Question 1

Accepted Answer

Question 2

Accepted Answer

Question 3

Accepted Answer

Question 4

Accepted Answer

Question 5

Accepted Answer

Question 6

Accepted Answer

Question 7

Accepted Answer

Question 8

Accepted Answer

Question 9

Accepted Answer

Question 10

Accepted Answer

Question 11

Accepted Answer

Question 12

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Driver accommodation is available. There are 2 single beds in the outhouse/driver room where up to 2 people can be accommodated. Charges for the same are Rs 500 per person, per night. This includes meals. If you wish to exclude meals, the cost per person, per night would be Rs 250.

Accommodation for domestic help is available. There are 2 single beds in an additional room where up to 2 people can be accommodated. Charges for the same are Rs 500 per person, per night. This does not include meals. Additional charges for meals to be paid to the caretaker onsite, in cash.

Question 13

Is there separate accommodation for domestic help?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation for domestic help is available. There are 2 single beds in an additional room where up to 2 people can be accommodated. Charges for the same are Rs 500 per person, per night.  This does not include meals. Additional charges for meals to be paid to the caretaker onsite, in cash.

Question 14

Is parking available onsite or nearby? Is it chargeable or free?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite for up to 4 cars.

Question 15

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

No, this property is not suitable for day picnics.

Question 16

Can I reserve your place for special functions such as engagement ceremony, a small wedding ceremony or a birthday party, etc?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do allow events/shoots at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day). Please note that a maximum of 12 people can be accommodated at the property for an overnight stay. 

A deposit of Rs. 125,000 will be mandatory. Depending on the event and its requirements, special charges may be apply. Please note that loud music will only be permitted during certain hours. Any other permissions required for photo shoot/functions will need to be taken by the guests themselves. 

If you wish to book our home for functions/shoots, please send a message to the host on our website or send us an email at book@saffronstays.com

Question 17

Can I reserve your Home for a few weeks for a Film or a Photo or an Advertisement shoot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do allow events/shoots at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day). Please note that a maximum of 12 people can be accommodated at the property for an overnight stay. 

A deposit is mandatory. Depending on the event and its requirements, additional charges may be apply. Please note that loud music will only be permitted during certain hours. Any other permissions required for photo shoot/functions will need to be taken by the guests themselves. 

If you wish to book our home for functions/shoots, please send a message to the host on our website or send us an email at book@saffronstays.com

Question 18

Are meals provided onsite?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast is inclusive in the tariff. Guests can opt for meals at the home. Meal charges should be paid in cash to the caretaker at the site. The meal charges for per person, per meal, are as follows:
Lunch/ Dinner: Veg: 200 | Non-Veg: 250
Children < 11 years:
Lunch/Dinner: Veg: 100 | Non-Veg: 125

Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals which are payable in cash to the caretaker onsite.  Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and evening tea time. If you would like tea/coffee at any other time of the day, it can be arranged at an additional charge.

Question 19

What is the type of cuisine served? Is barbeque available?

Accepted Answer

We offer simple home-cooked meals. There is a standard menu available. You can inform the caretaker in advance about your meal preferences (veg/chicken/mutton), specific dietary requirements, etc. Please note that mutton is subject to availability and will be charged at actuals. Barbeque is not available.

Question 20

Is outside food allowed? Are we allowed to cook ourselves?

Accepted Answer

Guests are not allowed to access the kitchen. However, mothers of infants or small children will have limited access to boil milk or prepare their kids meals. 

Should you choose to order in, the caretaker will be able to help you with menus of nearby restaurants. Please note that some service charges may apply.

Question 21

Can I pay the caretaker some extra money and request the Cook to prepare fish or mutton dishes for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals which are payable in cash to the caretaker onsite. 
 Please note that this will be subject to availability of ingredients.

Question 22

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. Please inform  the caretaker in advance in case you would like extra ice kept ready. 

Snacks and other beverages can be arranged if advance notice is given to the caretaker. This amount will need to be paid to the onsite caretaker in cash, at the end of your stay.

Question 23

If it is a self-catering villa, would you be able to arrange for a cook? What kind of cooking facilities are available?

Accepted Answer

This is not a self-catered cottage.

Question 24

What are the meal charges for children?

Accepted Answer

Children  up to the age of 3 shall not be charged for meals.
Children in the age group 6-11 shall be charged Rs 500 per day.

Question 25

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

No, loud music is not permitted. Guests are requested to consider the comfort of the other guests on the premises. Should you wish to play mild music, you are requested to carry along your own portable speakers.

Question 26

What are the Check-in & Check-out timings? May I request for late check-outs or an early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Check-in time at 1 pm and check-out time is 10 am. Please note that check-out timings are strict as we need to ready the rooms for our next booking. Guests are requested to respect the timing of other guests as well. In case you wish to check in a little early or check out a little late, do inform us at the time of booking. Additional charges will be applied.

Question 27

Weâ€™re planning to drive down. Are the roads good? Any specific things we need to know?

Accepted Answer

Kodaikanal is easily accessible by road from Chennai (439 kilometres) and Bangalore (305 kilometres). Our villa is approximately 3.5 hours away from Madurai. Should you decide to drive, do ensure that your fuel tank is full because there are limited gas stations along the way.

