I've reviewed this property earlier and this probably is my sixth visit. The property is all that the glowing reviews claim and more.
But this was a vacation under the shadow of the pandemic - or so I thought! Mr Kothavala and Ms Shahnaz have worked their magic and restored the comfortable familiarity of Bamboo Banks to pre pandemic quality (sensibly keeping the pool closed) . We went looking to recapture the memories from 4 years ago and we weren't disappointed.
The quality of hospitality, food and warmth was a comforting constant in a confusing year of flux and change. It must be a bit of a job running the place but the Kothavalas, Rafique, George and others do it... and how!!!
If this review sounds biased, it is... Because I like the place and more importantly my wife and kids love it to bits.
PS:This is a rustic farm on the edge of a jungle.. If you go here looking for a five star hotel experience, you will be disappointed - deservedly!!
We decided on Bamboo Banks based on Trip Advisor ratings and must candidly say we are not disappointed. From Bangalore the place is about 260 kms and it took around 7 hours with breaks for snacks, tea etc. on the way.
We, husband,wife and son(all adults) were put up in the brick house which was hugely spacious. The package included breakfast, lunch and dinner which were sumptuous, varied and of fantastic taste. The hospitality of all staff were remarkable. Mr. Zerasp , the owner, was the one who received us on the very first day. The manager Mr.Rafique was very amiable and provided all the necessary guidance. Later , we were even received by Ms Shahnaz( Mr. Zerasp's sister) .
With Bamboo Banks as our station we visited the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve(7 kms) in the morning 6.30 am 8.00 am and later in the evening(4.30 pm to 6.30 pm) we went to Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Bandipur is one hour drive from Masinagudi.
In Bamboo bank itself a lot can be explored by way of travel in a Gypsy of the entire 42 acres property. The deer, turkey, wild dog, many birds, Nilgiris, view from machan , horse riding, riding ATV (quad bike) - all comes along with the package. Swimming pool and sports equipment are also available which we didn't use.
It was indeed a nice memorable stay .
Our Dec'19 visit to Bamboo Banks was our 5th yearly visit. While writing this review, my mind cannot stop but think of visiting this favorite place of mine again.
I have mentioned this in my previous reviews of this place and am doing so again. What I love about this place is the friendly and helpful staff, the comfortable accommodation, the food and the basic calm and serenity of the farm.
We have always visited as a family of four. Our favourite cottage is the brick house and next the stone house. This time we did have a peep into the other cottages and I must say I was impressed. any cottage you pick here is very comfortable. The stone cottage is covered with trees and gives you a feel of being in a forest.
The estate is great for a morning run. The pool is always well maintained and great for a swim or pool games. Morning horse riding is taken up by most of the guests. There are ATVs that you can take for a ride. The tree house is a great place to read a good book and look down on the mudumalai forest while the chirping of birds keeps you good company. The tree house is also a great place to view a beautiful sunset.
Just at the border of the estate is a small stream that we always visit. This is outside the estate but a great place to relax and calm yourself down.
Im adding some pics of this year's visit. We visited during christmas so there was a christmas themed dinner that went so well with the season.
Once again I would like to Thank Mr Zerasp and his family along with Mr Rafiq and the staff who took such good care of us and gave us another memorable holiday.
We spent two nights here with our kids aged 11 & 12. The farm is a tranquil location and we saw so much wildlife from the terrace outside our cottage - spotted deer, Nilgiris langur, malabsorption squirrel - all played just a few metres from us. On a jeep tour around the house lace we also saw wild dogs, which was a real treat.
The pool made the kids very happy! There was also a huge array of toys and sports kit available.
Unfortunately one daughter was poorly, a bug she had picked up elsewhere. The staff were helpful, concerned and cooked to cater for a delicate tummy. The rest of us all tucked into massive amounts of delicious home cooked food.
All in all, we had a lovely stay. Thoroughly recommended!!
We stayed as a couple in 2018 & thoroughly enjoyed our stay & so made a return visit with our family this time.
It’s a great place to relax and experience a true farm stay & is very close to the Mudumalai National Park.
We stayed for 3 nights and enjoyed all the facilities offered including horse riding, ATVs, fire pit in the evenings and the fabulous pool.
The cottages are comfortable & have all the facilities you need but please don’t expect 5 star accommodation. You come here to enjoy the natural beauty of the setting with deer, monkeys, malabar squirrels & domestic farm animals surrounding you. We were lucky to see 3 wild elephants crossing the road on our way to the farm.
Freshly prepared food enjoyed in a rustic, alfresco setting ... good selection of veg & non veg ... generous portions. The service provided by all staff was excellent.
Management & owners speak very good English & a range of day trips are also offered.
A big thank you from our whole family for providing us with a fantastic stay ... we left reluctantly with many happy memories.