It was around September 2018 when we decided to take a trip to the South of India for New Year celebrations with our extended family. Located at about 156 kms from the Mangalore Airport(closest) is Coorg also called as Kodagu, which is considered to be
The Scotland of India
And ever since we started to plan the trip, we had decided to have an Airbnb experience while checking out for the stay. There about 300+ listed Airbnb stays on google in Coorg. But The Lodge was the one which actually caught our attention for its very much rich & colonial appearance.
Built in the year 1898 by a British army officer, The Lodge is a heritage property, with its 3rd generation currently restoring the culture, the richness of the 18th century with modern amenities to give their guests a true experience which they would endeavour forever.
Spread over 9 acres of land, the home overlooks the hills of Madikeri.The mornings for me were the most beautiful part of the day, since I would sip on the locally brewed hot coffee on the raw wooden benches in the garden, feeling protected by the tall trees, the coffee plantations and the bright flowering plants.
The property has 6 rooms each of different sizes. They have 3 Suite rooms : Lodger Suite - with a private porch which overlooks the garden, Fireplace Suite - Large bedroom with a private sitting area with a fireplace and porch, Garden View Suite – Large Bedroom with a garden view and porch Since The Lodge also takes into consideration for budget-friendly tourists, providing an option of Standard Rooms & Backpackers Loft. Since we were 7 of us, we booked all the 3 Suites. And because we booked all the 3 Suites, we got the opportunity to have the complete cottage for ourselves. This made our Airbnb experience even more personalised!
Talking about hospitality, the caretakers are the most humble fulfilling the guest’s requests.
Our choice of opting for a homestay was in fact to experience the true local culture of the place and the caretakers ensured we had that experience. Right from the warm, brewed coffee to dinner experienced the local delicacies of Coorg to the fullest. We would provide the caretakers with our plan of the day, and they would serve our with fresh & popping hot delicious food when we returned back.
The highlight of the trip was our New Year Eve. We were so delighted by the warmth provided by the caretakers that it was our time to appreciate their efforts with our token of thanks. I recollect ringing in the New Year by sharing a freshly baked plum cake and ice creams with them. As the night passed we sang into old songs and captured every moment.
The chilly night was indeed warm enough with the warmth from the people!
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