Sakleshpur in Karnataka is becoming a popular weekend getaway for Benguluru’s many footloose denizens and for good reason. Under a four-hour drive from Bengaluru, the hill station of Sakleshpur is located in Karnataka’s Malnad region, known for its natural beauty and great cuisine. Thick forests and plantations of coffee, cardamom, pepper and arecanut cover the hills of Sakleshpur making for green and relaxing getaway. Here, 25km from Sakleshpur town is Aroha’s Eco Hill Resort.

Encircled by green hills and with views of a river and lush fields, Aroha’s has a mix of cottages in different styles and combinations so it can accommodate small families to large groups easily. The owners have tried to retain the local Malnad décor, though, throughout. The wood cottage on stilts with a floor that is partly see-through is the pick of the cottages as you can see a rivulet flowing underneath from within the room. There is also a dorm here if you are a boisterous group of friends or are on a small corporate outing. Tent huts are also available. The dorm and the tent huts have shared bathroom facilities. 

The resort is set in a coffee plantation so guests can explore many walking trails within the property. The staff can also organise hikes in the surrounding hills. 

You will enjoy the Malnad delicacies served here like the local Akki Rotti, Akki Sevige with coconut milk, Akki Kadabu or Butter Kadabu and Malnad chicken made with ingredients bought from local small farm producers. 

The resort does allow large corporate bookings. So if you are looking for a team outing or team bonding session, but want to patronise a small, local practitioner then Aroha’s is a good option. They offer activities like zip lining, ropewalk, rain dance and mud rugby. But if you are a couple or a small group looking for peace and quiet, do check with the management if there is a larger group booked for the same time as you as things can get noisy with a larger group around.

Price: From Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 per person per day; includes all meals and some activities

Read more: http://www.arohas.in/

Slow Travel

Aroha’s is a farmhouse-turned-resort and showcases local Malnad cuisine. Plastic is actively discouraged in the resort. Organic ingredients sourced from local farmers are used and drinking water is provided from a water purifier set up here.