Serene Countryside

The below series of photographs are of pristine, agricultural land located south of Arunachala. Take the Sathanur Dam roadway for about 7 kms south and then turn right into the countryside -- which lays at the back of the Samudram Erie.

The land is flat except for a hilly mound surrounded by trees in which currently stands the shell of a simple house and a cow shed.

Water is in abundant supply and can be found at an easy level.

The beginning of Reserve Forest lies a couple of fields away from the land, making the whole area open and peaceful.

The land is about 10 kms from Tiruvannamalai which means it will be spared from developers, but is only about 6 kms from the base of Arunachala (as the crow flies).

This land parcel consists of 4.8 acres.

Tharadepet Village

Right Click on photos to view enlarged version

This beautiful agricultural land is located on the outskirts of Tharadapet Village and is about 12 kms (as the crow flies) southwest of Arunachala but about 18 Kms by roadway. The land is reached by leaving Tiruvannamalai on the road to Sathanur Dam and then turning right after about 10 kms into the surrounding countryside.

Arunachala is clearly visible from the land but on the day we visited the Hill was surrounded by mist so wasn’t able to take a photograph of Arunachala from the land.

The land has two agricultural tanks (one appears in the photos). The hand drawn sketch of the land will give an idea of its location and shape. Apparently some of the land has not been farmed for several years so in places is overgrown.

The size of the land for sale is 10.40 acres.

Tiruvannamalai 18 Kms East

If you are interested in getting out of the Tiruvannamalai area, the below photographs are of a place near Kondam Village off the Tiruvannamalai-Vellore Highway. The land which is located around 18 kms from Arunachaleswarar Temple is in a peaceful setting.

The below photograph is of the Vellore Highway with ancient Tamarind Trees on both sides of the road.

Seasonal crops are being raised throughout the year. Rice, Groundnut and sugarcane are the major crops. The red soil is fertile and is maintained in pristine condition. A massive well and pump set, is used to facilitate irrigation. Under ground tubes are used to carry water from the well. A 5 horse power motor is used to pump the water from the well.

The next two photographs are of the trees framing the Vellore Highway and the 2.60 acre land parcel on offer, is located 150 metres distant.

For information about the cost of the land please get in touch with me direct at:
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

8 Kms from Arunachala

Am posting the below photographs of a beautiful agricultural farm comprising 5.8 acres and currently available some 8 kms from the base of Arunachala.

The access road to the land is excellent. Turn left and it takes you direct to the Bangalore Highway, turn right and it zig-zags its way through the countryside to Perumbakkam Road and Ramana Nagar.

At the entrance to the land stands a beautiful ancient Kali Shrine.

Encompassed with an ancient Tamarind Tree.

The water table at the land is around 40 feet. There are two agricultural wells located on the land and the water is sweet and abundant. The land has not been cultivated for over three years - so it has had time to divest itself of pesticides and chemicals.

Surrounding lands are cultivating paddy, sugarcane, vegetables, dhals and spices and are abundant with coconut trees.

The land is ideal for an ashram or cultivation. To find out more about this beautiful agricultural offering, please get in touch with me at:
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

Buying a home?

Found an excellent article entitled, 'Buying a home? 6 vital steps to follow', by Pankaj Anup Toppo., and which was originally posted in Outlook India (Money). The article starts starts:


"When the real estate sector was on a dream run from 2002-03 till around January 2008, home buyers in most cases overlooked many issues that are coming to the fore now. Avoiding some common mistakes can make the process of selecting and buying a house a little simpler.

Before you buy. Most mistakes happen at this stage.

Home search. A typical home search starts with scanning advertisements. But, this means you will have to check everything on your own - the developer's credentials, his ability to deliver on time and the approved building plan. Not easy to do. Developers aren't usually forthcoming with this information. Even if they are, analysing it is tough, especially if you are a first-time buyer.

