Coffee County

The invigorating aroma of fresh coffee, together with a spiritually charged landscape and culture — when you enter Chikmagalur, the effect is almost like instant coffee — refreshing! Driving through this region, the almost picture-postcard perfection of the verdant and vibrant Western Ghats is stimulating, and a visit to the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid transports you back into an era when artistic indulgence was integral to Hindu culture.

Chikmagalur is perhaps one of the most underrated, picturesque hill towns down south. The sense of calm and tranquillity that fills you is only enhanced by the sheer simplicity and quaintness of your homestay, an ancient plantation home 14 km away from the main town. Conveniently connected to tourist attractions such as the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Halebedu, Belur and Kemmanagundi, the homestay is also comfortably far from the madding crowd, hidden away among the lush coffee plantations. Add to that a classic swig of South Indian coffee amid the serenity around, and you know you’re close to heaven.