In all of 4,102 square kilometres, Coorg engulfs forests, shrines, rice paddies, cascading waterfalls and parts of the mountain range circuiting the Western Ghats. A princely state in the British Era, Kodagu — which is also how Coorgis refer to the hamlet — is now a part of present-day Karnataka and a choice travel destination, especially for short getaways for locals in Bengaluru, Kochi and other neighbouring cities. And while, Coorgi food has its own legacy, as a cuisine that blends history, geography and culture seamlessly — breathing them into firecracker dishes (Pandi curry, anyone?) — what sets this hill town apart is its quiet, unassuming charm. And if there was ever a better way to experience it, it’s from 3,500 feet above sea level at The Tamara Coorg. 

Spread across 180 acres, this 5-star property tries to reimagine luxury, infusing it with an idyllic, rustic charm, drawing from the Balinese concept of Tri Hita Karana — a philosophy that rests on the synergy between the human world and nature. Their cottages (available in luxury, superior luxury and suite trims) sweep you away into another world, with sun decks offering a 180-degree view of the valley, coffee estates and forests. Timber bridge structures, shingle roofs, and Alpine-chalet-inspired interiors make it seem cosy, while also being ultra-luxe. 

Our 6-hour-long road trip from Bengaluru to the estate was peppered with many attractions — from the mystical Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve to the enchanting Nisargadhama Forest — making it a pleasant journey, punctuated by deer sightings. Cut away from the city, Tamara Coorg is located another hour away from Madikeri town, and enveloped in a magical calm. Babbling brooks, rustling trees and the muted whirring of e-Carts — used to ferry guests around the property — put you in a state of constant lull. The folks at Tamara are aware of this, and have guessed correctly that you don’t want to leave once you’ve set foot inside. Keeping that in mind, they have in place The Falls, a multi-cuisine restaurant that’s excitingly built atop a flowing stream, with glass panels used as flooring to offer you clear views of it. Surrounded by lush green, this diner is as much a sanctuary on its own, as the rest of the property. Enjoy a lavish breakfast of eggs and freshly baked breads, tuck into a local Coorgi lunch spread and try your favourites from their Indian and international preparations for dinner — the choices are aplenty. 

With food taken care of, you may still wonder how to spend the rest of your time in this hideout, unless of course, you’re like me — content to the core sun-bathing on the deck, sipping on drinks and nibbling on snacks delivered right to your doorstep by their efficient room service staff. For that, too, you can stay put inside Tamara Coorg and subscribe to their curated experiences. If you love a wellness-oriented getaway, soak in the sounds and sights of nature at their forest therapy or yoga and meditation session. Or, slip into your activewear and venture out for their planned treks, plantation tour, or for bird watching. And if you like to spend your time with edgier activities, there’s a Dine in Nature facility that allows you to relish good grub under the day or night sky. Plus, their wildly popular Blossom To Brew experience, where you can pluck fresh berries, grade, roast, and grind them yourself to brew an aromatic cup of coffee. 

All of that, and then some, make this a worthy getaway this monsoon, where picturesque sights play hide and seek with southern clouds, rain-soaked afternoons make the sambar taste more delicious than usual, and downtime receives a luxury fillip in the lap of gorgeous Kodagu. 

For bookings, drop an email at reservations@thetamara.com