If you find a house on your own and at a price that suits you, getting a loan from a bank or a housing finance company isn't easy. The institution will do its own due diligence before approving the loan, which means you will have to wait for some more time. And, if the lender finds a problem with the project, it may not sanction the loan.

A simpler way is to approach the bank or the HFC from where you plan to take the home loan. Most of them have a list of pre-approved properties. They include properties on which the necessary checks have been done. If you choose from this list, loan approval will be faster. The only hitch is that these properties will typically cost a little more."

The article goes on to discuss; payment mode, developer agreement, property dealers, choosing the Bank and facts to consider after the purchase.

To read the article in its entirety, please go to this link here.

Harvesting Rain

Though we usually tune out the pitter-patter of rain on the roof, water flowing down the gutters and into the storm drain is a valuable resource. We not only depend on water, we also pay for it. So, why not put that rainwater to use?

Nearly any homeowner can collect rainwater, since the roof and gutters do most of the work. Furthermore, they can harvest huge volumes. An inch of rain, falling on a 2,000-square-foot roof, produces 1,200 (4,500 litres) gallons of runoff, which is enough to supply a family of four for about two weeks.

Using rainwater has obvious budgetary benefits, but there are reasons to do it besides putting a dent in the water bill. For those facing water shortages, harvesting rain can help keep the lawn green, or even provide water for indoor use. However, water to be used indoors, whether for washing or for drinking, must be thoroughly treated.

There are a slew of benefits that come with the purity of rainwater. Plants prefer it, especially if tap water has been treated with softening salts, which dampen plant growth. The lack of minerals in rainwater make it more effective for washing hair or doing dishes. Furthermore, reducing or eliminating mineral deposits in pipes and water heaters can extend their life, requiring less maintenance and associated costs.

Collecting rainwater also reduces pollution-causing runoff, and if it is collected and used without the aid of pumps or other powered equipment, provides a carbon-neutral water source.

The simplest form of rainwater collection is also the most affordable: a rain barrel positioned under a gutter’s downspout. The barrel is typically fitted with a spigot at its base to fill a watering can or attach a soaker hose (which bleeds out water all along its length, providing effortless drip irrigation), and a filter or screen at its top to prevent a buildup of leaves and other debris.

With a little work a barrel’s capacity can be increased. When the barrel is full, runoff is directed through a spout near the top of the barrel called an overflow port. This spout can be made to flow into another barrel, increasing capacity.

However many barrels are connected, though, a downspout must be attached to the last overflow port. This attachment directs overflow away from the building, preventing water from pooling around the barrel’s base.

With a few simple materials and a bit of ingenuity, a rain barrel can be built at home. There are countless tutorials online on how to do this. Check out Google for links. Though buying a premade barrel is easier, it is also more expensive.

A world apart from rain barrels are the more complex setups that provide water for indoor use. These systems use cisterns that hold thousands of gallons, and have treatment systems to remove sediment and harmful organisms from collected water.

There are several methods for treatment, but one of the most common is a combination of filters and ultraviolet light. These very fine filters remove particles, some organisms, and can even absorb bad odors and tastes. After filtration, an ultraviolet light shines on the water as it flows through a clear quartz tube, killing any remaining pathogens.

The prices for these systems can vary widely depending on your needs, and are not do-it-yourself projects. Above-ground is generally cheaper. Unlike rain barrels, either option (on a large enough scale) can make a household totally water-independent.

[Extract from emagazine]

In next month's Arunachala Grace Newsletter there will be a narrative on rainwater harvesting concepts utilised in Tamil Nadu. If you wish to receive a copy of this free bi-monthly Newsletter, check out the subscription facility at the left hand column of this page.

Ashoka Apartments External

Below are the initial drawings of the external view of Ashoka Apartments. The final drawings will be similar to the below except for small details.

Still to come are aerial views looking down into the apartment block which will show the lift and stairwell in the centre surrounded by a garden with the backs of all apartments looking over the garden.

