Kolam

Every morning, the lady of the house draws a traditional pattern on her doorstep using chalk or rice flour.

The ladies of the hotel went to town on this one...

We spent the day exploring some of the beautiful mansions of the Chettinad region and wandering around outside the crumbling facades of some which were local to the hotel. Despite being built by bankers in the late 19th/early 20th century few can afford their upkeep now.

They are 'riad' style houses, with central courtyards and big airy rooms. Unlike many Morrocan riads, however, the outward facade proclaims the opulence within...

Merry Christmas, everyone.