“Athithi devo bhava” is the defining philosophy at Shreyas. This literally means, “a Guest is to be served as God.” At Shreyas, we imbibe this philosophy broadly, believing that “all are essentially divine” and our relationships with each other and especially our guests should reflect this.

Our guests are lovingly served with unparalleled personalized attention by a staff that practices yoga and endeavours to embody this philosophy.

The staff is encouraged to serve guests as part of their spiritual discipline and not just as a job or career; serving is different from being servile because the focus is on connecting with the divinity inherent in each guest.

Inspired by the first sound of creation, OM, the resort in Gokarana on Om Beach is a perfect setting to enable one to hear the ‘voice of the inner self’.

SwaSwara is cast in the colours of the earth and the ocean and is in harmony with the land and its culture. Its form and spirit celebrates simplicity and purity, in keeping with our ethos of health and well being.

SwaSwara goes beyond being a spa in the traditional sense. Neither is it an ashram. SwaSwara is a sanctuary for your Prakruti or the innermost nature of an individual – that special blend of qualities and features that grant it uniqueness!

Its goal is to offer a life plan for the ‘reconstruction’ of mind and body to bring about balance and harmony within. Starting at 5 nights and going up to 21 nights, we offer programmes to transform yourself.

At the healing fount of silence
We live unaware of the nurturing inner voices of our being, drowned out as they are by the din of daily life. Only when everything else quiets down and we are at peace with ourselves in our surroundings can we hear it.

That’s why we made sure that the shouts and clamors of the world die down to whispers at SwaSwara so that you may be uplifted by clouds of enfolding tranquility.

SwaSwara is poetry in stone, painted with colours that symbolise the grounding energy of the earth, offset by the healing purity of white. The dwelling units at SwaSwara are villas that invite you to revel in the open and green spaces that have been created within the confines of your walls.

These afford privacy, yet open up to the skies and exposes nature in its full bounty to the senses. A yoga deck on the second level offers spectacular views of the countryside and ocean while also serving as a perfect nook for Yoga practices.

Earthy and simple as its design is, SwaSwara is not spartan or lacking in comforts. Its architecture pays homage to the terrain and its character while infusing your personal spaces with an abundance of nature that plays its own unseen hand in healing.

An ode to the earth
SwaSwara is of the earth in all respects. It is poetry in stone, an artistic expression in laterite, painted with colours that symbolise the grounding energy of the earth and offset by the healing purity of white.

Its architecture pays homage to the land, infusing your personal spaces with an abundance of nature that stimulates even as it heals.

An aura of healing
SwaSwara has a great profusion of healing plants and medicinal herbs that grow on the property in different spots including the courtyards of the guest villas.

We believe that their presence creates an aura of healing for all who enter here. These plants are also used by our therapists in their various formulations and preparations aimed at your wellness.

Hand woven for you
We try to introduce local elements into your stay wherever we can, to remind you of the customs in vogue at our locations. The towels that we place in our rooms at SwaSwara – Kara Thorthu – are an old tradition and made by local women weavers to this day.

They are known for their capacity to absorb moisture easily and to dry quickly as well. They are ideal for the climate of this region and have been used by the locals for a long time.

You Are What You Eat
The adage that ‘you are what you eat’ is a given truth at SwaSwara. Good food- planned and appropriate – is an intrinsic part of wellness. They are chosen made with care to hasten the process of wellness in you.

You are welcome to visit our interactive kitchen gallery to understand and partake of this intensive and complex culinary process dedicated to wellbeing. Much thought goes into the ingredients for the SwaSwara kitchen.

We prefer to make food that is grown in harmony with nature, ripened naturally on healthy soil and cooked with an air of mindfulness. Our fresh produce – from the organic vegetable farm at SwaSwara and the neighbourhood – consists of seasonal tropical fruits,vegetables and freshly caught seafood.

These are complemented with juices and herbal teas. Dairy and eggs are limited in their use as is the use of oils in our preparations. For those on the Swa Wellbeing, wine is offered. Our menu does not feature meats, hard liquor, refined sugar or refined flour.

AYURVEDA

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, is unique in that it addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our well being in an integrated and related way. Our therapies are designed around this holistic understanding of life and serve to heal your body, relax your mind and rekindle your soul.

Ayurveda dates back more than 2000 years originating in the Vedas, the ancient Hindu texts that contain practical information related to almost all aspects of life and is that branch of the Vedas which delves into the essence of right living and healing.

Literally meaning the ‘knowledge or Science (‘veda’) of life’ (‘ayur), Ayurveda is an amalgamation of different knowledge systems that combine to offer a right and healthy way of life that is disease free.

YOGA AND MEDITATION

At SwaSwara we offer classical Yoga and Meditation sessions mediated by qualified practitioners. The Yoga offered at SwaSwara is Hatha Yoga and it is a form that focuses on physical suppleness and flexibility.

It maintains that the basis for spiritual well-being lies in strengthening the body, which in turn benefits the mind. While food, Yoga and art take care of the body and mind. We have included Meditation to address the inner self and complete the unity.

The guided Meditation practices at SwaSwara instill serenity and peace in you, which in turn makes it easy for the body and mind to converge in a spirit of harmony and total wellbeing.

ART YOGA

Art is also a path to healing and self discovery. At SwaSwara you can take voyages of the imagination and the inner self through various art practices that enable you to find and lose yourself at the same time.

The art studio at SwaSwara invites you to experiment with a wide range of creative activities that include tribal Warli painting, water colours on handmade paper, origami and clay work on a traditional potter’s wheel. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and let your right brain lead you where it will.

DIET

The dining experience at SwaSwara is highlighted as a true culinary treat of what is gourmet healthy. Everyday our guests can savour a truly unique flavourful creation that is also healthy.

The SwaSwara kitchen gets most of its produce from the organic farm within the property and from local markets. They use almost no oil, no refined sugar, no dairy and no refined flour.

Our diets are tailor made to each individual programme at SwaSwara. Those on the Swa Wellbeing is served a healthy diet of vegetarian and seafood. We do offer wine to the guests on the Swa Wellbeing program.

Those on the 7 and 14 nights Ayurveda programmes would follow the satvic diet where the doctor would prescribe a personalised diet for each individual based on their Doshas.

NATURE

Tranquil holidays can be restorative even when coupled to some stimulating activities that exercise both body and mind.

You can choose to start your day with a bout of yoga or go birdwatching on a Prakruthi walk around our 30-acre property that is green and welcoming. It will uplift your senses, expanding them to take in the beauty of the natural surroundings that will also add to your sense of wellbeing.

Swimming Pool

Our large oxidised swimming pool is always holding out a welcome to you to jump in and swim. Depending on the programme you are on, the doctor will advise on the use of the swimming pool.

Meditation Deck on the Cliff

Meditation hill with a coconut thatch roof and wide, terraced, mud packed steps on which participants sit for guided sunrise meditation. This space commands a 180 degrees view of the Om beach and the ocean below.

Yoga Shala

A dedicated center for Asana classes (1600sq.ft). This space is very well ventilated with glass windows on all four sides and a tiled floor. It can be fan cooled.

Library with Wifi Connectivity

A circular, well lit space that is open all day and has an eclectic collection of books. The library can be air-conditioned if you wish, and is the only wi-fi enabled area in SwaSwara

Yoga and Meditation Hut

An iconic circular, thatch roofed Meditation Hut (765sq.ft) for Meditation and Chanting sessions. The space can be air-conditioned.

Art Studio

SwaSwara’s art studio is a space for creative and mindful expression. Under the guidance of the resident artist, guests can explore and express their creative thoughts through painting, clay modeling or sculpting. The space is adorned with works of art expressed by our guests over the years.

Nature Trails and Bird Watching

What better way to start your day than with a sighting of Hornbills or the White bellied Sea Eagle that nests in our property! With a protected patch of forest and the rainwater lakes, SwaSwara plays host to a wide variety of migratory and resident birds, with occasional visits from endangered species too.

Experience all this and more on our guided bird watching walks offered every Wednesday morning. You could also hike across Om Beach, up the cliffs through the scrub jungle and acacia plantation to Half-moon beach and trek back uphill along a mud road to the resort.

Boat Ride

You can contact our front desk for Boat Rides to Mirjan Fort, Long Beach and Tadadi Harbour. A very interesting cruise to the historic Mirjan Fort, takes you through the sea up the Aganashini river.

A tuk tuk ride will get you from the boat jetty to the fort. Return by boat to OM Beach. Cruise by the pristine long beach where you can explore a relatively un touristy beach and fishermans village and a typical Konkan style temple.

Cruise to the busy fishing harbour to experience the local flavor of a bustling fish market. Return by Tuk Tuk.

Visit The Temple Town

Meander around and find yourself back in time at Gokarna’s 2 streets amid the sacred cows; visit its famous Shiva temple; or tour the inland temples and forts.

