A typical Coorg plantation cottage, from the British Raj. Surrounded by estate with a valley in front. Quaintly styled, with a red tile roof and a large compound.

The cottage has been part of excitingly good times for the last 100 years. Hunting was always the favourite past time of the Coorgs. Here the owner’s grandfather gathered with his friends, often joined by British planters, to go hunting.

Tribal trackers, beaters, cooks, horses and hunting dogs would gather in the yard, before launching into the ferocious jungle. A successful hunt would be followed by much feasting, dancing and drinking.

In the verandah of the cottage today are mementoes of those times. The mounted horns of giant bison. The forests, even today, hold bison, tiger, deer, elephant and bear. Now of course, these forests are protected areas and are quite distant from the house.

Years later, the cottage has become a pleasant home for visitors hunting for peace and fun. A cook, and a man servant who runs errands, ensure your every comfort. Besides, the hosts themselves are around to see that you enjoy your holiday.

You can even pitch tents in the compound for a taste of the wilderness in complete safety. And if you hear a gunshot, it’s most probably to announce the birth of a boy child, that’s the local custom, or to celebrate the Harvest Festival or the Festival of Arms.