The city of Bangalore was still shrouded in darkness when we along with a group of bloggers and influencers made our way out of the city. Our destination, Sakleshpur. It was a Sakleshpur day outing for a select group of travel bloggers and influencers from Bangalore, organized by India Tourism Bangalore, a part of Incredible India under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Dharthi NGO. This was part of an initiative under the “Dekho Apna Desh” umbrella to promote lesser-known destinations of India.

Sakleshpur has always been synonymous with Coffee, but there is much more to it. Sakleshpur has a quintessential fairytale persona. Its undulating emerald landscapes sprayed with generous doses of jade are hypnotically riveting. The fresh mountain air that blows across the plantations that are rich in Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper, and Arecanut, is literally like a whiff of fresh air. We experienced an enticing slice of paradise on our day outing to Sakleshpur, the experience whetted our appetite for more and it would not be long before the magic of Sakleshpur pulls us back to its fold.

Sakleshpur Day Outing For Bloggers & Influencers Organized By India Tourism Bangalore

Sakleshpur makes for an enchanting road trip from Bangalore, as we discovered on our day outing to Sakleshpur for the “Day Out With Influencers/Bloggers at Sakleshpur Coffee Plantations”.

The logistics, planned with clockwork precision ensured that we were on our way towards our destination in the wee hours of the morning. We covered the 220 odd kilometres in quick time with a short pit stop to grab a quick breakfast on the way.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Coffee, Heritage, Adventure, Local Cuisine, And More

The day outing to Sakleshpur was a mosaic of experiences specially curated by the organizers for us. Of course, Coffee and nature were the underlying and overlying themes, but these were interspersed with surprising elements of heritage, adventure, and local cuisine.

It was as if Sakleshpur was revealing itself layer after layer, so much like the six-layered Coffee fruit that is ubiquitous in the region.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Igoor Estate

Coffee shrubs growing underneath the benevolent shade of tall swaying trees on either side of the road heralded our arrival in Sakleshpur. Our rendezvous with serene Sakleshpur was kicked off with a visit to the sprawling Igoor Estate.

“The Igoor Estate is one of the oldest commercially developed Coffee plantations by the British in the world “. says Santosh who is a prominent planter in Sakleshpur. ”

It was in the year 1857, that the estate was established by a British gentleman named Fredric Green. In fact, the start of cultivation of coffee in the region is credited to Fredric Green who started with a garden for the cultivation of Coffee in 1843 in what was then known as Manjarabad Taluk and soon others joined in. Sakleshpur soon blossomed into a thriving Coffee region.

We walked around the plantation, feasting our eyes on the coffee shrubs. Beautiful white flowers bloomed on many of the shrubs, while some of them retained vestiges of the harvest, red coffee cherries. Santosh explained that Arabica and Robusta were the two species of Coffee grown in the plantation. Apart from these, they also grew Cardamom and Pepper.

Santosh also explained the various dynamics of the Coffee market as well as how they optimized the yield of the Coffee plantation through various methods.

It was a treat for the senses just to walk around the plantation, surrounded by coffee shrubs and think what the place must have been like in 1857 when the seeds of Coffee were first planted there by Frederic Green.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Visiting A 250-Year-Old Residence

One of the wonders of travel is the surprises it throws at you, and one such amazing surprise waited for us at Sakleshpur. We were privileged to visit the private residence of a family, an ancestral home that dates back to over 250 years. It may be noted that the hosts were gracious to show us around the house which was their home. The place is a private residence and out of bounds for visitors.

The house is built in the traditional Thotti Mane style which consists of central courtyards that are open to the sky, exquisitely designed wooden columns made of Jackfruit tree wood that support a tiled roof. The ingenuously interconnected courtyards drain the rainwater out, the family still uses the rainwater for cleaning and other purposes. It is a living example of rain harvesting conceived more than 250 years ago. The house stands in the shade of a giant Jackfruit tree, which is as old as the house itself.

We were lovingly treated to hot steaming cups of authentic south Indian filter coffee that we relished in the vintage ambience of the house.

A few such vintage homes built in traditional Malnad style exist in Sakleshpur today.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Swarga Homestay, Kumbarahalli Estate And Post

As we drove into the lush green environs of the 650-acre plantation, 80% of which is covered by Robusta Coffee shrubs, we felt like we had entered the portals of heaven. True to its name the Swarga Homestay seemed to be in complete harmony with nature. Swarga Homestay is listed in Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association Homestay list.

We were greeted excitedly by Hugo, and Oscar, who escorted us to meet Mr. Chirag Shambhu, the owner of the plantation, and Swarga Homestay. The Swarga Homestay is pet-friendly and Hugo and Oscar, the resident pets.

The place is in complete harmony with nature and nestles picturesquely near the flowing Hemavathi river. The seamless integration of the Homestay with nature is personified by the fact that the cottages have names of the elements and are named Chandra, Surya, Jala, Prithvi, and Vayu, and are also thematically designed accordingly.

The Swarga Homestay is eco-friendly, plastic use is discouraged, they do not use products like diesel generators or UPS. In case of power failure, candles are used. There is no television as the intent is for guests to enjoy the tableaux that nature depicts every day and night.

“By nature, as a Malnad Coffee planter, hospitality is in our blood”, says Chirag as he tells us about his passion for running an eco-friendly operation at Swarga Homestay.

The Swarga Homestay is an exclusive place where nature lovers can commune with nature to their heart’s content.

