The Dunnottar Bungalow

Name: The Dunnottar Bungalow
Address: Lake Road, Kodaikanal, 624101, IN
Telephone: +919840099939

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The Dunnottar Bungalow

A boutique 5 bedroom bungalow located by the Kodaikanal Lake.

07/02/2022

Dunnottar Musings …..

Tethered to a pole I stand bound
Waiting to take a child for a round
The road near the lake I daily trot
With my current owner a decent sort
A memorable holiday and a joy ride
Immense pleasure and happiness I provide
I find my peace at the end of the day
As I trot back home to rest and lay
Moons ago I came from a far away place
A race horse I was, setting a fast pace
From start to finish I was a sure winner
Accolades and cups part of my tenure
As I age I’ve outrun my time
I slow down a bit but I’m jolly well fine
Kodai is home and I love what I do
Not by choice but destiny drives me
to
Find my lot at the fringe of the lake
Indulge me for old times sake
I’m alive and happy yet bound to a pole
Your joy and happiness a balm for my soul
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04/02/2022

We have you covered!

At Dunnottar indulge yourself with our complimentary body lotion that promises to keep your skin nourished, soft and supple. It works wonders on dry skin and it’s sheer mild aroma lingers on in the bedroom after application.
Check in and be pampered. —-
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04/02/2022

A blanket of Eucalyptus cover !

Walking up our driveway, the shade cover provided by the eucalyptus trees, and their lofty presence in our premises is a breathtaking sight. Planted in the 40’s, they stand tall and impressive.

The essential oil of eucalyptus is obtained from the leaves and the branches of the eucalyptus tree.

When you stay with us at Dunnottar, add a handful of leaves or a few drops of the oil sourced locally from the market to your hot water bath and you’ll feel tremendously refreshed. Apart from its numerous medicinal properties, the oil is an excellent decongestant, and has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects.

There are a lot of fakes in the market and do take our help in choosing one that is not adulterated. Nothing like an old fashioned bucket bath that not only conserves water but allows you to sit down, relax and enjoy the act of cleansing.
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04/02/2022

The Idli factor ….
At Dunnottar, the hero of the Saurashtrian cuisine is undoubtedly the soft, silky idli served with sambar and a selection of chutneys. The Saurashtrian thakali chutney that is unique in its flavour and served for breakfast or dinner gets a shout out. You have to taste it to believe that the combination of two factors, the Kodaikanal temperature being perfect for fermentation and the water used to soak and mix the batter makes a huge difference to this popular comfort food.
Plate idli which is a bigger and flatter version of the same is a specialty of Saurashtrian street food. Served with a besan flour based thin sambar, it’s very often sold by homepreneurs in Madurai near the Thirumalai Nayak Temple in particular. -
Savour the best and participate in our food journey
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04/02/2022

Saurashtrian cuisine celebrated at Dunnottar -
The Puliyadi family, the owners of Dunnottar belong to the erstwhile Saurashtrian community that migrated from Gujarat in the 17 th century. The idli, ambat baath, limbu pongal, and pilchaar mentioned in the article that appeared in The Hindu is part of our daily menu options. Stay with us to savour our take on lemon and tamarind rice and the ever liked rasam. To customise your food to suit your palate, our chef will be more than pleased to serve a variation without compromising on taste. —
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04/02/2022

Which path would you choose ?
The rough or the smooth ? The hard or the easy ? The many paths in life are either choice less or filled with options . It’s never an easy decision. One must choose what is necessary if there’s an option or navigate around whats thrust on us and go with the flow.
Explore our garden, you’ll find many a spot to meditate on the wisdom. !
At Dunnottar the peace and quiet will still your mind…..—
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04/02/2022

Add a couple of slices to your life !
A well made pizza is presumably one of the most sought after comfort food for all age groups. At Dunnottar we make thin crust pizzas with various toppings from scratch ! For those staying with us later this month, if you are a pizza lover, a surprise awaits you when you check in ! ———-

03/02/2022

The Prunus Cerasoides or the Wild Himalayan Cherry Blossom known in local lingo as Rubber Maram adds more than a dash of colour inside and outside our premises. Stay with us and seek the pleasure of this tree in bloom in autumn and winter months. Towering over our villa and probably planted by Lord Chamberlain or the American Missionaries who owned Dunnottar in the early 1900’s, it’s been mentioned that amongst other uses, it’s seeds can be used in the manufacture of necklaces.It’s a jewel of a tree indeed !
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03/02/2022

The classic Saurashtrian Ambat !
We the Puliyadi’s belonging to the Saurashtra community from Madurai migrated from Kutch in the 17th century to Tamil Nadu in stages. Being naturalised Tamilians, our cuisine is mostly South Indian but the Ambat and Aounty stand out as the most sought after comfort food.
The Ambat is a traditional Saurashtrian staple made with seasonal vegetables and tempered with the Ambat powder that is based on an age-old family recipe. Delicious and satisfying, served with rice or roti, stay with us to taste a variety of Ambats presented at Dunnottar.
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03/02/2022

Checkmate!
In Dunnottar South, indulge in a game of chess with your friends or family. It is said that an experienced chess player has a highly developed thinking ability, enhanced memory skills and fluid intelligence ! That is reason enough to make a start or to hone your skills on holiday and play a game of chess and go with the flow …… -
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03/02/2022

Onion bhaji and chilli cheese toast ! Need we say more ? Nothing like this favourite combo to greet you as you check in at tea time or anytime for that matter….
Pre order before you arrive and start your holiday on a high !

