Rainforest Retreat

The  Rainforest Retreat is a unique project that combines eco-tourism with sustainable agriculture and environmental education. Our internationaly renowned eco-lodge is situated on a certified Organic farm in the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats of southern Karnataka. We cater to environmentaly conscious travelers who want to experience a harmonious existence with nature. Surrounded by rolling hills and densely forested valleys, this is a naturalist's paradise waiting to be discovered. Experience the true meaning of bio-diversity as you explore remote idyllic valleys and tropical forests or learn how coffee, cardamom, pepper, vanilla are sustainably cultivated under the shade of rainforest trees. We also offer some of the finest treking and birding in southern india.

Here you can unwind and let your senses be soothed by the sights, sounds, and smells of Nature.  Awaken to the melody of singing birds and the fragrances of exotic flowers.  Walk leisurely through a tropical evergreen forest and discover the meaning of "Biodiversity" with our help. See rare, exquisite orchids growing in their natural habitats.  Experience an  unforgettable evening luminescence that is a delight for artists and photographers.  Sit around a camp-fire, listen to the sounds of a rainforest at night and gaze into clear tropical skies.  All this and more is awaiting you !!!

Rooms:

There are 3 different types of accommodation available.

Two deluxe guesthouses have been specially designed to meet international standards of style and comfort and are set in a rustic surrounding of bamboo, banana, coffee, and orange plants and surrounded by a crystal clear stream.  Each cottage has 2 independent bedroom units with attached western bathrooms  (with bathtub and hot water). All the cottages are powered by eco-friendly 12V solar lighting - there is NO 220V current or telephones in the rooms.

The Plantation Cottage is a little more rustic and has two comfortable, independent rooms each with fireplace, solar lighting and attached western toilets. This secluded cottage is nestled 200 m (walking) inside the plantation so it may not be suitable for seniors of persons with walking difficulties. Please note that meals are now served in a common dinning area so guests in the plantation cottage have to walk 300m to the deluxe cottage for all meals.

There are also two tents in bungalow style setting, 200 mts away from the main dining area. Overlooking a valley with fruit and cardomom plants, they offer complete privacy. Both the tents are furnished with beds and basic furniture and accomodate two people. Toilet and wash room are a few metres away, where warm water is also provided.

Cuisine:

The cuisine is a careful selection of delicious Indian and Continental foods, featuring home-made breads and pastas, savory curries, fresh seafood, locally grown organic vegetables and fruits (passion fruit, avacado, pineapple, mango, papaya, orange, etc.) and gourmet coffee. The delicious and wholesome meals are prepared using bio-gas from our gobar-gas plant.

Organic Spice Plantation

Participate in an exciting ecological experiment as you learn how coffee, cardamom, pepper and vanilla are cultivated organically in the shade of rainforest trees, and see for yourself the different methods of organic cultivation being practiced here. This area is also rich in medicinal plants and many of the local tribals depend on them as their only  source of healing. You will learn first hand about the diversity of these plants and their many uses.

Trekking

With our rich bio-diversity, the Rainforest Retreat is becoming recognized as one of the finest birding and trekking destinations in South India. We offer a variety of Nature Walks (accompanied by a trained guide) through evergreen rainforests and idyllic valleys. You can participate in long rugged treks or opt for more leisurely walks but the memories of being in a tropical forest will linger long after you have returned home.

Cauvery River and Elephant Camp

No visit to Kodagu can be complete without a visit to the Cauvery - the sacred river of Southern India. Spend a full day swimming, or Mahaseer fishing in the clean, cool waters of the Cauvery River. You may be rewarded by the sight of wild elephants coming to drink and bathe in the river. Half and full day trips with lunch can be arranged. Dubare Elephant Camp offers an interesting elephant interaction program.

With our tremendous bio-diversity, the Rainforest Retreat is becoming recognized as one of the finest birding and trekking destinations in South India. We have created an exclusive package for  nature enthusiasts that combines natural beauty and tranquility of the rainforest retreat and wildlife viewing at Nagarhole National Park. This 700 sq km sanctuary is part of the Nilgris Biosphere Preserve and supports a great abundance of varied plant and animal species, making it a paradise for wildlife. Animals encountered include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar and chital deer, wild pig, civet cats, wild dogs, hyenas, flying squirrels, crocodiles, monitors, tortoise, cobras, and pythons.

Karnataka is home to over 550 bird species and more than half of them can be found in the plantations and evergreen forests of Kodagu district. The Rainforest Retreat, surrounded by rolling hills and densely forested valleys abundant with perennial streams is a birding hotspot. Relax and unwind in the peace, tranquility and comfort of the retreat and leisurely explore the surrounding bio-diversity. Some of the birds to be encountered here are kites, eagles, falcons, partridges, wild fowl, owls, parakeets, cukoos, nightjars, woodpeckers, larks, swallows, orioles, barbets, bulbuls, minivets, drongos, flycatchers, sunbirds, flowerpeckers etc (and many large water birds - herons, pelicans, painted storks, egrets etc at Ranganatitu bird sanctuary and other water bodies).