Question 28

How do we reach your villa by public transport?

Accepted Answer

The closest airports to Kodaikanal are Madurai (120km), Trichy (150km) and Coimbatore (175km) away. From the airport, you can easily get a bus to Kodaikanal. 

Many tourists take the rail route and get down at Kodai Road, which is about 100 kilometres away from the main town. From here, you can get a taxi. Tourists can also get down at Dindigul railway station from where buses are easily available.

If requested in advance, a pick-up/drop off from the closest airport/railway station can be arranged at an additional cost, if informed at least day in advance.

Approximate Rates of hiring a vehicle from Madurai Airport - 
Indigo Rs. 2800
Innova Rs. 3800

Question 29

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a well-trained estate manager and his caretaking staff onsite.

Question 30

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not allow stag groups to book this home.

Question 31

How and when do I pay for the Security Deposit and how and when is it returned to me?

Accepted Answer

Security deposit has to be paid two days prior to check-in via PayTM. If no damages are observed, the deposit will be returned during check-out itself or by NEFT within 5 business days after check-out.

Question 32

Can I redeem any offers while booking this home?

Accepted Answer

No. Members cannot redeem their nights, utilise their privileges, or avail any offers while booking this home.

Question 33

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

If needed, extra floor mattresses can be arranged onsite. Our home has adequate bed sheets, blankets and pillows for extra bedding.

Question 34

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Each bedroom has two single beds that are placed side-by-side to form a double bed.

Question 35

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet paper and towels for up to 10 people.

Question 36

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not air conditioned but it remains cool throughout the day.

Question 37

Is there Internet/ 3G/ WiFi connection available onsite?

Accepted Answer

Yes, WiFi  is available. There is adequate network connectivity, if not 3G then 2G.

Question 38

Does the villa face frequent power outages? Are there any invertors or gensets to address this issue?

Accepted Answer

The home is in a rural area. In case of  disruption of power due to fluctuation, we have a backup inverter installed.  However, this backup power does not support ACs or Geysers, and will also burn out beyond 4 hours.  Our homes are environment friendly, and we push our guests to be too. Please use electricity optimally at all times.
The pleasant monsoon and oncoming winter season do not require any extreme cooling appliances.

Question 39

Do you have a problem with mosquitoes? How do you deal with it to make our stay more comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Mosquitoes may be a nuisance during the monsoons. Guests are advised to keep the windows shut from 5.30 / 7.30 pm to avoid mosquitoes. If needed, the caretaker can provide Odomos on site.

Question 40

Is heater available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, heater is available.  Quilts are available too.

Question 41

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home is located within a secure, private estate.

Question 42

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no CCTV cameras installed.

Question 43

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

The closest airports to Kodaikanal are Madurai (120km), Trichy (150km) and Coimbatore (175km). The home is approximately a 3-hour drive from Madurai airport.  In case you are using public transport, you can easily board a bus to Kodaikanal. The home is just 2 km away from the main Kodaikanal bus stop.

Tourists can also alight at Kodai Road railway station, which is about 100 kilometres away from the main town. From here, you can get a taxi. Tourists can also get down at Dindigul railway station from where buses are easily available.

Question 44

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Home is child friendly.  

There is plenty of open space for kids to run around.  The home has been stocked with books and board games such as Life, Monopoly, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis, Badminton and Darts. There is also a basic first-aid kit, stocked with Dettol, band-aids, etc., for minor injuries. Please note that cricket and football are not allowed on the grounds.

Question 45

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen friendly. 

The home has 6 bedrooms on the ground floor which are easily accessible by seniors. All bedrooms have private bathrooms with an anti-skid surface, easy to access at night without any supervision. There are 2-3 steps leading into the villa. Senior citizens may require some assistance. 

Upon special  request, our caretakers can prepare Low Salt/ Low Spice/ Low Fat/ Low Sugar for senior citizens. These requests should be informed at the time of booking. 

In case of a medical emergency, the caretaker has the numbers for doctor-on-call or ambulance service-on-call. The home is ambulance accessible.

Question 46

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 47

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a pet-friendly villa.  Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 48

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Our villa is within close proximity to Kurinji Temple and Chettiar Park. 

Some tourist spots to check out around the area are Kodaikanal Lake (1.2km), Berijam Lake, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Palni Hills and the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. You can also enjoy boating or horse riding around the Kodaikanal lake.

For those who prefer to stay in, there is a lovely space on the property where bonfires can be arranged at an additional cost of Rs. 500 per event (prior intimation to the caretaker is a must). We also have a lovely clubhouse onsite where guests can play volleyball, table-tennis and carrom. If you're not the athletic kind, there are some classic board games stocked in the cottage that will keep the entire family entertained.

Question 49

Is there a pool and what's the depth/ length of the pool?

Accepted Answer

There are no pool facilities at this estate.

Question 50

Is there a beach close by and is it clean and safe?

Accepted Answer

There are no beaches nearby.

Question 51

Are there water bodies nearby (such as a pond/ river/ lake etc)?

Accepted Answer

There is a beautiful pond on the estate itself.  Charming sit-outs have been created around the pond, ideal for meditation/relaxation. If requested in advance, the caretaker can also serve meals here for smaller groups.

This home is no longer on our network