My wife and I are planning a 14-day trip to Kerala and Karnataka. We’re starting from Mangalore, and going to Neeleshwaram, from where we will proceed to Coorg, Kabini and Wayanad, before flying out from Calicut. Please suggest places to stay in Mangalore, Neeleshwaram and Coorg. We have been to Red Earth Kabini and Grassroots at Wayanad before and plan to stay there again. We’re okay with spending Rs 7,500-10,000 per night.

That’s a nice circuit matched with a sumptuous budget—I especially envy your attention to the often overlooked north of Kerala. TheNeeleshwar Hermitage(from Rs 9,600,neeleshwarhermitage.com)and theMalabar Oceanfront Resort and Spa(from Rs 7,000,malabarresort.com) are both good options forNeeleshwaram—they offer Ayurvedic spas, many rooms have ocean views, and their aesthetic sensibilities suit the unspoilt charms of the place. Note, however, that luxury taxes (17%-19%) are not included in these tariffs. But you don’t mention when you are going, and if it’s during the monsoon, you should be able to get off-season discounts.

If you don’t mind the 26km distance betweenBekaland Neeleshwaram, plus the higher tariff, you may wish to consider a super-luxurious stay atThe Lalit Resort and Spa, Bekal(from Rs 12,000, book online;thelalit.com). More happily within reach is theVivanta by Taj Bekal(from Rs 7,000;vivantabytaj.com), where the same money can get you an expansive ‘deluxe delight room with plunge pool’.

You can save some of your budget inMangalore, which is not big on high-end hotels and any extra indulgence will average out. In fact,The Ocean Pearl(from Rs 6,000;theoceanpearl.in) is about the farthest you can get in your quest for luxury in Mangalore. Good ol’Summer Sands Beach Resort(from Rs 4,500;summer-sands.com) at Ullal, once the height of luxury in Mangalore, has fallen behind times but still retains its cleanliness and (somewhat dated) charm—its beachfront location, which also isn’t as pristine as it used to be, might still tempt you to opt for it. If you are not fussed about going budget, I daresay you will find Mangalore’s Ginger Hotel(from Rs 2,000;gingerhotels.com) a modern and competent if unremarkable option (note, the rooms are small).

You will be spoilt for choice again at Coorg. There’s theOld Kent Estate(from Rs 10,500,oldkentestate.com) in Suntikoppa;The Tamaraat Yavakapadi village (from Rs 10,600;thetamara.com); theWindflower Resort and Spa(from Rs 11,400;thewindflower.com), also in Suntikoppa; and theAmanvana Luxury Boutique Spa Resortin Kushalnagar (from Rs 7,100;amanvanaspa.com), all of which offer excellent facilities.

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