It may be the Scotland of India and whiskey pegs are a must every evening, but we are also quite happy to sit sipping a cup of fresh coffee on the hilltops. Throw in a few treks, sinful local cuisine, and massage that could give Bali a run for its money, and you’ve got yourself the perfect blend of adventure, indulge, and relaxation — across all budgets. Pack your bags for Coorg now — one more long weekend coming your way folks!
Pick from 63 luxury cottages, suites, villas and rooms, all with spectacular views of the valley, of course. If you have time and inclination to actually get out of the infinity pool or the indulgent Jiva Grande Spa then traipse off to do some bird watching, tour the plantations and then learn the nuances of coffee tasting. Or trek to the source of the Cauvery. Due to
Covid-19, they recommend providing your ID proof in advance and a payment link will be sent to you via email.
Price: INR 12,000 upwards per room per night
The original luxury resort in the region, here luxury meets rustic in thatched roof cottages, bamboo furniture and a private pool depending on the villa you pick. Take a stroll through the spice trails and coffee plants, or have a gala time in the larger infinity and community pool. Nature walks, bird watching and a coracle ride in the property’s private lake are other options when there. Read more about it here. They are taking precautions and safety measures such as temperature checks, getting declaration forms signed and checking the Argoya Setu app upon arrival for you to enjoy a pleasant stay.
Price: INR 31,000 upwards per villa for two nights, including meals
Quite the honeymoon hotspot, this one has you living almost above the treetops. Each room has a balcony to gaze onto the canopy below and if you ever come down from this cloud nine, you can practice yoga on the wooden deck, head off on a Rudraksh trail apart from the usual plantation tours and nature walks. We personally recommended the Signature Coffee Therapy at the spa as the coffee cocoon works its magic on your city skin.
Price: INR 18,000 plus tax per room per night
Cobbled stones leading the way, cicadas lulling you to sleep and an infinity pool smack in the centre of the jungles — it’s no dream, it’s just an eco-friendly resort The Ibnii. It's a rather expensive place but the dreamy wooden cottages that are built at a height to make it seem like a tree house, the ceiling to floor windows, cosy beds right out of Enid Blyton books, and 40 kinds of birds flitting around, make it all worth it! Want to REALLY splurge? Check into The Kopiluwak villas with private infinity pool, Jacuzzi and an uninterrupted panoramic view of the wooded coffee estate. Or the Poinsettia which has an open shower too, in addition to what The Kopiluwak has. Prices for these start INR 25,000 upwards.
Make sure you go on nature walks the resort offers. They also offer compassionate fishing here.
Read more about The Ibnii here.
Price: INR 17,000 upwards.
Spread over 100 acres of lush greenery, it comes with its own (private) natural waterfall - the only one in the country, an infinity pool, and nothing but lush greenery surrounding you. Just like a postcard everywhere you look. Book your stay at one of 52 luxury cabins and cottages that comes with a stunning view of the entire valley. For a morning swim, you can head over to the infinity pool and soak in the sun and serenity. Ayatana has two restaurants across the property serving local and global cuisines, so sit back, relax and enjoy a divine gastronomical journey. There are also gaming areas and outdoor activities at the resort that you can enjoy. Spend your evening bird watching and walking through the valley as Ayatana is built to accommodate nature without disturbing the valley, or the wildlife.
Read more here.
Price: INR 25,000 upwards.
It’s difficult to say no to fresh air, coffee plantations and that piquant Kodava food. So if you want all of it, check into Capitol Village. Set amidst coffee plantation, and a gorgeous lake with cottages overlooking the lush greenery, this plantation resort is not too far from the busy Madikeri town, but will make you feel like you're far from the madding crowd. There are a total of 20 rooms, each is kitted out with a lovely patio and a balcony. Swap scrolling on your phone in favour of a trek around the area, or cosy up in the balcony with a book and filter coffee. The place is know for their amazing food, so don't leave without eating Pandi Curry, Puttu, and the Noolputtu and Koli Kari here.
Read more here.
Price: INR 3,000 upwards.
A quick auto rickshaw ride should easily get you to the base of the hill this homestay sits atop. And if you’re up for it, hike up the steep path or get the owner, Babu, to pick you up. Sunsets and sunrises are best watched from the second hilltop, also part of the property, before you settle in for drinks and barbecue there. Then walk back to the main house, with three massive rooms and an attic room, for a dinner laid out for kings. Coorg cuisine reigns supreme, and Babu really spoils you with chicken curry, Pandi or pork curry, akki (rice) roti and nool puttu (string hoppers) for almost every meal. A great option if you want the country life without being too far from the town, Madikeri (seven kilometres away). You can book the homestay or a room by emailing them and the payment details for the same will be sent to you electronically.
Price: INR 3,500 for two per night
A bit of a posh homestay, you can really get lost in this hill-top property. A barbecue area and interiors with an interesting history, you’ll really be cut off from civilisation here. Personalised plantation walks, bird watching, and bonfire chatter are also on offer thanks to the hospitable hosts. But what we most love, apart from no cellular network, is the Quad bikes for that added thrill of zipping around. Local food is served, and you won’t regret picking Kedakal Estate if you want a serene getaway.
Price: INR 2,500 per person
An ancestral home with lush gardens and plantations for space, this estate takes you back in time. You have an option of staying in two outhouse suites or really soak in the history at the 175-year-old bungalow which offers three bedrooms. They currently are taking up reservations of groups of four to ten.
Price: INR 1,200 per person per night
A bungalow set in 100 odd acres of coffee bushes, you can’t go wrong with this one. Three cosy and even Victorian bedrooms are open for guests, and you’ll love that while it feels old-school (with bay windows and cushioned armchairs) it’s also got a very modern touch, especially when it comes to the bathrooms. A fireplace in the sitting area gets this one brownie points and works well to tell kids stories on a cold night or pop the question to your significant other. If you like, they’ll organise angling and rafting for you when in season, or opt for golf, treks, cycling, and plantation tours.
Price: INR 5,000 per night