Journey into the lesser known coffee plantation culture of India with Evolve Back Coorg

As I landed at Bangalore airport, I knew I was in for a treat since I was headed to Coorg. Around 5 hours journeying into the forests of outer Bangalore and finally seeing coffee plantations around me, I knew Coorg was a destination like no other. It was a place where I was going to connect with myself and find bliss.

Coffee plantations of Coorg

The first sight of the reception at Evolve Back Coorg after 8 hours of travel

As the car entered Evolve Back Coorg, I noticed heaps of coffee plantations around me, specifically around 2500 acres of land with coffee plantations. Amidst this, I spotted a white and brown cottage, the reception of Evolve Back Coorg where I was welcomed with traditional coffee made of coconut milk and jaggery. Hungry, I headed for lunch and explored all 3 restaurants during my 3 nights stay. All 3 restaurants had a uniquely different ambience. While at Granary, the multi cuisine restaurant, I enjoyed a continental spread with overlooking views of rice fields, that made me feel like I might just be in Bali. While at Peppercorn, my personal favourite, I enjoyed a freshly grilled batch of sizzlers while watching views overlooking the lake and hearing birds humming practically everywhere. There was also a special candle light dinner organised for me at this spot where I enjoyed looking at turtles night swimming in the lake. Finally, Plantain Leaf, a pure vegetarian, buffet only restaurant was where I explored the depth of the culture carried in Indian food like nowhere else. When I think about Plantain Leaf, I cannot help but mention the 30 unique types of dosas I came across on their menu - all unique representing a different side of India as a nation. I did not end up trying all 30 of the dosas even by the end of my trip. I have to go back for more.

The Heritage Pool Villa

To describe my stay at the Heritage Pool Villa at Evolve Back Coorg, I would simply need to close my eyes and feel the serene bliss I felt there. With giant living room attached, my personal coffee machine in the room and a huge garden outside, my room personified space at Evolve Back Coorg. Generosity and connectedness came from within the space. A sprawling private pool waited for me as I enjoyed a glass of wine. The bathtub was next with some flowers and bath salts thrown in, which would mark a new beginning of time for me with the following days to come. I specifically appreciated the hospitality staff leaving something special on my bed each night - be it an origami butterfly or a cute note or flowers decorated on the bed to welcome me back each evening.

Elkhill 4X4

A surprise awaiting me on the Elkhill 4X4

Spotting birds with binoculars

If you know Evolve Back as a brand, it goes without saying that their stay is made extra special with activities that are thoughtfully curated for travellers. I particularly enjoyed the Plantation 4 X 4 drive that led me into the coffee plantation culture of Coorg and introduced me to local spices growing in the region. I tried pepper growing on trees and learned a fun fact about monkeys' fascination with coffee beans. Though the Elkill 4 X 4 drive was slightly similar to the plantation drive, it took us to a coffee factory and a hilltop (interestingly owned by Evolve Back Coorg itself) from where we could see a huge chunk of Coorg and small hilltops in the distance. Our tour guides surprised us with some snacks up on the mountain and oh, the coconut water was indeed deeply refreshing. The Coffeeology session at Evolve Back Coorg is comparable with wine sommelier sessions in Napa Valley, only a more Indianised local version respecting local histories is also an element of coffeeology. While trying diverse formats in which coffee is prepared across the world, ranging from Espresso to Meter coffee and Cortado, I realised coffee is an integral part of human culture and conversations. As a bird lover, I also enjoyed the birdwatching session at the property, for which I woke up at 6 am. We walked around the property and spot birds, making me feel like I was exploring another dimension of the world. The Coracle ride introduced me to a traditional way to travel across the river in the forest and the E-bike session introduced me to the local village around. During the e-bike ride, I was also introduced to the local school that Evolve Back has created with kindergarten schooling to promote education in the village. I was delighted to see sustainable classrooms with world class amenities to study at for the children. I was glad to have chosen Evolve Back since they were investing in the future of the local community. With the diverse activities I experienced at the property, I also ended up meeting people from across the world who had come to visit Evolve Back and this added to many memories I made on the trip.

Coffeeology

Coracle ride

Coffee plantations

Surprise on the Plantation 4X4

Since Evolve Back places a strong emphasis on understanding local culture of each destination where it functions, I learned a lot about the local Kodava tribe and its culture during the storytelling session in the evening. Presented with some in house wines crafted by the founder's wife, I enjoyed listening to stories about Kodava tribe and its history. This activity at Evolve Back Coorg helped me realise how easy it is to feel connected with oneself. Amidst a forest, in a thatched roof hut, 15 of us sat - sharing and listening to each other's stories and developing intercultural understanding. The exprience of the Kodava stories was extremely local however since everyone present in the room represented a different nationality, the experience became global as we shared stories about our individual cultures.

At the local Evolve Back school

While, I enjoyed everything at the property deeply, my stay would be incomplete without their Ayurveda spa. The unique element of the spa was that it was conducted by two massage therapists who scrubbed and massaged me simultaneously. I also enjoyed taking a steam bath after the spa to soothe my pores.

By the time, I left Evolve Back Coorg, I knew there would be more to my rendezvous with Coorg. I was now connected to Coorg with infinite memories and deep understanding of the local culture, pulling me to come back and visit again.