Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg
Post, Karadigodu, Siddapura, Karnataka 571253
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Travel Month June, 2024
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Season Shoulder
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Stay Duration 3N
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Room Lily Pool Duplex
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Package Bed & Breakfast (BB)
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Price / N 31,334.00 INR
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Final Bill 1,01,996.00 INR
Received Resort Credit of 4,000 INR redeemable towards meals, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages and select chargeable experiences
83.767 INR = 1 USDÂ
* All prices are inclusive of taxes. The final bill includes any additional charges for incidentals such as food and activities.
Our visit to Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, was an unforgettable journey into the lap of nature. Nestled amidst the lush coffee plantations of Coorg, this luxurious resort is part of the renowned Evolve Back group, formerly known as Orange County Resorts. With its roots deeply embedded in Karnataka, Evolve Back is celebrated for its unique blend of local culture, sustainable luxury, and nature-centric experiences. The Chikkana Halli Estate, where the resort is situated, is a sprawling property, with a portion dedicated to the luxurious retreat and the rest remaining a working coffee plantation. This balance between modern comfort and authentic plantation life makes Evolve Back Coorg truly one of a kind.
Although this wasn’t our first road trip as a family, it was special as it marked our first journey with our nine-month-old baby after he had started having solids. Starting from Bangalore, we opted for a relaxed drive via the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway, which could have taken about six hours or slightly more under normal circumstances. However, with several stops along the way for the baby and freshening up, our journey extended beyond six hours. The route wasn’t particularly winding but offered stunning views, especially as we neared the resort. Passing through small villages and coffee plantations, the final stretch on the Siddapura road—amidst lush greenery and light drizzles—set a serene tone for the stay ahead.
Evolve Back Coorg promised a blend of tranquility, luxury, and nature, and we looked forward to experiencing its unique charm while creating cherished family memories.
Booking & Pre-Arrival Experience
Booking through the Evolve Back website was seamless, making the first step of our journey hassle-free. The pre-arrival experience further elevated our anticipation. A few days before our stay, the resort team reached out to confirm our travel plans and inquire about any special requests or baby essentials for our nine-month-old. Their proactive communication ensured we felt well cared for even before we arrived, setting the tone for a thoughtful and personalized stay.
Arrival & Check-In Experience
Arriving at Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate was a serene and memorable experience. The picturesque drive through lush coffee plantations and forested patches, accompanied by a gentle drizzle, set a calming tone for our stay. This refreshing weather made the journey even more enjoyable, providing a peaceful prelude to the retreat that awaited us.
At the charming and intimate lobby, we were greeted warmly by the staff, including the naturalist and the general manager—an exceptional touch that highlighted the resort’s commitment to personalized hospitality. A refreshing welcome drink was served, perfectly complementing the cool, rainy ambiance.
Ms. Saraswathi, who introduced herself as our point of contact, gave us a quick and insightful tour of the property during a short electric buggy ride before escorting us to our Lily Pool Duplex. Her attentiveness and friendliness ensured a smooth check-in and made her an indispensable resource throughout our stay.
The drizzle, the thoughtful gestures, and the seamless arrival process made for an excellent start to our time at this tranquil retreat.
Main Entrance & Lobby
Accommodation
We stayed in the Lily Pool Duplex, which offered an excellent combination of comfort and privacy, especially for a family traveling with a baby. Spread across two levels, the duplex featured two bathrooms—one on the ground floor with direct access to the private pool and another larger bathroom on the first floor connected to the bedroom, complete with a relaxing bathtub.
The private pool, surrounded by a serene lily pond and lush greenery, was undoubtedly the highlight of the accommodation, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Our duplex was conveniently located close to the lobby area, which made getting around the property much easier.
While the overall cleanliness of the room was commendable, there was room for improvement, particularly in hard-to-reach nooks and corners. The resort had thoughtfully arranged a baby crib and high chair for us, as discussed during the pre-arrival call. However, the team seemed to have missed planning it in advance, as the crib was only set up after our arrival. Unfortunately, the condition of the wooden crib left much to be desired—it had cobwebs and was not very clean.
The pillows in the room were another area of concern. They were not particularly comfortable, and the housekeeping staff were unaware of the existence of a pillow menu, initially insisting that there wasn’t one. We only discovered the menu tucked away in one of the drawers just before our checkout, which was a missed opportunity for enhanced comfort during our stay.
On the positive side, the bathroom amenities were of good quality and added a touch of luxury to our stay. Despite a few hiccups, the Lily Pool Duplex provided a unique and charming experience, particularly with its tranquil pool and nature-inspired surroundings.
Lily Pool Duplex – Villa Tour
Resort Experience
The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate provided an immersive experience of luxury amidst nature. Surrounded by a working coffee plantation, the property felt like a secluded paradise. While the plantation itself was fenced off and not directly accessible, we learned that it could be explored through guided activities with the resort’s naturalist. Although we didn’t participate this time due to traveling with our baby, it sounded like a fascinating way to learn more about coffee cultivation and the biodiversity of the estate.
