A Fun-Filled Getaway to Bangalore and Coorg

After our unforgettable summer tour of Meghalaya in 2023, our evergreen group of women, proof that adventure has no age limit, set out on another escapade. This time, we chose Bangalore and Coorg, where luxury villas, misty hills, temples, shopping, and endless card games awaited us. The beauty of travelling with this group? Despite being 17 of us, we’re astonishingly on time, flexible, and endlessly fun. Sleep schedules, food choices, and room sharing never faze us; we roll with it all, armed with laughter and snacks! Here is how A Fun-Filled Getaway to Bangalore and Coorg panned out.

A Perfect Start in Bengaluru

Before the others joined us, we, the Famous Five, ventured out to the sprawling Mall of Asia. It is one of Bangalore’s newest landmarks, buzzing with shops and energy. Breakfast at Shiv Sagar Express was the highlight- soft thatte idlis, golden dosas, and strong filter coffee gave us the perfect boost for the journey ahead.

A Grand Beginning at Golfshire, Bangalore

Our trip kicked off in style at the gorgeous Prestige Golfshire in Bangalore, where our gracious hostess, Kanchana, welcomed us into her villas with unmatched warmth.

The first luncheon was nothing short of regal- a lavish spread fit for queens. We walked in dressed to the nines, and by the time the table was cleared, we were stuffed, happy, and ready for fun. The Tambola games that followed had us all in splits. I pocketed a couple of hundred rupees (humble brag!) while others scored their own wins.

Afternoons were made for card games, and our favourite, “Show,” kept ten of us glued to the table while others caught up on their siestas. Evening rolled around, and it was time to glam up for dinner at the Marriott Golfshire. Another indulgent buffet, animated chatter, and belly laughs later, we waddled back to our villas and fell into blissful slumber.

Road Trip to Coorg – Food Stops, Ferny Vistas & Forest Villas

The next morning, we loaded up on a hearty breakfast at Kanchana’s villa (holidays are calorie-free zones, right?) and set off for Coorg, with Geeta accompanying us to her luxury retreat, Serenova.

The drive was postcard-perfect. We passed Ramnagar, forever immortalized as the backdrop of the legendary film Sholay, and fields dotted with mounds of fiery Bird’s Eye chilies. Of course, no Indian road trip is complete without a dhaba stop—ours included crispy rava dosas, fluffy uttappams, hearty thalis, curd rice, and lemon sodas.

A quick pitstop to browse a roadside shop led to a treasure trove of veggies, fruits, toys, and trinkets. I snagged coffee shots for my daughter (because what’s Coorg without coffee?).

By the time we reached Serenova, it felt like stepping into a dream. Four bedrooms, chic interiors, a bar, a pool, lush gardens, and cosy sit-outs—all nestled against a forest backdrop. Sunil, the magician in the kitchen, and Walter, the ever-smiling manager, ensured we were spoiled silly with hot samosas, tea, and, later, elaborate meals. That evening, the bar saw a few glasses of wine and whisky raised, but the real entertainment came in the form of- you guessed it-another marathon session of Show. Let me preen by saying that I won two of the three nights we played.

Talacauvery’s Mystical Charm

The morning began with swims, tea, and laughter before we hit the road for Talacauvery Temple in the Brahmagiri Hills. Known as the sacred origin of the River Cauvery, the temple exudes a spiritual energy that even the mist couldn’t conceal.

As we stood there, the clouds slowly rolled away, unveiling valleys drenched in green. It was serene, humbling, and breathtaking.

After the temple visit, we lunched at the Mercara Downs Golf Club, an 18-hole course sprawled across 100 acres. Geeta’s better half, Nagarjuna Sakhamuri, is a member of the club. When we asked for the bill, we were told that it was taken care of.. Thank you, Nagarjuna, for the sumptuous treat. Then, it was time to stock up on Coorg’s best coffee and spices before heading back to Serenova.

Evenings were for indulgence: samosas, a sizzling barbecue of paneer, pineapple, corn, and chicken, followed by dessert and-you guessed it-yet another card session. (Fun fact: I won two out of the three nights!)

Golden Grandeur at Namdroling Monastery

Our cultural highlight was the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) in Bylakuppe, the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India. Founded in 1963 by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche, this sprawling complex is home to thousands of monks and nuns.

Walking inside felt like stepping into another world. The towering golden statues of Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Amitayus left us awestruck, while the vibrant murals and Tibetan architecture dazzled our eyes.

Outside, it was shop-till-you-drop time—souvenirs, sweaters, and quirky accessories found new homes in our bags. Lunch at the monastery’s café was a delightful surprise. Momos, spicy burgers, fries, shakes-our table looked like a mini food festival. Adding a dose of humour was a cowboy-hatted diner who looked suspiciously like Quick Gun Murugan!

Evening brought more laughter: an impromptu poolside dance party (yes, in the drizzle!) and-you guessed it again- cards, cards, and more cards.

Farewell, Food & Flights

Our final morning was a mix of yoga, coffee, and group selfies. Packing was bittersweet, but we set off with memories tucked safely into our hearts (and phones!).

En route to Bangalore airport, we made a last pitstop at Paakshaala for lunch—a delicious finale before catching our flights. While the others headed to Vijayawada, I boarded mine to Hyderabad, already dreaming of our next escapade.

Gratitude Corner

This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the love, planning, and generosity of three wonderful women:

💛 Kanchana, for opening her Golfshire villas and pampering us with her warmth and food.
💛 Geeta, for hosting us at Serenova, her stunning luxury retreat in Coorg.
💛 Sunita, for being the glue that brought everything together and made this trip flow so seamlessly.

Thank you for making our girls’ getaway not just a holiday, but a memory we’ll cherish forever.

Why This Trip Was Special

Traveling with friends is always fun, but this trip was different. It was about luxury and laughter, temples and tambola, card games and chai, spirituality and shopping.

Bangalore and Coorg gave us everything—a perfect blend of indulgence, adventure, culture, and companionship.

And as always, we came back with one certainty: this gang will never stop exploring, eating, shopping, and laughing together.

The Road Trip to Coorg

The drive from Bangalore to Coorg is about 250 km and takes around five to six hours. We took the scenic NH 275 via Mysore and Kushalnagar, a smooth and safe route that made the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Coorg Calling

Rolling hills, coffee estates, waterfalls, and temples – Coorg welcomed us with its charm. Do not miss shopping for spices, Bird’s Eye Chillies, or visiting the Namdroling Monastery. The best months to visit are between June and February, when the weather is cool and the landscape at its prettiest.

Wrapping It Up

From the buzz of Bengaluru to the calm of Coorg, this trip gave us everything- good food, great company, and memories stitched together with laughter.

✨ Travel Tip: For anyone planning a trip to Bangalore and Coorg, make sure to balance temple visits and cultural spots with cosy villas and local food stops. And never underestimate the joy of card games- they keep the spirit alive long after the sightseeing is done!

Coorg Stay: If you are looking for a luxurious and serene stay at Coorg, check out Serenova.

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