Ganesha Cottage

This space embodies the god Ganesha. It is a sacred space designed to remove all obstacles, destroy all evils, inspire wisdom, invite success and discover your own sweetness. It was designed using the ancient vedic science of Vastu Shastra. The space This space embodies the god Ganesha. It is a sacred space designed to remove all obstacles, destroy all evils, inspire wisdom, invite success and discover your own sweetness. It was designed using the ancient vedic science of vastu shastra (balancing the natural elements of earth, fire, water, air and space) to create a sense of deep connection, harmony and security. Aiming to align guests with their own prana (life force) and the prana of their environment. This space is deeply nurturing and loving. It is surrounded by the nature (colourful flowers and connection to shiva's mountain- Arunachala). It is a home for self healing, writing, relaxing, meditating, bodywork, yoga, chanting, playing music and to be by the foot of lord Arunachala, the Shiva mountain. Guest access Guests will have access to the cottage and garden space. Other things to note House Manual WELCOME: To Ganesha Cottage. We are so pleased you have decided to book with us and hope you have an enjoyable stay (Om gam ganapataye namaha! - an offering to remove all obstacles) HIGHLIGHTS: Here are a couple of highlights in choosing to stay with us. We have an abundance of wildlife living or visiting our property (you may see exotic birds- such as the kingfisher, woodpecker or crane. Have a resident gecko in your cottage (they make a beautiful sound and it is said that "if you speak the truth" you will hear their call). See squirrels jumping from tree to tree or insects singing you to sleep in the evenings. We have an abundance of trees (one tip to try during your stay with us- collect some neem leaves (the tree of healing) from our property (for reference our Ganesha deity is sitting under a neem tree) and place the leaves in your bathroom water bucket during the day to soak for an Ayurvedic shower in the evening (using the water bucket cup provided). Neem is a very sacred and medicinal plant in India (anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-parasitic) and is also commonly used as a “toothbrush.” People in India (as well as Africa and the Middle East) have been chewing on neem twigs to clean their teeth for centuries. You can also enjoy an array of plants and plenty of grass and open space in our private garden (a real luxury when living in India). Our property was designed using the ancient vedic science of vastu shastra (balancing the natural elements of earth, fire, water, air and space) to create a sense of deep connection, harmony and security. Aiming to align guests with their own prana (life force) and the prana of their environment. C-FORM's: Are a mandatory requirement for all foreign guest's travelling in India. The C-Form mechanism helps the authorities locate and track foreigners in India to enhance security and safety. Please register your C-Form while you are staying with us at Shanti Internet Cafe (the cafe is located just 5 minutes walk from the main road of Ramana ashram) within 24 hours of arrival at our property. This arrangement is to support our guests with C-Form registration (please bring your passport, visa details, arrival date and departure date details from our property and your contact details abroad). You will be provided with two photocopies of your C-Form (please keep one copy on you as evidence and provide the other copy to our manager). Failure to comply with reporting requirements could result in fines and imprisonment. COMMUNICATION: As hosts (we usually aren't staying at the property) so here are a few options for guests to contact us or our team during your stay. Directly communicating with us through airbnb (message feature), calling or texting our manager Nithaya and speaking with our staff directly. Nithaya will attempt to communicate with guests regularly (he does visit the property either in the mornings or evenings) you will miss out on this contact if you are regularly away from the property (i.e in town or at the ashram). DOORS: As we live in the nature it is extremely important that you keep your doors closed at all times to prevent insects or pests from entering your cottage or house. Pocket WI-FI: Limited use 2GB per day (i.e. such as checking emails and making onward travel arrangements). We encourage guests who want continuous access to Wi-Fi to get a personal data plan on their phones or access free Wi-Fi from some of our wonderful cafes in town. WATER HEATER: Turn water heater on, wait 10-15 minutes before use and very importantly please switch water heater off after each use. TOILET: Please no tissue, toilet paper or sanitary items put in the toilet (this will cause blockages). GAS: Turn lever at gas bottle on and then use the lighter provider (exercising caution and keeping your hands out of the way), put the lighter near the gas burner and press while turning the burner knob to allow gas to come up to the appropriate burner. The flames should pop up immediately and you can adjust the knob to control the flames on the stove. Turning the gas flame's off is a similar process (just in reverse) just return the knob to the starting position. This will close off the gas valve to the burner and turn the lever at the gas bottle off. If you find that the gas appliance stops working throughout your stay, it may mean that the gas bottle needs to be switched over. If this happens please notify the property manager. AIR CONDITIONING: Turn switch on and use remote control provided to operate and please turn A/C off after use. WATER: The house is on tank water and we try to be environmentally friendly and water-wise, so please do be conscious of shower times. LIGHTS: For the sake of the environment, please switch lights off when going out and ensure all lights (including outside cottage lights) are switched off prior to check-out. ELECTRICITY: At times you may experience electricity interruption due to a regional power outage. You are welcome to use the torch lights provided. FURNITURE: Please do not take internal furniture outside as it may be damaged. Additionally, please do not sit on internal furniture in wet clothes or swimsuits. CLEANING: Our cleaning staff will clean outside your cottages daily (i.e. creating kolams- drawings on the entrance to your cottage using white rice flour to bring prosperity to your cottages-this is very important in Tamil culture), sweeping the veranda, filling the water tanks (please notify Nithaya or the cleaning ladies if you have no running water and they will refill the tanks), cleaning the gardens. Please make use of the cleaning supplies (broom and dustpan, bin liners, dishwashing liquid). Do not use any scourers on stainless steel surfaces including the gas stove top. Once your rubbish is full please inform our staff for collection. You can request our cleaners to assist you in cleaning your cottage (please request this service and notify our property manager). You will need to remain present so our staff can enter your space (our staff will only be able to assist with sweeping the floors, dusting and changing the bin liners). LAUNDRY: This service is not provided. You will be responsible for personal laundry during your stay (there are a range of laundry services in town or near the Ramana Ashram area). CHILDREN: The property is family friendly and children are most welcome. BREAKAGES: All breakages must be reported to property manager. KEYS: Please do take care of your house key as loss can result in charges to replace all locks (for security purposes). BOOKS: You are most welcome to read any books provided. Please return them to the bookcase prior to leaving.