Ama Plantation Trails Coorg Pollibetta

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.

'Scotland of India' or 'Kashmir of the south' or just simply Coorg: it doesn't matter what you call it as it still has the power to captivate you with its charm leaving behind in your memory the picturesque hills, verdant valleys, tranquil vistas of coffee and tea estates and the refreshing fragrance of teak wood forests.

Tata Coffee has built a heritage with its coffee brand in the middle of these picturesque plantations and situated amidst these scenic locales is Tata Coffee's holiday homes 'Plantation Trails'.

Plantation Trails is located in and around the idyllic coffee growing estate of Pollibetta. Pollibetta was once renowned for its high yielding and fine flavoured 'Coorg Mandarin' which was grown as an intercrop. Spread over an extensive area, these estates also grow pepper, cardamom and vanilla as intercrops. Following the plantation's trail along the beautifully pruned hedges, you can breathe in the invigorating air and take in the enchanting scenery of expansive estates. You also interact with the coffee planters whose life, they say, are poured into every cup of coffee. Walking through the estates, you can discover how India has consistently produced and exported a remarkable variety of high quality coffee for over 150 years.

The estate also has a number of activities that you can choose from. You can stroll through the estate and if lady luck is on your side, you can spot a lumbering elephant. A guided tour of the coffee-making process can be arranged and a sports enthusiast can have many activities to choose from. For those who are interested only in relaxing, the estate has lawns where you could curl up with a good book and, of course, a steaming pot of coffee.

The spacious but cozy bungalows at Plantation Trails are a right blend of heritage building with all comforts to make your stay enjoyable making it a perfect getaway from the harsh city life. These bungalows are situated in the undulating highlands of south Coorg at varying altitudes.

Accommodation at Plantation Trails is clean, comfortable and spacious at any of the three-bedroom or double storey bungalows. Enjoy acres of mind space inside the bungalows, breathe in coffee-rich air and listen to lilting bird songs as you stroll around the garden outside. You'll have your own personal cook at the bungalow who is always ready to serve you a sumptuous meal when you get back. Apart from well-appointed rooms and luxurious living conditions. Plantation Trails also offers other services to make your stay pleasurable and, more importantly, make your holiday special. We have room service at the press of a button, laundry service, a Tata Sky to keep you connected with the outside world and a doctor on call to make sure all is well.

Apart from well-appointed and luxurious living conditions, Plantation Trails also offers other services to make your stay pleasurable and, more importantly, make your holiday special. We have room service at the press of a button, laundry service, a Dish TV to keep you connected with the outside world and a doctor on call to make sure all is well.

The following are various bungalows in Tata coffee plantation trails

Cottabetta Bungalow
Once upon a time, this used to be the home of the director of Tata Coffee. One visit will tell you why. With sweeping vistas of the picturesque Kodagu hills, this Raj-era mansion is fit for royalty. Spacious, airy rooms, cozy fireplaces, Victorian furniture and an overwhelming sense of serenity – the Cottabetta Bungalow takes you back to a bygone era. Soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the bungalow is one of the most sought after places to stay at in Coorg.

Accommodation
Besides Heritage and Luxury rooms, Cottabetta also has a Luxury Family Suite for you and your little ones. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. The bungalow has a common living room (with Cable TV) as well as a dining room, where you can dine in true plantation style.

Glenlorna Bungalow
Among the countless coffee plantations in Coorg lies a solitary tea estate where the first tea bush was planted way back in 1914 - and blossoms till date! In the undulating landscape criss-crossed by many a spring lies the Glenlorna Bungalow. The 35 year old villa was named after the children of a British planter, its original inhabitants. So if coffee is not your cup of tea, this is surely the choice for you!

Accommodation
The five bright and airy Luxury Rooms are outfitted with all the creature comforts you desire. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. The bungalow has a common dining hall and living room (with Cable TV).

Surgi Bungalow
In the shade of the silver oak or surgi trees of Pollibetta, rests the peaceful Surgi Bungalow. With the golf course almost in its backyard, it's the obvious choice for golf lovers. Now 35 years old, this is one of the newer bungalows tuned to the needs of those who like a little more luxury.

Accommodation
Whether you choose the Superior or the Luxury room, you are assured of the friendliest 24/7 room service and en suite bathrooms.

Thaneerhulla Bungalow
Thaneerhulla or the 'cold water pond' Bungalow gets its name from a pretty little lake that lies a short walk away. Soak in the old world charm of this century-old bungalow with its wooden floors and cozy fireplace.

Accommodation
The bungalow has a mix of Luxury and Heritage rooms. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and round the clock room service.

Thaneerhulla Cottage
Close to a glistening 'cold water lake' from which it gets its name, the Thaneerhulla Cottage is a 25 year old bungalow. Its comfortable Superior rooms are ideal for student groups or small families on a budget.

Accommodation
All 3 Superior rooms come with en suite bathrooms and 24/7 room service.

Woshully Bungalow
Luxurious and historical, this is the oldest of the Plantation Trails heritage bungalows built a hundred and ten years ago. During the Raj era it served as the Bamboo Club. At an elevation of 2250 ft above sea level, it offers sweeping views of the hills and valleys - especially through the aptly named Durbeen (binoculars) Road.

