12 Gorgeous places to stay during a weekend getaway from Bangalore

It is that time of the year when the Western Ghats are going to be the home of rich monsoon action with lush green surroundings, bustling nature, full water bodies and simply a lot of abundance. This is also the perfect time to head west from Bangalore to experience those surreal weekend and long weekend getaways that include idyllic walks in the rain, sipping hot cups of tea or coffee and reading/relaxing while the world dissolves itself in a blur of rain, mist and fog and going on monsoon treks.

But, the key question here is where to go? Do you go mainstream or do you go offbeat? Do you go to Kerala, Tamil Nadu or stay in Karnataka? Do you opt for a home stay or do you stay in a luxury resort? Should you opt for budget or should you splurge?

I am pretty sure that you might many such questions in your head prior to planning your weekend getaway from Bangalore. I can’t possibly answer all of your questions, but I can certainly guide you to some of the prettiest properties in the Western Ghats for a possibly monsoon weekend or long weekend holiday for you, your friends and your family. These properties fall under a wide budget, luxury and experience net and hence could cater to a wide variety of people. Here is the full list of these 12 gorgeous places from which you can pick n choose for your next Bangalore weekend getaway.

1) Aham Anubhava: Wayanad, Kerala



Aham Anubhava is your traditional plantation home located in rural Wayanad. This is the kind of place to go to if you crave for quiet, lush nature, delicious food and lazy walks. This rural getaway is a perfect place to get in close proximity with Kerala’s laidback countryside, rich birdlife and may be even some wild animals. The highlight of a stay here has to be the lip smacking food prepared by the female head of this family.

You can read my full review here: Aham Anubhava: Traditional Plantation home in Rural, Wayanad, Kerala

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Plantation home, Rural holiday, Home cooked Brahmin food

2) Gravityville: Ooty, Tamil Nadu



Gravityville is straight out of a fairy tale. It is a 1936 colonial home located on a 1 acre plot very close to the golf courses in Ooty. It’s well thought through design, pristine surroundings and easy access to the tourist attractions of Ooty town and outside makes it a hot favorite. And right now, you can get the entire home for a steal. Look it up on AirBnB.

You can read my full review here: Gravityville: A Fairytale Home in the Queen of Hills ‘Ooty

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: British era colonial bungalow, Creative design

3) Keremane: Sringeri, Karnataka



Keremane is your traditional and simple Brahmin household that is surrounded by farms, forests and mountains. The place is simple when it comes to modern day comforts, but it is truly five star when it comes to mother nature. It is a great base for a temple, waterfall or a rainforest holiday. Do remember to try out the vegetarian meals here.

You can read my full review here: Keremane Homestay: Solitude in the Western Ghats

Distance from Bangalore: 325 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Traditional Homestay surrounded by rainforests, Absolute calm and peace, Lush nature

4) Honey Valley Estate: Coorg, Karnataka



They were once the largest producers of honey. Today, they make do with coffee estates, spice farms, fruit orchards and an extremely popular homestay. All of 100 acres, Honey Valley Estate is the last point of civilization before you head into tropical jungles and to Thadiyendamol, the highest peak in Coorg. The highlight of a stay here are its umpteen walks and treks.

You can read my full review here: Honey Valley Resort: A Peaceful Homestay in Coorg

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: 100 acres of coffee estate and spice gardens surrounded by waterfalls, streams, rainforests and tall mountains, bird watching

5) Windermere River House: Inchathotty, Kerala



If you are looking for a tropical destination to unwind, Windermere River House has to be it. Located by the banks of the Periyar river, Windermere River house offers that perfect blend of luxury, nature and laidback Kerala countryside. The Thattekad Bird sanctuary and the Neriamangalam forest are located close by for all those bird and wildlife lovers.

You can read my full review here: Windermere River House: Where time goes for a stroll

Distance from Bangalore: 535 kms

Budget Range: $$$

Experiences to be had:

6) Niraamaya Cardamom Club, Thekkady, Kerala



Niraamaya Cardamom Club is the kind of place where you can not only relax, but can rekindle romance. Surrounded by cardamom plantations, this place dishes out some amazing Kerala food and offers some authentic Kerala style Ayurvedic massages. Even though Periyar Tiger Reserve and Thekkady are the main highlights here, one can trek around the property and hope to get lucky with wildlife sightings.