The lift starts from the garage and goes up to roof. The roof will include a general room for the use of meditation and as a quiet area. The basement will include a coin-operated laundry facility available to all residents.

Expect to post more details the next week. To view plans of each floor of the apartments go to this link here.

Right Click on all photographs to view enlarged size

Devananthal Plots

Right-click on all photos and plans to view enlargement

This posting is about land at Devananthal which is available at reasonable rates for housing. This area is just passed Vediyappanur off the Girivalam roadway. For this reason it is area which will probably maintain its integrity far longer than other spots in equal proximity to the Hill. The darshan of Arunachala is spectacular.

The land is available for sale in the dimensions stated at the bottom of this posting. The developers will also, when requested build a house for the land purchaser. They have already built one house (the red house, fifth photograph down).

I am including (in this posting) the plan of a smaller more inexpensive model house of the developers. Artistic representation of the finished house is also included in this posting.

For fuller information regarding pricing of both land and house prices, please get in touch with me at:
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

Larger house already built

Land Area

Plots in Square Feet

Plot 1 – 26,535, Plot 2 – 5,562, Plot 3 – 5,587, Plot 4 – 5,612, Plot 5 – 7,413, Plot 6 – 7,000, Plot 7 – 7,000, Plot 8 – 7,000, Plot 9 – 7,000, Plot 10 – 7,000, Plot 11 – 6,475, Plot 12 – 11,343, Plot 13 – 9,187, Plot 14 – 9,089, Plot 15 – 9,778, Plot 16 – 8,016, Plot 17 – 7,308, Plot 18 – 7,182, Plot 19 – 7,056, Plot 20 – 8,883, Plot 21 – 6,562, Plot 22 – 6,511, Plot 23 – 6,885, Plot 24 – 6,787, Plot 25 – 6,345, Plot 26 – 6,400, Plot 27 – 6,400, Plot 28 – 6,058, Plot 29 – 5,885, Plot 30 – 5,636, Plot 31 – 10,695, Plot 32 – 10,118, Plot 33 – 9,599, Plot 34 – 8,211, Plot 35 – 7,970, Plot 36 – 6,068, Plot 39 – 6,383, Plot 40 – 7,777, Plot 41 – 6,687, Plot 42 – 6,612, Plot 43 – 6,537.

Small Model House

Plan For Above Model House

Ashoka Apartments Information

I've been provided with information regarding pricing and facilities at the Ashoka Apartments - so to those who have already been in touch requesting additional information, its on its way.

Please note that I have now substituted the original plans with new ones (in the previous posting) which are clearer and easier to view. The apartment sizes remain exactly the same. Also please note that the square foot of each apartment is calculated on 'plinth' not 'carpet' square foot i.e. it includes the balcony.

I'm waiting to receive plans of the apartment complex (hopefully within the next week) from several different angles including a view looking into the central part of the complex, (which includes the lift, staircase and garden). I will post the additional drawings when received.

Ashoka Apartments

[Plans updated on June 25th, 2009]

Right-click on plans to view enlargement

In response to requests from readers of Arunachala Land, I am now posting drawings of the plans of the Ashoka Apartments, Ramana Nagar to be built opposite Sadhu Om Colony down the road from the Post Office.

The Ashoka Apartments will have 15 apartments, 6 of which will be for direct purchase and the remaining 9 apartments will be available for rent on 3 year Long Leases.

The Complex is 3 storey with secure perimeter gate. Each apartment will have a balcony facing outward and will be facing inward towards a centre arboreum (garden). Special facilites offered at this Complex include: meditation hall on roof, lift, 24-hour security, basement car parking and laundry room in basement.

