Question 1

When is the best time to visit?

Accepted Answer

October to March brings clear skies, cool mornings and the best views; March–April is coffee-blossom season; June to September is the lush monsoon, with waterfalls at their best and far fewer visitors. Weekends and long holidays are busy, so book early for those dates.

Question 2

Is it safe to visit in the monsoon? Are there leeches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is a lovely time, but go in prepared. Rain, fog and short power cuts are normal, and views may be hidden for days. Leeches are active from June to September on forest and stream trails: we provide leech socks and salt, and they are harmless. The mud road and ghat roads need slow, careful driving, and the Kudremukh trail is closed in heavy rain.

Question 3

Do I need to book activities in advance?

Accepted Answer

In-house walks can be booked on arrival, subject to space. Excursions such as the Kudremukh trek and the 4×4 sunrise drive need permits and vehicles, so please add them while booking or at least a day ahead.

Question 4

How fit do I need to be for the Kudremukh trek?

Accepted Answer

It is a hard trek: about 20 km, 7 to 9 hours, mostly exposed grassland. If you can comfortably walk 10 km with some climbing, you should manage it with rest stops. The minimum age is 12. The guide may turn the group back for weather or pace, and the forest department can close the trail at short notice, in which case we offer another activity or a refund.

Question 5

How do I pay, and can I pay part now?

Accepted Answer

Pay securely online with UPI, cards, net banking or wallets. You can pay in full, or pay 30% now and the balance at the property. Your room is held for 15 minutes while you pay.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation charges depend on how early you cancel: free if cancelled 30 or more days before check-in; 25% charged if cancelled 15 or more days before check-in; 50% charged if cancelled 7 or more days before check-in. If you cancel less than 7 days before check-in, or do not show up, 100% is charged. Refunds go back to the original payment method within 7–10 working days. The full policy is on the Refund & Cancellation page.

Question 7

Do I need an account to book?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book as a guest with your email and phone number. Your confirmation email has a secure link to view or cancel the booking. An account is optional and keeps all your bookings in one place.

Question 8

What kind of food do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Home-style Malnad and South Indian food cooked to order, with simple North Indian and continental dishes on request. Breakfast is akki rotti, neer dosa or kadubu with chutney; dinner is rice, a curry, dal, greens and a sweet. Non-vegetarian dishes such as pandi curry and chicken sukka are available on request.

Question 9

Do you serve vegetarian, Jain and vegan food?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our kitchen is happy to cook vegetarian, Jain (no onion or garlic) and vegan meals, and to keep the food mild for children and older guests. Please tell us when you book so we can stock up, as fresh produce comes from the estate and the town market.

Question 10

Is there anywhere to eat nearby, and is alcohol allowed?

Accepted Answer

Chikmagalur town is about 30 minutes away, but we recommend eating at the estate because there are no restaurants nearby. We do not sell alcohol. You may bring your own for private consumption in your room or cottage, as the law allows, but not on trails or in the shared areas; please drink responsibly.

Question 11

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is by 11:00. If you arrive early, leave your bags with us and have breakfast or lunch while the room is made ready. Early check-in or late check-out is arranged when the room is free; please ask a day ahead.

Question 12

What is the road like for the last stretch? Can my sedan make it?

Accepted Answer

The main road up to Mullayanagiri Road is good tarmac. The last 2 km is an unpaved estate road of mud and gravel with a few steep bends. Sedans and hatchbacks manage it in dry weather if driven slowly, but low-slung cars can scrape, and after rain the road gets slippery. In the monsoon we suggest parking at the junction, where our jeep will collect you and your luggage. Please avoid driving it for the first time after dark.

Question 13

Is there mobile network? Which carrier works best?

Accepted Answer

Jio and Airtel work in the main bungalow and most cottages, with an occasional drop in the valley-facing ones. BSNL is patchy, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) often has no signal. Do not count on data in the Glamping Pavilions, the stream walk or on trek trails. Download maps and anything you need for work before you arrive.

Question 14

Is Wi-Fi available, and is it good enough for work calls?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi is available in the main bungalow, the dining hall and most cottages (not in the Glamping Pavilions). It is fibre-backed and handles email and video calls most of the time, but it can slow down in heavy rain or during a power cut. If you must be online, ask for a Deluxe Room near the router and tell us in advance.

Question 15

Is there hot water and power backup?

Accepted Answer

Every room has hot water around the clock, from solar heaters backed by electric geysers. Power cuts are common in the hills, particularly in the monsoon; a generator covers lights, fans and the kitchen within a few minutes. Air conditioning is not needed here, and rooms have no AC.

Question 16

How cold does it get? What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Winter nights (November to February) drop to about 10–14 °C, and it can feel colder on the grassland, so bring a jacket and socks. In summer, days reach about 30–35 °C but evenings cool down. Always pack comfortable walking shoes with grip, a torch, a rain jacket from June to October, and insect repellent.

Question 17

Are children welcome? Is the property safe for toddlers?

Accepted Answer

Very welcome. Children up to 5 stay free, ages 6–11 are charged a child rate and 12 and above are charged as adults. The Stilt Wood House with its loft is a favourite with families. Please watch toddlers closely: there are steps, uneven paths, a stream and a fire pit, and the loft ladder in the Stilt Wood House is steep.

Question 18

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

We are sorry, but we cannot host pets. The estate is home to a lot of wildlife and to our own working dogs, and leeches and ticks are a risk for visiting animals.

Question 19

What ID proof do I need at check-in?

Accepted Answer

Every adult guest must show a valid government photo ID, such as Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID. Foreign nationals need a passport and visa, as the law requires. We record the details in the guest register as required by law.

Question 20

Can you arrange a pickup from Kadur, Chikmagalur or Bengaluru?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pickups from Kadur station and Chikmagalur bus stand can be added while booking. We can also arrange a cab from Bengaluru, Mangaluru or Hubballi airports on request; tell us your flight, train or bus details and we will confirm the price. The last 2 km uses a local jeep.

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