Honey Valley is situated at the top of a steep track of 3 Km's, approximately forty-five minutes by foot (or 20 minutes by jeep) from the nearest main road. One Trip per Jeep will cost you Rs.80. The closest town to Honey Valley is Kakkabe, situated between Madikeri (also known as Mercara - the regional capital of Kodagu) and Virajpet.

The Honey Valley Estate is situated in the Western Ghats in the heart of Kodagu (Coorg), about 250 kilometers from Bangalore, India. Kodagu is the Scotland of India, with misty green slopes and lush forest, and offers a beautiful location for walking, birdwatching or simply rel- axing. Most of Kodagu is between 1,000 and 1,400 meters above sea level, which makes its climate pleasantly cool. Winding roads, often bordered by flowering shrubs and neat hedges, link the scattered hamlets.

The Honey Valley Estate is situated in a remote part of Kodagu, near the tallest peak in the region, Thadiyandamole. It is possible to reach the 1,750 meter peak by foot in three and a half hours from Honey Valley. Until 1994, the estate was the largest producer of honey in India (approximately 6.5 tonnes per year), but disappearance of the native bees stopped production.The estate now produces coffee, cardamom and pepper, which are all grown as ecologically as possible.The estate also has a small nursery of anthuriums. Honey Valley is virtually self-sufficient in many respects, including electricity which is generated by water power.

Your hosts at Honey Valley are the husband and wife owners of the estate, Suresh and Susheela Chengappa and their Daughter Savitha. They are very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna. Susheela and family prepare traditional food, most of which is home-grown.

We have a fixed menu.

Breakfast - Veg : Rs.60, Non Veg : Rs.110 Lunch/Dinner - Veg : Rs.90, Non Veg : Rs.140

How to Get Here?

By local bus, it is possible to reach the bottom of the track to Honey Valley from both Madikeri (Mercara) and Virajpet. The nearest bus stop for the track is at Kabbinakad Junction. The nearest way to Kabbinakad is via Virajpet.

It is also possible to arrange a taxi from either Madikeri (Mercara) or Virajpet to the bottom of the track but the track is not suitable for taxis.

Home stay at Palace Estate is a beautiful Coorg hillside scenic location at the foot of the highest peak of Coorg "Thadiyandamol", which is approximately 5724 feet above sea level & just 260 Km from Bangalore. Overlooking the 17th-century Nalnad Palace, this place is on top of a mountain from where you can experience a breathtaking view of the forest & mountains all around this place from the balcony. A private fifty-foot waterfall and a diverse array of native trees, flowers & birds are all to be found on this estate, making it a nature lover's paradise. This place is a remote, peaceful & quiet haven amidst nature. A perfect place for a quiet holiday in a wooden structure, family atmosphere with kodava hospitality where your mind and soul can relax & get rejuvenated.

History:The cool bracing wind whips the hair about your faces as you ramble along the streets that dip and rise delightfully. Breathtaking views surprise you from pretty cottages as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms. You are in Madikeri (previously known as Mercara). A picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level.Traditional Coorgi Dance Madikeri is the district headquarters of Kodagu (formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is the home of colorful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas, Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), the kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan neither the British. And so to this day all kodavas retain the privilege of carrying firearms without a license.Typical Kodava Residential Architecture Kodagu is famous for the generals it has produced for the Indian army. The woman are known for their beauty. But what kodavas are famous for is their hospitality. Madikeri is a great place to walk, winding lanes meander off the main street, Mountain trails promise visual delights. And the Tadiyandamol, the tallest peak in the area, stands patiently, waiting to be climbed. Places of Interest:Raja's Seat,According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. Enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the top of a hill.Raja' Seat,Omkareshwara Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple, built in 1820, is a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture.Omkareshwara Temple Madikeri Fort:In the center of Madikeri, this 19th century fort was once the scene of many a fierce battle. Today, it houses a temple, a chapel, the prison, and a small museum. The fort also offers a panoramic view of Madikeri from its walls. Madikeri Fort:Rajas' Tomb Situated at the Northern extremity of Mahadevpet at Madikeri. Four Tombs, Veeraraja, 1811; Lingarajendra, 1820 along with Biddanda Bopu - the Worrier of Veeraraja and Biddanda Somaiah - Bopu's son, are seen. Rajas' Tomb,Coffee Plantation,Kodagu is a Coffee Country. The Coffee Estates here produce some of the world's best coffee. Surrounding Places of Interest:Abbi Falls Just 5 kilometers outside Madikeri, Abbi falls situated in a private coffee estate is a great place for picnic.Abbi Falls,Irpu Falls,48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarahole. There is a temple on the banks of river Lakshmana Theertha. Irpu falls would be a trekker's point.Irpu Falls Bhagamandala Temple 36 Kms from Madikeri. Built in the Kerala style at the confluence of three rivers(the Cauvery, the Kannika and the Sujyothi), this temple houses a variety of smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.