Interactive Cooking

Learn to cook healthy South Indian Cuisine with our chefs in the Kitchen. Everyday, our chefs offer interactive classes for healthy cooking. The guests are encouraged to go into the kitchen and cook with our chefs to learn how to cook healthy and improve our food habits.

They give you recipes to try at home and healthy alternatives you can find in your city. With the skill to cook with almost no oil, no refined sugar or flour , our guests have been able to successfully change their own and their family members’ lifestyle at home.

Gokarna, South of Goa
Ayurveda and Yoga on Om Beach

A serene abode for your body, mind and soul, just 3.5 hours away from Goa airport. Located on the fabled Om beach on the west coast of India in Karnataka and set amidst 26 acres of green lawns and gardens surrounded by pristine beaches , Swaswara is truly an abode of peace far removed from the distractions of urban centers.

Situated a little away from the village of Gokarna, nestling amidst rolling hills and lined by serene coconut palms are 24 villas inspired by the traditional homesteads and crafts of the Uttara Karnataka region of the state.

SwaSwara is not just an earthly destination. It is the gateway to a more profound place that abides within you. Get there and you will meet both.

Glenburn is a heavenly little plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range.

Started by a Scottish tea company in 1859, Glenburn then passed into the hands of one of India’s pioneering tea planting families – The Prakashes, One of India’s pioneering tea-planting families, we have, over the years, come to be known as the “Chaiwala family“ – which literally means “tea planters“.

The story of the Chaiwala family began over a hundred years ago, and is closely entwined with that of tea plantations in India. Today, the third and fourth generation Prakash family carry almost a century of tea knowledge in their inheritance, and we invite you to experience this legacy at Glenburn.

The “tea estate” experience was inspired by the vineyards of Europe and other parts of the world, where visitors observe the wine-making process, taste the wine and shop for wine, local crafts and produce.

We found the whole experience educational and very interesting, and were inspired to open our own tea estate for tourists who may be interested in knowing about how a tea leaf makes it to their tea cup.

On her very first visit to Glenburn, Husna-Tara Prakash decided this was the spot for such an experience. It was simply the most heavenly place. In addition to the “tea experience” we could also offer the guests a “walking” experience, and Glenburn remains one of the few destinations in India where you can walk all day and return to luxury at night.

We grow our own fresh herbs, spices and many fruit and vegetables, making the experience a “foodie” one as well, with an emphasis on using local ingredients to create mouth watering, unique menus.

The initial idea took about a year to materialise. On a chance encounter, Bronwyn Latif – an interior designer based in Delhi – found herself at Glenburn and fell in love with the place, too. Before we knew it, we had fallen right into a complete restoration of the main bungalow of the estate.

Our aim was to restore it to its original grandeur. Layers and layers of paint and plywood covered the beauty of the house, as if each manager’s wife wanted to contribute in some way to its splendour.

We would not have got very far without Bronwyn’s amazing energy and passion as far as restoration and innovative ideas go. In 2002 The Burra Bungalow was lovingly restored, whilst retaining the style of a colonial planters’ bungalow.

With 1000 acres of private forest, and two rivers running through the estate, is a wonderfully peaceful place to stay and offers a unique holiday experience. In 2008 we added 4 more rooms at Glenburn as part of The Water Lily Bungalow.

Perched on the edge of the hill in front of The Burra Bungalow, all rooms have stunning views, including Darjeeling Town up on one hill and, of course the Kanchenjunga Range straight ahead. We have sourced antique furniture for all the rooms, as well as some old Burma teak for the flooring.

Restored old cast iron window frames with arched skylights shape the 9 foot high windows in each room. The small balconies just outside each of these large windows are perfect for enjoying the magnificent views all around.

This project would never have been possible without the hard work and resourcefulness of our Glenburn Tea Estate Manager and his team of local workers who transported everything to this very remote site with amazing results.

THE GLENBURN FAMILY
Central to your visit to Glenburn will be our versatile hosts, Bertie and Audrey, who are at Glenburn simply to pamper and spoil you. We hope you enjoy their company during your stay.

Although they will join you at most meals, and accompany you on some of the walks and activities, do feel free to request time on your own as well. They will not take offence! From time to time, interns will also be working at Glenburn, and we hope you enjoy their company as well.

At some point during your stay you will also meet our Tea Estate Manager, Parveez Hussain who has spent over two decades in tea. He, of course, has expert knowledge on anything to do with tea, but please bear with us if he is unavailable at any time.

He has a huge responsibility running the entire estate with its 1,000 workers! The Tea Tour will be conducted by Parveez, his assistant manager Raju, or our able guide, Ranjan, who also does an excellent job.

Another familiar face around the property is Sabin, who is a third-generation Glenburn resident and a general “Mr Fix-it”, with in-depth knowledge of the region, the local communities, and the local birds, flora and fauna.

His grandfather laid out the foundation of the gardens around the Burra Bungalow and his father Bhim, recently retired as our estate head clerk, now manages our accounts. Sabin’s cousin Luna runs The Glenburn Shop. The Glenburn staff are available round the clock, to help make your stay a comfortable one.

BUNGALOWS
Guests are accommodated in one of our two bungalows, each comprising four suites and common areas, gardens, verandahs and terraces accessible to all our guests.

The Burra Bungalow -home to generations of planters, remains the focal point of Glenburn hospitality, with its sweeping Main Verandah, cozy Living Room (with fireplace and library) and grand Dining Room where our candle-lit sit-down dinners are held.

The four bedrooms have been charmingly decorated, each following a different theme, and are comfortable and spacious, yet cosy. Each of the suites, as their names suggest, offer a unique experience for our guests.

Some have single rooms attached to the main suite allowing comfortable accommodation for a third (or fourth) sharing the suite, and each of them open on to the main verandah, with private entrances to the gardens behind the main bungalow.

Two of the suites have fireplaces and three of the bathrooms have free standing bathtubs while all four bathrooms have a lovely walk-in rain shower. There are views of the mountains from the Front Verandah, but not directly from any of the rooms.

The Water Lily Bungalow, with four more suites and a stunning location on the edge of the Glenburn spur comprises a Living Room, smaller Dining Room, two verandahs and garden areas laid out on two levels, and connected to The Burra Bungalow by a stone staircase.

It also houses a large recreation and meeting room, as well as our Massage and Steam Room. All four bedrooms have direct views of the mountains, with antique furniture, private balconies, bay windows/or sitouts.

The bathrooms have antique free-standing bathtubs, each with a view, walk-in rain showers and old fashioned washstands with Venetian mirrors.

THE SINGALILA SUITE
The Singalila Suite is dominated by the majestic views of the entire Singalila range, with Mount Kanchenjunga towering above it. From your antique four poster bed, you can watch the sun rise on to the mountains.

Water lilies float across the furnishings, and two little private balconies allow you to step out and look up to the town of Darjeeling. There are also views of the tea fields all around, in particular the Kimble Division.

The Singalia Suite is in the Water Lily Bungalow. All the bedrooms in this bungalow have bay windows or sit out areas with great views of the mountains, private balconies and antique furniture.

The rooms have Burma teak flooring and old cast iron window frames. The bathrooms have old style bathtubs with great views and walk-in rain showers. There are two verandas, garden areas laid out in different levels, living and dining rooms, a recreation cum meeting room, and a massage room.

All the suites feature hand-embroidered bed linens, fresh flowers from the gardens, basket of fresh fruits, bathrooms with running hot & cold water with complimentary Darjeeling Green Tea toiletries, overhead fans in the rooms and hair dryers.

The beds are fitted with electrical bed warmers. There are no TVs in the rooms to break the tranquility.

GASTRONOMY
All meals, snacks and refreshments are included in the tariff, and we plan all the menus according to the select preferences of each guest.

The menus comprise a range of cuisine – from interesting local fare and traditional Indian dishes, to exotic South-East Asian delicacies, and a variety of European dishes making full use of the fresh Italian herbs, and salad leaves we grow in our well-stocked kitchen garden.

We try to source as much fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices as we can from our own garden, so feel free to plan your own menu based on what’s in season! Family recipes including Tea-Leaf Pakoras, Chocolate Brownies, Tibetan Momos and Burmese Khow Suey – all served to you with a discrete but attentive Glenburn touch.

Please ask if you would like to eat anything in particular and we will plan the menus accordingly. If the fresh herbs in the garden inspire you to conjure up a favorite recipe, do leave it behind and we shall name it after you and serve it to future guests!

We bake our own bread, make our own marmalade, and a whole collection of signature cakes and cookies. Glenburn tea, iced tea, South Indian filter coffee, a range of herbal teas (using fresh herbs from the garden), nimboo pani (fresh homemade lemonade), freshly-squeezed juice, and cold drinks are available at any time.

There are also freshly baked cakes and cookies available whenever you feel like a snack. With a bit of notice, we can also make you some ice cream. In the summer months a few different ice cream varieties made from whatever fruit is in season, are available at any time.

