The Serai Bandipur

The Serai, unlike any other resort in the region, is situated very close to the Bandipur National Park. Bandipur as you know, teems with wildlife, and provides a safe haven to a wide swathe of wildlife, which includes the Four horned Antelope, Gaur, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth bear, black napped hare, black leopard and a host of bird species like the Barbet, Babbler, Warbler and the Indian Peafowl.

And because it rubs shoulders with the National Park, it provides for an experience quite unlike anything you've ever experienced. It isn't uncommon to hear the calls of animals and the trumpeting of elephants as they pass by the resort. Moreover, they aim to enhance the experience in just a little while; when they hope animals will stop by at the water-hole and salt lick that's right within the resort itself.

Among other things, the resort offers a panoramic breathtaking view of the magnificent Nilgiris. Look out of your bedroom and you'll be presented with a perpetually changing view of the Nilgiris. One moment it’s misty, the other it's shrouded in shadows. Then when you least expect it, it's jaw-droppingly spectacular. While soaking in the view is an activity in itself, you'll see that the list of things to do is limited only by the time you have.

The Serai is stretched out across 19 acres, surrounded by solar fencing, with another 17 acres of the land left open to the wild. On the built-up land, there is a scattering of cottages, with hundreds of trees and plants in between. Space overflows unlimited - from the leaf-imprinted pathways to the largesse of the pool to the views from every corner. The Serai offers 24 units of accommodation - 18 Courtyards, 4 Cabins and 2 Residences.

The  different kinds of rooms available here are:

The Mountain View Courtyard: Ensconced in its own private plot, with a little garden in front and a verandah with a view, at the back - the Mountain View Courtyard is a home away from home. And a luxurious home at that. Wooden or stone-tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings, large glass French windows, a large, luxuriously appointed bathing area - and the softest of beds to sink into after a trek in the forests around.

The Mountain View Courtyard Superior: They are the corner courtyards that boast an extra living room as well as the other features mentioned above. This living room attached to the bedroom, has floor to ceiling glass windows, and it is not uncommon to find deer at the other side, peering up at you.

The Mountain View Cabin: A quaint cabin raised on stilts and fully wood-panelled inside, this is a memory to cherish a long time after your holiday is over. In addition to the usual amenities - a cosy bedroom, and large bathing areas - the Mountain View Cabin also has a well-stocked mini bar area. Its very own back verandah - wood-beamed - is perfect to sit out at and look at the blue hills beyond the dense forests - and for the various birds that drop by.

The Residence: The Residence is a villa in its own right. Tastefully appointed and carefully designed, it is that just right fusion of privacy and a fantastic view. The Residence has a vast living room cum bedroom, with separate bathing and dressing areas. In front, a flight of stairs leads to its own terrace with an amazing view of the forest and hills, and even a massive daybed to sink into. King of all you survey! Even if only for one day.

Sanctuary - the restaurant at The Serai
You'd be forgiven for not having your feet on the ground, given the combination of the heavenly food, and your elevated position. The Sanctuary is raised a level above, and has both indoor dining facilities as well as an experience of eating out on the deck. The menu is outstanding, with international dishes making their appearance next to the most delectable local ones. The richly experienced chef and staff leave no stone unturned to make your dining experience a celestial one.

Moyar's Edge - the wilderness bar
Sip a drink on cloud 9 - almost. Moyar’s Edge, with its wall to wall glass windows is a touch apart - and above. Towering over the pool, the view is stunning. The blue Nilgiri hills climb up on one side, with the forests closing in all around. Extravagantly furnished interiors allow you to soak away the day - at night. And the spectrum of drinks, cocktails and mocktails - ensure you do the same.

The pool
A vast crystal-clear blue stretch of water - that is the pool at The Serai.  4 feet deep, the pool is tucked into the corner of the property, which makes sure that you get the privacy you want while you do your laps or sunbathe - with only the trees around to applaud you. And a swim in the middle of the wild is what makes for the memory of a lifetime.

Turquoise - the gift shop
The little gift shop offers you a choice of takeaways - for yourself or for a loved one - from caps and t-shirts to stationery sets and photo albums to packs of terracotta animals. All exquisitely designed and all exclusive.

Wildlife library
If you would like to delve a little deeper into the secrets of the surrounding forests and eco-system, this is the place to start. With a fine collection of books, films and documentaries, puzzles and board games, it makes for an interesting and intriguing virtual journey into wildlife and history.

OMA Spa
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with a range of Indian and International treatments and approaches offered by their therapists.

Jungle safari: Jungle safaris into the tourism zone of the Bandipur National Park, accompanied by a trained naturalist, are conducted twice a day through Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Bandipur. 

Nature walks:Venture out with a trained naturalist, whose keen eye will point out different pugmarks, spoor, ferns, trails and other interesting aspects of wild living, that a city-dweller would find fascinating.

Bonfires: Get around a crackling bonfire and trade stories and drinks - under a starlit sky.

Or check out the following places around:

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
• Day Trip to Ooty
• Himawad Gopalaswamy Betta
• Bison Valley View Point
  

Distances to The Serai Bandipur
Bangalore - 246 km
Mysore exit - 100 km
Bannur road - 93 km
Jungle Lodges - 16 km

By Road (From Bangalore)
Just before entering Mysore from Bangalore, turn left on the main highway onto the new Outer Ring Road.

Approximately 13 km down the Ring Road, take the exit to the left leading to Ooty.

71 km later is the Jungle Lodges on the left side, continue to drive straight through Bandipur National Park.

Just 4km straight ahead is the Bandipur Forest Department campus at which you take the left turn. 8 km down this road is The Serai Bandipur. Property signs direct you along the way.

By Rail
Mysore city is the nearest railway station to The Serai Bandipur.

By Air
Bangalore airport is nearest to The Serai Bandipur.