Perched at 4,500 ft by the base of Karnataka’s third-highest mountain, and sprawling over 75 acres, this is a pocket-friendly homestay with humble roots. It spans over 40 years of supporting hikers, researchers, scientists, and conservators and is surrounded by magnificent rainforests and lush green coffee estates.
The property’s mission for the last four decades has been to be a safe haven from which to observe Coorg’s natural beauty. They provide hot, home-cooked meals and comfortable bedding for visitors of all kinds exploring the Western Ghats. Built using traditional techniques and local materials such as laterite rock, mud, and Mangalore tiles, the property’s core mission has been to support wildlife research, conservation, and empower the nearby tribal villages with 100% local employment.
The homestay provides a natural environment that is both soothing and sublime. Guests enjoy long walks in the forest, or just find a perfect corner to do nothing. Out here in the rainforest, one steps into a large living room shared with over 150 different species of birds, butterflies, a plethora of flora and fauna endemic to this region. In essence, every guest gets an opportunity to experience the region just the way they were meant to – in all its natural splendor and superlative simplicity.
comforts
Depending on your group size and the type of traveller you are, there are several accommodation options available in different sections of the property. For instance, a family would enjoy staying in a room with attached bathrooms and private sit-outs, while a backpacker might prefer a shared room, with a shared bathroom and a common sit-out. The preference for a room can also be based on the different pricing standards of each room. Please get in touch so we can help you pick the right accommodation.
Hot water is available at a select time every day, completely powered by solar. There’s a library for the bookworm, farm animals to befriend, and a lot of open spaces to explore. The property is functional all year.
food
There’s a common dining area for guests serving buffet meals. All the food provided is home-cooked, locally sourced, and authentic Kodagu-style meals served at specific timings. Chicken and pork dishes, along with snacks for the evening need to be requested in advance. Guests are expected to respect the meal schedule and be present on time for their meals in the common dining hall. If guests plan to skip any meals, they are requested to let the hosts know in advance.
ideal for
Ideal for trekking enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, scientists exploring the Western Ghats, and amateurs and professionals alike who study birds, butterflies, and frogs. Students, yoga and meditation groups, nature-enthusiasts, stargazers, spiritualists, readers, writers… there is space for everyone. People here seek solitude and quiet – individuals and families with the simple desire to unplug from the 24×7 grind of everyday life in the cities. This is for those that seek rest and rejuvenation for their body, mind, and soul. The mountains are calling. We’ll keep a room ready.
getting there
It is a steep 4 km journey from the base of the mountain to the top where the property is located. It is accessible only by directions provided by the hosts and available only from 7 am to 8 pm, so plan to get there accordingly. Accurate details will be provided at the time of confirmation.
things to do
Most visitors here enjoy forest walking, hiking, and stumbling upon various water bodies. It’s a great place to do nothing at all, to breathe easy, and to rejuvenate their mind and body. Several hiking and trekking paths start within the property. For the herping enthusiast, the property even has its own Batracharium!
price
Prices begin at Rs. 700 for backpacker rooms and upwards of Rs. 2,500 for groups of three or more. Prices mentioned are exclusive of meals and GST.