Sit down to Breakfast and Lunch either in the bright and sunny Morning Room at one end of The Front Verandah, under the Pomello Tree outside the Water Lily Bungalow or on a terrace overlooking the mountains.

Breakfast will be served at your convenience, anytime between 7am and 11 am. Please let the staff know what time you would like to be served “Bed Tea” in your room, and what time you would like to sit down for breakfast. Depending on your plans for the day, we can also organise a picnic-style meal.

Picnics can either be served as a “sit down” meal, at certain pre-planned venues such as The Glenburn Campsite, at No. 10 Bamboo Grove by the River Rung Dung, Coffee Bari, Ramitay Daara or at any of the “weighment sheds” scattered around the tea fields – some of which offer spectacular views.

Equally, sandwiches and fruit can be packed into boxes to be carried by your guide, for you to eat at any time during a hike. Barbeques can also be organised down by the river or at The Simbong Garden Terrace of the Burra Bungalow.

Our hiking guides and drivers are experts at whipping out a tray to serve a glass of freshly-squeezed lemonade (nimboo pani) garnished with a fresh mint leaf, or a cup of Darjeeling tea served in a porcelain tea cup, in the middle of a field surrounded by tea bushes, along a forest trail or on the edge of the river – all part of The Glenburn Experience.

Dinner is usually served as a sit-down meal in the candle-lit intimacy of The Dining Room, along with your hosts and any other guests in residence.

Dinners at Glenburn are famous for the camaraderie and congeniality around the table, as well as the stimulating, amusing and often unusual conversations that take place among the guests.

You are likely to meet people from all around the world, and strike up life-long friendships; we often have a group of guests planning a reunion at Glenburn in future years. In the warmer months, dinner can also be served outdoors on the patio or in one of our gardens.

Dinner is normally served anytime between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Kindly let us know if you would like to dine separately and this can be organized too. Please let us know if you have any specific dietary preferences before you visit us. We can modify the dishes, and menus, to cope with any allergies or dislikes.

We would also like to know if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion while you are with us so we can plan some festivities to grace the occasion.

COOKERY CLASSES
We would be delighted to offer you cookery classes when you are at Glenburn. We have an “open” kitchen policy where guests are invited to watch our staff cook and prepare dishes. Guests often leave us their own family recipes which end up on our menus, named after the guest of course!

LOCATION
By air: There are daily Jet Airways, Indigo, Go Air, Air India and Spice Jet flights from Kolkata (45 mins), Guwahati (30 mins) and New Delhi (2 hours) to Bagdogra. Glenburn is a three hour drive from the airport.

The flight from Delhi stops at Guwahati on alternate days and guests are advised to take the direct connection (Delhi-Bagdogra-Delhi) which considerably shortens the flying time.

Most of the journey follows the course of the River Teesta, and just before you reach the bridge that takes you across the river to Sikkim, you begin the climb up towards Darjeeling, and then drive down into the Glenburn valley. The last 15 minutes of the drive, over about 3 kms, is very bumpy, but our careful drivers try to make it as smooth as possible.

Depending on road conditions we may also take an alternative route that takes you through the lush tea estates of the Dooars, before you climb up into the hills through the town of Kurseong, driving along the Toy Train railway tracks, past quaint little stations and villages, right up to the outskirts of Darjeeling Town before we veer off towards Glenburn.

Helicopter charters are available on request.

WEATHER
Days generally remain sunny through most of the year, even when the temperatures drop. Temperatures are a couple of degrees higher down at The Glenburn Camp (800 feet).

Views of the mountains are clearest from October to March. Elevations range from 3,230 feet at the Bungalows down to 800 feet down at The Camp near the rivers. Guests are advised to carry sun block, sunglasses and insect repellant (for the camp site/river areas).

Due to its mountain location, mosquitoes are not a problem here. However, there can be mosquitoes and midges down by the river. Regular spraying takes place to combat any possible ‘pest’ problem that arises and mosquito coils are plentiful.

Guests will require warm woolens during the winter months and a light sweater/wrap in the summer/monsoon months when temperatures could drop after rain. Electric blankets are provided on all beds to keep you extra warm when required

RELAXATION
Relaxing at The Burra Bungalow, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery and serenity that Glenburn is so famous for, has given inspiration to artists, writers and photographers. The diverse landscape, birds, butterflies and local populace provide many a subject to capture in words or paint.

Glenburn is also an ideal getaway for anyone seeking refuge from their busy city lives; the stillness provides the perfect ambiance for yoga and meditation. It is also one of the few places in India where you can hike all day and return to relaxing comfort and night.

Although we have many activities on offer, don’t forget to just sit back on the verandah with a book in hand and a cup of tea, and enjoy some peace and solitude.

MASSAGE TREATMENTS
Our Glenburn Masseurs and Masseuses offer a gentle full body massage, using Darjeeling Green Tea Oil. This can be followed by a Green Tea bath soak or a steam treatment. We also offer Reflexology treatments, with an invigorating fresh mint and chamomile foot soak, the perfect end to a long day of hiking.

Massages are priced between Rs 1500 and Rs 2500. Pedicures and Manicures are priced between Rs 1000 and Rs 1200

Our special “mini spa” room is situated on the lower floor of The Water Lily Bungalow where you can enjoy your full body massage in a calm ambience of candles and soft Tibetan chanting.

Foot massages and head or shoulder massages, as well as manicures and pedicures can be had on any of our terraces, verandahs or gardens so you can soak in the atmosphere of a mountain view or sunset.

THE TEA EXPERIENCE
This can be adjusted to suit each guest. Most of the walking is down hill, and the duration of the walk can range from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, with the level of difficulty from moderate to tough, depending on the route one takes.

Guests may also drive the entire route, stopping along the way for short walks at various points of interest. The tour begins with an audio-visual presentation on the history of Glenburn, and a brief overview of how tea is grown, manufactured and tasted

We then move to the Tea Factory where you will be taken for a guided tour on how the leaf is brought in from the fields, weighed, and then taken through the processes of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting.

The factory tour ends with a tea tasting session with our range of black, green, oolong and white teas, where one can discover the differences in aroma, flavour and appearance of tea manufactured in different ways and at during different times of the year.

Walk or drive through the tea fields with one of our guides, who will give you an insight into how the tea bush is grown and looked after. Interact with the Glenburn tea picker ladies and learn how to pluck the “two leaves and a bud” that is later manufactured into the tea that ends up in your teacup.

During the winter season, learn about the different types of pruning that is undertaken to increase the yield of the coming season. Interact with the estate workers as you move from one part of the estate to another.

Enjoy the variety of bird life, butterflies and flora that add to the diverse landscape that makes up a tea estate. Catch a crab, or pick some watercress from the numerous springs that filter through the fields. Refreshments will be provided at a suitable mid-way point.

Break for lunch at No. 10 Bamboo Grove, on the sandy banks of the River Rung Dung, which is accessed through a thick bamboo forest. Relax on the riverfront and paddle in the rock pools, while you enjoy your meal.

An alternative picnic venue is the Coffee Bari, half way down the hillside, which has great views of the two Glenburn valleys on all sides. Or return to the bungalow for lunch.

The tour of the tea fields can also be incorporated into other walks, for example the walk to The Glenburn Campsite, which goes through the Simbong Tea Division.

The Tea Factory and tasting tour is normally done in the morning when the factory processes are taking place, but the tea fields can be visited at any time on the same day or another day depending on each guest’s itinerary.

THE GLENBURN CAMPSITE
This can be adjusted to suit each guest. All the walking is downhill. The duration of the walk can range from 1.5 hours to 4 hours, and the level of difficulty can range from moderate to tough, depending on the route one takes.

Guests may also drive the entire route, stopping along the way for short walks at various points of interest. Our experienced guide-cum-naturalist will lead you through the Bora Gaon Village and into the Simbong Tea Division, past the Sim Jhora (stream and waterfall), and finally into the Simbong Forest area.

You can follow the main forest track, or break off at various points to take shortcuts through the forest. Enjoy the spectacular views of Sikkim (including Namchi Baazar and Manjitar Village), the hill station of Kalimpong, and the River Rungeet, which flows through the valley below.

You will gradually descend from a height of around 3000 feet, down to the river, which lies at around 800 feet. Our forests contain a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, flora and plant life, as well as animals typical to this habitat.

Refreshments will be provided along the way, and a jeep is never far away, should you feel tired and wish to drive down the rest of the way. Once down at The Glenburn Campsite, on the banks of the River Rungeet, guests have a choice of the following activities:

• Paddling in rock pools
• Fishing
• Bird watching
• Beach activities (croquet, beach cricket and other games)
• Relaxing on the sandy beaches and rocks by the river
• Short walks along the river (including to the suspension bridge to Manjitar Village)

Lunch is served according to each guest’s preference, either as a sit-down meal by the cabin, or picnic-style on the river’s beaches and rocks. A barbeque is a popular option too.

In the afternoon, guests have a choice of further river/beach activities before we drive back up to the bungalow. They may also try the hike to the Manjitar suspension Bridge after lunch.