Alath-Cad Estate holiday home has a century old cozy Coorg house, which has 5 separate double bedrooms an annex called the Inemane with 4 deluxe double rooms,a suite and an individual cottage. All the rooms have a dressing room and modern bathrooms.The holiday home is amidst a sprawling65 acre coffee and pepper plantation.

As you stroll inside the plantation experience a splendid feeling of being isolated from the busy city. The atmosphere is totally unpolluted in every sense. Unwind with a splash in the picnic spot which is on the river flowing around the estate. The holiday home also has a conference room (30 pax) which comes alive as a mini discotheque in the evenings. The granary is the restaurant which serves traditional coorg food.

Alathcad Estate: Entering the evergreen boundaries of Coorg is an unforgettable experience. If luck is on your side you could spot a Barking Deer, Malabar Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, a Panther or, who knows, you may see Sher Khan, the Tiger himself. The magnificent Elephants, herds of them, Spotted Deer, Jungle Fowl and Peacocks are a common sight. As your journey into Coorg progresses you are getting deeper into the coffee country. Evergreen plantations, acres of paddy fields, a dazzling display of flora and fauna and the unpolluted atmosphere is a feast for the senses; that which has to be experienced not explained.

The warm and hospitable people of Coorg have their own customs and traditions. They are a clan of warriors who speak Kodava Thak and have traditional attire for special occasions. The men wear Kupia and the women wear Saris (pleated at the back). Married women wear a scarf called Vastra. Alath Cad Estate Bungalow is about 3500 ft above sea level. Seasons The evergreen coffee land and reserve forests are beautiful throughout the year. The monsoon is from July to September when the rain is heavy, eliminating most outdoor activities but still good for quite and restful holiday. Best seasons are between October and May.

Alath Cad Estate Bungalow is 250 km. from Bangalore. 100km. from Mysore, 160 from Mangalore.

Things To Do * Cycling * Bird watching * Plantation tour * Trekking * Angling * Golfing * Basket ball, Badminton and other indoor games * Audio visual on Coorg * Cooking classes for local crusine * Shopping for Plantation crops, Traditional Coorg Jewellery and much more * TableTennis * Children's play area, Conference room and Mini Discotheque (groups only) For the more adventures, there is much more to do. You can set out for a walk through the winding coffee plantations and listen to the Mynahs call. Or you can cycle through the breathtaking scenery. If you are a Golf addict, you can go for a game of golf at the nearest golf course, which is 12 km. away. Angler's can do a bit of fishing in the Estate Lake and the river flowing around the estate. For the serious angler's, you can visit the nearby fishing camp, which is famous for Mahaseer. A scenic journey to one of the tallest peaks. The Taddiandemole, through coffee plantations and open grasslands lined with spectacular waterfalls is a trekker’s paradise. Trekking with a local guide familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees and flowers that you come across. Perched amidst dense greenery is the Nagarhole National Park, which is certainly worth a visit.

Bangalore - Alath-Cad - 250 km. Mysore – Alath-Cad -112 km. Hunsur – Alath-Cad - 62 km. Mangalore – Mercara -136 km. Talacherry – Alath-Cad - 80 km. Alath-Cad – Mercara - 28 km. Alath-Cad – Kushalnagar - 35 km. Alath-Cad - Gonikoppal -14 km.

