Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise
I was in Coorg on Christmas day last year; my staycation at Welcome Heritage Ayatana, Coorg was my Christmas gift. My daughter planned this safe, picturesque and exotic holiday for the two of us. The resort nestles in the heart of the luxuriant Western Ghats. After months of being confined to the four walls of my home, it was liberating to be in the lap of verdant open spaces and to reconnect with nature. As they say at Ayatana, Coorg – Where the Greenest Greens and the Bluest Blues Come Alive. It was almost three days of rejuvenating in the magic of Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise. This luxury resort is tucked away in acres of forest area, coffee estate and a gushing waterfall thrown in as God’s gift.
We drove down from Bengaluru and it took us 5 hours to get there. The journey was as therapeutic as the destination. I could not have enough of the clear, sublime air and would have loved to stay on for more. Many families had driven down from Bengaluru with their pets.
Sharing a travelogue after such a long time. Do check in on The Ultimate Tourist Guide to Bhutan, Tips for visiting Egypt or the ever-fresh Kashmir Travelogues – Srinagar, The Kashmir I knew, Srinagar Part 2, Doodhpathri, Kashmir-Heaven on Earth,
Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise
The drive-in is a good kilometre to the lobby and it’s through a resplendent, lush green canopy that opens up into a wide open space. I knew from that moment that our stay at Ayatana was going to be an awakening of the mind, body and soul.
Smart Cottages
Ayatana has just 53 rooms, nay smart cottages. Each room has a spectacular view of dreamy tranquillity and abundant greenery. The birdsongs awakened me in the morning and as I stepped put to the balcony, I almost broke into lyrical poetry. You feel as if you are the only human in the world surrounded by the untainted wilderness and the sound of the gushing waterfall.
The Glass House
The Glass House is an open multi-cuisine restaurant with a mesmerizing view of the infinity pool and the waterfall in the background. The private waterfall is the cherry on the cake. The ambience is a feast for the eyes while the food satiates the belly. I would recommend the local cuisine, Kodava for sure. Every meal was food for the soul, except the High Tea. The Forest Tavern is for the guzzlers.
Omniscient Waterfall
Being early risers, Esha and I would gingerly step on the rocks and get our feet in the clear, fresh water at the waterfall. In close proximity to Mother Nature with not a soul in sight is extremely therapeutic. It seems like a personal waterfall without any peering onlookers.
The Infinity Pool
The infinity pool looked so inviting but it was off-limits due to pandemic restrictions. It is right below the restaurant and opposite the waterfall. The deck chairs were so inviting and we languished on them just soaking in the spellbinding atmosphere.
Wilderness Spa @ Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise
Actually tucked away in the wilderness, the spa was something that I was looking forward to. Months of stress and lethargy were eased away by the Swedish massage that I took. I didn’t want the hour-long massage to end. It was deeply relaxing, woke up my tired feet and gave me the boost I needed to rejoice in my wellness. I really felt rejuvenated and felt all the stress drain away. They have diverse massages and therapies to choose from.
Ziplining
If you love adventure then get your adrenaline pumping and take an exciting swing on the ziplining course. With the waterfall as a backdrop and the canopy of the trees, the zip lining seems ensconced in nature.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are conducted on request. There are garden spaces that revolve around the coffee plantation, fruit and flower gardens. An early morning guided walk is what can be arranged. The flora and fauna are exotic and spectacular. A flock of ducks always followed me around and it was so amusing to watch them waddle in a row.
Off-road Safari
I am very cautious of my delicate back but I couldn’t resist the off-road safari which took us deep into the realm of the Western Ghats. It was literally, the road less travelled. In fact, it was just a rough track that leads us to the top of the green hills and midst of the azure blue skies. The bumpy ride was worth the sights it offered. I couldn’t help but burst into song…” Aaj mai upar aasmaan neeche”
I am a born romantic and find romance in every little thing of beauty. Ayatana is a never-ending elixir of romance. The serenity, the Christmassy ambience, the bonfire lit evenings; all exuded romance. It was a cherished and remarkable experience that I would love to relive again.