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03/02/2022

Offering protection to Dunnottar for the past 100 years or more is a deity installed as a symbol in our premises. Often found in most of the older homes in Kodaikanal, it’s provenance in our estate is unknown. When the family visits, on a given Friday, prayers are offered to seek the blessings of the Lord. Located near the natural spring that feeds Dunnottar, a short walk from the South Villa leads you directly to the shrine. So much and more to explore at Dunnottar !
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03/02/2022

Baking a cake takes practice and perseverance for a beginner. Adjusting the temperature of the oven and timing according to the altitude is a game changer. A rich moist chocolate cake with coffee butter cream icing served for tea on request at our villa is a comfort indulgence no doubt !
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03/02/2022

Focus between the branches to catch a glimpse of the Kodaikanal TV Tower which is also visible from the Plains on a clear day. Inspired by its imposing structure, Harsha Biswajit has taken a photograph of it from an unusual angle. The photograph often mistaken for the Eiffel Tower, is displayed in the Master Bedroom in Dunnottar North. Every picture hung at Dunnottar narrates a story. Stay with us to check it out in person !
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03/02/2022

A lone fisherman goes about his daily chores at 7 am ….
Shot from across the lake, the rooftop of Dunnottar is barely visible since our villa is tucked away behind the verdant green.
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03/02/2022

While tourists enjoy a boat ride at their leisure now that boating has resumed in the lake post covid lock down, what catches your eye is a worn and w**d covered boat that lies abandoned in a corner of the lake. You wonder how long it’s been out there and why was it left to age.?
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30/01/2022

Enjoying a misty morning by the lake, right outside the gates of Dunnottar !

21/09/2021

Never a dull moment here at Dunnottar. Up cycling some old chairs and giving it a fresh distressed look. Tiger keeps me company as he takes a nap in the shade !
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21/09/2021

The approach to the villas along the tree lined path has a garden stair set in rough granite that leads your eye to the focal point of our villa- the main entrance to the old bungalow which is now the entrance to the suite in Dunnottar North.
Built in early 1900’s, we have consciously not tampered with its appearance and it remains untouched. While our villas are a refreshing blend of the old and new, the stair is reminiscent of the bygone era and has graciously aged with the weather of time.
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😍

21/09/2021

thedunnottar
I’m off to work. !
Riding a horse can be a fun experience. It is no doubt a popular tourist attraction around the Kodaikanal lake.
Mounting a horse can be intimidating but if you stay calm it should be easy. We recommend you bring your mind to the present. Savour the powerful movements of the horse trotting to a comforting rhythm and enjoy the ride !
The horse station is a stone’s throw from Dunnottar. Weekends are busy so choose a day when there’s no crowd and enjoy the experience.
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21/09/2021

‘ I truly believe that sculpture being a tactile medium exists with you in time and space and stands testimony to your art long after you are gone’.——-
Shalini Biswajit
Artist and Director, Forum Art Gallery Chennai

Greeting you as you descend the stairs from Dunnottar North and as you enter the patio of Dunnottar South is ‘The Couple’, a sculpture installation in granite and wood by Shalini Biswajit. With the lotus embalmed on their surface and standing as a pair, the couple reflect on life and bear witness to the passage of time. Installed in 2020 at the time of renovation, the artist hopes that the sculpture will forge a relationship with the guests and draw the viewer in to re-examine the value of values as symbolised by the lotus.-
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21/09/2021

Mini cup cakes are just the pick- me- up snacks that are all time favourites at tea time or after dinner or on the hunt for a sweet !
Thanking for the awesome minis that she made for a special occasion at Dunnottar.
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21/09/2021

There is something quite enticing about cycling around the lake. You get to see the diversity of this water body no doubt but staying at Dunnottar however is a game changer.
Grab our in-house cycles and set out first thing in the morning for a quiet, peaceful ride. Stop mid way at A 1 tea stall near the boat club for a cup of masala chai and continue your ride. After you cross the bridge your next stop could be the kodai cheese shop which usually opens at 9 am, where Rambo the manager will take you through the wide variety of local cheese that is available for sale. Remind yourself to come back later if you are out early. As you ride on, you will pass ‘Sai Shruti’, Sathya Sai Baba’s mandir also housing Shirdi Baba’s shrine. You could stop by for a quick darshan or return later in the day. The mandir shuts at 7 pm. The lake loop is approximately 4.5 k. You can choose to do as much as your time permits.
Head back home to Dunnottar in time to feast on our breakfast spread - a perfect end to the morning’s outing.
We recommend that the best way to get to town is by foot or by cycle. Discover kodai at your own pace as you ride out for pleasure and exercise.

