Deep in the Western Ghats of north Karnataka, Sylvia and John found a perfect patch of pristine forest by a crystal clear stream. Through the years, they’ve hosted friends and family here, introduced them to swims in a turquoise waterfall, strolls through fields of gold and black, and afternoons with purple sunbirds under pink powder puff blooms. Out here, you will be one amongst the forests and the streams from the comfort of small, resilient cottages, or the main house.
This area of protected wilderness is such a rare luxury that the owners have done the most to keep the property as unobtrusive as possible. Apart from a small farming patch and three cottages, there is nothing but trees and the sound of whistling birds and streams to create an immersive ambience.
Over here, you won’t find cellular network, one of the finest privileges in today’s world. The entire property is off the grid and runs on alternate energy. The lights in your room are powered by the sun. The hot water for bucket baths is heated on wood fire. The dinnerware, lamps, and other ceramic knick-knacks you will come across are made by Sylvia in the little pottery studio. The waste generated is taken to Goa or recycled in-house. It is a nature-based immersion in its purest form, and there are startlingly few of these left.
comforts
There are two bedrooms and a sit-out upstairs in the main house, furnished with comfortable bedding and ample windows to look at the dense jungle from wherever you choose. Both rooms share a common bathroom. This portion is ideal for a large group or family.
On either end of the property, there are two private cottages with attached bathrooms and queen-size beds. The cottages are built far apart from each other to ensure privacy from other humans (but not from the butterflies and the birds).
There is also a machaan (treehouse) and space for furnished tents complete with hammocks and swings by the stream to look up at the forest canopy.
The total occupancy here is 12 people spread out over the two cottages and the main house. The two tents and the machaan can accommodate 2 people each.
food
Dining is outside near the main house or by the stream below. Every meal is prepared fresh and is mostly vegetarian, though a non-vegetarian dish is served once a day. Breakfast comprises a diverse choice of Indian and continental – eggs and toast, homemade jams, cut fruits, and Indian favourites like steaming hot uppit, poha, or idlis. Expect vegetable curry, wholesome dal, crunchy salad, and hot rice at lunch. At dinner, they may fire up the outdoor oven and make sumptuous pizza from scratch.
Sylvia and John have trained the caretakers to make a variety of light continental dishes as well. When there is produce available in the little patch in front of the kitchen, it is used in every meal, otherwise, it is sourced from an organic farm close by or from a village 8 kilometres away.
ideal for
Off the Grid is perfect for the adventurous traveller. There is no room service here as it is not a hotel or a resort.
Naturalists, scientists, and researchers will have plenty to explore and discover. Butterfly and bird enthusiasts will see creatures endemic to the Western Ghats like Malabar tree nymphs and an abundance of sunbirds and spider hunters. The walk on the grasslands is an opportunity to open up a sketchbook and paint the shades of gold and the textures of black laterite rock catching the sun.
If you want to explore the freshwater streams, you will find an abundance of fish in the crystal-clear waterfall. People who love wildlife experiences might spot a sambar deer or a gaur. Yoga practitioners and slackline enthusiasts will find ample space to practice their skills.
Children can cultivate a sense of adventure out here. It is the best place to bring a curious child who wants to learn about the forest and its flora and fauna. Families will also have a spectacular time bonding over this experience.
In terms of accessibility, people who have trouble with mobility will find this place difficult to navigate.
getting there
Taking a train or bus to Castle Rock or Londa (1 hour) is the first step in your journey to Off The Grid. The closest airport is in Goa, which is 2.5 hours away. We can organise your transport from Castle rock to Off The Grid.
If you have a private vehicle, nothing like it. You will have to drive down a dirt road to get here. Once you reach, there is a short 2 minute walk through uneven terrain from the parking area to the main house.
An accurate location will be provided at the time of booking.
things to do
Lounging on a daybed watching the butterflies float above the glistening streams is a popular activity. Learn about the endemic birdlife in these parts from the comfort of your cottage. Swimming in the waterfall is a must and is a short two-minute walk from the main house, though you will always be accompanied by a guide for your protection. You can also go for a short hike to see the sunrise and sunset over the ghats.
Whitewater rafting on the Kali river is a must-do and you will be with the most experienced guides and experts throughout. There are several guided nature walks around the forest. There is also a traditional boat ride on the river by local experts who will gently take you on a floating journey through raw, wild patches of forest on either side.
price
– Rs. 8,650 on double occupancy basis per night. – Rs. 2,500 for an additional guest per room. – 15% discounts for more than 2 nights. – Includes all meals, tea/coffee, snacks, bonfire/DIY bbq, walks around the property, and applicable taxes.
