Thiruneermalai Hill Temple , Chennai

There is this beautiful temple on the top of a hill around 20 kms from Chennai city and another one at the foothills. 

The temple am referring to here is the Thiruneermalai Ranganatha Temple which is among the 108 Divya Deshams and hence, quite an important one. 

Taking 200-250 steps may sound tiring but this one wasn't a difficult task at all. The steps up has enough landing space for the older folks who would like to rest ones in a while. Wish the surroundings were much better maintained. Its painful to see a lot of plastic strewn on either sides as we go up which otherwise would be a much better sight :(

The entrance to the main temple

This isn't a very big temple however attracts a lot of pilgrims. We got their around 5PM and by the time we reached up it was 5:30 (you have ample paid parking space at the foothills). We could finish the darshan in less than 15 min.

The temple has ample space for pradishnam. Inspite of the high temperature, this place is quite windy and that makes the visit quite pleasant. You can easily spend enough time enjoying the breeze.

The main city is behind the temple but what you see is Tambaram on one side and Maduravoyal on the other.


{ Pictures are taken by Veena }

Manjal - From M.Rm.Rm Foundation, Chennai

Today I am taking you to a beautiful store " Manjal" (a Chettinad craft and tradition unit in Chennai) by M.Rm.Rm Foundation, A non profit organization run by Ms. Visalakshi Ramaswamy.

The M.Rm.Rm Cultural Foundation’s motto is ‘Research, Document, Revive’, with craft preservation and revival rooted in artisan and community development. It works primarily with local village women to revive craft, while at the same time providing them with a reliable source of income, exposure and a tremendous amount of confidence.

Many in Chennai do not know where to get Chettinad Kottan products. I see that people enquire various websites, to know the available sources to get Kottan. You walk in to this store and your search should end . This is the place where you can grab such things.  Vibrant colour boxes are placed in every corner.

Colorful collection of all type of boxes in all shapes, baskets, coin/money purses, bottle holders in different shades etc add to the beautiful collection.

Vibrant collection and patterns of Chettinad Kottan  is a visual treat to the eyes. 

The traditional Palmyra basketry of Chettinad, kottans were once woven by the women of the Chettiar community but over the time, they slowly stopped being made. The Foundation has revived the craft in its original patterns by teaching it to a group of village women from Keelayapatti Village in Chettinad. The aim of the M.Rm.Rm Foundation  is to provide a dependable and sustainable source of income through this craft

These baskets are gaining great popularity both as packaging for gifts as well as a range of contemporary home accessories. The Natural dye has resulted in a whole new range of subtle earthy shades that are as exquisite as they are eco-friendly.

I have already added a few boxes to my home, a tissue box for my car. The Kottan today has found its place in the contemporary home.


Thanks to the people at Manjal for allowing me to feature of their lovely store in my blog.


They are located :

Manjal / M.Rm.Rm Foundation
No. 70, MRC Nagar Main Road, 
MRC Nagar, RA Puram, Chennai


FB link here



{ For images Contact Manjal}

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 }