I was literarily chasing the monsoon. As I rolled down my window, the enticing views of the lush green fields of tobacco and marigold flowers, the earthy smell of wet soil, and the free fall of raindrops on my face were enough to soak in the rustic beauty of Karnataka.
Leaving my world behind, as I was heading towards my destination Coorg, the villages started vanishing when I entered the thick forest area leading towards the Chikkana Halli Estate. The incessant showering rains, negotiating road passing through the lush coffee and spice plantations, and eye-arresting scenery were picture-perfect. After six hours of journey from Bangalore, I finally arrived at the award-winning Evolve Back Coorg Resort in the late afternoon.
The soothing sound of the traditional Kodava music dominated the surrounding as I stepped out of my car. After the musical greetings, it was followed by a delicious welcome drink. I was soon escorted by the guest coordinator, Jenniffer on a buggy towards my Heritage Pool Bungalow. My very first impression of the resort was jaw-dropping.
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About Evolve Back Coorg
Set in southern India’s luxuriant landscape, the Evolve Back Coorg is one of the most prominent and luxurious resorts that celebrates the perfect blend of nature and culture in its secluded haven amidst the coffee plantations. Owned by the Ramapuram brothers, who bought 300 acres of a coffee plantation in 1926, and later in 1994 they entered into the hospitality business by converting 35 acres out of 300 acres of coffee plantation land and started Orange County Resorts in Coorg with 10 cottages.
At present, the resort boasts 63 cottages and villas, three specialty restaurants, an Ayurvedic spa, a reading lounge, and activity areas, encircled by the paddy fields, an artificial lake, and the richness of lush coffee and spice plantations.
It’s worth a mention that “Orange County Coorg” was the first resort in Coorg. Though the brand name of “Orange Country” has been changed and now it is called “Evolve Back”. According to them, the previous brand name was not echoing the sentiments of their mission of life, which was to preserve and showcase the authentic local spirit of the land of each place as they prepared to expand their footprint in other locations like Kabini and Hampi.
As you enter the alluring estate, you are transported back to a new world, ensconced by the intoxicating aromas of coffee and spices and smiling faces at the resort. It looked like a secluded paradise, away from the real world where one can indulge in the luxury of nature. Whether it was the eye-arresting greenery, the rhythmic sound of rain, traditionally designed plush cottages, world-class amenities, or their award-winning and much commendable initiatives towards responsible tourism, Evolve Back Coorg is beyond the finest resort in India.
The Heritage Pool Villa
What really took my attention was the traditionally designed architectural style of the Heritage Pool Villa which speaks highly about the local Kadova culture and inspirations drawn from the Raj-era plantation houses. The sloping roof, terracotta tiles, and wooden columns simply impressed me from their very first look.
The intricate details on the wooden door open up to the living area which has vintage-styled furniture, an en-suite bedroom with four poster beds, a private courtyard, a swimming pool, and sit-out areas with planter chairs to laze around. The villa is the finest example of a perfect blend of tradition with luxury.
My favorite part of the villa was the traditional integrated garden inside the living room and the bench around it. The sound of raindrops was direct and continuous which make you appreciate the monsoon beyond obvious. The overtly spacious villa was equipped with every modern amenity you can think of. I relished those homemade fruit bars placed in the wooden box. The room service facility was quite good too. While vacationing at my plush villa, I spent most of my morning sipping freshly brewed coffee, sitting on the balcony, and admiring the rain.
The place is ideal for people like me who can spend an entire week there. It provides you with the perfect set-up for your creative cravings in the most peaceful way. And when it is the season of monsoon, it gives you all the more reason to be there.
Culinary Expedition
When you are at Evolve Back Coorg, you are going to experience a food extravaganza each time you step inside their signature restaurants. You will be on a food expedition that ranges from the delectable continental, flavorful local delicacies and your regular Indian platter. I literally had to skip the Hi-Tea every evening after the most scrumptious meals at lunchtime. Let’s find out the restaurants and what you should have whenever you are there next.
Granary
The Granary is your go-to restaurant on the premises where guests relish the soulful food in the most beautifully arranged spread. There is also a live kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where your orders like Dosa, Vada, Omelette, and starters are served piping hot, right from the pen. I must have had a variety of Dosas during my stay every day during breakfast.
If you are someone who is keen on exploring the local Kodava cuisines, you must skip the regular spread and head towards the ethnic counter for tasting the flavors from the south. Sitting at the corner table, right next to the window overlooking the swimming pool surrounded by paddy fields and tall trees, I relished the best of traditional Kodava cuisines. Every time I sat there for the meal, Chef Naveen Alvares would personally come and recommend the best menu for me.
