Tucked beneath the shadow of the brooding Western Ghats, where clouds cling to the hills like ancient secrets and the lake shimmers like a secret held by the earth…this is where you’ll find a portal to another era. Dvara Siruvani, a luxury retreat just a short drive from the hustle bustle of Coimbatore, didn’t merely welcome me, it transported me to a forgotten Tamil dreamscape, where every carved doorway whispered stories of the ancient rich heritage, where time itself seemed to slow down in reverence.
Dvara meaning ‘door’ in Sanskrit is aptly named. As the handcrafted wooden gates swing open, what greets you isn’t just tranquillity, but timelessness. Petrichor (the scent of wet earth due to rain) mingles with the faint aroma of jasmine, while antique Tanjore paintings and salvaged columns whisper stories of dynasties, dancers, and devout artisans. Every artefact here, be it a carved Chettinad pillar or a brass lamp from Karaikudi is carefully handpicked and curated not just for the sake of beauty, but for a story that carries everlasting memories.
The cottages, with their terracotta-tiled roofs and latticed windows, echo a design language rooted in tradition yet swaddled in modern comfort. As I stepped inside, I was welcomed by earthy hues, handwoven textiles, and quiet quaint corners that made me feel like I had entered a long-lost ancestral home.
But it’s beyond the stone thresholds that the Ghats begin to work their silent magic. After a restful slumber, I woke up early the next morning for a nature walk to the edge of the resort grounds and a little beyond with the resort’s naturalist who also helped me spot some very rare resident and migratory birds. The Siruvani river gurgled nearby with the Siruvani dam in complete harmony, birds flitted between the frangipani trees, and the mountains behind brood like ancient guardians. Time slowed down and for the first time it felt like everything in the world was all falling in place.
My stay at Dvara Siruvani was like unscrolling the tangled tapestry of Tamil Nadu’s past while cradled in the luxury of the present, where heritage breathes, not behind glass, but to the chirping of birds, basking in the brilliance of sunshine, beside your morning cup of freshly brewed filter coffee. Travel took a new dimension here as I soaked in these precious moments in this natural paradise, making a montage of memories.
Wondering what I did alone in my palatial suite here? Well, I could never get tired of simply soaking in those gorgeous panoramic views of the lake, surrounded by lush green forests and the Western Ghats behind. I also took a dip in my private infinity plunge pool watching the beautiful crimson dragonflies’ flit from one frangipani tree to another. What can be better than kicking off your shoes for a change and relaxing on the recreated ‘thinnai’ with a book and the pleasant breeze for company as the evening blushes into the horizon.
The spacious rooms are tastefully set up with an exquisite blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. Ten mindfully curated secluded cottages dot the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats. Adorned with antique artefacts and thoughtfully resorted heirloom furniture, each cottage named after an indigenous flower is vibrantly alive with a unique personality and charm. Every cottage is designed for relaxation and reconnection with private conversation spaces, reading corners, and more.
Aaharam, is their celebrated restaurant that serves one of the best, specially curated South Indian and Continental dishes. It features a vast menu and is a culinary haven, designed to delight your senses. The star of the show is their thoughtfully put together ‘Thali’ which features the best of Chettinad cuisine. Chef Arul, a true maestro with an instinctive flair for flavour, curated a menu that wasn’t just exquisite, but also intuitively personalised to my palate, transforming every course into a personal celebration of sorts. Knowing I was a fish lover, Chef Arul didn’t just whip up some of the most delicious fish curries, he orchestrated a fin-tastic feast, tailoring every dish to my fish cravings with flair and finesse. Every nook and cranny at this restaurant is filled with some of the most rare and unique vintage pots and pans that have been handpicked to create the most delightful dining experience, overlooking the greens.
Relaxation rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. What better way to sit back and relax than an indulgent session at the spa? The spa was just what I was looking for on my weekend escapade giving me my dose of serenity and relaxation. A combination of aromatic oils and traditional techniques helped me unwind and invigorated me from the inside out and I was all set to come back to my office and get back into a hectic work mode.
Where: Located just 30 km from Coimbatore and at a 15-minute drive from Adi Yogi & Isha Yoga Center, DVARA Siruvani is one of the most breathtaking luxury getaways from Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore and Ooty.