When friends from Bangalore gushed about exclusive villas set within a 600-acre coffee plantation, it got me intrigued. Luxury within pristine surroundings – this Chikmagalur resort delivers it, all right!
Dates were fixed in the first week of January, bookings were done directly with Primrose Villas and we were set to welcome the new year in style.
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Destination
Located at an altitude of 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range, Chikmagalur is one of the famous hill stations near Bangalore. It is known for its pleasant climate, serene coffee estates and lush green mountains and valleys all around. Chikmagalur is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India.
We have been to several properties in Coorg, Kabini, and Madikeri, and we were excited for our first-time trip to Chikmagalur. The road trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur was a smooth ride. We stopped at Swathi Delicacy en route for breakfast.
Stay at Primrose Villas
Primrose Villas is a small property – just 7 villas spread over and 4 rooms that are part of the main building. We had booked a villa, and I would recommend the same to you.
Each of the villas, spread across 1,000 square feet, have a private space around them. The villa space seems even larger due to full-length mirrors on two sides, making you feel one with nature. Despite the glassy look, the villas are very private. In our villa, there was enough space for a seating area, a small dining table, and for an extra bed to be put for my 6-year old daughter.
The bathroom is again large and has wonderful views of the garden outside. The wall where the bathtub is placed is all glass. The bathroom is towards the entrance though, so, some might have concerns being in the gorgeous tub with the curtains open. A bit thrilling, I think!
Also, read – A relaxed family getaway near Mahabalipuram: Beach Villa by SaffronStays
Food at Primrose Villas
The food here is varied and delicious and a notch above other Chikmagalur resorts. The breakfast is prepared fresh and has everything from South Indian fare to eggs done in different styles to a few North Indian items on offer.
The meals are healthy and incorporate different cuisines such that you don’t get bored of eating at the property during your stay. We tried the local cuisine from Chikmagalur, barbecued items, Italian, Chinese, North Indian, and except for the Chinese food, I found everything to my taste.
The best part is that the meals are not restricted in the large main area that doubles up as a dining room. As gorgeous as the views are from the main hall, it may become a tad monotonous to have all 3 meals of the day there. The good part is that the staff is happy to serve food elsewhere on the property at your request.
Our best meal was the barbecue dinner – with fresh meat and vegetables served hot on the lawns – while we enjoyed a bonfire and a starry sky. Another lunch was made special by being served in the private villa garden. The kids were happy running around in the garden and we spent an enjoyable afternoon chatting and looking at the luscious green hills.
Activities at Primrose Villas
The property has its own hill for you to conquer – imagine that!
For the fit and adventures, the morning trek to Rudragiri mountain is not to be missed. Please note this trek is fairly steep right from the beginning and is not suitable for kids under 10. A guide from the coffee estate accompanies you. Do not refuse the trekking poles offered by the staff, they would be useful, especially during the steep descent.
The coffee plantation walk is an easy walk through thick green plantation area around the property and is suitable for everyone. Primrose doesn’t have a naturalist, and you really don’t need a guide to accompany you on this trail.
I enjoyed the visit to the coffee beans processing facility much more than the walk. This can be booked in advance with the estate manager. Right from the bean washing to the pulp being separated to the drying in the sun, this is a fascinating process to see.
Also, read – Weekend getaway options: Escape to the hill stations near Delhi
Activities around the coffee estate
Chikmagalur offers other interesting treks with views of verdant rolling hills. If you are fit and not traveling with young kids, you could climb the Mullayanagiri – the highest peak in Karnataka. Another option is Baba Budangiri.
Then, there are gushing waterfalls – Hebbe and Kalhatti Falls being the prominent ones. If you are interested in wildlife, you could do a day trip to a tiger reserve, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
For the culturally inclined, there are many temples nearby. Sringeri Sharada Peetha, one of the 4 Hindu Advaita Mutts established by Adi Shankaracharya is quite popular. We visited the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, on our drive back to Bangalore.
What puts a smile 🙂
The views of the sun-kissed hills and green valleys from all villas and the main building are as spectacular as advertised on the website.
The barbecue dinner with a bonfire is made special because of its setting. You can’t really see the gorgeous valley or the hills across, but a few lights give you a sense that you are not alone. And when the bonfire dies you, you have a thousand stars to give you company.
Recommended for families?
Yes, with a couple of caveats. Go in a large group of friends or family would be my advice.
Also, manage your exceptions. This property doesn’t have a kiddie center or a swimming pool for kids to spend time.
On the other hand, the garden outside the villas and outside the main buildings have enough ground for kids to play and explore. The resort does have several board games and we spent many hours playing Monopoly with our daughter.
The resort couldn’t be more perfect for couples.
Do read – Suryagarh: reason enough to visit Jaisalmer
Contact
Website: Primrose Villas
Email: kb@primrosevillas.com
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Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. We paid for our stay at Primrose Villas in full. As always, all opinions are my own.
All photos that are not watermarked @zestinatote have been taken by my friends, Bhavna Toor and Anshumani Ruddra.
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This is the first time I am hearing about Chikmagalur but these villas seem remarkable. I am definitely adding Chikmagalur to my bucket list and I already know where to stay!
Chikmagalur is a great spot to be close to nature.
Thanks Kiran. Have you been to Chikmagalur or Coorg?