Recommended:
- Kadumbuttu(rice-flour balls) & traditional mutton curry
- Coorgi Veg curry & Rice
- Coorg’s Pandi (Pork) Curry& Akki Roti
- Fish curry & Neer Dosa
- Aval Kuzhachathu (Sweet Poha – Rice Flakes with Jaggery and Banana)
Plantain Leaf
The Plantain Leaf restaurant is purely a South Indian set-up overlooking the lake, surrounded by lush greenery. You can go for the flavors of South India here, ranging from authentic filter coffee to a variety of vegetarian South Indian cuisines. I must say that the delectable taste of each delicacy served in a Thali has a distinctive identity that lingers in your mouth for hours.
I had the best time sampling it, however, what I loved the most was the mocktail and welcome drink served in a shot glass. I must thank Libin Joseph for suggesting me these drinks. It gave me the perfect kick to start the meal.
Recommended: The South Indian Thali
The Peppercorn
My gastronomic journey reached its peak when I dined at their specialty restaurant named The Peppercorn. The moment I stepped inside the royal camp, surrounded by thick forest, the candle-lit tables were nothing less than a perfect date setup. This restaurant is all about your eccentric taste buds for humble Barbecues and Grills.
You can choose your customized meals from their set Coorg Planters Menu. After my culinary expedition, I wanted to taste something light yet authentic, however, I started with Red wine and some bread sticks.
It was followed by a soup named Mulligataway A La Peppercorn. Later from the coals, I ordered BBQ Baby Corn which was absolutely mouth-watering. For the main course, I wanted to have fish instead of chicken or mutton, so Fish Moilee was presented at my table.
Though I was literally in a food coma by the time the dessert was served to me. My high recommendation is their homemade fruit-flavored ice cream.
I had the jackfruit ice cream and it was probably the best way to end my dining experience at the resort.
Signature Experiences
Vaidyashala
At the Ayurvedic village, the trained expert masseurs and masseuses take you on a journey of healing in the most serene environment by giving traditional therapies, meant for each body part, depending on your choice of therapy.
I chose the Ayurvedic Body Scrubs which turned out to be the most rejuvenating, relaxing, and revitalizing. The traditionally designed courtyard house and exquisite woodwork, create the perfect ambiance to relax, revive and rejuvenate your body, soul, and mind. I was amazed when the therapists started the healing with a prayer, followed by the head and shoulder massage and then real scrubbing on different body parts. The semi-lit room with the traditional instrumental music was way too soothing to indulge in the luxury of Ayurvedic treatment at Vaidyashala.
Plantation Walk
The plantation walk is all about Coffee, its history, origin and the fascinating tales attached to it. It was kind of an eye-opener for me since I was unaware of the story of coffee. As I started walking with the Naturalist Amjith, I was introduced to the new world of flora around the resort.
He patiently explained the medicinal importance of those trees which otherwise have never got noticed. The walk basically starts from the resort and ends at the plantation. What really hooked me during the walk was the way you are introduced to the world of coffee with the pictures, coffee beans, and coffee powder.
I was absolutely surprised when I got to know that Coffee originated in Yemen. Though no one knows how coffee was discovered, however, there are many legends about its origins. I was fascinated to know how the Indian Sufi saint, Baba Budan smuggled seven seeds of coffee from Mecca to India and planted them in his backyard in Chikmagalur, known as the birthplace of Coffee in India. Later the coffee plantation thrived during the British Raj and now Karnataka is reputed for producing the best quality coffee in the world.
The walk also makes you learn the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee and the process of coffee-making. From 7 coffee seeds to 75% of coffee is now produced in the state of Karnataka, and out of which 40% of coffee is produced in Coorg itself and due to which Coorg is also called the “Coffee Cup of India”. The tour ended with the finest filter coffee served in metal tumblers at Plantain Leaf Restaurant.
Worker’s Trail
If you are wondering about the plantation worker’s daily life at work, you must experience the worker’s trail at Evolve Back Resort. Riding in a farm tractor and wearing a worker’s uniform, you can join the workers at the farm in picking coffee, pepper, mulching, or any daily activities.
I had a great time experiencing the worker’s life firsthand by meeting some of the female workers at the coffee plantation on a rainy day. While observing their daily life, I was told about their hanging lunch bags on the trees which contain black coffee that energizes them if they feel cold on a rainy day to get their strength back. It not just introduces you to their work life but also makes you realize the worth of your coffee cup which we generally take for granted.
Eco Tour
Before I start mentioning about commendable initiatives for responsible tourism and practices for improving Eco System, I must tell you that Evolve Back Resorts is awarded the prestigious “World Legacy Awards” by National Geographic for their cutting-edge leadership in environment-friendly practices, green technology, energy, and water conservation initiatives. They are the only resort to claim this crown in India.