You can read my full review here: Niraamaya Cardamom Club: Slice of Heaven in Thekkady, Kerala

Distance from Bangalore: 500 kms

Budget Range: $$$$

Experiences to be had: Cardamom plantations, Traditional Kerala cuisine, Easy access to Periyar tiger reserve

7) Dodda Mane, Agumbe, Karnataka



Do you remember the popular TV show ‘Malgudi Days’ that used to air on Doordarshan a couple of decades back. Well, Dodda Mane is the place where this TV series was shot. This place, which literally translates into big house is not just famous for its history with Malgudi days, but also for its rustic hospitality and rainforest surroundings. This place is like your grandmother’s home – warm and happy. The food here will definitely blow your mind. I will return here in a jiffy just for its food.

You can read my full review here: Dodda Mane at Agumbe: Great Hospitality with a rustic homely experience

Distance from Bangalore: 355 kms

Budget Range: $

Experiences to be had: The house where Malgudi days was shot, Rainforests, Monsoon treks and King Cobra

8) Windermere Estate, Munnar, Kerala



Located just outside of bustling Munnar town is Windermere Estate, a gorgeous cardamom and tea plantation that is surrounded by the towering mountains of the Western Ghats. This luxurious plantation home is perfect for those who wish to explore Munnar and the offbeat destinations around Munnar while indulging in a bit of comfort. The library here is the perfect place for all those book lovers and for those lazy bums.

You can read my full review here: Windermere Estate: Luxurious Plantation Home in Munnar

Distance from Bangalore: 440 kms

Budget Range: $$$$

Experiences to be had: Cardamom and Tea plantations, Luxurious mountain holiday

9) Malnad Homestay, Bisle Ghat, Karnataka



Malnad Homestay is your typical rural homestay that is simple, authentic and is located in a remote village. Surrounded by cardamom and pepper plantations, this is the kind of place that will be liked by budget travelers. Go here for the gastronomic experience. Meat lovers will have an absolute ball here.

You can read my full review here: Malnad Homestay: Perfect Rural Holiday in Karnataka

Distance from Bangalore: 240 kms

Budget Range: $

Experiences to be had:  Delicious Malnad Food, Cardamom lantations, Rural holiday

10) Gramam Homestay, Kochi, Kerala



A Kerala backwater holiday cannot get any better than this. Located by the backwaters, Gramam Homestay is a traditional Kerala home that is located in a small village about 40 minutes from Kochi. It is that kind of a place that allows you to enjoy the countryside atmosphere while not being too far away from the charms of Kochi old city.

You can read my full review here: Gramam Homestay: Blissful Kerala Backwater Paradise near Kochi

Distance from Bangalore: 520 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Kerala Backwaters, Traditional Kerala food, Kerala countryside, Lush green environment

11) Chingaara Estate, Coorg, Karnataka



Contiguous with Honey Valley Estate, Chingaara estate is named after the mighty Chingaara waterfall that is located in the property. The father runs the budget Honey Valley estate, while the son runs a slightly more upscale Chingaara homestay. This place is ideal for those who love long nature walks and treks. You can also soak in the sun and catch up on some reading.

You can read my full review here:  I don’t have a property review written about this place, but I have one about the waterfall after which it is named. Here it is: Tropical Trek to Chingara Falls, Coorg

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Chingaara waterfall, 100 acres of coffee estates and spice gardens surrounded by rainforests

12) Monica Garden Tea Bungalow, Valparai, Tamil Nadu



This is the kind of place where you can spot rare birds and wildlife right from the property itself. Part of the Woodbriar group, Monica Garden Tea Bungalow is a British colonial bungalow that is surrounded by tea estates and the Anaimalai tiger reserve. It is perfect for large families who want to have a special hill station holiday. The in-house chef and especially the dessert chef are legendary.

You can read my full review here: Monica Garden Tea Bungalow: A Colonial Holiday House at Valparai

Distance from Bangalore: 400 kms

Budget Range: $$$

Experiences to be had: Tea Estates, Wildlife sightings, Delicious food, Colonial British bungalow, Hill station

Continue Reading...

Aham Anubhava: Traditional Plantation Home in Rural Wayanad, Kerala

It is here that you wake up to the chirping of birds. It is here that you are fed delicious home-cooked organic food. It is here that you can learn how to be a farm hand. It is here that you learn to enjoy the simple joys of life. It is here that you become one with nature. It is here that you recharge your physical and mental batteries and rediscover your ‘joie de vivre’. ‘Here’ is a traditional plantation home in a quiet village of Wayanad in northern Kerala. It is a combination of a lovely Brahmin household, their plantation and farm land and their new hospitality offering called ‘Aham Anubhava’ or "’I Experience”.

