Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Honeypot Homes
( 9448720382;
www.honeypothomes.com
;
off Bangalore Rd; d incl breakfast ?4000; )
Set over 225 acres
of dense coffee and spice plantations, this quaint 'homestay' has three red-brick cottages
that look out to lush surrounds. Walking tours and explanations of coffee production pro-
cess is inclusive of rates. It's located 7km from Madikeri.
B&B
$$
HOTEL
$$$
Vivanta
( 0827-665800;
www.vivantabytaj.com
; Galibeedu; r incl breakfast from ?17,900; )
Another stun-
ner by the Taj group, built across 180 acres of misty rainforest. Its stylish design incorpor-
ates principles of space and minimalism, and effectively blends itself into its environment.
Old cattle tracks lead to rooms, with pricier ones featuring private indoor pools, fireplaces
and butlers. Meanwhile the 9000 sq ft presidential suite, costing a cool lakh (
?
100,000), is
the size of a small village. Other highlights are its stunning views from the lobby and in-
finity pool, the outdoor amphitheatre surrounded by water, ayurvedic spa and Xbox room.
Kakkabe
08272
About 40km from Madikeri, the village of Kakkabe is an ideal base to plan an assault on
Kodagu's highest peak, Tadiyendamol. At the bottom of the summit, 3km from Kakkabe,
is the picturesque
Nalakunad Palace
( 9am-5pm)
, the restored hunting lodge of a Kod-
agu king dating from 1794. The caretaker will happily show you around; bring a torch.
location 1250m above sea level where you can wake to a chirpy dawn and cool, fresh air.
The owners' friendliness, eco-mindedness and scrumptious organic food make things
even better. Run by the same family,
Chingaara
( 08272-204488;
www.chingaara.com
;
r incl full board
from ?1800)
is a delightful farmhouse on the same road, with spacious rooms and roaming
donkeys. Both are great bases for treks, and guides are available for ?400. It's a rough,
steep road up here, so you'll need to call ahead to arrange transport from Kabbinakad (in-
clusive in room rates).
Regular buses run to Kabbinakad from Madikeri (?35, 1½ hours) and from Virajpet
(?20, one hour).
