Coorg is open again: Here are 8 places you can book now

Coorg in the monsoon is a lockdown travel dream. The hills are awash in the glossy greens of jackfruit, coffee and banana leaves. The mist rolls into your room and the quiet is punctuated by frogs, birds and intermittent rain.

As the country moves into the third phase of unlocking, this dream can now be encashed as a real holiday. Coorg is back on the radar for travellers and hotels are welcoming guests back with safety protocols, social distancing and the monsoon charms in place.

However, since the pandemic is still a part of our lives, all states have instituted rules regarding travel which are dynamic and updated on a regular basis. So, it's best to check before you hit the book button.

Karnataka's quarantine rules

As per the Karnataka state government regulations, guests from within the state can undertake interdistrict travel without an e-pass. For those coming in from other parts of India,  however, there is a mandatory home quarantine of 14 days.

Meanwhile, if you live in Karnataka or have been in the state for longer than 15 days, all you need to do is hop in a car and drive to the hills. Here are some of the most beautiful resorts in Coorg which have reopened their doors.

Beautiful resorts in Coorg to stay

The Tamara Coorg

Set amid coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations, The Tamara is an ode to the land and its natural bounty. Guests can experience the whole process of coffee making from growing to roasting or lay back and enjoy the splendid views. Keeping safety paramount, the resort has also launched a  "Rakshā Initiative" whose guidelines are prepared in accordance with directives issued by WHO, the Ministry of Health, Government of India, and the State Government. Among other things, this includes enhanced precautions including social distancing norms, contactless registration/payment processes and a thorough check of each guest's travel history after which they are registered and allowed to check in. While facilities like the pool and gym will not be open, the Elevation Spa will offer some of its services against prior appointments. The resort has a series of special offers including an immunity package with ayurvedic treatments, complimentary yoga sessions and healthy diet plans. Special welcome back package from Rs 20,500 per night, inclusive of all meals, a yoga session and coffee plantation visit. Details here .

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg

Set at a breathtaking vantage over the valley, this resort offers the perfect secluded getaway. The luxuriously appointed villas and cottages are designed to ensure privacy and are perfect for social distancing. The property has strict hygiene protocols in place and the team has undergone extensive training to ensure the safety of all guests. Hikes and other adventure activities like archery can be pre-booked for limited groups. Offering a wide range of international and Kodava cuisine, the resort has adapted its dining experiences to the current times. These include a romantic gazebo meal for two or a private table set up in the amphitheatre, the path to which is lit with 101 candles. Doubles from Rs 18,250, inclusive of breakfast. Details here

Club Mahindra Madikeri

Sprawling over a lush hillside, this resort offers an immersive experience with its cuisine, architecture and activities drawing cues from the local Kodava culture. Staying true to its commitment to creating holidays for families while maintaining safety protocols, the resort has redesigned its activities. Nature walks, yoga and dance classes continue as private sessions with social distancing. The onsite Green Cardamom Restaurant offers regional and international specialities and guests can opt for private dinners, alfresco under the stars, or by the poolside. Doubles from Rs 10,500, inclusive of all meals. Details  here.

SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow, Coorg

This 19th-century heritage home will reopen to guests from 10 August. The bungalow combines the intimacy and warmth of a local homestay with top of the line amenities. An onsite coffee plantation, bee farm and organic kitchen garden are a plus. The sprawling property has four bedrooms and is a pet-friendly escape for the whole family. This SaffronStays property notches high on the sustainability index with solar power and proper waste management practices. In the post-COVID-19 world, it adheres to all the SaffronStays protocols. These include a minimum 24-hour gap between guests and proper sanitization measures. All activities for common areas are to be curtailed and boardgames, pre-opened cards and books are to be removed. For large homes like this, occupancy will be limited to 50 per cent if not booked by a single group. Social distancing and staff hygiene will be enforced. Doubles from Rs 9,687, inclusive of all meals. Details here .

Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg

Set in a 300-acre coffee and spice plantation, this resort combines Kodava hospitality with luxury offering guests a flavour of the erstwhile plantation life. In a post-pandemic world, this property comes with the promise of seclusion and privacy. All its villas come equipped with private pools and high standards of safety are adhered to right from check-in to check out. Apart from a la carte in-room dining, guests can choose to eat at the restaurant which follows all social distancing protocols. While common areas like the spa and bar are closed guests can carry their own alcohol. As part of their Welcome Back Offer, the resort is offering discounted rates as well as an open holiday voucher scheme with special prices which is valid till March 2022. Doubles from Rs 22,000, inclusive of all meals. Details here .

The IBNII

This hillside resort is spread across 120 acres of forest. From suites to wooden cottages and pool villas, there is a range of accommodation options. The property follows sustainable practices and takes wastage very seriously. Guests are charged for half-eaten meals and the money goes to charity. The property which reopens from 1 August has strict hygiene protocols in place and will accept limited bookings, operating at 50 percent of its normal capacity. The reopening deals include discounted all-inclusive packages. Doubles from Rs 7,350, inclusive of all meals for a five-night stay. Details here .

Old Kent Estates and Spa

This lovely property nestled in a coffee plantation is a world unto itself. Turn off from the main highway and the dirt road leads you to a place filled with bird song and spice notes. Comprising 8 well-appointed cottages, Set at a minimum distance of 20 metres from each other, these cottages offer complete privacy. Long walks into the plantation, hours spent taking in the view or an alfresco meal are the order of the day. Meals are provided in the restaurant against prior bookings and all safety and hygiene protocols are maintained. Doubles from Rs 11,999, inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Details here .

Forest Valley Tree House, Coorg

This Airbnb getaway is a treehouse suspended 32 feet from the ground. A complete escape from the urban thrum, this red cedarwood cottage is set in the middle of a coffee plantation and has a stream flowing by. Well-appointed and away from the madding crowds, this is an ideal break for a family or a group of friends. If you have to isolate in this world, you might as well do it in a pretty place with your loved ones. Meals around a bonfire, long walks and Airbnb's safety and hygiene guidelines make this a good pick. Doubles from Rs 15,000, inclusive of breakfast. Details here.