Above Photo Credit:  Pradeep H Gowda



They are not your typical homestay and certainly not a resort or a hotel. They are simply a traditional plantation home and if you opt to stay here, you become part of this home. You become one in the family. You stay in their home, albeit in your own private room in the first floor. You eat with the family. And if you wish you can work with them in their home garden, farm and plantation. And you share lots of lots of interesting conversations amidst pristine nature with a hot cup of home grown coffee or tea. Sounds sweet right? This is exactly how I spent my festival holiday with them a couple of weeks back on a motorcycle trip to Wayanad. And did I say that I hated leaving this place and returning to Bangalore. Such was the simplistic, yet nurturing and nourishing charm of this place.



Aham Anubhava is that perfect place where you can unwind and yet pick up new skills, learn about new subjects or simply indulge in good food. It doesn’t matter whether you are single, a couple or traveling with your family, Aham Anubhava will appeal to everyone. And it certainly doesn’t matter whether you are here for a few days or for a much longer duration, you will still yearn to stay here longer.



Following are the key highlights and benefits of living in this traditional plantation home environment:



1) An absolutely quiet village surrounded by greenery

Benefits: Better sleep, digital detox, relaxed body and mind, rejuvenation, off beat holiday, pure air, lots of Vitamin D

Everyone knows Wayanad, a popular hill getaway in Kerala. Its easy and fast access from Bangalore has made it a hot weekend getaway from Bangalore. Now, have you heard of Mylambady? I didn’t think so. It is a small village located in Wayanad and most of the people living here have farms or plantations. There should be not more than a hundred homes and less than a thousand people living in this village. Aham Anubhava is one such home tucked in a corner of this village. So, not only are you located in a remote village in Wayanad, you are located in a remote part of the village too. This means that the bulk of the sounds that you hear during the day are sounds of nature. Vehicle sounds are a rarity. And nights are eerily quiet. Apart from BSNL, connectivity is a bit poor. So, if you are looking for digital detox, then this might be the perfect place for you. If you wish to stay connected, Aham Anubhava has free in-house wi-fi that you can use to stay connected with the outside world.



This is the kind of place where you sleep early and wake up early to the chirping of birds (nature’s alarm call). This is the kind of place where you can switch off from the humdrum of regular life and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like a walk in the morning sun towards the nearby stream or watch the sunbirds jump from flower to flower while you sip on your morning cup of coffee or stretch out your legs on the balcony with a book in your hand.



You can get plenty of Vitamin D here, either by sun bathing right in your balcony or you could go on those short or long village walks. Greenery is all around, either in the form of plantations, native trees or farms. So, you are sure to be relaxed at all times. And the air is so pure that it feels so good and refreshing when you fill your lungs to the brim with it. It is indeed a far cry from the foul air we breathe in our cities and certainly one of the top perks for me.

During the night, you can request the property to switch off all lights and stare at the star studded sky while sipping on some hot herbal tea or may be a stiff drink (the choice is entirely yours).



2) Birdwatching right from the balcony

Benefits: Bird lover, Bird photography

Every morning and late evening, I would simply stand on my balcony with a hot cup of coffee in hand and see purple sunbirds, greater flame-backed woodpeckers, common mynas, jungle mynas, hill mynas, greater coucals, swallows, barbets, wagtails, flowerpeckers, red vented bulbuls, red whiskered bulbuls, Malabar whistling thrushes, black drongos, racket tailed drongos, jungle babblers, large billed leaf warblers, parakeets and so many other species of birds. And all this without any binoculars or big zoom lenses. I could simply spot all of them with my naked eye. Which means that if you have a good pair of binoculars, zoom lenses and tripods, you can not only see and study their behavior from close quarters, but you can also end up taking some amazing bird photographs.


Above Photo Credit:  Pradeep H Gowda

3) Being in the wild

Benefits: Wild animal sightings, wildlife photography, an adrenaline rush

Aham Anubhava and the entire village of Mylambady is surrounded by national parks, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests. To one side there is Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Muthanga forest and to the other is Wayanad and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary and somewhere in the middle is Nagarhole and Kabini Tiger Reserve. This means that you can almost always come across a wildlife crossing in this village as it falls in various animal corridor zones. While wild boars and peacocks are common here, elephants are known to pay a visit almost every week. You can sense this by seeing the elephant dung lying on the various plantation trails. The Malabar giant squirrel is also commonly seen here. So are many types of macaques and langurs. Tigers and leopards are also seen here from time to time, though it is rare to catch a view of these stealthy animals. In principle, it is almost the same experience as a wildlife safari, but you are not inside a forest jeep but on foot and there are no armed forest guards, which makes this so much more thrilling.



