“We love simple living. We love to party, eat good food, and live in harmony with nature. I know money is important, but we don’t chase it at the expense of peace and happiness. That’s our way of life,” says Subbaiah, the Naturalist of Evolve Back Coorg, who hails from the same locality. Indeed, my three-day stay in this verdant oasis confirmed Subbaiah’s words in every aspect of life in this little corner of Coorg.
By the time we reached our destination, it was already dark. The road trip from Bangalore to Karadigodu was an additional bonus for anyone travelling to this part of the world. Known as one of the best highway driving experiences in India, the amazing landscape of verdant, rocky hills, wide meadows touching the horizon under a dark blue sky, and the scattered white clouds dancing on the hills of the Western Ghats – it was love at first sight on my inaugural visit to this part of Karnataka. The further we proceeded westward, the shades and density of green multiplied, refreshing the mind, eyes, and soul.
About half an hour before reaching the property, though it was dark, I could feel the scent of the chilled, crisp air in the July sky, along with the unmistakable fragrance of the forest. Rajan informed us, “This is a forest road, sir, frequently traversed by wild elephants, so we need to drive slower,” much to my excitement and the thrill of the already rushing adrenaline.
Rajan’s (our chauffeur for the trip) professional approach and attention to passenger satisfaction hinted at the flawless professionalism and hospitality of the management, even before we reached our destination.
The Nest
As our car pulled up to the tranquil and aesthetically designed entrance of the Evolve Back Coorg, a sense of anticipation washed over me. Vasanth the resident Manager and Saraswathi, dressed in a beautifully designed traditional sari, welcomed us warmly and guided us to our Heritage Pool Villa.
The architecture seamlessly blended the rich Kodava heritage with modern comforts, creating an ambiance that was both stylish and inviting. The red hand-cut laterite blocks, earthy hues, and dark woods evoked a timeless elegance that instantly put us at ease.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by the sheer scale of the villa – over 4,000 square feet of private space, including a separate living room, bedroom, and an en-suite bathroom with an elegant bathtub and shower cubicle.
Yet, even with all this grandeur, the courtyard with its personal heated pool offering a sense of intimate privacy, fascinated me most. A true oasis within the larger estate, indeed. After the long and rather prolonged flight, the temptation of the gently heated pool was irresistible. I could not wait to slip into the soothing waters. The fatigue and stress of the journey melted away, replaced by a profound sense of relaxation in minutes.
Retiring to the vintage four-poster bed, with its lace drapes casting a soft glow, I couldn’t help but feel a genuine connection to the rich heritage surrounding us. The antique-styled furniture, terracotta floors, carved pillars, and brass door fittings all contributed to a tranquil atmosphere, a haven from the outside world.
As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that our stay in this heritage oasis would be one to remember, a perfect blend of the past and present, where the “spirit of the land” welcomed us with open arms.
Experiences
A stay at Evolve Back Coorg is an experience in itself. As mentioned by Thomas Paul, General Manager of Evolve Back Coorg, whether you are walking to breakfast at Granary, taking a morning stroll down the resort’s verdant lanes surrounded by lush plantations, or spending a leisurely afternoon in the captivating library sipping your favourite Americano while perusing a coffee table book on tigers and gazing over the expansive paddy fields merging with the distant coffee plantation, or indulging in a lavish romantic candlelight dinner at Peppercorn by the serene lake – the resort has everything that makes Coorg so special. You need not venture out to experience the essence of the place, as the resort offers a plethora of activities to suit every guest’s preference.
As an avid traveller with a particular fascination for nature and wildlife, I could not recall the last time I woke up to a similar symphony of birdsong – in terms of both the number and intensity of the unfamiliar avian voices. After a rejuvenating ‘walk in the woods’ and a soul and stomach-satisfying traditional South Indian breakfast at Plantain, I found myself drawn to the Reading Lounge. Built on stilts, this is the perfect place to unwind with a book.