Off-roading and Spa is charged extra. The other activities are all-inclusive @ Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and generously SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Don’t be Bugged!
I have read so much about Coorg. the place is beautiful and the people are amazing. Your travel itinerary is awesome!
wow..what a lovely Christmas Gift. So sweet of Esha. It looks so inviting and refreshing. I love resorts which are surrounded with nature. You immediately feel energized when you are in with Mother Nature.
I now strongly feel the need yo have a vacay! Hahaha. Yes as we all are trapped here. Any good vacay will do the job.. Love how you described coorg.. Always heard about it.
I have been to coorg and want to go again as it is not very far from bengaluru. It has lush green coffee and tea plantation , scenic mountains.. I am in awe with that place. You have mentioned all of it in your post.
Thank you for taking us through the gorgeous Ayatana. Your daughter couldn’t have chosen a better gift. The place looks gorgeous and the food delicious! You look so pretty in the pics, the one of you in all black is my favorite.
I have visited Coorg many time and it is a paradise on earth. I have never been to Ayatana….you lovely post makes me want to travel, which we haven’t done since lockdown. And i saw you mention it is pet friendly – so that is a definitely plus for me!
What a thoughtful gift especially during this pandemic. Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing the experience. Want to go on a long vacation now
Coorg is one of my favorite places. Thanks for taking me back to those days.
Waterfalls and nature walk this is just the dose of break I need. Coorg is so beautiful and would surely like to visit it.
This looks like a lovely place, thanks for the detailed post. The place is so green and beautiful, now i want to on another vacation
Thank you for sharing this travelogue and taking us on a virtual tour with you. The memories are beautiful and your look lovely. I am sure it must have been a wonderful experience for you.
Esha is such a sweetheart. Ayatana seems to be a lovely place. I have never visited Coorg but have always heard about its beauty. Very picturesque. Thanks for the virtual tour.
This sounds amazing!!!! Coord has always been on our list of places to go when we come to India but we have never been able to go until now. tHanks for sharing your wonderful review.
It’s very thoughtful of your daughter to plan this beautiful staycation for you. Loved seeing all the pictures. Coorg and some other places nearby are on our next travel list. This would be perfect option to stay.
It’s very thoughtful of your daughter to plan this beautiful staycation for you. I am amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds the place. Loved seeing all the pictures. Coorg and some other places nearby are on our next travel list.
Wow!! I have been to coorg a couple of times and it remains one of the favorite places to return 🙂 after reading ur post the next thing I wanted to do was get back to that place !! It was very well penned down and undoubtedly u did make us feel jealous 😉
What a beautiful serene place Ayatana Coorg is, a virtual visit almost given me the feel of being there. this private waterfall and spa made me feel to think of the place, whenever I visit India.
Wow looks like you had a wonderful time In Ayatana. Coorg is a beautiful place I also loved my road trip from Banglore to Coorg when I was there. Lovely travelouge and pictures too.
Coorg is a beautiful place. Visited it when i was in bangalore. M sure it must have become even more beautiful as the trip was planned by your daughter. 🙂
This looks like a lovely place. And you are looking just as lovely. Just waiting for the pandemic to end so that we can begin traveling again.
This had been on my list for a very long time because a friend of mine has A property there and this blog Reminded me that I need to plan this really soon
I loved Coorg. Definitely heaven on earth. Waiting to take my kids.
Wow Harjeet, Coorg is indeed a paradise to be in. I absolutely loved all the pictures you have shared about Ayatna. Sounds like a perfect place to vacation and relax
Such a beautiful place. The photographs itself are so relaxing. Which activity did you enjoy the most.
Coorg is a wonderful place, I am fully mesmerized after seeing your beautiful picture. Your pictures show how much you have enjoyed there.
Coorg seems like a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing the experience. Want to go on a long vacation now seriously.
This has been on my bucket list for quite sometime now. You have captured the essence of the steady perfectly. It’s a dream come true vacation
What a lovely and detailed write up. I have been scouting to visit coorg , but after reading this, I an eager to plan it asap. Loved the personal touch and inputs.
I will plan my visit soon.
This was a very informative blog about a beautiful place.
The pictures are a nice personal touch too.