The resort grounds were beautifully maintained, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene ponds scattered throughout. We particularly enjoyed taking leisurely walks along the pathways, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the tranquil surroundings. The gentle sounds of birds and the cool breeze made these strolls incredibly refreshing and relaxing.
Every corner of the property felt thoughtfully designed to integrate with nature. Whether it was the shaded pathways, the lake, or the sprawling green spaces, the atmosphere of the resort was calm and inviting. Even though we were focused on keeping our little one comfortable, the peaceful ambiance of the estate allowed us to slow down and fully appreciate the natural beauty around us.
Dining Experience
The resort boasts multiple dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. The food was consistently delicious, featuring both local Coorgi delicacies and international cuisine. However, we faced occasional hiccups with in-room dining. Instructions were sometimes overlooked, requiring follow-up calls to resolve the issues. Despite this, the chefs’ dedication shone through, and any mistakes were promptly rectified.
Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate offers three distinct dining options, each catering to a variety of tastes and preferences:
Granary The main multi-cuisine restaurant, Granary, serves breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner. Its earthy decor and warm ambiance made it an inviting space to enjoy meals. We found the breakfast spread extensive, featuring local Coorg delicacies alongside international options.
Plantain Leaf Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this vegetarian restaurant celebrates the authentic flavors of South India. The outdoor seating feels surreal, especially during the mornings, with the fresh air enhancing the experience. The staff recommended trying their dosa options for breakfast, which, while not extraordinary, were enjoyable. We also tried the thali for lunch, which was flavorful and satisfying.
Peppercorn Nestled by the lake, Peppercorn offers a serene dining experience with a six-course dinner showcasing flavors inspired by the spice routes. Advance reservations are required, and the tranquil setting paired with attentive service made it a highlight of our stay.
Breakfast can be enjoyed at either Granary or Plantain Leaf. We alternated between the two and appreciated the variety offered. Dinner at Peppercorn was particularly memorable for its serene ambiance and attentive service. Across all three restaurants, the staff was attentive and helpful, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Amenities & Activities
Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate offers an impressive range of activities to immerse guests in the estate’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Guests can opt for a plantation walk, bird watching, or a thrilling plantation drive in a 4×4 vehicle. For a unique twist, the electric bike trails provide a fun way to explore the property. Evenings are enriched with storytelling sessions, cultural shows, and the fascinating “Coffeeology” session at the Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum, where the art and science of coffee making are beautifully showcased.
While we didn’t participate in any of the activities, as we were traveling with our baby and preferred spending quality family time, we truly enjoyed relaxing by the private pool in our villa. My wife, however, took advantage of the Vaidyasala Ayurvedic Spa and found the therapy she experienced to be highly beneficial and rejuvenating. For quieter moments, the estate also features a lovely reading lounge with a curated collection of books, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the lush surroundings.
Check-Out Experience
We checked out after breakfast, and the process was smooth and pleasant. What stood out was the thoughtful gesture of offering guests drinks during check-out—something we’ve rarely seen elsewhere. It was a refreshing and hospitable touch that more resorts should consider adopting.
After bidding farewell to the wonderful staff and the serene estate, we departed for Bangalore. On our way back, we made a slight detour to Mysore, where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, adding a delightful end to our trip.
Areas for Improvement
While our stay at Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, was memorable, there were a few areas that could be improved to enhance the guest experience.
- Baby Crib Condition: The condition of the baby crib provided was disappointing; it had cobwebs and was not very clean despite being requested in advance.Â
- Housekeeping Awareness: Housekeeping staff seemed unaware of the pillow menu, which was tucked away in a drawer. When asked, they incorrectly informed us that no such option existed. Such small oversights can dampen the overall luxury experience.
- Cleanliness in Room: Cleanliness in certain areas of the room, especially in the nooks and corners, could have been better maintained.
- In-Room Dining Service: While the food was generally good, the in-room dining service occasionally missed specific instructions, requiring follow-ups to ensure they were implemented.
- Accessibility to Plantation: While the resort’s ambiance was serene and beautiful, better accessibility to the plantation for independent exploration could add to the guest experience, making the working coffee estate feel more integrated with the resort stay.
Overall Experience
Our stay at Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, was an enchanting blend of luxury, nature, and cultural immersion. The resort’s thoughtful touches, like pre-arrival calls to understand our needs and the warm hospitality we received throughout, made our time here special. Staying in the Lily Pool Duplex with our private pool surrounded by greenery was a highlight, allowing us to relax and bond as a family.
The resort’s natural beauty, combined with its commitment to sustainability and preserving Coorg’s heritage, created a serene and immersive retreat. The dedicated staff, the thoughtfully curated dining experiences, and the rejuvenating spa therapies left a lasting impression.
While there were minor lapses, they did not overshadow the overall charm of the resort. We left feeling refreshed, with fond memories of the lush plantation, the tranquil ponds, and the friendly staff who made every effort to ensure our comfort. For those seeking a luxurious getaway amidst nature, Evolve Back Coorg is a destination that promises serenity and indulgence in equal measure.
If you’re planning a trip to Coorg and seeking a luxurious stay, be sure to check out our post – Exquisite Escapes: The Top 5 Luxury Resorts in Coorg, India’s Coffee Capital.