This is where I met Subbaiah, the knowledgeable and well-spoken Naturalist of Evolve Back Coorg, who had years of experience in wildlife and a deep passion for the subject. He promised to take us on the ELKHILL 4×4; an all-terrain vehicle tour of the Ramapuram family’s 2500-acre Elkhill Group of estates, established in 1870.
After a delectable lunch at Granary, we embarked on this memorable gypsy ride with Subbaiah behind the wheel. We had the opportunity to listen to his extensive knowledge about the local plantations, flora and fauna, and much more. Soon, we found ourselves surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. This private off-road experience offered breathtaking vistas. We learned about the history of coffee in Coorg, renowned worldwide as the ‘Coffee Cup of India’ – a lush plantation paradise punctuated by pristine forests, possessing a unique charm untouched by human intrusion. At one point, while showing us a giant beehive atop a Silver Oak tree, Subbaiah suddenly stopped and pointed out the tracks of Elephants right in front of us. The remains of a half-eaten jackfruit and the clear evidence of their path across the green carpet were thrilling in anticipation.
Yet, the best was saved for the end of the trip. Subbaiah led us through a narrow and challenging hilly road, and we found ourselves at the top of the world. A 360-degree view of the entire range, the spectacular Western Ghats in all their glory, and the lush, healthy trees of a typical tropical forest – it was a moment of pure wonder. Subbaiah familiarized us with the different varieties of coffee plantations, peppercorn, and Silver Oak, among others. The surprise evening snack and drink at the hilltop, with the breathtaking panorama around us, was the highlight of the trip, a memory that will be difficult to forget.
The Property
Evolve Back, Coorg is a destination that offers a wide range of facilities and services, making it a complete experience in itself. The resort boasts an exclusive infinity pool, a Reading Lounge overlooking organic rice fields, an Ayurvedic Spa, and a Coffee and Culture Museum, all of which contribute to the overall allure of the property.
The Ayurvedic Spa is a particular highlight, with expert masseurs and masseuses harnessing the ancient secrets of the world’s oldest healing system to rejuvenate, regenerate, and revitalize guests. This is an opportunity not to be missed for those seeking a pampering and restorative experience.
In addition to the Heritage Pool Villas, the resort offers other luxurious accommodation options, including the Lily Pool Villas, which are spread out in delightful clusters around the working coffee and spice plantation.
The gastronomic offerings at Evolve Back Coorg are equally impressive, with three major dining options, each with an exceptional ambiance that seamlessly blends architectural marvels, aesthetic simplicity, tradition, and a luxurious environment. The Granary offers a gourmet continental spread, while the Indian repast with a strong local flavour and other ethnic delicacies can be savoured at the Plantain Leaf, set amidst the verdant coffee and spice plantations. The Peppercorn, a specialty restaurant, which I will remember for its romantic ambience, overlooking the private lake and candlelight dinner experience.
Evolve Back Coorg is a pioneer in embracing environmentally friendly approaches in the luxury hospitality segment. From the use of RO water in every room to the minimum usage of plastics, organic farm-to-table dining, and local employment generation, the establishment has truly embraced the concept of responsible tourism. The resort’s initiatives in supporting the local community in terms of culture, education, and health further solidify its commitment to sustainable and community-oriented practices.
The story of Evolve Back Coorg is a story that blends heritage, romance, virgin nature, and luxury. The well-trained, polite staff, the exemplary innovations and initiatives on environmentally friendly hospitality, and the luxurious ambiance that seamlessly merges with the natural surroundings make it a unique and must-visit destination for travellers. An experience at Evolve Back Coorg goes beyond a luxury holiday, leaving a lasting impact on the memory and sensibilities of every guest.
Photo Source : EvolveBack, TW
Website : www.evolveback.com/evolve-back-coorg
Nearest Airport : Bengaluru (231.7 km)
Anirban Dasgupta