There is also a barbeque/bonfire option in the evening, and then guests have the option to spend the night at The Glenburn Lodge, our log cabin at the Campsite.

SUSPENSION BRIDGE TO MANJITAR, SIKKIM
A four-wheel drive jeep will take you down through the Simbong Forest to the River Rung Dung. Cross the river over a small suspension bridge, that takes you into the Badamtam Forest. Walk along the forest path, following the River Rungeet.

On the way, our naturalist will help you identify the birds, butterflies, occasional animals, and the rich plant life to be found in the forest. You will also walk through a forest village, and have the option to walk down to the sandy banks of the river.

After about an hour’s walk, you will reach the Manjitar Suspension Footbridge, leading the way across the River Rungeet into the old royal kingdom of Sikkim.

This spectacular structure was built by the British in 1902, after the original cane bridge was washed away by the floods of 1899. About 200 feet across, and at least 100 feet above the river, crossing this footbridge is an adventure in itself!

A black and white photograph of the original cane bridge, which was taken some time during the last century by Robert Phillips, can be seen on the Glenburn front verandah.

International Visitors need permits to enter Sikkim from designated entry points, and this little village is not important enough to have that status, but you can place a foot or two into Sikkim quietly before you come back across the bridge into West Bengal!

Indian guests are allowed to enter Sikkim and water around the village or visit the local Shiv Temple. Lunch will be served picnic-style, somewhere along the way.

The return journey follows the same route back, although one can also take the alternative “river beach” route, which is slightly tougher, and depends on the season and whether the river water level permits it.

Refreshments are served back at the Glenburn-Badamtam Bridge, where guests have a choice of walking to the Glenburn Campsite for the evening/night or driving back up to The Burra Bungalow. The Campsite is another 20-minute walk away.

See Excursion to The Glenburn Campsite for evening/night options at The Glenburn Lodge.

RIVER RUNG DUNG HIKE
This hike can only be completed between mid-November and May, when the water level in the river is low enough to allow the hike. Guests are driven down to the head of the river at Section Number 10, and then picked up again in the evening from The Glenburn Campsite.

The river meanders along the northern boundary of the Estate, and the landscape varies from bamboo groves and tea fields, to thickly forested areas. You will find a huge variety of birds, butterflies and plant life along the way, as well as pug marks (if not sightings!) of animals which visit the river for a drink!

Feel free to stop and catch some fish along the way, or for a paddle in one of the rock pools. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, and end up at The Glenburn Campsite by teatime.

Refreshments are served at the Glenburn-Badamtam Bridge, where guests have a choice of walking to The Glenburn Campsite for the evening/night or driving back up to The Burra Bungalow.

The campsite is another 20-minute walk away, along a flat forest track, or another hour’s walk along the river, eventually joining up with the River Rungeet, which leads to the campsite.

AFTERNOON WALK TO SHIKARI DURA VILLAGE
This hike is best done in the afternoon, when the Shikari Dura Village comes alive after the day’s work in the field. Set out from The Burra Bungalow, past the factory and some tea fields, before descending into the village.

Stop to browse in the village shop and taste some of the locally made pickles and preserves. Watch a game of carom, or whatever else the villagers are doing for their evening entertainment.

From hens and baby chicks to billy goats, cows and pigs and all their babies, there is plenty to see and play with. Interact with the villagers and the local children for as long as you like, and then walk back up to the bungalow, through yet more tea fields.

On they way up you will pass the Shikari Dura Government School, which is part of our Welfare Program. Our guests have contributed funds to increase the compound area and renovate the classrooms and we fund the salaries of extra teachers during school hours in addition to running a reading library for the village children after school hours.

If you do not fancy the walk back, which is entirely uphill, a vehicle can wait for you at the bottom of the village, and drive you back to the bungalow.

CLUNY SISTERS CONVENT, LAMAHATTA ORANGE ORCHARD AND GORKHAY DAARA VIEWPOINT
The first section of the journey can be done by jeep, with half an hour of uphill walking; alternatively, walk the entire way up or down, which would take about two hours

A short 15-minute drive, followed by a gentle uphill walk for 30 minutes, leads to our charming local church and convent school, which is run by the Irish Cluny Sisters. Mass takes place every Sunday, and the Sisters are happy to meet any of our guests over a cup of tea or coffee.

Have a wander around their school, meet the children that board with them, and play with the baby animals that they look after (chicks, puppies, kittens, kid goats – depending on what they have at the time).

As part of our Scholarship Programme, many of our guests sponsor children from Glenburn for their primary education at the Cluny School. The sisters will gladly invite you to watch school assembly or peep into the classrooms if you visit during school hours.

This is also the site of our Glenburn Lamahatta Orange Orchard, where we grow the oranges we use for our Fine Cut Orange Marmalade. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hillside and Darjeeling Town on the opposite hilltop.

See what other fruit and vegetables are being grown at the time, pick a bundle of fresh flowers to take back to your room, or have a cup of tea with our resident caretaker.

From here, head further uphill for about 10 minutes to reach the Gorkhay Daara viewpoint, which has jaw-dropping views of Glenburn peacefully resting below, set against the green peaks of Sikkim and the snowy majesty of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Then start your descent back to the main track where your jeep awaits you to take you back to The Burra Bungalow. Stop off on your way back at the Glenburn Hospital, to see what welfare activities take place on a tea estate. Visits to Buddhist and Sai Baba centres within the Estate can also be arranged.

HIKING BETWEEN DARJEELING TOWN AND GLENBURN
Guests have an option of 2 routes:

Via Tukdah and Mineral Springs (Dawai Pani) Tea Estates:
This route, though slightly shorter than the other, is probably the tougher of the two, since for much of the way you will be following tiny village tracks and forest paths, and travelling off the beaten track.

From Glenburn, you walk through Tukdah Tea Estate, and then through a few villages into the abandoned but historical Dawai Pani (Mineral Springs) Tea Estate, which was one of the first Tea Estates in the area.

Cross the beautiful waterfall and spring from where the river Rung Dung, which meanders through Glenburn, begins. The bridge, built by Col. HC James in August 1858, still remains (a photograph taken by the colonel in 1858 can be seen on the Glenburn front verandah).

Once across the river, you begin the steep climb up to Darjeeling Town, through little villages and patches of tea estate. The town can be approached from various points, the popular one being at The Lebong Cantonment Stadium.

From here you may either drive into the town (another 5 kms) or take a pedestrian shortcut through the outskirts of the town up to the Mall and Chowrasta area (only 2 km).

From Lebong, you can also walk down to The Glenburn Campsite on a completely different route. This one takes you through the Badamtam Tea Estate via The Buddha of Badamtam and The Manjitar Suspension Footbridge (details given below).

Via Badamtam Tea Estate, The Buddha of Badamtam and The Manjitar Suspension Footbridge:
This second route between Darjeeling Town and Glenburn is completely accessible by a four-wheel drive jeep, so you can either hike the whole way or divide the journey into a hike cum drive.

Guests may begin either at Lebong Stadium, or at The Glenburn Campsite, depending on whether they would like to walk uphill or downhill.

Walking downhill out of Lebong, you first cross Ging and Bannockburn Tea Estates. En-route you will be able to stop at some fabulous viewpoints where you can look down at Jore Thang Town on the border of West Bengal and Sikkim, and across the mountains to other parts of Western Sikkim.

Once you enter Badamtam Tea Estate, our jeep will be waiting with refreshments, before you begin the climb up to The Buddha of Badamtam, an impressive 14-foot high statue of Lord Buddha, made of metal basta work.

It sits atop the highest hill in the area and has a backdrop of white snow-capped mountains. Most images of Lord Buddha have his eyes closed in meditation, however here the artist has kept his eyes open, as she felt that since he had attained enlightenment in such a beautiful place, he must surely have opened his eyes to look up to the gods above.

The tale of how such a mammoth statue made its way to such a remote place is another story, and is one which our guide will be happy to share with you. From Badamtam, one begins the descent out of the tea fields and into the forest.

To one’s left one can see the Sikkim hills and the River Rungeet below, and to one’s right is the entire Glenburn Estate, with the River Rung Dung below, separating the two hills.

The road forks and one can chose to walk down via The Manjitar Suspension Footbridge (see details on Hike along River Rungeet to Manjitar Village in Sikkim), or straight down to The Glenburn Campsite.

DARJEELING TOWN
Steeped in British colonial history, the hill station of Darjeeling stands at a height of 6,000 feet, with the magnificent Mount Kanchenjunga as a backdrop.

Take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Hill Railway (now a World Heritage Site) from Darjeeling Town, through the picturesque Batasia Loop and then to the neighboring towns of Ghoom and Kurseong.

Wander through the Mall, shop for local crafts and antiques along the way, drop in to the famous Das Studios for a peek at their collection of old black and white photographs of the area, and stop for a cup of tea or coffee at Keventers or Glenary’s, two famous old cafeterias on the Mall.

