I visited Kerehaklu with my family in early 2021 to take a break from the city.

We booked two cottages - they were clean and well-maintained, exactly what we needed after the long drive to Chickmanglur. The cottages provide a brilliant view of the estate. Waking up to the sounds of birds chirping was every bit as incredible as we expected it to be.

The food (and coffee! - but more on that later) was delicious. We were offered hot meals (thanks to Mr Raju and Ms Bhagya) - rice, dal, sabzi, fruits and a dessert were typically on offer. Beverages such as coffee and tea were also available on order.

The best part about Kerehaklu were the treks and tours. The host - Mr Ajoy - provided an informational pamphlet on the treks that visitors could take while staying there, ordered according to difficulty and coded by colour. We took at least three treks, all of which were incredibly scenic. Ajoy also took us on a jeep tour across the estate, detailing the various plants and animals that live in the region. He also gave great insight into the coffee production process at Kerehaklu, and answered all our questions with patience. When we asked where we could get pepper vines and local pickles, he generously provided us with saplings from his own nursery and brought us pickles from the town.

This review would be incomplete without mentioning coffee. Though I typically don't drink coffee, I drank at least three cups a day because it was so delicious. We were also enlightened on the method and manner of brewing coffee by Pranoy, who gave us an enjoyable session on coffee tasting.

Kerehaklu is a great place to visit, especially if you're looking to take a break from everything that a city brings, such as traffic, noise and a reliable internet connection! I highly recommend Kerehaklu to anyone who loves to walk and soak in the greenery and fresh air that the estate provides.

My partner and I did a 3N4D stay at Kerehaklu during my birthday week. It's a beautiful property nestled amidst a coffee estate, and the slightly elevated rooms lend the feel of staying in a tree house. If you're a nature lover, it's the perfect place to be as you wake up to the chirping of birds and beautiful sunshine. It's definitely not a place for people wary of co-habiting with insects like lizards and spiders [we weren't :)], as you're literally living in the middle of a forest. There are trails around that you can explore too.

Ajoy is a very warm and terrific host. We really enjoyed the one-hour open jeep safari, where he drove us through the forest explaining the nitty gritties of the coffee plants and the history of the region. Special mention to Raju and his wife, who prepared the meals that were fresh, local and delicious. We had signed up for a two-meals-per-day plan but ended up having all our meals there.

If you're not travelling with you own vehicle, getting out of Kerehaklu will be a bit of a hassle (and expensive, given cab rates) since Chikmaglur centre is a few kilometres away. And there's very limited mobile connectivity, so if you're looking to to a digital detox, it's the right place.

It was a great experience overall and we'll definitely go back when the weather is cooler!

We have stayed in many homestays and there's no contest that Kerehaklu is the best! So what's so special about this place? Only 4 cottages nestled among coffee plantation, awesome simple freshly cooked food, the hosts give us a lively, lovely,engaging informal tour of the vast estate abutting a forest. One is free to contemplate,restrospect for oneself.

With a blink of an eye, I will go back to this pristine place.

Many many thanks to Ajoy,Prannoy and Raju

Shaila Chavaly