They not only promote or promise, but are actually practicing responsible tourism by introducing the policy of ZERO WASTAGE. From zero uses of plastic, recycling of glass and metals, and sustainable development practices, they have been doing it all. The resort treats its wastewater, purifies it through various filtration, and uses it for horticulture needs on-site. Food & kitchen waste are used to fuel the biogas plant that helps in their main kitchen. The compost from the food waste is used for the organic farm on the resort premises that produce organic fruits and vegetables.
The use of minimum lighting to avoid disturbance in the ecosystem and the electric buggy for inside transportation make a huge difference. The resort employs 50% of its staff from the local villages. They have adopted a school in the village where they supply nutritious meals, uniforms and another necessary requirements including teachers to teach English & Computer. The resort is also involved in many social activities like spreading awareness, cleaning the village, etc.
What makes Evolve Back Coorg Resort a finest luxury yet exceptional property is their conscious efforts to giving back to nature and the way they celebrate the spirit of the land with rich cultural heritage. Living a few precious moments amidst the 300 acres of coffee plantation and getting the unique experience of the plantation life is surely rewarding here.
For More Information, kindly visit https://www.evolveback.com/
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A great article like this requires readers to think as they read. I took my time when going through the points made in this article. I agree with much of this information.
After Coorg Visit Bandipur this is National Sanctuary and age old Tiger Reserve from the Wodeyars Of Mysore (Maharajas of Mysore)
I want to visit Coorg too during my summer holidays, it’s really a peaceful and comfortable place. thank for sharing these beautiful memories.
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Great article like this require readers to think as they read. I took my time when going through the points made in this article. I agree with much this information.
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas
Its a really nice post. It looks like a great place to relax. Thanks for sharing.
The place looks really good and it’s really nice post. Great work.
Over the years Orange County (evolve back) has been a brand synonymous with luxury and hospitality ,and on a recent visit there we understood what makes them really different and why it’s worth visiting . Each and everybody right from the receptionist to the manager strive to make you smile . The smallest of things that most other properties would take for granted are thought of . Though luxurious what one must really go for is that connect to nature and the human touch that people in today’s fast-paced life sorely miss . We stayed in a lily pool bungalow with its own pool ,completely private and ideally suited for small families . When the staff got to know that it was my parents anniversary they went to great extents to make the occasion truly memorable . We felt we were part of a family and that was really gratifying . The food was at par with the best and the service extraordinary . Would really encourage people to visit them once and experience pure unadulterated hospitality .
its really nice post thanks to author of this post
This looks like a fantastic place to take a break and relax. That massage sounds amazing and I would be up for that. I also like that you can see a coffee plantation, very unusual. I love a good cup of coffee.
I’m impressed, Evolve Back looks like a fantastic restort to relax and unwind in. I love how they have seamlessly incorporated nature into their design. It looks breathtaking. Thanks for sharing.
wonderful article. Thanks for sharing this.
Evolve Back really looks like a rejuvenating resort which is surrounded with nature and full of culinary delights. I loved the room interiors all in wooden and also they have kept those fruit bars there in the room. All the restaurants, especially the Kodava cuisine one is interesting and I would love to try those cuisines. Walking along the plantations of coffee and seeing actual workers must be an interesting trail.
I would love to visit coorg some day and is on y list to visit when I am INDIA next. The coffees aroma in south is amazing. Love the pool in the hotel look s so refreshing. Would live to relax at vidyashala. What s beautifuplave and thanks for sharing these great tips.
I always associated the monsoon with constant rain and a ruined trip, but this has made me think that actually, the lush green landscape may be worth it! This resort looks absolutely beautiful – definitely going to book a stay when I visit Coorg!
What a beautiful resort and in such an idyllic place too. The Evolve Back Coorg Resort is so unique as I’ve never heard of a resort within a coffee plantation before! I like the sound of sipping hot coffee and watching the rain, it’s quite romantic!
Hey I just visited coorg too during monsoon, it was so green. We were told that orange county name has not been changed. Loved the details you shared . We stayed at Club Mahindra Madikeri .
Wow this resort looks amazing! I love Coorg, and I have been there twice- and I still feel like going there, as there is so much more left to see.
This is really nice. It looks like a great place to relax and unwind. It gives me a certain homey vibe similar to my grandmother’s house where we spend our summers. Would love to visit this place someday. Thank you for sharing. It brought me really good memories.
Evolve Back looks like a beautiful resort. An idyllic getaway in the pristine environs of Coorg. What I really love about this place is that it seems so seamlessly integrated with the environment in a harmonious way. It is a laudable endeavour by the resort to sustain local environment and culture.
Coorg has always been in my bucket list but after reading this I want to go there at the earliest. I hope the place is kids friendly too ?