Visit the grand old Planters’ Club, once the Palace of a local Maharaja, and enjoy the views of the surrounding hillside (Glenburn included!) from Chowrasta, where the bandstand still conjures up old colonial memories of days gone by.

Toy Train tickets can be booked in advance and you can work the schedule of the train into the rest of your day and specific interests. There are morning trains that leave from Ghoom and head to Darjeeling Station, where our car will meet you, and afternoon trains that connect from Darjeeling to Ghoom on the way home.

We are happy to pack you a picnic lunch or you can try some local restaurants – Glenary’s has a nice cafeteria as well as a multi-cuisine restaurant, but you could also try a more typical local restaurant, for a traditional “momo and thugpa” meal. Whatever you feel like doing, our experienced guide will lead you to the right place!

In the afternoon, drive a little out of the main town to the Lebong Contonment area, where the original Lebong Race Course remains. Although not in use today, Glenburn horses once walked across the valley every Sunday to take part in the weekly races held here.

Visit the Zoo – famous for its snow leopards and red pandas, the renowned Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan Self-Help Center, the Lloyds Botanical Gardens, and the Ghoom Monastry, and then drive (or hike) back to Glenburn in time for dinner.

Our Glenburn guides and drivers can introduce you to the basic layout and sights of the town but should you wish for some more expert knowledge we can arrange for an expert guide to meet you in the town.

This can be organised for you at an extra cost and will depend on the availability of the guides we normally use, but the sooner you let us know, the sooner we can book the better ones.

DARJEELING TOWN
Situated on a ridge between two hills, Deolo and Durpin, towering over the River Teesta, this picturesque hill town is quiet and peaceful compared to Darjeeling and caters to more local residents than tourists.

With great views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, the town is an interesting blend of Buddhist, Christian and Hindu influences with its monasteries, gompas, temples and missionary activities.

The local bazaar (Wednesdays and Saturdays) is a delightful place to shop and interact with the local ethnic mix of Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, often dressed in their colourful traditional costume, selling local farm produce.

Our drivers would be happy to share some of our secret shopping addresses with you – Nepali and Chinese brocade fabrics, silks, Tibetan curios and Buddhist paraphernalia, and, of course, the famous Kalimpong lollipops and Kalimpong cheese.

For orchid lovers, the town is a real treat with its many nurseries and rich flora. The snow-capped mountains provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and at an altitude of 5,500 feet (1250m), the air is crisp and cool.

A visit to the nearby Samthar Plateau, the Lava Valley or Neora National Park – all areas of incredible beauty with a rich diversity of birds and flora – can also be arranged, but best done as an overnight stay.

The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery is situated in a very picturesque area on Durpin Dara Hill, near the army cantonment. It has impressive wall paintings, and houses some rare Buddhist scriptures that were brought to India after the invasion of Tibet in 1959.

The monastery was consecrated in 1976 by his Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The compound has amazing views of the surrounding countryside on all sides.

Across the other side of the town on Deolo Hill, Dr Graham’s Homes is a unique educational institution started in 1900 by Dr John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, with six orphans.

Today the school has a strength of 1,500 boys and girls from impoverished and deprived backgrounds from the North East of India. The 500 acres of hillside house a self sufficient “children’s city” with extensive educational facilities, cottages for their accommodation, a magnificent church, hospital, children’s nursery, bakery and farm.

More than half the 800 boarders are supported through the fundraising efforts of a number of overseas committees and through a worldwide sponsorship network.

The school choir performs a series of winter concerts at venues such as St Paul’s Cathedral in Calcutta – an event that has become a highlight of the Christmas season.

We can pack a picnic lunch for you to be enjoyed along the way, or recommend a local restaurant. Our previous manager Neena Pradhan also runs a lovely homestay just outside the town and we can organise lunch at her house (depending on her availability and at an extra cost).

She is an excellent host with a lot of knowledge on the local region. Cooking classes can also be arranged on request. For more information please check www.facebook.com/neenaskitchen

FISHING
A typical day of fishing at Glenburn will include a hike, picnic and transport as per our usual package. However, there is a supplement of Rs 1000 per person to cover fishing equipment and Ghillie.

The fishing season at Glenburn starts in early October and runs through until about March. If you are a keen fisherman, we would recommend that you carry your own equipment, especially flies, plugs and spinners. We do keep some basic tackle, but can’t promise it will match your own.

Nestled to the south of Gokarna, along the picturesque coastline where the cliffs of the Western Ghats plunge into the Arabian Ocean, lies an unexplored expanse of beach and jungle. Here, where the ocean gently folds into an estuary lies a glimmer of paradise.

Welcome to India’s only true Luxury Villa, Kahani Paradise.

Perched atop the hills and affording 360º views of the contrasts of sea- and forest-scapes, Kahani Paradise offers a world of quiet indulgence amidst nature.

The Villa

Kahani Paradise is a private villa for families and large groups. With 6 suites, a Drawing Room, a Swimming Pool, Spa and Dining Room that overlooks a teeming garden, Kahani Paradise is unlike any other villa in India. Privacy is paramount, and without a neighbour for miles, the villa is yours and yours only.

An attentive and warm staff takes care of your every need. Our in-house chef sources produce from our own garden and the local organic market, and fresh seafood is brought in daily from the bay.

Suites

There are six suites at our property. Each suite has been designed to provide spectacular views of the ocean. Antique handcrafted doors and wooden high ceilings complement the tastefully designed interiors, fitted with authentically Indian furniture and customized textile tapestries and rugs.

Estate & Activities

Kahani Paradise sits on a 20-acre estate of garden, forest and farm. A tropical garden gives way to an orchard of coconut, betelnut and banana trees. Our sprawling garden beckons a nature walk every day, and offers stunning views of the ocean and tropical flowers around every corner.

Feel free to explore further afield on our Royal Enfield Bikes or the open-top Mahindra Jeep to set off to the surrounding beaches, towns and temples. Paradise beach is a 6 minute walk from the house where you can lounge around or take the boat out for a joy ride to the other secret beaches nearby.

Why not try your hand at Badminton, Croquet or Table-Tennis? There are plenty of board games too. The yoga and open-air massage rooms are reflective, quieter spots at our estate that keep with the enchanting pull of a true wellness holiday.

 

Evolve Back’s Spirit of the land philosophy finds its most intimate expression at Kabini, where you are drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribe.

While you discover a vernacular dimension to luxury that’s truly liberating, the resort gives you a wildlife experience like no other. Inspired in design by the Hadis or tribal villages, this picturesque resort of sweeping panoramic vistas, is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River.

THE HISTORY
Nagarhole was ruled by the Lingayat kings of Kodagu and their feudatories until the British colonial administration established hegemony in the 1850s, soon after the defeat of Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The presence of derelict irrigation tanks suggests that there were agricultural enclaves within the forested landscape.

While the Lingayat kings maintained nominal control, the forests were considered common property and swidden agriculture (slash and burn technique) and collection of forest produce by the tribes residing within the forested landscape was widespread.

The colonial administration established the Forest Department in 1860 with a mandate to restrict forest burning, control swidden agriculture, prevent agricultural encroachments, carry out sustainable harvest of timber and to raise teak plantations. From the 1890s, the forests were gradually demarcated and notified as government owned reserved forests.

After Indian independence, the Govt. of India laid great emphasis on the production of food and the harvesting of timber, which led to the importation and settlement of tribal and non- tribal groups into the hadlus or swampy clearings, to provide cheap labour for forestry operations and for the cultivation of rice.

In 1955, a 285 sq km area was gazetted as the Nagarhole Game Sanctuary. The same was extended in 1974 with some reserved forests from the Mysore district being added to bring the total area to the present 644 sq km. This was also accorded the status of a National Park in 1974.

HUTS OVERVIEW
We couldn’t make Kabini more beautiful, so we thought we’d simply make it more exquisite. We began with the understanding that the most luxurious things in the world are peace, tranquility and harmony, and that whatever we do should only enhance these pillars of our philosophy.

The result is a resort architecture that has a tribal Kadu kuruba leitmotif, where each of the guest huts bespeaks a happy marriage of traditional craft and modern luxury.

From the outside, the dwellings subtly incorporate the colours and textures of the landscape in every detail; while within, the sumptuous interiors reflect a warm vernacular sensitivity. From the ethnic furniture to the tribal patterned furnishings, to the little touches like the ‘bottle gourd’ lamp shades, the sum of the parts is a harmonious whole.

POOL RESERVE
There is luxury and then there is the Pool Reserve. This charming hut has large living and dining spaces, a lavish bedroom, an indulgent bathroom, a personal ozonized and temperature controlled swimming pool.

POOL HUT
Perhaps the most opulent ode to privacy, our Pool Huts come with a large living and dining area, a spacious bedroom, a unique bathroom with a courtyard, and…yes…your own personal swimming arena (non-heated).

