HERITAGE IS HOME
SVATMA, THANJAVUR
Nestled in a heritage bungalow in the temple town of Thanjavur, Svatma is more than a quaint boutique hotel. It offers travellers an insight into the cultural world of the once glorious capital of the Chola empire. Hence, it isn’t a room or a suite that you book, but an entire experience. The property is divided into the Heritage Wing, the original restored bungalow and the Millennium Wing, a newly constructed building. The heritage bungalow has been restored keeping in mind the Chola architecture from the region and is a treasure trove of family heirlooms and artefacts, from original Tanjore paintings to pictures.
The rooms are simple yet comfortable with antique furniture and local accents with silk furnishings and traditional palm mats. The heritage suites are luxurious and come with a terrace that overlooks the garden or swimming pool, which is built like a temple tank. The day begins with Vedanta chanting and ends with the reverberating sounds of a Veena recital in the central courtyard. Bharatnatyam concerts are organised on request. At the rooftop bar Nila, you could be privy to a breathtaking view of the massive Brihadeeswara temple or you could indulge in a traditional ghee massage or coconut scrub at Soukyam, the spa. Palaharam, the continental café overlooks the garden and is the perfect setting for a laid-back holiday lunch.
For a perfect mix of traditional and local flavours, head to Aaharam, the organic fine food restaurant that serves unlimited mini plated meals like the Thanjavur Thali and the Maratha Thali. The menu changes every day to allow the sampling of new preparations. For breakfast, you could opt for a culinary class and make your own piping hot dosa in the open kitchen.