Ground Floor

1st Floor

2nd Floor

Apartment Specifications

Ground Floor

Apartment A = 397.4 sq ft

Apartment B = 343 sq ft

Apartment C = 473 sq ft

Apartment D = 1219 sq ft

First Floor

Apartment E = 467 sq ft

Apartment F = 349 sq ft

Apartment G = 488 sq ft

Apartment H = 488 sq ft

Apartment I = 349 sq ft

Apartment J = 467 sq ft

Second Floor

Apartment K = 467 sq ft

Apartment L = 349 sq ft

Apartment M = 488. sq ft

Apartment N = 488 sq ft

Apartment 0 = 348 sq ft

Apartment P = 467 sq ft

Plinth Area in Square Feet (i.e. carpet area + balcony)

Please keep checking back as I will be posting more information, including drawings of what the completed apartments will look like. For specific enquiries please email me direct:
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm

Beautiful Arunachala Land

The below is a sequence of photographs of a four acre parcel of land up for sale. The land is located about 7-8 kms (as the crow flies) from Arunachala and is located in a peaceful, rural unspoilt area.

The land is in pristine condition and is currently under paddy (rice) cultivation.

Water is sweet, plentiful and easily available.

The land is surrounded by other farms also under cultivation. The area is unspoilt and there are no quarries, electricity pylons or polluting industries nearby.

The land is easily accessed by a direct, well maintained village roadway.

The view of Arunachala is spectacular.

The area is surrounded by reservoir areas and Forest Hills -- so future development of this area will be limited thereby the land and surrounding place will retain its pristine, unspoilt rural ethos.

For further information please get in touch through email -- information at the top left corner of this page.

Changing Scenario

In a recent article in Property Plus, The Hindu -- it is stated that:

“The current economic slowdown has changed the housing market scenario significantly and has forced home buyer sand developers to re-orient their strategies.

Buyers are now getting calculative and want to probe factors such as the falling prices of cement and steel, construction cost and reduction in service tax and want to know how these are reflected in offers. Buyers are also now examining the actual carpet area that they get in comparison to the area that they pay for.

In addition buyers are looking at the terms of payment and penalties carefully and want a fair deal. They ask for compensation for any delay in delivery of the completed apartment commensurate with the loss of income or the rent. Some have even started demanding that payments be linked to the construction stage, and not make it time bound, as they want cash flow to reflect progress of construction.”

Local Planning Authorities

The Tamil Nadu Government have recently authorised the composite local planning authorities (LPAs) and the eight regional deputy directors of town and country planning to approve certain projects, but kept the Chennai metropolitan area outside their purview. This will speed up the approval process of upcoming medium housing and commercial projects across the state.

Hitherto, though LPAs were the approving authorities the projects had to be cleared by the directorate of town and country planning (DTCP). This caused a lot of delay, thereby causing an increase in the overall cost of projects by Rs.250 to Rs.400 per sq.ft.

As per the revised norms, residential group developments and special buildings up to 12 dwelling units, with floor area not exceeding 15,000 sq.ft., can be cleared by the LPAs. In the case of commercial buildings, marriage halls, community halls, godowns and lodges with a maximum of 20 rooms, the LPAs can clear projects up to a maximum of 12,000 sq.ft.

More Farming Land, South Arunachala

Below are photographs of some beautiful, fertile agricultural land located about 8-10 kms from Arunachala. As well as being set in tranquil surroundings, it is also flanked by reserved forest government land - providing a buffer of forest that will never be developed.

The land for sale is two and a half acres (2 1/2) which is a portion of the six and a half acre (6 1/2) farm pictured in the below two photographs.

In the below photograph, on the right side are acacia bushes and trees at the border of the farm and to the left is a roadway at the edge of government reserved land.

The next photograph is another of the government reserve land which becomes filled with water during the rainy season. In the background is a hill range which is designated as Government reserved forest land.

This beautiful agricultural land is far from the noise and urban sprawl of the township of Tiruvannamalai, however it is close enough to allow one to be able to enjoy both the power of the Hill and also its unique darshan.

To view more photographs of the area check out this earlier posting I made of my visit to the nearby farm of my friends.

For information regarding the pricing of this land and to arrange a visit, please email at the above contact address at the top left corner of this page.