Part 2-Vacay with Strangers

Hoyasala Luxury Resort

As we finally (reluctantly) escaped Coorg’s lush coffee embrace and hit the winding road to our next destination, we would catch a glimpse of a coffee bush, waving as if to say, "Stay a while!"

I don't know which one was saying that - was that Robusta or Arabica. An instant debate started : on your left is Robusta and Arabica on the right. From the corner of my eyes, I could see poor Civet coffee was throwing an impish smile, at me.

Our crossing through Tata Coffee’s massive plantation made it clear that caffeine was more than just a morning ritual here; it was a lifestyle.

And, like the rich aroma of coffee beans, our words were steep with warmth be it chatting up with fellow travellers or screaming when a Peacock is sighted which could jolt one out of the slumber.

Just as a sip awakens the senses, let these lines awaken memories. Brewing sentiments in every phrase, our words pour like a comforting cup, embracing hearts with the warmth of moments.

Well. Our caravan of strangers-turned- friends made some impromptu stops along the way: ancient temples, serene riverbanks, and the odd roadside stall that promised "the best masala chai" in a 10-mile radius (they all did). The snacks by the Commanders - Kiran & Durgesh (of Anubhav Vacations) kept us going, and the coffees—well, let's just say they could wake the dead up.

When we finally reached the luxurious Hoyasala Village Resort (Hasan district of Karnataka) I wasn’t sure if I’d entered a historical epic or a movie set. At the entrance, a bullock cart that could probably still outrun most modern cars sat proudly, and a guard, with a mustache so grand it could have its own postal code, stood watch. He gave us a royal welcome except that there was no 21 -Gun Salute. But announced that a ride in that Bullock cart pulled by an equally tall and gorgeous bull wasn't complimentary 🤓 There was neither a duel nor a selfie with him 😉.

Once inside, passing through this small yet magnificent temple, we were greeted with warm water to wash hands and a sprinkle of rose water "Is this what royalty feels like" gesture en route the Reception.

We were ushered through a maze of cottages, each more charming than the last, set around a glistening swimming pool with a live orchestra of chirping birds.

I quickly realized this place situated on a 7 Acre lush green land with 59 independent beautiful cottages was more a "palace retreat" than a "village resort." It’s like they hired every tree in Karnataka that could blossom and smell amazing, and they all showed up on cue.

The cottages were fit for royalty—literally. Imagine everything perfectly designed for an old-school king or queen: ornate decor, cozy sit-outs, and little details that made you wonder if a royal ghost would knock and ask you to scoot over.

As we wandered, we noticed a Keyboard in the courtyard. Soon, a visually challenged musician took his place and played for the guests every morning and evening, lending a bit of old-world charm to each new arrival. He also performs temple duties each morning alongside a cow who clearly fancied herself a celebrity. She had a knack for demanding attention, which she received with pleasure, adding diva-level personality to our mornings.

But the real showstopper was the dining. Lunch and dinner were grand buffets, an endless array of delights that made me grateful for being on the vacation. And: Psalm 32:1 in the Bible says, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered". Amen.

However, the breakfast was another story. Imagine twenty different delicacies served on a banana leaf, each one unique and carefully placed, like a culinary jigsaw puzzle. I had to ask the server if they had prepared this just for me. "Sir, you and all the other royal guests" he said with a smile. The morning feast, complete with endless coffee, tea, and fresh juice, was a slow, indulgent journey—a breakfast that truly refused to be rushed.

The days at the Hoyasala village resort were a heady mix of adventure, exploration, and a touch of eccentricity, all in the company of strangers who were quickly becoming friends. One evening, we took a leisurely stroll through the surrounding fields, accompanied by the setting sun, which seemed to be giving us a personal encore.

Peacocks emerged from seemingly nowhere, giving us quite a show with their dances and crooning, as if they'd been practicing just for us. Meanwhile, the cattle had their own routine, sauntering down to the river for a drink before sprinting back to their handlers in a display that can only be described as “cows gone wild.”

Back at the resort, we were a divided crew: some of us opted for this sunset trek, while others stayed back to tackle a game that seemed half sport, half slapstick comedy. And then there was a particularly bold group of four ladies, at the drop of an anklet, managed to sneak away in a 3-seater rickshaw - three in the back and one seating next to the driver in the front. Off they went, embracing the thrill of the market, where bargains were made.

Evenings here had their own rhythm, as the day’s events merged with the gentle chatter, the playful squabbles of the younger ones, and the good-natured ribbing from the men. And, as was becoming tradition, we’d end up with a celebration of sorts. This time, it was not one but a couple of birthdays and a wedding anniversary, each a grand excuse for the kitchen team to whip up “special cakes” with enthusiastic flair. These cakes were as much a feat of endurance as they were a culinary wonder—a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to making each event memorable.

As we finally settled down after the festivities, I couldn’t help but think that the peacocks, cows, sunsets, and special cakes had all come together to make this trip feel a little surreal, a little magical, and, above all, unforgettable.

The return journey from this Palace to the Bengaluru airport was like from a lush green forestry to the concrete jungle. I sensed somebody has to be green with envy, and the Airline took the crown. Yes. It abruptly cancelled our scheduled flight for the day, just before we could reach the airport. And all hell broke loose.

But ‘The world was not falling apart….” , and Mr. Kiran Desai and the team at Anubhav Vacations swung into action to put us onto a late night flight.

Nevertheless, the magical, royal trip and making new friends for life was indeed icing on the cake!

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