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21/09/2021

Great conversations over the dining table are most often articulated rather than by accident. Do you agree ?
Keep a few pointers in mind and try this exercise the next time you have friends over. You’ll be surprised how you can steer your conversations and engage with your guests over a meal.
Request your guests to speak one at a time so all get a chance to be heard. Keep it informal but ask questions that are thought provoking. For instance , ‘What is your ideal holiday destination’ and follow it with a ‘ why ? ‘ or ‘when was the last time you experienced a life changing moment ?’
You’ll find you’ve taken a step further to get to know your friends replacing incidental chit chats with meaningful moments. !
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21/09/2021

We totally agree with Jane Austen when she wrote,
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” -
There are few things better than resting under a tree or lounging in a hammock in the shade on a hot day.
Our pear tree gives us reprieve from the heat and provides shade as our guests enjoy our complimentary breakfast laid out in the lawn or pose for the camera as they bid adieu to Dunnottar but promise to be back soon. ——-
☀️

21/09/2021

Our lovely old pear tree growing on the lawns, and its sweet-smelling blossoms drifting past our open windows fills us with a mixture of joy and longing to pluck them off the branches and biting into its savoury flesh.
At Dunnottar we serve our garden pears fresh or stewed, or in a salad with ginger, greens and cheese.
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15/08/2021

Bonding with friends, celebrating a birthday,living life !
A reunion with childhood friends, making the most of the precious moments, and creating unforgettable memories is what holidays are about ! ——

14/08/2021

“No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.” – Christopher Morley —
Tiger of Dunnottar striking a rapport with our guests ! —-
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12/08/2021

This day 74 years ago on AUGUST 12, 1947 ……
The story of our bungalow started precisely today 74 years ago on August 12, 1947 when our home The Dunnottar came into our family when a Scotsman by the name of Lord Chamberlain sold the bungalow to our grandfather, Puliyadi Kuppuswami Iyer, a businessman and philanthropist from Madurai.
We remember him today and thank him for his foresightedness and for acquiring this lovely home to pass on to his descendants to enjoy !
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11/08/2021

Boiler room bedroom - Dunnottar South
Originally used as a boiler room in the 40’s, one can almost feel the warm of the fire from the pictures of the boilers hung on the wall and can hear the hum of the birds used as motifs on the curtains and bed throw that somehow aide this measured space to rock you to sleep.
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11/08/2021

Boiler room bedroom - Dunnottar South.
One can almost feel the warm of the fire from the photographs of the boilers hung on the wall and can hear the hum of the birds used as motifs on the curtains that somehow aide this measured space to rock you to sleep. -
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09/08/2021

Serving a classic ‘tiffin’ between 4 pm and 5 pm is our way of pampering the guests. Stay with us to enjoy the variety we offer from our ever changing menu. !
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05/08/2021

Chickpea, coconut and raw mango a classic street food combo ! Our take on Thenga maanga sundal served on request.
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04/08/2021

Step out of our gate and the lake beckons you. The 4.5 k road around the lake keeps the visitors engaged. Be it for a brisk walk or a stroll, a cycle spell or a short pony ride, the lake is where everyone gathers to have a good time. Ours is a coveted address after all !
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03/08/2021

Beetroot, orange, mint and caramelized walnuts topped with a classic dressing and garnished with kodai Feta cheese served at Dunnottar beets the heat ! Definitely a must try !
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01/08/2021

Flowers in bloom on a gentle windy day ! Perfect weather to hang out in the garden !
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31/07/2021

Waiting for our guests to arrive … Tiger of Dunnottar on watch !
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31/07/2021

Waiting for our guests to arrive … Tiger of Dunnottar on watch !
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30/07/2021

Family picnic in the lawns of Dunnottar in the 60’s . Same spot 60 years later. Dunnottar memories then and now …..
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Address

Lake Road
Kodaikanal
624101

Telephone

+919840099939

Website

https://www.thedunnottarkodai.in/

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Videos

On an Autumn windy day Hiding behind the clouds The sun takes a nap As ripples in the water Run a lazy marathon —- Watch the race from our Sun Room as you laze around sipping your freshly brewed coffee….. —————- #homeonthelake #thedunnottarbungalow #thedunnottar #luxuryvillas #lakesideliving #ripplesonthewater #waterfronthomes #kodaikanal

the bar table

Artist and designer Shalini Biswajit who is largely responsible for the interiors of Dunnottar creates this bar console for the outdoors using old beams and eucalyptus wood found on-site. Shalini finds inspiration from ‘found’ objects for her vast body of sculpture in wood and metal installed in various site specific sites in Tamil Nadu. Her sculptures in steel are in the permanent collection of the ICF Museum in Chennai and are created from Railway scrap. Shalini is the Director of Forum Art Gallery Chennai that she co-founded with her cartoonist husband Biswajit Balasubramanian. To see her body of works visit https://buff.ly/363UOno—— #functionalart #functionalsculpture #outdoorsbar #consoletable #reclaimedwoodfurniture #sculptureinwood #shalinibiswajit #forumartgallery #artinvillas #kodaikanaldiaries