Live The Planters’ Life At This Dreamy Homestay In Chikamagalur

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An absolutely blissful homestay in Chikamagalur, here you can live life at the pace of the 1800s, with amenities that give luxury hotels a run for their money.

Slice Of Heaven

We don’t mean to gush, but we really cannot help ourselves when it comes to Villa Urvinkhan {meaning ‘dense forest’}. Nestled in the Western Ghats amidst 400-odd acres of aromatic coffee, this oasis of luxury combines the best of modernity and old-world charm.

While the location is everything here {you have a birds-eye view of the surrounding forest}, the way the house is done up is fantastic – warm, elegant with exquisite antiques on display. The five cottages are cosy, with four-poster single and double beds to take you back in time, but step into the bathrooms and hello 2016! Jacuzzis, loos with views and even an outdoor shower for an intimate {with nature, of course. What were you thinking?} experience.

Oh and each has a private sit-out area for you to take in the vista.

In On The Action

While you’re welcome to laze around the property, nothing could stop us from jumping into the infinity pool, which overlooks the vast forest and plantation below – our personal backyard! If you head here on a summer trip, then swimming under the stars is a really romantic experience. Trekking {or the lovey-dovey version, a moonlight walk} is on offer as well, but what we love are their ATV trails. Perfect for the adventurous traveller, you can really kick up the adrenalin with a whizz through the coffee, silver oaks, and pepper corn on one of these off-roaders, and feel like Lara Croft in Cambodia.

On The Table

A homestay at heart, you’ll have local cuisine to look forward to. Bringing all guests together at the main house, breakfast is a mix of continental and south Indian food. But the lunch and dinner is what blew us away. Focussing on Malnad cuisine, you can expect rice to take centre stage in various forms. Think akki roti, savige, typical local pulao to be enjoyed with Malnad Chicken Curry, Fried Lamb {called hurtamansa} and even pandi curry, courtesy co-owner Shwetha, who is from Coorg.

We don’t need to mention that coffee consumption is a must once you’re here, and we can happily recommend copious amounts of the fresh brew.

So We’re Thinking…

If owners Shweta and Sunil allowed it, we’d be there every weekend for the rejuvenating experience. Where else can you relax with boars, peacocks, Indian gaur, deer and birds for company? We’re ready to be broke {but happy} for the rest of our days!

Where: Niduvale 577122 Mudigere, Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Price: INR 12,000 for two, including all meals and two outdoor activities

Contact: +91 9886059876, +91 9880841553

Check out their website here.