JACUZZI HUT
Our Jacuzzi Huts offer you sumptuously appointed living spaces and deliciously comfortable bedrooms, but chances are you’ll mostly be holding court in your very own personal outdoor Jacuzzi (non-heated).

DINING OVERVIEW
The two restaurants at Kabini are dedicated to the gourmet in you. They offer cuisines that are as varied as they are imaginative and memorable. Together, they are certain to fulfill every culinary aspiration and satisfy the most demanding palate.

HONEY COMB
Our fine dining restaurant, Honey Comb, named after the honey gathering Jenu (Honey) Kuruba tribe, lays out a platter of the cream of international and regional cuisine. Served in a location so bewitching, you’ll possibly be an hour early for dinner, just to sit back and watch the sun setting over the Kabini river. In this situation, a case of Nature providing the appetizer for Man’s culinary creations.

THE KURUBA GRILL
A speciality restaurant, the Kuruba Grill is dedicated to Kebabs and Grills and serves up platters of their best specimens in a serene setting overlooking the River Kabini.

BY THE KABINI
Give in to the serenity of the Kabini at night as it softly plays its melodies around you. Let it define your mood for the evening as you enjoy each other’s presence in a warm and intimate dining experience by the waters of this soulful river.

CANDLE LIGHT CRUISE
A one of a kind boat-dining experience designed to literally set your love and longings afloat. Relish each other’s company under the gentle, warm, glow of candle lights while silently floating on the waters of the Kabini. Savor exquisite food and wine from a choice menu prepared onboard just for the two of you.

FACILITIES OVERVIEW
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini comes with all the facilities you’d expect in a world class luxury resort … and then some more. A scenic Reading Lounge, a traditional Ayurveda Village and the timeless Infinity Pool are designed to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. The other facilities include a board room and a well stocked bar.

INFINITY POOL
For a relaxed course on understanding timelessness, spend a few hours in our exclusive Infinity Pool for adults located at the lake’s edge, the perfect oasis of calm. Whether you’re paying obeisance in the pool or soaking in the atmosphere at the enchanting Pool Lounge, the azure waters and the russet skies of a Kabini sunset spectacle often combine to transport you to a world where time has no meaning.

READING LOUNGE
When you step out, we’ll help you forget the world you’ve come from, with a scenic Reading Lounge where you can put up your feet, and lose yourself in any of our coffee table books on wildlife, whilst being serenaded by birdsong and the mysterious sounds of the forest you’re reading about.

The only interruption in this blissful exercise that you’ll welcome is the steaming cups of cappuccino brewed from Sidapur, the signature house brand.

AYURVEDA
Experience rebirth at the Vaidyasala, where India’s ancient healing secrets are put to work in ironing out the kinks in your system. Whether it be a simple rejuvenation massage or therapeutic treatments, our Doctors and Therapists will ensure you return in better shape.

FAMILY POOL
Take the plunge into our Family Pool that beckons you with its clear azure waters. The pool is ideal to laze around in with your family, as it also has special child-safe zones so you can take a lap or two without worrying about your toddler.

EXPERIENCES OVERVIEW
At Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini, we help you get closer to the spirit of the land by offering a platter full of activities that let you choose your activity level and the degree of separation from the wild.

So, whether you’d prefer being a spectator or a participant is left to you. All the activities here have been designed around the uniqueness of the location and the local culture, and afford you the chance to exercise both your mind and body.

BOAT SAFARI
On the Boat Safari, you will be taken upstream from the resort on the Kabini River to where the river itself separates the Nagarhole National Park from the Bandipur National Park.

Today, on the banks of the Kabini, one can witness the largest congregation of Asiatic elephants, peacefully feeding and getting on with their lives. In addition to diverse wildlife sighted on the extensive river banks, the boat safari offers an opportunity to observe the Marsh Crocodile, Smooth-coated Otter and myriad water birds

VEHICLE SAFARI
The Nagarhole ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in Asia with around 108 animals per sq km. In addition to large herbivores such as the Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Asian Elephant and more, Nagarhole also boasts a large number of predators including the Tiger, Leopard and Wild dog.

A highlight of the Park is the largest congregation of Asian Elephants in the world, which occur during the summer months. The visitor can also look forward to bird watching, what with over 300 species of birds recorded in the region

NATURE WALK
A guided Nature Walk is one of the best ways to explore the treasures of nature. A Naturalist would unravel the beauty of birds, insects, trees and wild flowers. The walk would take you along the banks of the Kabini river and then through the scrub and fields along the village roads

NIGHT TRAILS
As night descends upon the Kabini landscape a whole world of nocturnal life emerges. Those of you not lured by after-dinner television can explore nature around the resort at night, armed only with flashlights and a spirit of adventure.

Our naturalists will skillfully escort you around the areas just outside the resort and by the Kabini’s waterline where you will encounter the fascinating nocturnal world of beetles, spiders, owls, moths, lizards and even plants as you go about this unusual night expedition

CORACLE RIDE
Guests will be taken on a traditional round shaped boat called a coracle. The design of the boat is unique to the rivers of southern India and surprisingly to the rivers of Ireland! The coracle will drift slowly down the Kabini, hugging the shoreline. The purpose of this activity is to allow the visitor to experience the river by bringing him in direct contact with it.

EVENING ACTIVITIES
Every alternate evening, a troupe of Kuruba tribal dancers performs their traditional dance around a campfire, to the accompaniment of two wooden drums and one wind instrument.

This dance is traditionally performed during festivals & times of strife and is an invitation to their gods to join them and bless the occasion. A Documentary on wildlife is screened every other evening in the Check-in Lounge to open to our guests the mysteries of nature.

FAUNA
The Nagarhole ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in Asia. Studies carried out in Nagarhole show that the estimated mean number of large herbivores in Nagarhole is 108 animals per sq km.

Large herbivores are defined as ungulates and primates weighing more than 5kg and in Nagarhole these comprise of – Muntjak, Chital, Sambar, Four-horned antelope, Gaur, Wild pig, Asian Elephant, Common Langur and the Bonnet Macaque.

This translates into a biomass of 14746 kgs per sq km. This is comparable to the Masai Mara in Africa, which has a biomass of 19200 kgs. Of these herbivores, the Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Wild pig, Muntjak and Common Langur are preyed upon by the Tiger, Leopard and Wild Dog.

These herbivores are classified as principle prey species and occur at a estimated mean density of 91 animals per sq km. The prey species can be further divided on the basis of body weight into small (Langur, young

Chital and young pig ), medium (yearling and adult Chital, adult pig, yearling and young Sambar and young Gaur), and large (adult Sambar and adult Gaur) and studies show that Tigers preferentially selected large prey, Leopard medium and small prey and the Wild dog medium prey.

Because the availability of prey in the appropriate size class is not a limiting resource in Nagarhole, selective predation has facilitated large carnivore co-existence in the park.

The principal reasons for large carnivore coexistence in Nagarhole as opposed to the African savanna are ecological factors such as adequate availability of appropriate sized prey, dense cover and tree density which is absent in the African savanna and the fact that behavioral factors such as habitat specificity, choice of hunting sites or inter-specific dominance play a relatively minor role in Nagarhole.

FLORA
The vegetation in Nagarhole reflects the distribution of rainfall over the park. The eastern parts of the park receive less rainfall with a gradual increase to the middle and western parts of the park.

The two broad forest types that dominate the park are the moist-deciduous, where the annual rainfall exceeds 1000mm and dry-deciduous where the rainfall is lower. Substantial areas were clear felled and monocultures of teak were raised. Where these plantations failed, secondary forests have taken over.

There are also various microhabitat types such as hadlus, which are shallow clayey valley bottoms that contain swamp savannas and short grass clearings or veiwlines created to facilitate game viewing for the tourists.

A dam was built across the Kabini, creating a huge lake with Giant Bamboo dominating the river banks. During the dry season, water is let out for irrigation and the lake dries out leaving only the main river visible.

The resulting open plain supports an abundance of fresh grass more reminiscent of African savanna than tropical India. This unique microhabitat has proved to be a boon for the park, providing fresh grass when the rest of the park is drying out.

NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK
Nagarhole National Park of Karnataka serves as home to some of the most endangered wildlife species. The term Nagarhole is a combination of two Kannada terms, ‘Nagara’ meaning ‘Cobra’ and ‘Hole’ meaning ‘River’. This National Park has been named after the river ‘Nagarhole’ which snakes through its rich tropical forests.

Set up in 1955 in Coorg, in an area of 285 sq km, the park was accorded the status of a National Park and extended in 1974, with some reserved forests from the Mysore district being added, to bring the total area to the present 644 sq km. In 2000, the park was brought under ‘Project Tiger’.

The Kabini dam submerged large tracts of forest creating a huge lake, parts of which are within the national park. During the dry season, the lake dries out, leaving only the main river visible.

The resulting open plain creates an abundance of fresh grass, more reminiscent of African savanna than tropical India. This unique microhabitat has proved to be a boon for the park, providing fresh grass when the rest of the park is drying out.