Accommodation
Choose from beautifully outfitted Luxury and Heritage rooms as well as a Luxury Family Suite. All rooms come with en suite bathrooms, 24/7 room service and Cable TV in the living room.

You can enjoy traditional Coorgi delicacies like Pandhi(pork) or Koli (chicken) Curry, Akki Roti (rice roti), Kadumbuttu (rice dumplings) and Wild Mushroom and Mango Curry from our home-style kitchen. They also serve North Indian, Continental and Jain cuisine.

Authentic Coorg cuisine is the speciality here. Authentic Coorg delicacies are a must-try for those of you who like your food spicy. If you're in the mood for some rich and fiery North Indian fare, the cooks will be more than happy to serve you. For those who can't deal with spicy Indian fare, there's Continental food on the menu too. Jain food may be prepared on request.

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, they do know the region like the back of their hands.
A suggested itinerary is listed below. Please contact us for customized itinerary.

Coffee, culture and adventure

Day 1
12.30 pm: Check in, freshen up and feast on traditional Kodava Outhana or a Coorgi meal.
4.00 pm: Jump into open jeeps for a complimentary tour of the plantations with our trained guides.
6.30 pm: Head back as dusk falls and find your spot around the bonfire. A starlit night, the company of friends and another fantastic dinner - just the perfect finish to your first day here.

Day 2
7.30 am: Wake up to a stimulating cup of coffee, breakfast early and go birdwatching with your cameras and binoculars around the plantation. Coorg has as many as 300 different avian species. Or you could go for a round of golf.
9.30 am: Pack a nice picnic lunch and drive out to Irpu Falls (28 km) and then on to Nagarhole (40 km) in time for the afternoon jungle safari.
5.30 pm: Start on your way back to Polibetta - before you return to the bungalow, you may drive around and take in the scenic beauty of Polibetta. Enjoy the evening as you please - with a book, boardgames or around the bonfire and end the day with a mouth-watering dinner.

Day 3
8.30 am: After a good breakfast, drive to Bylakuppe (35 km) to see the many Buddhist monasteries, visit the Dubare Elephant Camp or raft down the waters of Nisargadhama. By the time you get back to your bungalow, you'll be ready for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 4
7.00 am: Drive out to Talacauvery (80 km), the birth place of the river - this sacred spot is a tourist favourite for it religious significance as well as natural splendour. Or you can go to Madikeri (48 km) which has quite a few sights to see like Raja's Seat and Tipu's Fort, Omkareshwar Temple and Abbey falls. Get back to the bungalow for a light brunch before you leave Coorg.
12 Noon: Check out

On-site

• Plantation walk / drive
• Guided Bird Watching
• Indoor games - carom, chess, cards etc
• Sports center with indoor shuttle court
• Table Tennis & clay tennis court (available only at Thaneerhulla bungalow & cottage)
• 9 Hole Golf course
  

Off-site

• Visit Tea factory
• Visit Coffee processing unit
• Nagarhole National Park safari
• Visit Irpu falls
• Visit Dubare Elephant camp
• Visit Kushalnagar, Bylekuppe Tibetian colony & Namdroling monastery
• Visit Harangi dam & Nisargadama
• White Water Rafting (seasonal Jul - Sep)

Talacauvery
It is the source of the sacred river Cauvery and is situated 70km from Pollibetta. Here, thousand of people gather to witness a miracle - the sudden bubbling and frothing of the small well symbolising the appearance of the Goddess Cauvery - on Sankaramana day in October.

Madikeri
Madikeri or Mercara is a charming hill station in the district headquarters of Kodagu. The fort at Madikeri which has seen many fierce battles in the past is a very popular tourist attraction. This 19th century fort offers a panoramic view of Madikeri's undulating hills from its walls. Located inside is a chapel which has been converted into a museum. Raja's Seat is another popular attraction, where one can sit like a king and view spectacular sunsets.
 
Temples
The temple at Bhagamandala, built along the lines of the multi-roofed Kerala style of architecture, is a scenic 65km drive from Pollibetta. The Omkareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has a mix of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture.
 
Waterfalls
The gurgling mountain streams and waterfalls make Coorg a mesmerising paradise. Abbey falls, Coorg's most popular waterfall is a 7km drive from the main town. You can also drive down to Iruppu falls on the way to Nagarhole. The symphony of cascading waterfalls in chorus with the densely wooded forest surrounding them makes this an ideal picnic spot.
Nagarhole National Park

There are over 250 varieties of birds and animals such as panthers, tigers and flying squirrels living in this park which is covered with teakwood, rosewood, sandalwood, silver oak and other exotic trees. Jeeps and elephants are made available for touring this park.
 
Kushalnagar
Kushalnagar is 40km away from Pollibetta and is home to the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. One can shop for Tibetan souvenirs in the flea market and visit the Namdrolong Monastery, a dazzling structure that houses breathtaking gold statues of Buddha.

Other places of interest in the vicinity are Chikklihole reservoir and Cauvery Nisargadhama.

By Air: Nearest airports: Bangalore, Mangalore and Calicut

By Rail: Nearest railway station: Mysore, Tellicherry and Mangalore

By Road: Nearest bus station: Gonicoppal - 9km and Mysore - 100km.