Eco-luxury: Orange County
If you’d like to stay in the lap of nature, but in 100% luxury, this is one of the region’s premier resorts, with Kodava-style architecture. Besides an English breakfast and kebabs, the chefs can cook you pandi curry, the local pork dish. Modern ideals of responsible, sustainable tourism are in place: wind power, fair-trade practices, and pollution and noise management. Tariff Rs 19,000–37,000, including meals, nature activities and taxes. Contact 08274-258481-4, orangecounty.in
Family outing: Club Mahindra
This is the poshest hotel in Madikeri, next to the Golf Course, where you can play a round before your Kodava dance class. While the grown-ups relax with yoga and Ayurvedic massages, kids can engage in face painting or Thermocol cutting. Accommodation is in single bedrooms or studio suites with kitchenettes. It is difficult to get bookings in the peak season unless you’re a member. Tariff from Rs 9,000 plus taxes, including breakfast. Contact 08272-221114, clubmahindra.com
Heritage safari: Green Hills Estate
If you always wanted to be diwan to a maharajah for a day, it’s worth booking a suite at this 19th-century Swiss-style mansion built for the family of the illustrious Diwan Bopanna. A living history lesson, the hotel is crammed with knick knacks. Nestled in the wilderness of southern Coorg, it’s around the corner from Nagarhole national park, where you can spot boar, bison, deer, elephants, panthers and tigers. Tariff Rs 2,000–4,000. Contact 08274-254890, neemranahotels.com
Most scenic: Mayura Valley View
If you’re into government hotels, Coorg has one of the best managed. Like all government hotels, it occupies the best location in Madikeri, next to Raja’s Seat. Even the cheapest rooms have enchanting panoramic views of the valley. The terrace of the hotel bar is the best place for a sunset drink in town and the surrounding areas are fabulous for walks. Tariff from Rs 1,800 for a double room, including breakfast. Contact 08272-228387, karnatakaholidays.net
Coffee station: Palace Estate
If you’re a coffee aficionado, try this plantation homestay in the hills above Kakkabe. The accommodation is homely, with superb views, walks through a pepper plantation to a waterfall, and the old mountain stronghold of the Coorg rajahs nearby. The veranda overlooks a garden studded with ancient cannonballs. Uphill, there’s Coorg’s highest peak (1,748m) to be conquered. Tariff Rs 500 singles, Rs 2,000–2,500 doubles, meals extra. Contact 08272-238446, palaceestate.co.in
Rustic jungle: The Last Resort
Set in the dense foothills, among organic coffee and pepper plants, this traditional farm cottage has two modest bedrooms and a common old-fashioned rural bathroom (there’ll be two more rooms with attached baths soon). The location is great for swimming in the Cauvery and visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp next door, for bathing and breakfast. You might also spot wild elephants. Tariff Rs 1,500 per person, with home-cooked meals. Contact 9880742726, lastresort.co.in