Off The Grid — Hotel in Karnataka

It has been sometime since we could escape the daily grind and the first place that popped in my head was OTG about which I had read in some travel piece quite sometime back. ||||Without a second thought we put the travel plans in place and so it started with a flight to Goa from Mumbai - reached Goa around 12.30 in the afternoon. Couple of days prior to departure, we had requested for transport arrangement from the airport to the property which was duly arranged. We had to switch vehicle near the Goa Karnataka border (Wild mushroom Restaurant) due to the taxi permit. The second leg of the road was slightly patchy near to the property. The ghat travel was bit of a strain. Else 2 hours or so post landing we were in the property - silence except for the bird sound, water flowing around, guard dog barking and such other. ||||We were shown our room which turned out to be large, spacious with comfortable beds, and a good veranda to walk around with ample sunshine to laze. We were truly switched off - lost all contact with the world as there was no mobile signal and so began our two nights stay. Do note that the whole place is solar powered and so has lot of emphasis in using energy efficiently. ||||Walked about and got a feel. Planned the next day with the local team - it was to be a trek beginning between 7 -7.30 am - this one we did in an hour but was challenging and so city slickers have to be really prepared for it both in terms of what is worn under the feet - sport shoes appears to be safe and also top clothing for a slight chill atleast half the way up, return and have breakfast - which was really good and a perfect match for the hunger, then relax and went to the nearby waterfall - with good guides. Kim helped my teenage son to swim to the farthest and as a volunteer from the Wales we got an insight into his family linkages to India and how he loves the place. Lunch was a nutritious spread followed with a small nap when my son and wife caught with a relaxed walk around and spent time sitting near a brook on well placed comfortable bamboo chairs which do give the appearance of giving away but are sturdy. We played some badminton later in the evening, engaged with other lodgers followed by good dinner - not to miss mentioning the thin crusted pizzas which were truly yummy. Sound sleep and the next day was another trek of about 2 hours to a nearby village named Aveda - which has 13 or so houses and lot of farm activity. We had to cross a small bridge made of sturdy tree branches which we had never done in all our life. We got a good view of a giant squirrel and some horn bills. This trek was less challenging as it was largely on even surface. Back to the lodge and after breakfast we left by car for Goa.||||Don't miss the aromatic local coffee brewed in the local way - called filter coffee. I felt travelling to the resort from Bengaluru or come up by train upto CastleRock station and then travel by road (10km) to the resort would probably be better than approaching from Goa. I was also told that trains are available from Castle Rock station to Goa but most of the times they are delayed and so it appears that going to Goa can only be by road unless one is willing to the take the train delays in their stride.||||So off to OTG if you want to switch off and sink your head in some books or look upto the sun and enjoy the breeze in your face or just laze...

We had four wonderful days here looked after hand and foot by the wonderful Kolhi and staff. They could not do enough for us. You just had to raise your eyes from your book (sitting under the flowering trees and surrounded by birdsong) for Kolhi to be offering you tea, or hot water for your “bucket bath”. Incidentally life is off the grid for the staff too so all the excellent cooking and washing and heating of water is done on wood fires. They deserve five stars for their hard work from 6 am to 10 pm. And then they also took us on treks either up into the hills or to the village with its padi fields. You cannot trek alone for safety reasons but we were lucky enough to have the warmest of fellow guests, all peace and wildlife lovers. Incidentally if you are keen on birds and wildlife it may be worth asking not to have the dogs, Skippy and Raja, with you. They are assiduous guards and protect you faitfully from anything that lives in the forest! ||Our room in the main house was light and spacious with excellent views over the forest and a sunny sitout though we always sat down in the grounds with the others. Lunch was served down by the river, and early tea, breakfast and dinner under the trees by the house. The food was all good and plentiful ghost stories around the campfire at night were a treat.||And of course there is the very special icy cold forest pool with its waterfall and nibbling fish. It is the loveliest of places to swim for good swimmers as it is deep and rocky but fantastic!||On the last night a change of clientele meant that an impromptu party was held with amplified music, smoking, drunken shouting and flashing lights. So it may not be as off the grid...

How do you a describe a place which literally blows you away. I could not even think a title name for this review. |A big Thank You to Sylvia and her team to make our stay so memorable. Kohli and Amit were on their toes to make sure we were comfortable. ||We recently visited the place enroute Goa on a motorcycle trip. The ride to Off The Grid itself is just near perfect with tall trees around everywhere. The last bit of the ride to the place is adventurous and what every biker looks for. ||Once at the estate, you can forget about the world and detox. No mobile network! Hurray for that! ||There are few trekking options ( don't miss them ), a perfectly secluded and awesome waterfall nearby..( be careful when you swim in it ) and perfectly thought through meals which are served hot. To add to the experience, you also get Pizzas for dinner made in the wood fire oven in front of you. ||If you are looking for views, stay at the first floor of the main estate house but if you are looking for complete privacy ( like us ) stay at the cabin at the far end of the estate. You can even hear the famous whistling school boy ( bird ) early in the morning.. The rooms are alright.|It's the overall experience that makes this place memorable. ||Thank you Sylvia for also giving us some quick lessons on...