KABINI RIVER
The river Kabini originates in the Wayanad district of Kerala, flows eastward to join the river Cauvery, which empties into the Bay of Bengal. This is the largest river in the Nagarhole National Park and was dammed in 1974 for an irrigation project.

This becomes the life-giving source for the park during the summer months, attracting the largest concentration of Asiatic Elephants and other herbivores. The river separates Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks.

When you step into the portals of Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, you leave one world behind, and step seamlessly into another: the bygone era of the Gentleman Planter.

Ensconced in the cocooned comforts of a lush 300-acre plantation paradise, the resort is perfumed with the subtly intoxicating aroma of coffee and spice. Come, allow the Spirit of the land to infuse your very being, and coax you gently on a personal voyage of discovery.

THE HISTORY
What really adds spice to the tale of Coorg is the dash of legend and local lore that permeates all discussions on the provenance of the region. According to the ancient Indian treatises or Puranas, the land of initial settlement was called Krodadesa which later became Kodavu.

It is also said that Kodagu is derived from the word Kodava. ‘Kod’ means ‘give’ and ‘avva’ means ‘mother’, with the reference being to Mother Cauvery, one of the seven sacred rivers of India, the fountain of life and sustenance in this land.

Legend has it that the Goddess Cauvery appears at the sacred site of Talacauvery, the source of the Cauvery, on a specific day in October. She manifests herself as a sudden upsurge of water in a small tank.

A large number of devotees gather to witness this bubbling spring and coconuts adorned with flowers are floated down the river as part of a special prayer. The water is especially potent on this occasion and is said to possess healing powers.

Much like India’s fabled wealth attracted invaders in the past, Coorg’s beauty, plentiful water sources and fertile soil were like magnets to the rulers of surrounding areas. Coorg’s rainfall and rice fields made it the granary of the region and it was much coveted by its neighbours.

For centuries, the hardy highlanders of Coorg successfully fought off the invaders, and even the mighty Tipu Sultan, and the British Empire couldn’t lay low the warrior spirit of the Coorgs. Their allegiance could be won only with their willing cooperation, not by force.

Ancient chronicles record that the region gave allegiance to a succession of Hindu dynasties. The Gangas of Talakad, were followed by the Cholas, and when Hoysala rule ended in the 14th century, Coorg came under the influence of the Vijaynagar kingdom.

When the great Vijayanagar Empire famed for its wealth all over the world, fell to the combined onslaught of its enemies, it left a vacuum which was filled by local chieftains.

These chieftains constantly warred with each other and were united by Veeraraja, a Lingayat man from outside the land. Veeraraja posed as a holy man to win the confidence of the chieftains. He finally went on to become the first king of Coorg. His family, the Haleri rajas, ruled for 221 years.

For decades, Coorg withstood the frequent invasions of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. After many failed attempts, there was a brief period when Tipu Sultan attempted to enforce his rule by establishing four forts, and placing his troops in them. But these troops were soon besieged and had to negotiate a surrender.

The last king, Chikka Veerarajendra, was a despot who lost the support of his people. Things came to such a pass that the same warriors who propped up the Haleri Raja dynasty were instrumental in bringing it to an end.

In 1834, a Coorg general called Apparanda Bopanna, whose forefathers had gallantly repelled the British, invited the British forces under Col. Fraser into the kingdom, and escorted them to the fort at Mercara (Madikeri).

What followed was a period of peace and prosperity. The British brought in coffee cultivation on a large scale and left behind a legacy of a colonial lifestyle that is still followed. The Coorg qualities of shooting straight from the shoulder, both literally and figuratively, found favour with the British. Coorgs were encouraged to join the British Indian Army.

After Independence in 1947, Coorg remained a Part ‘C’ State till 1956 when it was merged with the State of Karnataka. But the brief imperial rule left behind a legacy that is the source of Kodagu’s identity and income – the cultivation of coffee and spices.

COFFEE, SPICE & MORE
Fondly referred to as the ‘Coffee Cup of India’, this is one sobriquet that Coorg wears with an almost possessive air. After all, some of the world’s best coffee is grown here, and the slopes are redolent with the aroma of fine Arabicas and Robustas. This heartland of Indian coffee is renowned for its ‘monsoon-fed coffee’, shade-grown under giant Rose Wood, Wild Fig and Jack Fruit trees.

While nurturing and instilling the beans with exotic flavours and aromas, these fruit laden trees are a unique eco-system by themselves providing home to thousands of birds and animals including the Great Indian Pied Hornbill and the Giant Malabar Squirrel.

Come February, the air is filled with the heavy fragrance of snow white coffee blossoms, heralding the onset of the coffee season. In November, the plants are dotted with ripe red coffee cherries. And throughout the year, it is the beverage of choice for natives and tourists alike.

The first estate in Coorg was established in 1854 by an Englishman of the name John Fowler. The first British superintendent, Captain Le Hardy took a deep interest in the prosperity of the land and soon nearly every family in Coorg had started growing the brew that refreshed the world.

While coffee was the cup that cheered, the hills of Coorg were the supply depot for the famous spice coast of Malabar. Pepper, Cloves, Cardamom, Kokum (Garcinia cambogia), Cinchona, and other stars of the fabled ‘spice route’ are residents of these hills.

Coorg Pepper is simply considered the world’s best and since ancient times, traders have landed on the neighbouring Malabar Coast of Kerala to pick up loads of this black treasure. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Chinese then carried it to different parts of the world.

Pepper abounds here, and is grown along with the coffee. The pepper vines are allowed to climb around the towering shade trees, creating ‘green pillars’ that look like they support the sky.

VILLAS OVERVIEW
Coffee, Spice, and Plantation life. What better way to truly enjoy the ‘Evolve Back Experience’ than by letting oneself go in the elegantly luxurious ‘Lily Pool’ series of Villas and Kodava styled Heritage Pool Villas spread out in delightful clusters around this working coffee and spice plantation.

While the ‘Lily Pool’ series of Villas offer you a glimpse into the privileged life of the gentleman planter, the Heritage Pool villas are inspired by ethnic Kodava architecture and offer the ultimate in luxurious seclusion.

HERITAGE POOL VILLA
This is Kodava architecture at its luxurious best. The Heritage Pool Villas boast a separate living room and en-suite bedroom, with a courtyard and your very own personal swimming pool with deck chairs. And, affording a pool view are two lovely sit-outs, complete with planters’ chairs to laze on with a book and drink on hand

FACILITIES OVERVIEW
Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, comes equipped with an array of facilities designed to help you forget the world you’ve left behind. From out of the world dining destinations, to a large communal pool and an exclusive infinity pool, to a romantic coffee lounge and library, and an esoteric Ayurvedic Spa, Evolve Back offers the kind of facilities and services that make this destination a journey in itself.

INFINITY POOL
An exclusive infinity swimming pool for you to commune privately with your significant other half, or contemplate the ways of the universe in a serene setting. Experience tranquillity at this exclusive pool for adults that borders the plantation and the Dubare Reserve Forest.

READING LOUNGE
A lounge on stilts, overlooking lush paddy fields and the coffee and spice plantation, this is one of the delicious ironies of a holiday here. A setting so serene, it’ll lull you to sleep. Yet, irrigated by endless cups of the house brand, Sidapur, your senses will be fully awakened and alive to the endless possibilities here.

The best way to deal with it is to pick up one of the coffee table books from our library, order a cappuccino, spread out on your favourite chair, and alternate between periods of active observation and restful bliss.

AYURVEDA
Experience rebirth at the Vaidyasala, the Ayurveda Village that harnesses the ancient secrets of the world’s oldest healing system, to rejuvenate, regenerate and revitalize you.

With expert masseurs and masseuses to infuse your body with new vigour. And experienced physicians to prescribe a customized regimen to suit your constitution. With herbal baths, oil massages, age retardation therapies…all amidst a soothing, tranquil natural environment that promotes wellness of body, mind and spirit.

FAMILY POOL
Take the plunge into our Communal Swimming Pool that beckons you with its clear azure waters in a scenic location. The pool is ideal to laze around in with your family, as it also has special child-safe zones so you can take a lap or two without worrying about your toddler.

DINING OVERVIEW
Soul food finds body and spirit to seduce your palate in three awesome temples to the culinary arts. The impressive culinary spread at the resort, is outdone only by the breathtaking settings of its restaurants. Our intimate and personalized dining experiences are designed for those looking to celebrate love.

GRANARY
For starters, we discover the way to a man’s heart is through the portals of the generously stocked Granary, an indulgent ode to the good life as lived by the gentleman planters of a bygone era.

Thrift and moderation are words conspicuous by their absence and this restaurant is all about abundance, be it the gourmet continental spread or the Indian repast, with a strong Kodava flavor finding expression in the signature Pandi Curry (spiced curried pork) and other gems from the ethnic melting pot.

PEPPERCORN
The Peppercorn, a speciality restaurant, pays homage to the humble Kebabs and Grills, and serves up unlimited platters of their finest specimens in a serene setting overlooking the private lake.