4) Learn how to be a farm hand

Benefits: Lots of sunshine, good exercise, pick up a thing or two about farming, pick up a thing or two about plants, may be plant a few plants to do your bit for mother nature

It is not often that you get to learn how to be a plantation owner, a farmer or an agriculturist. At Aham Anubhava, you can join the family while they go back their daily work in their farms and plantation. Not only will this give you good Vitamin D and exercise, but this will also make you learn a thing or do about farming, plants, fruits, vegetables, spices, irrigation, composting, recycling, etc. Depending on the season when you are visiting, you could even plant a coffee or other sapling. This is one unique attribute of staying with Aham Anubhava.

If you have a lot of time at hand, you could also explore the possibility of volunteering or teaching at the village school nearby.



5) Indulge in traditional Tamil and Kerala cuisine

Benefits: Sattvic food, organic food, happy gut, pick up some traditional recipes for home

Most of Aham Anubhava’s daily fruits and vegetables are home grown. Whatever is not home grown comes from nearby farms. So basically, all the raw ingredients are fresh, organic and full of rich nutrients. Add to it a brilliant cook, also the lady of the house, and you have a gastronomy extravaganza. Traditional recipes cooked using ancient techniques ensures that you get the best taste possible. Raw jackfruit vegetable, green pepper pickle, sweet mango sauce, fried okra in yoghurt sauce and many other traditional, yet super delicious dishes are on offer here.

If you are interested, you can help with the vegetable picking from the garden, assist with the cooking or even learn some recipes and take it back home. Whatever you do, the smell of fresh firewood, the vapors of coconut oil floating in the air and the smiling conversations are bound to linger in your mind forever. Such is the charm of the kitchen atmosphere here.

And even if you haven’t stepped into the kitchen, the meals in itself are good enough to create an everlasting memory of tastes, flavors and smells. I would simply return to this place in a heart beat just for its food. It is vegetarian food only, but it spans a diverse menu. I think all foodies will fall in love with this place.


Above Photo Credit:  Pradeep H Gowda

6) Go on long nature, farm and plantation walks

Benefits: Lots of Vitamin D, good exercise, pure air and quality de-cluttering time

The delicious food and the guilty pleasures that you enjoy in the dining room give you an incentive to explore the nearby village, nature, farm and plantation trails by foot. Not only do these walks allow you to burn all those calories, it somehow makes you ready for more of that amazingly yummy food. Lots of sunshine, good exercise, pure air and plenty of nature are some other excuses to go on those village walks. One of my favorite things to do here is to go to the village center, order a cup of hot lemon tea, buy a small piece of cake, feed the family of house sparrows and watch the village life go by while listening to the happy chirps of the birds. Definitely a far cry from our mad city life.



By now you would have realized the rustic charm of this place. I am sure there are ton more things to do, experience and discover here, but I guess I would need many more trips for that. For the time being, I can tell you that this traditional plantation home in rural Wayanad is truly a slice of god’s own country, without any of the frills of modern tourist infrastructure. If relaxation and rejuvenation in pristine nature is your thing, head to Aham Anubhava. If good food and family is what you are looking for, head to Aham Anubhava. If a rural holiday experience is what you are seeking, head to Aham Anubhava.

To know more about Aham Anubhava, look up their website. If you need any additional information or if you are interested in booking this place, contact Menaka Ramanan (menaka at ahamanubhava dot com).


Above Photo Credit:  Pradeep H Gowda

How to get here:

By air: The nearest airport is Kozhikode, about 2 hours away. But, if you are looking for an airport with a wider connectivity, Bangalore airport, at 300 kms away, is your best bet.

By rail: Mysore, Bangalore or Kozhikode would be 3 train stations with good pan India coverage.

By road: Mylambady is somewhere between 260 and 300 kms away from Bangalore depending on which route you opt for. The Bangalore –> Mysore –> Gundlupet –> Muthanga Forest –> Sultan Bathery –> Mylambady is possibly the fastest and the road in the best condition. There is an alternate route via Hunsur and Mananthavady that passes through Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. Only four wheelers are allowed on that route. Both routes are open only from sunrise to sunset.