Places of Interest: Valnur --- Dubare Elephant Camp & White Water rafting by Jungle Lodges Mercara --- Rajas seat, Fort, Gadige tomb, Omkareshwara temple and Abbey water fall. Talacauvery --- Birth place of river cauvery. Kushalnagar --- Nisergadhama, Harangi Dam, Tibetan colony and monastery. Nagarhole national park and Irupu water fall.

Located on the tip of the Peninsula is this hotel with a very soothing and beautiful feel. Is just about 5 min away from the Kollam boat jetty also comes on the waterway Kollam-Allepey route. Easy to spot beacuse of the Lighthouse in the shape of a Lady that stands by the hotel. Specialises in sea food. Accepts all currencies but cash payment only. Has a small library with common TV and books and magazines. Can provide Boat rides and Ayurvedic massages on request.

Frommer's Review

Mrs. Bhandari's is almost as much a reason to visit this corner of North India as the Golden Temple. Situated along a wide avenue in the peaceful, leafy Cantonment neighborhood, this is a very pleasant, comfortable and, above all, homey place in which to enjoy genuine Punjabi hospitality. The fabulously preserved late-Raj family estate packs in beautiful gardens, a welcoming pool, and its own team of curious water buffalo; these provide the essential ingredient (fresh dung) for homemade fire "briquettes."

Accommodations vary in size and location, arranged in and around Mrs. Bhandari's charming home. Most rooms resemble "chummeries," the bachelor quarters assigned to Raj officials of junior rank with an attached room for their Indian servant. Interiors are modest but atmospheric, featuring high ceilings, Art Deco tiles, fine Indian throws over firm mattresses, and bathrooms with drench showers or old-fashioned tubs and original piping. The best option is the large "Bambi" suite, just off the dining courtyard (room no. BB3 is also a good option).

Mrs. Bhandari has been living here since 1930, but the guesthouse is now run by her warm-spirited daughter, who will help you plan an enjoyable itinerary and organize all transport and temple visits. A one-way transfer from the railway station to the guesthouse is included in the room rate.

Facilities: Restaurant; pool; tour guide, transport, and taxi arrangements; camping facilities; room service

Mussoorie, a mountain resort town, was developed by the British to escape from the heat of the plains. Situated among lush Himalayan forests, Mussoorie commands a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the North and the Doon Valley to the South.

Amidst this beauty, ideally located on a ridge and a few minutes walk from The Mall, shopping areas and the ropeway is Hotel Padmini Nivas.

As soon as you step into the hotel, you will feel the perfect blend of nature and heritage. Padmini Nivas is among the oldest buildings in Mussoorie. Originally named Rushbrooke Estate, it passed on to the Maharaja of Rajpipla who gifted this property to his wife, Maharani Padmini.

Adding to its charms is the nostalgia associated with the Raj and the princely estates. Carved fireplaces, antique furniture, hunting trophies and grand chandeliers are poignant reminders of the estate’s rich history.

Lying amidst majestic deodar, cypress and oak trees, the hotel wears different colours of nature in every season. Landscaped gardens and terraces, with sit-outs in nooks & corners, make it an ideal place for a quiet holiday, whatever time of year you choose to visit.

Eating is a pleasure at ‘Suruchi’, our multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant, serving its famous Gujarati thali along with Punjabi, South Indian, Chinese and Continental food.

In the evenings, you can enjoy the ambience of our ‘Season Garden’, the outdoor fast food restaurant open in the summer. With a spectacular view, surrounded by flowering chestnut trees and roses, there is no better place to watch the twinkling lights of the Doon valley.

Maintained with care, this 150 year old heritage property offers well-appointed, spacious rooms, luxuriously furnished suites and cozy cottages overlooking the Doon valley. All the rooms have channel entertainment, intercom and other modern facilities, backed by a friendly and efficient room service.