Thippanahalli Homestay Reviews

Superb!! Here is our take on what must be one of the best homestay experiences not just in Chikmagalur but, quite convincingly, anywhere else you could find. This is our first experience of a homestay...but if a stay in one is remotely as good as what we found in Thippanahalli, homestays are here to stay! We had done our research and, going by the reviews on HolidayIQ and elsewhere, knew this would be one stay worth looking forward to. We almost couldn't make it. We had planned to go to Chikmagalur for Ugadi and had booked Thippanahalli in advance. But last minute plans forced us to call it off. To their credit, Arpita and Meera (of the Aralaguppe family that owns the estate) were very understanding and accommodated us for a later date.

Best Experience: 1. The surroundings - Tucked away at a comforting 15 kms beyond Chikmagalur town, we were happy to see we had left the bustle of urban Chikmagalur behind and going to stay in a sprawling, pristine coffee estate. 2. The estate - Again, sprawling - acres of coffee estate, rich flora, a wide variety of birds and butterflies...a nature lover's delight. 3. The property - How would it feel to stay in a royal, heritage residence? A 77 year old mansion belonging to one of the oldest families in Chikmagalur is more a luxury heritage hotel than a homestay. The signature red facade stands prominently in the green surroundings. An interesting touch of Japanese architecture, added recently to a corner, blends in well. The garden in front is beautifully manicured and maintained, with its star being the towering 60 year old cactus tree. A pretty area below the main garden is just the place to light a bonfire or spend a quiet moment...with fabulous views of the Mullaynagiri range. Inside, the mansion is a veritable treasure trove of class and collections. Each room, as Arpita showed us around, has a colour theme to it and is tastefully decorated with memorabilia, family heirlooms, trophies and vintage collections. 4. Our cottage - We stayed in Kent, one of the two cottages outside. Incidentally, for those wanting to stay inside the main mansion, there is one large suite let out to guests. There are also the two new, mountain facing cottages built more recently. Our cottage was a simple but comfy affair - large, functionally furnished, with a TV, wardrobes, large and comfortable bed, neat and clean bathrooms. No phones here, but the bell outside the cottage sure blends with the eco-friendly way of communicating with the staff! 5. The service - Has to be a 7 out of 7...no questions on that one! From the booking to being received by Arpita when we reached there and all through our stay, what you get is the perfect balance between attentiveness and non-intrusiveness. As the older generation - Ravishankar and Meera - were not in station, the young couple - Nithin and Arpita - played the perfect hosts. What we loved was their sincerity and the fact they were so friendly and approachable throughout our stay. None of the affected fawning over which you find in hotels and resorts, no obligation on our part to spend time with them as is, supposedly, the case with most homestays. The next morning, Nithin accompanied us for a walk in the estate's woods, which also has a helpful marked trail. We got a first hand understanding of the estate, the family and life there. As for their staff, the few around were quite high on courtesy and service. 6. The food - Another 7 out of 7! Again a perfect balance between a sumptuous spread and delicious homely food. The six full meals we had there was a fine introduction to delectable Malanad cuisine. There was always something new, something different but always exceptionally tasty. The chef has to share the credit with the two ladies of the house - for they personally choose and supervise each dish. Before long, we figured out why the food, the service and the overall Thippanahalli experience were top notch. The family makes it a point not to take in any bookings if at least either of the couples are not home. It's the personal touch that really makes a Thippanahalli stay so special and unforgettable. In short, highly commendable. We wholeheartedly recommend Thippanahalli for anyone who wants to give themselves and family a really special timeout at a special place. Many thanks, Nithin and Arpita. Look forward to coming back and spending another weekend with you all.

Worst Experience: None

This is a beautiful site in a 4th generation coffee family\'s estate. The surrounding gardens and plantation are stunning.

Best Experience: The setting and food are wonderful

Worst Experience: They seemed to be unable to deal with our driver, had no toilet for him to use, no place for him to bathe and seemed indifferent. He is an experienced driver, usually sleeps in his car and is flexible. He was miffed.

The place and home stay is really superb.this is the real meaning of Home away home This is the ultimate place for who wants the peaceful stay and silent ambiance with natural view and good hospitality. please go to week days so less crowd and you can enjoy more silence. Stay mountain view cottage.its really good view and spacious room.

Best Experience: Thippanahalli family is polite and very good hospitality.they interact with us nicely.Food and coffee was nice. room is artistic even small things also looking beautiful.

Worst Experience: there is no sign boards in road. so bit difficult to find out resort.

I don’t know how to explain…This is our true discovery of a beautiful and very secret heaven for Christmas Holiday. If you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones far from madding crowd, believe me you will not get a better place than this. You will be mesmerized with the calm and serene nature of this beautiful Thippanahalli Coffee Estate situated in the mid of thick forest (Coffee Plantations). Warm hospitality of Royal Coffee Planters Family will give you the extra feel & richness of royal heritage culture of 18th century A 4km nature walk inside the thick forest like coffee plantations will give you the some extra thrill while enjoying the bird chirping and nature’s beauty. Don’t forget to follow the route direction mentioned on the way, failing to do so you may land up in trouble by loosing the direction to come back to the estate. Believe me it is kind of rain forest. A lunch / moonlight dinner (If you can plan the time in advance) from the outside PEA BERRY while looking at Mullaiahnagiri & forest area will be a life time memory to cherish. If time permits we will love to visit this place once every year. Probably this is the best place to stay in Chikmagalur.

Best Experience: Spending the entire leisure time at this place

Worst Experience: Nothing to write

We were initially apprehensive about staying at a \'Home Stay\'. From the point of making the reservation the Aralaguppe family at the Tippanahalli estate made the whole experience very pleasant. The mountains around Chickmagalur was a revelation to us, they are exceptionally beautiful. The coffee estates, the lush mountains reminded us of our recent visit to Costa Rica, could not believe that we had such beautiful scenery right here in India. I hope it stays this way, the mountain roads were not crowded, this made the driving and stopping to absorb the views a pleasure. The hosts were always around the guests, chatted with the guest, shared their knowledge of the local cuisine, coffee growing etc. My eleven year old said \'Dad don\'t rate this place too high then there will be too many people and we cannot come back\' - This says it all about the place.

Best Experience: You must drive up the Muliangiri hill, it is a little scary drive but the views from the top and along the way are awesome. The food served for dinner is the local Malanad cuisine, it is great, especially the dessert. Walks around the coffee estate early in the morning was great, just you and the birds. You have great views from the home, which I believe is not true for many other homestays in Chickmagalur. The tour of the main home which is about 70 years old is an experience which takes you back many generations of the family.

Worst Experience: Nothing.