PLANTAIN LEAF
Fine dining for vegetarians comes of age in the Plantain Leaf, which is set amidst verdant coffee and spice plantations and serves an array of North and South Indian vegetarian delicacies.

BY THE LAKE
The peppercorn deck built on the lake at the resort, is a very scenic and romantic venue where you can dine in harmony with nature and each other. The moonlit ambience, the five course menu embellished with a glass of wine and the company of your loved one, combine to create a dining experience like no other.

KODAVA TWILIGHT
An exclusive dining experience by the poolside in your own Kodava style Private Pool Villa. Sit back and enjoy the soft glow of the twilight as the sun sinks behind the cool green hills of Coorg. Experience being pampered by our personalized service and a choice menu while the pool provides an intimate backdrop.

MOONLIGHT FOR TWO
A dinner laid out exclusively for the two of you at the Infinity Pool deck by the lake at the resort. Luxuriate in a personalized setting created by candles, stars and the sounds of nature serenading you, while savoring a choice menu prepared on the spot just for the two of you.

THE MACHAN
The ‘restaurant for two’ offers you a completely private and elevated dining experience that towers above all else! The Machan is your chance to commune with nature, even as you discover each other in the gentle intimacy of a treetop gourmet meal.

EXPERIENCES OVERVIEW
When you step into the portals of Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, you leave one world behind, and step seamlessly into another: the bygone era of the Gentleman Planter.

Ensconced in the cocooned comforts of a lush 300-acre plantation paradise, the resort is perfumed with the subtly intoxicating aroma of coffee and spice. Come, allow the Spirit of the land to infuse your very being, and coax you gently on a personal voyage of discovery.

PLANTATION WALK
Take a guided tour of the 300 acre working coffee and spice plantation on foot. Learn first hand the difference between an Arabica and Robusta, discover how the Malabar blend got ‘monsooned’, and explore the spice scented pathways of Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate to slip into the spirit of the land

BIRD WATCHING
Coorg is an ornithologist’s delight. And is every bit as entertaining and enlightening for the amateur birdwatcher too. Consider how Coorg alone accounts for over 25% of all bird species in India, and you get an idea of why birding at Coorg is so popular

VILLAGE VISIT
The environs surrounding the resort in Coorg hold some hidden natural delights and social experiences waiting to be uncovered. Join the naturalist early morning on a cycle trail or for a walk to discover these salient spots that lie just outside the resort.

The eventual destination in both cases is the quaint riverside tea shop where you can catch your breath and observe the rhythms of local life as you sit on the bank of the Cauvery sipping Muhammad Ali’s special teas

WORKER’S TRAIL
Experience Plantation Life, first hand! Here’s your chance to get into the shoes of a Plantation Worker, quite literally. Join the plantation workforce in the seasonal estate activities, that you would have at best, read about.

From pruning coffee plants to harvesting ripe red coffee berries, get introduced into a whole new work culture, where human hands reign supreme. In the process, enhance your respect for that cup of coffee, that you take for granted

CORACLE RIDE
Coracles are local fishing crafts that are circular and ideal for navigating these waters. The coracle ride on the river not only helps you to gauge the myriad moods of the river, but also gives you a fish-eye view of the surrounding forest and the habitation, and allows you to be a small part of the ebb and flow of riverine life.

CULTURE
The Kodavas have a distinct ethnic identity they have zealously safeguarded over the centuries. They have their own unique language, customs and traditions. The names of Kodava people are characteristic and include a clan name. The clan is central to Kodava culture and families trace their lineage through clans. Marriage within a clan is discouraged.

Kodavas have many cultural differences from the other communities in southern India. Though they are Hindu, Kodavas do not accept Brahmin priests, preferring that ceremonies are conducted by their own elders.

The elders of the community help in organising the ceremonies. The importance of the fire god found in most of the Hindu rituals is usually absent in Kodava culture. Usage of slokas and vedic chants is also not present.

Easily one of the most martial cultures in the country, these are a people who ritually worship their guns and swords. Interestingly, till a few decades ago, the birth of a male child was marked with a gun shot, announcing to the world the arrival of a warrior. And when the child was named, he was fed the preserved meat of the tiger, in the belief that he would one day grow up to fight like one.

If a culture could have a set objective, for Coorg it would definitely be the creation of fierce fighters. There is about the Coorg, a certain rugged frontier spirit even to this day. A spirit which motivates him to join the armed forces, the police, the forest department…wherever there is adventure to be found.

The exotic and differently flavoured Kodava cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian. Their signature dish is the unusual Pandi or pork curry served with Kadumbuttu or rice dumplings. Succulent Koli or chicken curry, Nool Puttu or rice noodles and Bembla or bamboo shoot curry are other unusual Kodava dishes.

Every Coorg ritual – naming ceremony, marriage, or a house warming, and even many festivals have a strong martial element. At weddings today, thick banana stems are chopped with a short Coorg sword to indicate that the groom’s party has fought and taken as many lives for the bride’s hand.

A symbolic throwback to the days when men fought for the women they loved. Handsome people, colourful traditional costumes, feasting, dancing and good humour make Coorg weddings a highly enjoyable spectacle. You will find that women are respected deeply in Coorg’s liberal society and that chivalry is still very much alive.

The harvest festival is called Puthari or ‘new rice’, when the first stalks of rice are cut, gun shots are fired into the night sky in joyous abandon. As for the festival of weapons, it offers Coorgs a chance to hone their marksmanship by shooting a coconut fixed high up on a towering tree.

This was also the season when Coorgs would once gather and go off into the forest, to hunt the tiger and the boar. For reasons of conservation, all hunting is now banned.

GEOGRAPHY
Kodagu is a district of Karnataka State in Southern India. It is also known by its anglicised name of Coorg. It occupies about 4,100 square kilometers of land in the Western Ghats of Southwestern Karnataka. As of 2001, the population was 5,48,561, with some 13.74% of the population residing in the district’s urban centers.

Kodagu’s capital is Madikeri. The district is bordered by the Dakshina Kannada District to the Northwest, the Hassan District to the North, the Mysore District to the East, the Kannur District of Kerala State to the Southwest, and the Wayanad District of Kerala to the South.

Kodagu is on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. It is a hilly district with the lowest elevation in the district at 900 meters (2,900 ft) above sea-level. The highest peak, Tadiandamol, rises to 1,750 meters (5,700 ft), with Pushpagiri, the second highest, at 1,715 meters (5,600 ft).

The main river in Kodagu is the Kaveri (Cauvery) River. The Kaveri starts at Talakaveri, located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, and, with its tributaries, drains the greater part of Kodagu.

In the rainy season, particularly during the southwest monsoons from June to the end of September, the currents are rapid and violent. In July and August, rainfall is intense, and there are often rain showers into November.

Yearly rainfall may exceed 4,000 millimeters (160 in) in some areas. In dense jungle tracts, rainfall reaches 3,000 to 3,800 millimeters (120 to 150 in) and 1,500 to 2,500 millimeters (60 to 100 in) in the Bamboo District to the west. Kodagu has an average temperature of 15°C (59°F), ranging from 13 to 35°C (55 to 95°F), with the highest temperatures occurring in April and May.

The principal town, and District Capital, is Madikeri, or Mercara, with a population of around 30,000. Other significant towns include Virajpet (Viraranjendrapet) and Somwarpet. The district is divided into the three administrative Talukas (Divisions) of Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet.

PEOPLE
The hardy and charming people who inhabit these lands are known as the Kodavas, and are renowned for their distinguished martial history. The earliest references to the Kodavas are found in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to the 2nd century AD. The origin of the Kodava people remains a mystery and there are a number of interesting theories that add to the romance and mystery of the region.

While the Coorgs or Kodavas are the majority race, there were many other groups that contributed to the melting pot. The second largest community of Coorg are the Gowdas. In the days of the Kodava kings, they supported agricultural activity, and turned into stealthy scouts in times of war.

They lived near the border in order to sight the enemy and provide an advance warning. Today, they still tend to live close to the borders and are a prosperous farming community.

The short-statured Yeravas and Kurubas laboured in the fields, and later in the coffee estates. Some of these tribals are employed by the forest department today, their keen knowledge of the forest and its animals help in curbing poaching and forest product smuggling.

The natives were not traditional businessmen, and this encouraged traders from outside Coorg to migrate here. The industrious Moplahs from neighbouring Kerala, and a few families of traditional business communities from other parts of South India moved in to form the backbone of trade and commerce.

The first Christians were Konkanis from the Mangalore coast, including many who were freed from Tipu Sultan’s captivity, after his defeat. They came to Coorg at the invitation of the king, to help rebuild the kingdom shattered by war. In more recent times, Christians from Kerala too have settled here as plantation owners and traders.

Many other communities and cultures go into making the intriguing mosaic that is Coorg, among them Lingayats, Tulus, Male Kudiyas, Medas, Siddis from Africa (now called Kapalas) and the Poleyas.