We visited the resort with the entire family which included 2 elders and 2 kids and we were a bit concerned about the kids safety as well as the walkability of the resort. However, once we reached there, everything was was perfect.
Let me start with different things:
A) The place is a heaven in case you are a nature lover. It is almost 3 Kms from the main road, in the middle of a coffee estate expanding over 50 acres. So you would be completely away from hustle bustle of any city life. The cottages face a small hill which is around 1-2 kms away and forested, and in the middle is plantations of beetle nut which ensures that you have an uninterrupted view. During monsoons, there is a small stream that flows through the estate and you can sit on the rocks and have fun. However, we visited before the monsoons started, so could not enjoy the water. There is a small pond and around 10 ducks which roam freely. Just strolling inside the estate, you would get the best of nature.
B) The cottages are newly built and have been very tastefully designed. In case you are travelling as a family of two adults and two children, the cottage is the best as you have two full sized beds. The cottages seem to have been designed by the hosts in a manner that they were building their own bedrooms, so right from the linen to the mattress is very very aesthetic and comfortable. Just open the drapes in the morning and have a full view of a cloud studded mountain.
C) The food was out of the world, and as a light eater I must confess that the amount of food that I had in 4 days equals what I typically have in 10 days. We told the hosts that we would leave our food choice on them and each day we were presented with Coorgi delicacies. Remember that the food is prepared by the hosts themselves and hence there is a certain amount of care and affection with which you are served as well. They do have a menu which serves normal dishes but we strictly stayed with only local dishes. Even my parents who generally like only North Indian food, loved it so much that they would want to go back just for the food.
D) Comfort: We have travelled to a lot of AIrBnBs and what has made a lot of difference is the comfort with which you stay. We had everything done for us whenever we asked for, in fact sometimes the hosts were thoughtful enough to do things that we had not even asked for. For example, the hosts knew that my mother loves Jackfruit, so they literally plucked one in the morning when we were leaving. The hosts got honey from their other farm as we had shown interest in Coorgi honey. The list is too big for me to pen down.
E) The hosts themselves: I cannot describe it in words, can just say one thing that it felt like we were staying with...
Read moreIt was not an easy task to choose one resort among hundreds in Coorg when you are planning for a vacation for your wife’s school friends’ reunion and I am happy to hit the right note. If you are in a mood to explore Coorg and be at a place which is a blend of luxury and nature, Bendheka is definitely the one for you. From the time we contacted them, we did not have to worry about anything and it felt more like staying at a friend’s resort. Rishank, Pranalika, and her mom are amazing hosts and they frequently check with you to ensure you have a wonderful stay. Through our conversation, we came to know more about Kodagu and Kodavas and the culture of the locals. Rishank has been helping us to plan our days and sharing all the information we need to know. Here’s our review of Bendheka:
Booking process: Easy and convenient - you only need to contact the host, pay some booking amount, and rest you can pay at the time of check-in.
Facility: It’s a 5-star environment-friendly luxurious property. There are 4 cliff-front cottages. Each cottage has 2 beds and a premium washroom with all modern facilities. To promote sustainability, they advise you to carry to dental and shaving kits. They have a party speaker with campfire, where you can have an amazing evening; however, you need to maintain the silent hours (10:30 p.m. – 7 a.m.) to not disturb the nature around. The dining area has a lot of games, including a PS4, for the kids and the adults (Table Tennis, Chess, Jenga, etc.).
Food: The chef is a specialist in local cuisines. If you want to experience it, go ahead to try Meen (Fish) Barthad and Koli (Chicken) Barthad for starters, Noolput, Kadamput, Akki Otti, and Pandhi Curry for main course, and Panna Cotta for dessert. They are all lip-smacking and I had the best Panna Cotta there.
Nearby places to see: Glenloren Tea Plantation (only place in Coorg where tea is grown), Iruppu Waterfall (only waterfall in Coorg where you can get into the water), and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (to try your luck if you can find a tiger). We were lucky to get a safari at the last minute and sighted a tiger. There’s a rock temple nearby at the top of the cliff, where...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of spending three unforgettable days at Bendheka, a breathtaking hillside homestay that felt like a slice of paradise. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms by their property manager, Harish, whose warmth and hospitality set the tone for our entire stay.
The location itself is nothing short of enchanting. Nestled on the hillside, it offers panoramic views that seem straight out of a postcard. The serene atmosphere made it the perfect backdrop for some much-needed family bonding time.
But what truly sets Bendheka apart is the exceptional service and top-notch amenities. The living setups are a testament to modern luxury, boasting two generously-sized king-size beds that rival those in five-star hotels. We slept like royalty, waking up refreshed and ready to explore the day's adventures.
One highlight that can't be overlooked is the remarkable western bathrooms. They are a true urbanite's dream, equipped with everything you could wish for. It's the little details like these that make Bendheka stand out.
As the days passed, we not only enjoyed the breathtaking surroundings and luxurious amenities but also had the privilege of getting to know the owners, Rishank & Pranalika. They went above and beyond to make us feel like part of their family, offering valuable recommendations and insights into the local gems. It's rare to encounter such genuine warmth and hospitality.
Our stay at Bendheka was more than just a vacation; it was a heartfelt journey of connection and relaxation. If you're looking for a place that combines natural beauty, modern comfort, and exceptional service, look no further. Bendheka is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. If I could leave you with this, book your own adventure to Bendheka and create memories that will...
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