Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Aug 01, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Aug 01, 2002 |
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Variety
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Health Casino plans Kollengode palace makeover C.J. Punnathara
A view of the Kollengode palace which is to be converted into an ayurveda resort by the Casino group.
KOCHI, July 31 THE Kochi-based Casino group has taken over the Kollengode palace in Palakkad district, which is associated with centuries of history and unique Kerala style architecture. ``We plan to convert this unique heritage property into an exclusive ayurveda resort for the upper crust tourists, stripped off all contemporary luxuries like air-conditioning, television, etc.,'' Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director of the group, told Business Line. The group had the choice of either converting the palace into an exclusive heritage property with an add-on ayurveda facility, or to go for an exclusive ayurveda resort in the precinct of the palace. ``By converting this into an ayurveda resort, we will have the best of both worlds, the enduring charm and uniqueness of an old-world palace and the sobriety and seriousness of ayurveda.'' The group has taken the palace on a 45-year lease from the inheritors who are spread over in Chennai, Bangalore and Atlanta, US. The deal was signed last month. The plan is to revive the palace to its lost days of glory and open it for tourists during the coming season. The restoration work on the palace has already begun. The property will have 18 rooms with 36 beds. The group targets to open the resort by December 18 this year. "It might prove to be daunting task," Mr Jose said, adding that the group was confident of getting the project on stream on this schedule. The ethos of the new property will be totally different, according to him. Visitors are in for a no-frills experience - no liquor, non-vegetarian food, air-conditioning, television or swimming pool. On the other hand, many things will be prominent by their presence. These include a diet kitchen serving organic food, kuli kadav or bathing ghats in the traditional Kerala style, and chanting rooms to listen to high-quality classical music.
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