Your Short Break
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One sure way of confusing a planter is to ask him to choose the best thing (just one) about plantation life. Is it the breathtaking scenery that follows the eye everywhere? The heritage bungalow he calls home? The countless cups of fragrant fresh coffee and tea? Perhaps, the adventurous visits to and from the wild? Or is it the right blend of urban luxuries with the serenity of the countryside? The choice is difficult. A choice you won't have to make when you holiday at Plantation Trails.
Savour the authentic plantation lifestyle experience at Plantation Trails. While you sip on freshly brewed coffee, learn more about your favourite drink with our exclusive Bean to Cup plantation. The well-appointed heritage bungalows, some over a hundred years old, are just the right base to explore.
Indulge in the frills and fancies of plantation life near the misty hills of Chikmagalur at the Arabidacool Bungalow. Built in 1914, the sprawling property is the perfect retreat from the chaos of city life. Situated close to Baba Budan Giri, the birthplace of Indian Arabica coffee, there could be no better place to truly enjoy the Bean to Cup coffee tour. At 4000 feet above sea level, it's your chance to take a walk in the clouds.
Guests have a choice between Heritage and Luxury rooms. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and splendid views. The bungalow has a common living room (with Cable TV) as well as a dining room, where you can dine in true plantation style.
The kitchen, supervised by the planters' wives, serves delicious and healthy local cuisine as well as North Indian, Continental and Jain fare - all with that special home-made touch!
Wildlife spotting at Bhadra Tiger Reserve
While there's no guarantee that you will see a tiger (and we have only humankind's thoughtless ways to blame for that), there's certainly a very good chance of seeing panthers, sambar, elephants, wild boars, porcupines, peacocks, parrots and woodpeckers, of the many kinds of fauna that abound here.
Trekking up the Baba Budan Range
Flanking the northern bounds of Chikmagalur are the lofty peaks of the Baba Budan Range (named after the revered sufi saint who made the caves his home in the 17th century). Trekking up to Mullayanagiri (at 6355 ft above sea level) or one of the many peaks around Kemannagundi is as exhausting as it is rewarding. Star gazing at Kemmanagundi doesn't necessarily happen only at night since it's a favourite shooting locale for Kannada films.
Temple Tripping at Belur and Halebeedu
The heart of the medieval Hoysala Empire, Belur-Halebeedu is a maze of temples. The intricate carvings that adorn the walls of the temples stand testimony to the fine craftsmanship of the time and the empire's patronage of the arts. Enjoy great views of the Western Ghats from the ruins of the Hoysala fort at Ballaranayanadurga. Other temples around Chikmaglur include Chenakeshava Temple dating back to 1150 AD in Marle and the Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple in Horanadu, 100 km south of town.
Have a splash in the waterfalls
Where there's a hill, there's a fall. The Hebbe and Kalahatti Falls, the most popular ones in the area, are both near Kemmanagundi. The perfect backdrop for a holiday snapshot, the fresh air and cool spray of the falls as the water bounces off the rocks can wake up even the most exhausted tourist.
From a one day break to a leisurely 5 day trip, plantation trails has it all. So little time, so much to do - yes, that's the sentiment that echoes through most of our guests. So how do you fit in the best of your holiday destination in the little time off you have from office - without needing a break to rest your bones once you get back home? That's where our holiday - planning expertise comes in. After all, we do know the region like the back of our hands.
A suggested itinerary is listed below. Please contact us for customized itinerary.
The hills and temples of Chikmagalur
Day 1
6.30 am: Leave Bangalore
12.30 pm: Pit-stop at Hassan for lunch
4.30 pm: Arrive at Plantation Trail just in time for evening tea
8.30 pm: Gather around the bonfire and have a yummy barbecue dinner - the best way to relax after your day's journey
Day 2
7.30 am: Savour a hot cup of coffee freshly brewed and set off on a walk to Kaavil Kaandi through the plantations with a packed breakfast, which you can enjoy out in the open.
1.00 pm: Freshen up after your hike and get ready for a sumptuous lunch at your bungalow.
2.00 pm: Drive down to Dattatreya Peeta and Baba Budan Giri to watch the sun set over the hills.
7.30 pm: Get back to your bungalow for another tasty dinner, cooked to perfection under the supervision of a planter's wife.
Day 3
7.30 am: Pack a picnic basket and drive down to Belur - Halebeedu for a day around the remains of the 16th century Hoysala empire.
Day 4
7.30 am: An early start to the day will help you cover more ground as you visit the many temples in Horanadu and Srengeri
Day 5
7.30 am: Last but far from the least, a trip to Bhadra Tiger Reserve that abounds with a variety of flora and fauna.
12 noon: Check Out
After Chikmagalur town, drivel 10km along Tarikere Road till you reach Kaimara village. Look for the Plantation Trails sign where you have to take a left on to a mud road and continue for approximately 3 km till you reach the estate.
Nearest Railway Station
Nearest Airport
