Lodging in Good Hiking Territory
in the Western Ghats

When: Anytime

Length: As long as you wish

Number of guests: Up to a "full house." There are several guest rooms in the main house (with one or two beds) and more guest rooms in the guest house (the largest contains 5 beds). In addition, a couple of solitary huts are also available for rent.

Fee:

* Prices are negotiable for longer stays.
* Groups of students are welcome.

WHERE WE ARE:
We are situated at the top of a steep track, approximately one hour by foot (or 40 minutes by jeep) from the nearest main road. The closest town to Honey Valley is Kakkabe, situated between Madikeri (also known as Mercara - the regional capital of Kodagu) and Virajpet.

HOW TO GET TO US:
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 Yavakapadi (also called Kabbina Kad) Post Office. 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. It is often possible for guests to be collected by jeep from the bottom of the track if arrangements are made with the hosts in advance

ABOUT OUR PLACE -- HONEY VALLEY:
The Honey Valley Estate is situated in the Western Ghats in the heart of Kodagu (Coorg), about 250 kilometres 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 relaxing. Most of Kodagu is between 1,000 and 1,400 metres 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 1,700 metre peak by foot within a day 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, who have lived in Kodagu all their lives. They have been at Honey Valley for 18 years and live there with their son and two daughters. They all speak English and are very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna. Susheela and family daily prepare delicious traditional food, most of which is home-grown.

ACCOMMODATION:
You can stay either in the main house or in the separate guest house, a few metres downhill from the main house. There are several guest rooms in the main house (with one or two beds) and more guest rooms in the guest house (the largest contains 5 beds). In addition, a couple of solitary huts are also available for rent. These are isolated and basic but a stove and utensils are provided. Meals are served in the main house. Warm water and blankets are provided.

ACTIVITIES:
Your hosts can arrange for a trekking guide, should you need one. They are also able to give advice about shorter walks without the need for a guide. Day trips to other places of interest can also be organised, such as Telecauvery (the source of the River Cauvery), Nagarhole Game Park and the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe. A large collection of reference books is available for guests to use.