Made from Kashmir | Cricket Bats

During our travel to Pahalgam(Kashmir) we had spotted many Cricket bat making units in Anantnag, a few kms away from the Saffron fields of Pamphur.

I didn't know that crickets bats comes from Kashmir until i came across these small units. I could see dozens after dozens of shops selling cricket bats on the main roads of Anantnag.

These bats are popular across the world for their quality and durability. Apparently all the bats used in the IPL  are " Made In Kashmir". I was also told that they have specific designs for various players and all that is done in some of these small unassuming and humble looking units.

Some of the districts where these bats are made in Kashmir are Anantnag, Baramula, and Pahalgam.  

The Cutting Machine

The Kashmirs artisans work extremely hard to ensure that the fibers get knitted properly to maintain the shape of the bat.  

A pile of roughly shaped bats with handles attached

Another major aspect of the process of making a perfect bat is oiling. The oil is applied on the back of the bat, toe, front, and edges to ensure its durability. 

Its quite a common sight to see pictures of various famous cricketers along with the store name 

The lady in the picture who takes care of one of the selling units. 

Selling units (like a typical store) is right above the Factory on the main road. Spoke to the shop owner and he said that this is the small scale industry that gives thousands of Kashmiris their livelihood, besides a passionate flair for the game. 

We can be proud that we are the second largest exporter of cricket bats in the world, right behind the UK, where this sport was apparently born. Do visit any of the factory and grab a bat. 

Factory and Store Address 

M M Dar & Sons 

Sangam, Anantnag - 192202, 

National Highway, 

Hallamulla Sangam, Kashmir.

Wall wood Garden, Coonoor

Wall Wood Garden, a Neemrana 'not-hotel' Hotel was the reason for our visit to the beautiful Connoor. As the name says its not a Hotel at all. I would say its a home away home in all sense. A perfect cozy place to relax! I instantly fell in love with this space. Such peaceful, calm & serene place. 

Wall wood Garden was built by a Scottish Major General in the British Army over a 100 years ago. Now Mr. Aman Nath is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Neemrana Hotels chain. 

 Ganesha shrine welcomes guests and visitors to Wall wood Garden. 

Beautiful sit out space for guests with wooden chairs & tables   

Look at the space they have for guests

Corner of the Room

Golden Era- Photo frames hung in the room

Beauty, intricate carvings on the chair

Wooden floor, wooden doors, a cozy fireplace, windows and wooden furniture added to the ethnic beauty of the building.

Liked this  ?

Chairs casually placed in the garden to sit and relax. 

Usually while travelling to such impressive hotels, I am reluctant to get out of the hotel to explore the place as am so fond towards heritage kind of spaces such as this one. We Spent 2 full days in Wall Wood Garden and brought back some fond memories.

Thank you Ms. Geetha and the staff of the Wall Wood Garden for your hospitality and for helping us experience such a wonderful stay.


{ Note : Photographs by Veena Murali @ Everything In Nature }

Stay With Nature , Mango Meadows

After long time am writing about a Nature Touched Theme Park in Kottayam District, located near the place Kaduthuruthy, Kerala. 

I heard about Mango Meadows from Sujith Bakthan's blog. I haven't heard about this place until then. I have been waiting to visit this place with my son when i reach kerala for vacation. 

Place is full of greenery, filled with Ayurvedic plants, trees, statures and other interesting things. Keeping mobiles aside and walking in the place gives such a pleasure. Being world first Agriculture  theme park, we can get to know about ancient ayurvedic plants. Guide will assist and explain each. I could see the writings " Keep Mobile Aside".  it is a pretty quiet place surrounded by beautiful plants, trees, paddy fields and water bodies. 

Place is calm and the  bio parks are ideal for people who love serene nature and agriculture. The resort has a large pool where one can engage in fishing, boating or swimming.  The landscape is mesmerising especially when you watch across the fields from the balcony enjoying the cool breeze and scenery. In the evening, you may enjoy the tea and snacks.


The tree house is built on an artificial tree and is facing the beautiful paddy fields.There are 4300 species of trees and plants and  rare herbs too.  Mr.kurian owner has built this property with 15 years of efforts in planting and growing the trees.

Watch tower
Cable car
Swimming pools
Kids Boating
KottaVanchi ( Round Boat)
Bird sanctuary
Fishing
Go-Kart Pedal Cycling
Kids park
Toddy Parlour, Tea-shop, Snacks Corner and  Restaurant
Aquarium
Animal and poultry Farm
Mosque Sarpakavu Thulasithara


Do visit the place , Its worth to be there !

Lake Forest , Yercaud

This time we happened to make a trip to Yercaud, the reason was to stay in INDeco Lake Forest Resort which is middle of orange groves, coffee, fruits and spice plantations.  

There is a liberal sprinkling of genuine antiques all over the hotel premises

Rooms are designed as old style English homes during British era .Recalls history. Nice weather surrounded by coffee plantations. Nature is protected well and good. we can hear the true sounds of nature. The guest bungalows are set in the “East Lynn Farm Estate” in and around the “Bungalow” built during early 1800s by Henrietta Charlotte Rosario who was residing in the Shevaroy hills.

I had given few photos of INDeco Swamimalai in my blog, Similar way Lake Forest property also gives unique experience.

The decor is very tasteful reflecting the rustic charm of Yercaud.