About 250 kms from Bengaluru, about 10 kilometers north west of Madikeri lies the beautiful, Rainforest Retreat, a certified organic farm blending eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and environmental awareness. This 20 acre plantation property is an ideal hangout for travellers or families who want to unwind in a quiet, natural surrounding.
The retreat has 2 deluxe cottages designed in international standards set amidst bamboo, banana, coffee, and orange plants and a clear running stream. Each cottage has 2 independent bedrooms with attached western bathrooms . The cottages are powered by eco-friendly solar lighting. There is no 220V current, NO TV, and NO telephones either. However, there is a Wi-Fi zone nearby.
The retreat also houses a Plantation cottage that has 2 comfortable rooms each with a fireplace, solar lighting and attached western toilets. This cottage is about 200m inside the plantation. Delicious and wholesome meals are prepared using bio-gas from the plantation’s gobar-gas plant and all meals are served in a common dining area where all guests will have to walk for about 300m to have their meals. Tents are also provided for use inside the plantation as well in the cottages by the stream.
The farming practices adopted in the plantation are a blend of time-tested traditional practices and modern scientific approaches. Cardamom, black pepper, kokam, vanilla, fruits, and coffee crops are grown in the Mojo plantation where this retreat is situated.
The rich biodiversity of the farm makes this place one of the hottest bird watching and trekking destinations in South India. The retreat offers different nature walks and treks including a guided tour of the organic plantation. Special educational packages are also available for student and farmers groups.
There is a 2 hour Mojo Plantation Tour where guests can take part in an ecological awareness program and learn how the crops are cultivated organically using different traditional practices. Guests can also learn first hand about the various types of medicinal plants growing in the plantation and their uses.
The Half or Full Day Treks include a guided tour through evergreen rainforests and idyllic valleys. Long rugged treks are available for the young and adventurous while more leisurely walks are available for those who prefer one.
Birdwatching is another enjoyable activity with over 100 species of birds spotted on the property and the surrounding areas. (image credits)
You can also check out the nearby Dubare Elephant Camp that offers a fun elephant interaction program, including bathing and feeding the resident elephants. The nearby Tibetan settlement at Kushalnagar is also a great place to catch the large statues of Buddha and the intricate paintings. Trips to the temple are usually combined with a trip to the Dubare Elephant Camp.
Pricing
Deluxe Cottage Rooms
Rs. 4000 (Double Occupancy)
Rs. 2500 (Single Occupancy)
Plantation Cottage Rooms
Rs. 3000 (Double)
Rs. 2000 (Single)
Tent
Rs. 2000 (Double)
Rs. 1500 (Single)
There is a 25% surcharge on all bookings from Dec 15 to Jan 5th. Extra persons sharing a room are charged at Rs.1000/person per night. Children ages 5-10 are at Rs.500/child per night. There is an additional 10% service charge on all bookings. Tariff includes bed and breakfast, half-day trek and/or plantation tour (depending on timing). Lunch and dinner available at extra cost.
Must Carry Items: Good walking shoes, rain gear, jackets and flashlights.
Best Times to Visit: The summer months of March to May are the prefect time to visit as the coffee plants are in full bloom; the fireflies light up the forests at night and the fruits are ready for harvesting. February is the time when the smell of the sweet, ripe coffee beans waft down the valley telling you its time for harvesting them!
Address:
Rainforest Retreat
P.O. Box 101,
Madikeri 571201
Kodagu, Karnataka
India
Phone: 91 8272 265638/6 and 201428
Mobile 91-9480104640
Email: rainforestours@gmail.com
The Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation Coorg is a great place to unwind and romance your senses. If you are looking to escape to a quiet place where you wake up to the sound of singing birds and the smell of exotic flowers, be sure to check out the Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation Coorg!
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