the Mantra Cottage, the lavish ‘Illam’ and the luxurious family home ‘Pannaiyar Illam’, inspired by traditional estate owners’ bungalows.

The living spaces at Mantra Koodam offer an experience of the rare simplicity of village life alongside the historic opulence of South India’s regal past. Adorned with Athangudi tiles, ornate teak doors and expansive courtyards at each entrance, these dwellings echo the spirit of the Tamizh culture.

Dining

Mantra Koodam brings the distinctive taste of Tamil Nadu’s fiery cuisine, where every dish carries years of tradition handed down over generations. The unique character of these recipes is the ingenious blend of spices such as star anise, with other Indian ingredients that delight your senses. All meals here are carefully prepared keeping in mind the delicate balance of the four primary flavours: sweet, spicy, bitter and sour. Each ingredient is sourced locally from the Kumbakonam vegetable market, or handpicked fresh from the organic garden at the resort. Participate in an interactive cooking session with our chef to learn age-old secrets of a delightful cuisine.

For food lovers, the chef ’s special ‘Maharaja Thali’ is a must try – a congregation of 17 flavoursome dishes in one magnificent platter – each element offering a gastronomical surprise. To wind down after a long day, retreat to your cottage for a quiet evening with a book. You can also lounge on the rocking chair in the veranda, taking in the green surroundings and sipping on Kumbakonam’s signature filter coffee – locally known as ‘Degree Coffee’. Or step in our Tea Kadai to share stories with fellow travellers over piping hot chai and snacks.

Experiences

Catch glimpses of village life with a bullock cart ride across Veppathur village. As you traverse through the narrow lanes, you will be waved at, and even joined by exuberant kids.

Get a first-hand experience of the charm of rural life amidst acres of paddy fields and warm-hearted locals. You can also drop in at the potter’s house and try your hand on the pottery wheel under his expert guidance.

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The sanctuary within

Mantra Koodam