Hidden in dense rainforests and among aromatic coffee estates, Chikmagalur is a dream come true. Green hills till as far as you can see covered in coffee plantations — all you need is a book for your mind to play with — your heart has its fill with the views. Just about a 4-hour drive from Bangalore and you’ve reached heaven on Earth! The small coffee town has much on offer — the Mullahangiri Peak is a trekker’s dream come true. A hike up to the highest peak of Karnataka rewards you with unspoiled views of the breath-taking valley below. With a temple at the top of the peak, wash your sins and find a comfortable spot on the top for a perfect lunch picnic.
However, the beauty of this destination is the relaxation, the leisure, the pampering, the soul-searching, the estate walks and a warm cup of coffee whenever you want it. Laze out on your room balcony, drive down to Hirekolale Lake (for crystal blue serenity) or take a walk along the coffee estates — Chikmagalur is your ultimate retreat!
While you visit, the Primrose Villas is our top recommendation for the ultimate experience — luxury, pampering, cuisine and a getaway in the clouds. Each villa is adorned with glass walls, for an uninterrupted panorama of the estates or valleys. Tastefully decorated with antiques collected over the years, each room is a work of art, built with passion and a love for architecture and fine art. A deep slumber and you are far away from the drudgery and hustle of city life. With finger-licking food (yes, you must take the package that includes meals) the property offers a 7-course meal that you cannot refuse! Choose to dine in private — under the stars, or during the day in the shade of a lonely tree — the team is at your behest to plan the perfect escape for you!
Not one to sit in? Choose a guided estate walk for an immersive experience of all that is coffee processing — for something ultimate, you can also offer a helping hand in the mornings working on the estate with the planters. Mix up your visit with a day trip to the Bhadra Tiger Reserve — what better way to unwind than with an animal safari — trust us, this is really thrilling!
Like Dulce Ruby says, ‘travel is good for the soul; experiences are necessary for growth’. We could not agree more — and while we do, why not something eclectic, something exciting, something worth remembering!
Written By Anisha Masand
Week 22, May ’20