If you wish to experience this place, you can book online Swarga Homestay in Sakleshpur here.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Guddada Siri Homestay

Sakleshpur is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot. It is a taluka divided into two regions, Hethur and Hanbal. We moved upwards through winding roads from the relatively flat lands of Hethur to the hilly regions of Hanbal and reached the Guddada Siri Homestay. Guddada Siri Homestay is listed in Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association Homestay list.

The homestay offers spectacular views of the valley. But before setting out to enjoy the views we tucked into an authentic Malnad lunch which consisted of Akki Roti (Rice Rotis), Kadubu (again a rice preparation), rice, sambhar, rasam, different curries, and pickles. The cuisine of Malnad has an earthy appeal and leaves one contented and rejuvenated.

The Guddada Siri Homestay is not only a place to bask in the spectacular views of the valley, but it also offers activities like rope cycling, boating, Mud Volleyball, etc.

Some of us were pumped up with adrenaline as we tried out rope cycling above a small man-made lake  The Guddada Siri Homestay is a place where families can head out for a relaxing time in .the midst of nature.

If you wish to experience this place, you can book Guddada Siri Homestay in Sakleshpur by calling Ashish on this number:  +91888888469.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Immersive Coffee Experience At Harley Estate

The Harley Estate is a sprawling 800-acre estate that consists of Coffee plantations, a state-of-the-art Coffee Lab, and the Golden Wood Eco Holiday Homes. We visited the Coffee Lab and were flabbergasted by what all can be done with Coffee! Harley Estate is known for its Classic Coffees.

We spent some time at the Coffee R&D Lab where Mr. Prasanna Gudi bent over conical flasks and beakers, experimented with different concoctions, and looked like an alchemist. He was one in many ways, as the lab is focused on the creation of new processes and blends of Coffee.

We learned about the different new Coffee blends that were being made, many of them truly exotic, and we were also privileged to taste a cold and hot brew of coffee that tasted exhilarating.

One can enjoy a Coffee Trail weekend getaway at the Harley Estate with Gully Tours.

If you wish to experience this place, you can book online Golden Wood Eco Holiday Homes in Sakleshpur here.

Sakleshpur Day Outing – Besides The Waterfall

It was evening when we left the Coffee Lab at the Harley Estate for a place that was a fitting culmination to the Sakleshpur Day Outing. We drove in jeeps through muddy tracks, drove right through a flowing stream beside a wooden bridge to reach a small but enchanting waterfall. The waterfall hidden behind foliage cascaded down from the rocks and transformed into a small rivulet meandering through the rocks. The waterfall is within the Harley Estate.

A green meadow beside the waterfall, that reminded us of Switzerland, was the perfect setting to conclude the Sakleshpur day outing for bloggers and influencers. Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bangalore briefly addressed the participants and handed over participation certificates.

As twilight gave way to darkness, it was time to retrace our steps and head back homewards towards Bangalore. As Sakleshpur faded behind us, one thing was clear, we had left Sakleshpur, but Sakleshpur had not left us, we were taking it home in our hearts.

Sakleshpur – Been there yet?

The magic of Sakleshpur lies in the fact that it is less crowded and touristy as compared to say Chikmagalur or Coorg, its nearness to Bangalore, and the fact that it is on the Western Ghats. It is a place that has still preserved its raw and pristine nature. It is a great place for a quiet family getaway where children can be one with nature and appreciate its bounty.

After reading our blog post on Sakleshpur, do you wish to experience this beautiful place called Sakleshpur? If yes, then you can book your stay in advance right here:

Sakleshpur is a place that needs to be experienced to be believed, however, what Sakleshpur does not need is over-tourism. All stakeholders need to partner to ensure sustainable and responsible tourism to Sakleshpur flourishes and the fragile balance of nature of the region is not harmed.

Capacity Building Program

A program for the Homestay owners of Sakleshpur had been organized by India Tourism Bangalore preceding the Sakleshpur Day Out program for bloggers and influencers.

The objective of the program in which 34 Homestay owners and managers participated was skills enhancement in the background of the pandemic as well as the dissemination of information about the schemes SAATHI and IITFC of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The Capacity building program for the Homestay owners and Managers envisaged the sharing of best practices of hospitality with the participants.

It was an interactive program that included panel discussions and was graced by the Home Stay Association team of Sakleshpur. Mr. Kumarswamy, Secretary Home Stay Association, and Mr, Chetan of the association addressed the participants. This was followed by the address by Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bangalore. The way forward for homestays in terms of sustainable tourism during tough times was the topic on which Ms. Freeda M, Founder Director, Dharthi NGO, addressed the participants.

There was also a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Shaheed Khan, Director Research and Advocacy, Dharthi NGO. The panelists were Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bangalore; Mr. Sanjay AB, Deputy Director , Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Department of Tourism; Mr. Kumarswamy, Secretary, Home Stay Association; Ms. Freeda M, Founder Director, Dharthi NGO.

The event concluded with a valedictory program which included closing addresses by Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bangalore; Mr. Kumarswamy, Secretary Home Stay Association; Mr. Girish Nandan, KAS, Assistant Commissioner, Sakleshpur Sub Division. A question and answer session was also organized for the healthy exchange of ideas. The program concluded with participants being awarded certificates.

These programs were part of the initiative of India Tourism Bangalore to promote lesser-known and alternate destinations for nature and eco-tourism.

We were hosted by India Tourism Bangalore – Ministry of Tourism Government of India. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

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