At a convenient distance from the main highway, yet brilliantly tucked away in the middle of the coffee plantations, one can be absolutely oblivious from the traffic noise at Kliff’s View. The house sits at the edge of the reserve forest, emulating the incline of the hill and is built in creative layers to take the slope into account. Dr. Pradeep and Neeraja’s ingenuity is displayed in every space in the house, whether it’s the cosy fireplace as you enter through a white picket-fence gate or the brightly lit rooms for guests.
A relatively new structure, Kliff’s View is aptly named so, as one can get an impressive view of the Nilgiris Mountain range from the hammock in the garden – the sunset is especially spectacular from this spot. Two separate units with a common kitchen are provided for. Each room has a charming balcony and a living space. Guests travelling with children can be assured with ample room for everyone, with extra beds. The house is also speckled with interesting books, trivia about coffee, Dr. Pradeep’s guitar and wildlife portraits. The most intriguing, though, are hand painted pictures of all the birds spotted in the vicinity. Pick up the famous book by Salim Ali or ask Neeraja to guide you on an early morning to view some exotic species here.
The lush manicured garden in the midst of the plantations fit congruously as the hosts have tried to preserve as many trees, including Cashew, Sapota, Silver oak and Gulmohar, while building. Enjoy a peaceful stay and some great conversations with the hosts on their own variety of hobbies and experiences of travel, plantations, food, music and dance. A great sunny place to catch up is out in the garden.
With Tiger and Twinkle, the couple’s own Rottweiler dogs, it is not advisable to bring pets along.
Activities:
- Bird watching in the serene environment is certainly one must pick up during the stay. Several peacocks actually strut around in the garden.
- Languid walks in the plantations are great fun with two waterfalls to look out for.
- 3. Local sight-seeing places like Edakkal Caves, Meenmutty falls, Kuruva Island on the Kabini River, Banasura Dam can be visited in local jeeps. This can be arranged for at a separate cost.
- There is a basketball and a badminton court for those who don’t want to give the physical fitness a miss.
- A campfire can be arranged for at nights.
Facilities:
- Pick up and drop from the main rail/ air / road heads, Calicut or Mysore, can be arranged for.
- The internet is available for guests.
- TV and kitchen are part of the set up.
- Ample parking space.