Nearby Hidden Tourist Attractions:

1) Karapuzha Dam

2) Wayanad cricket stadium at Krishnagiri, a scenic cricket stadium surrounded by jungles and mountains

3) A small mountain stream completely cut off from outside view and that is surrounded by lush greenery


Above Photo Credit:  Pradeep H Gowda

Nearby Mainstream Tourist Attractions:

1) Kuruva Island, a lovely island on the Kabini river

2) Edakkal Caves, known for its cave paintings from the Neolithic era

3) Banasura Sagar Dam, one of the largest earthen dams in the region

4) Chembra Peak, the tallest peak in the region and a stunning trekking location

5) Soochipara Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible to all

6) Meenmutty Falls, a gorgeous forest waterfall that requires a decent trek

7) Pookote Lake, a beautiful lake known for its lilies, lotus flowers and boat rides

Continue Reading...

Muniyara Farm Stay: Traditional Kerala Home for your next Mountain Holiday

The hospitality industry in India is growing by leaps and bounds and there are a great many beautiful upscale hotel properties and a myriad of budget hotels in our country. However, every now and then during my travels I come across simple places that have everything I look for in a place of accommodation, a warm heart, oodles of local culture, a good kitchen, lots of nature and a remote or offbeat location.

Some examples of such places that come to my head are Dodda Mane in Agumbe, Keremane in Sringeri, Mishing Tribal home in Assam, Honey Valley in Coorg and Malnad Homestay in Sakleshpur district. These are places that I would return to in a heart beat. Such is their charm. During my recent Neelakurinji holiday, I came across one such traditional home while looking for a place to stay in Marayoor, located about 80 kms from Munnar. This place is called Muniyara Nature Retreat Farmstay and I would totally recommend this place for an off-beat mountain holiday in Kerala that is easy on your bank.

Pristine location



Sandwiched between the Marayoor Sandalwood forest and the Kanthaloor Shola National Park, the Muniyara farm stay is set on a lush 2 acre farm that overlooks the mighty Western Ghats. During the year of the Neelakurinji such as this one (2018), one can see the blue mountains in the distance right from the terrace of the property.

It is located on a quiet road leading to Kanthaloor and hence is away from the buzz of the Udumalpet – Munnar forest highway, but at the same time, it is not too far away from it too.

The famous megalithic burial chambers are just a short walk from the property. This is one of the lesser known and explored attractions of Kerala.

Off-beat location for Munnar and Neelakurinji holiday



If you are planning for a Neelakurinji holiday or a simple holiday to Munnar and the mountains around, but wish to stay away from the chaos of Munnar town and wish to spend a lot lesser money, then this property located on the Marayoor – Kanthaloor property is your ideal bet.First, it is at a much shorter distance from Bangalore, so you reach the destination much faster. Then, it is super close to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in case you are interested in a wildlife holiday. The Kanthaloor Shola National Park is just 10 kms away. Marayoor, its sandalwood forest and its megalithic park are top notch off beat attractions. And then, Eravikulam National Park is just half an hour away by road. Munnar itself is just an hour away. So, if you have a vehicle with you and are looking for a budget holiday with pristine location and no chaos, then this is your off-beat location.

Lovely and super hospitable family



The place is run by Mr. Sivan and his lovely family. They have kept their roots and traditions intact and are super accommodating and hospitable. All your requests and questions are met with a smile.

Lip smacking traditional Kerala cuisine

Mr. Sivan’s wife is an amazing cook and if you wish to indulge in delicious traditional Kerala food, then this is the place you need to be. Most of the raw ingredients come from their farm itself and even the eggs come from their chicken farm. The taste of their beetroot curry and  rasam still lingers in my mouth. This is the kind of place to visit if you are a foodie or if you like farm holidays.

Decent rooms at budget price



Muniyara farm stay has about 4 rooms located on an independent block of their farm, a bit away from the home of Mr. Sivan and his family. Each of these rooms are newly done up and come with a common room, bedroom and bathroom. Hot water is available 24 hours courtesy of solar heaters and free wi-fi is provided through a BSNL dongle. This free wi-fi is a great service to have especially if your service provider is not BSNL. The cost of each room during the regular season is about INR 1250 and during rush season is about INR 2,500. The cost of food is additional, though the cost is very nominal, less than INR 100 per meal per person.

For bookings, you can either look up their website, or call Mr Sivan directly at 94469 33947, 94964 20626 and 04865 – 252565.

Continue Reading...