We were looking for a homestay at Chikmagalur when we came across Giri Elite, and seeing the reviews, we thought of going ahead with the booking. So, being 4 people, we had booked 2 rooms in the homestay. The property is about 17 km from the central city, yet booking this homestay was the best decision!!!
The homestay is constructed on a hillslope, with the top part having a line of cottage rooms in a row house fashion, while on the hillslopes are individual A-framed cottages that can be booked. The row houses are on the first floor, and the ground floor has a dining area with a nice warmly lit area and tastefully decorated tables and chairs. We were served fresh piping hot Bhajiyas and Tea when we reached in the evening. The bhajiyas were terrific, especially the potato ones. Crisp, not too oily, and just perfectly fried.
Coming to the rooms, they were huge from the inside. It had a double queen-sized bed at one end with individual reading lights on each side. A cupboard on one end. The bathroom was neat and clean, and there was a gas geyser to have hot water 24x7. Simply turn on the hot water knob, and you could have steaming hot water coming out in a minute. The bathroom had good ventilation, yet there were no signs of mosquitoes or anything indicating it was well maintained.
However, the best part came in the morning. Our rooms had a balcony facing the entire forest. Since the entire property is situated between the forest, waking up in the morning and glancing across the forest was nature at its finest. The entire forest up to the last cottage houses was filled with Mist and flowed upwards to the balcony I was standing on. The air was cool, and the water microdroplets could be felt on the skin. It was simply one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen.
The morning breakfast was also excellent. It had Idli and dosas served with coconut chutney and sambar, Upma and Sheera, Bread butter and jam, Aloo Paratha with Curd, and some freshly brewed Tea and Coffee. Nonvegetarians also had the option to have a boiled egg or omelet. The taste was great, and it was good to have such a variety, even in the hills.
In terms of activities, they also have a kid's play area below the last cottage that includes some swings, slopes, etc., where kids could have their own share of fun. Beyond that, the property also has a playground where you can play a game of cricket or even badminton. They also have coffee plantations, which you can see and witness. This is one of the best properties to stay in if you wish to stay in the lap of nature and witness some of the finest scenes.
