We were driving to Coorg from Bangalore. Once we entered the coffee plantations, a magical fragrance wafted through the car window that lingered on even when we reached Wild Walk, CGH Earth’s new property in Coorg, Karnataka. And even before shaking hands, the first thing we asked Sharath, the manager who was also a naturalist, what divine smell was that. We were surprised – these were the fragrance of coffee flowers.

Believe it or not, coffee flowers have a unique smell that has nothing to do with the flavour of the coffee. We felt that the smell was like that of jasmine. And the look – even prettier. Coffee flowers look like bunches of small whites arranged in ikebana style creating a network of floral bows. These bloom for just a week when their intoxicatingly mesmerising aroma lingers in the surroundings. And then the flowers wilt. Sharath said that we were in Coorg during that perfect season when the coffee flowers were in bloom.

CGH Earth Wild Walk, Coorg

Some places force you to slow down. Coorg is one of them. What if we told you that mornings here start with clouds floating past your window? Coorg feels unreal, and our homestay nestled right in the jungle, made it even better!

In all ways, Coorg seemed like it was straight out of a dream. With the misty surroundings, the lush greenery, and our super cozy homestay, our two days in Coorg were absolute bliss. Wild Walk was a comfortable homestay located amidst coffee plantations and the jungle. Our room had big windows with a view of the jungle from all sides.

Coorg Wild Walk is a homestay with the luxuries of a resort but the warmth of a home. The décor was subtle. Nothing over the top but every room had all the comforts that we could want. Such understated luxury property in Coorg was so in sync with the serenity of the forest.

Things to do at Coorg Wild Walk

Waking up to the jungle view, and indulging in their meal spreads – it felt like time slowed down here.

We took a long morning walk with Sharath. He told us about coffee plantations, and other flora and fauna, showed us many pretty birds, and pointed out deer and fawn who were also perhaps out on a morning jog. We were very excited to see huge antlers that a deer would have shed at night. They looked perfectly carved and when we picked one up – we realised these were way heavier than expected. And no, one is not allowed to carry away these antlers as keepsakes. Picking things from the forest was strictly prohibited under the statutes. Any violation could lead to a penalty and jail term.

Afternoons were all about slow living – reading, catching up on work, and just soaking in nature. They have WI-FI connectivity with decent speed. But we took it easy and went for another plantation walk in the evening and smelt the coffee flowers all over again. The walk ended almost at the end of the estate beyond which was the Nagarhole forest. At this point, there were a few lakes that served as water sources for irrigation of the coffee plantation. Wild Walk was planning to organise picnics here soon.

The evenings were story time around a bonfire. While listening to Sharath, the naturalist, and manager, share some incredible jungle tales, we also revisited many little experiences in nature that we have cherished.

The serenity of this property was punctuated by the tweeting of the birds, the chirping of crickets, and the occasional mating calls of frogs. It is the perfect getaway for a peaceful serene and somewhat meditative break.

Food at Wild Walk, Coorg

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were a whole experience in themselves – imagine sitting on the porch, enjoying homely meals with nothing but nature’s sounds around you! Chef Abhishek and his small team cooked up elegant meals that could be customised to the guest’s tastes.

The dishes were a combination of common items as well as local delicacies. We loved the tomato and carrot soups that were mild yet soulful. They served Malabar pork one evening which was a common dish in that area. Since we were not big fans of spicy food, all the dishes were mild.

For breakfast, we had the tastiest fresh fruit juices that looked like ruby red melted in a glass. Along with that, we had fruits, eggs toast, and some local dishes like Noor-Puttu and Kadala (chickpea) curry. The best part – every meal was followed by a dessert that completed the experience.

The simple yet wholesome food satisfied our souls and made way for seamless interactions with fellow travellers here.

Activities from Wild Walk, Coorg

This was our first time in Coorg. The greenery, the sunny days and cool mornings and evenings, the random deer you spot, the coffee plantations, and the surprise fragrance of the coffee flowers – it was like we were in another world. Before the trip, we had seen many photographs of misty mornings in Coorg. Given the windows at Wild Walk that opened to the jungle, it seemed as if the legendary mist entered the room and we were like floating in the cloud.

But that is not to say that there is no thrill outside the homestay.

Iruppu Falls

On one of the days we went on a short hike to Iruppu Falls. Iruppu Falls was about 25 km from Wild Walk. After we bought tickets, we climbed up paved roads and steps for about 30 minutes. The cascading water came from various levels and that was the beauty of the Iruppu Falls. In fact, given that the water fell at various heights, it created little pools and we found many bathing here.

Rameshwara Temple 

This is a Shiva Temple that we were told was 1000 years old. While we can’t vouch for that, it was a very artistic and peaceful structure with the deity housed in the sanctum sanctorum in the shape of a carved wooden hut. The temple was lit with brass lamps giving the space a divine aura.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Safari

We went for an epic safari at Nagarhole, where we got lucky with a tiger sighting – but that’s a story for another day! The Reserve Forest almost shares its boundaries with Wild Walk. In addition to the tiger, we saw spotted deer, sambar, gaurs, and many herds of peaceful elephants with frolicking cubs. This safari is in high demand and tickets fly fast. Hence do book early.

Also Read: Exploring Karnataka’s Rich Heritage: A Journey through Ancient Jain Temples

How to reach Coorg Wild Walk

Coorg is well connected by road from major cities in Karnataka. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, about 160 km away. From Bangalore, it is about a 5-hour drive via NH275. The nearest railway station is Mysore, around 95 km away, from where you can hire a cab or take a bus to Coorg. Taxis and private cabs are easily available for a comfortable journey to Wild Walk.

Two days at Coorg Wild Walk gave us exactly what we craved – a peaceful, immersive jungle retreat, better than we ever imagined. Whether you are excited about wildlife, or on your honeymoon, or on a solo trip – Wild Walk would enchant you. If Coorg is calling you, this is where you need to be!