Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
Located amidst coffee and tea estates, Plantation Trails by Tata Coffee enables its guests to enjoy the life of a planter while staying in heritage bungalows. Currently, Plantation Trails by Tata Coffee offers seven unique heritage colonial-style bungalows across Coorg and Chikmagalur. “The concept has been evolving over time and is slowly yet steadily becoming popular amongst discerning travellers. We notice immense scope for Plantation Trails as it opens an all new category of tourism for families looking to indulge in tranquility and lesser known activities,” said Gautam Prakash, head, Plantation Trails. Pointing out that occupancies have grown despite the increased competitive intensity in the marketplace, Prakash mentioned that all their properties seek to recreate the authentic plantation experience, including a luxurious stay in a planter’s bungalow and a coffee or tea plantation visit where one gets to experience the bean-to-cup journey in the truest sense.
With more people travelling and looking for authentic experiences that a place has to offer, there have been interesting trends in terms of visitor profile and preferences. “Of late, we have observed that the number of women travelling alone or in groups has risen over the years. Now we see more independent women in their 30s – 40s travelling without their family. It’s a growing trend and a welcome change. Along with this, we have seen an upward trend among couples who take a vacation to catch up on their ‘we time’,” said Prakash.
Cottabetta and Thaneerhulla Bungalows are the flagship projects of Plantation Trails by Tata Coffee. Both were recently restored. “The plan is to focus on premiumisation and restoration of other bungalows. These bungalows are unique colonial heritage properties, combining the grace and grandeur of a bygone era with contemporary comforts and warm service. The recent restoration has added the luxury elements to the old colonial charm,” he said. The spacious and quaint bungalows offer a personalised cook and butler service to guests who are also treated with authentic Coorg delicacies from home-styled kitchens. In terms of activities there are many options for guests – trekking, boating, white water rafting during monsoon season, and sports like badminton, table tennis and golf. Nature lovers can go for a guided bird watching tour in the plantations.