Last weekend, we did a trip to Coorg, opting for familiar homestays since the plan was made at the last moment. As we intended to visit estates, we decided to take the Jimny for the journey
BHPian HTC recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
— Jimny goes to Coorg —
Day 1: Friday
We set off from Mysore at a relaxed pace, given that the distance was under 100 kilometers. After enjoying breakfast at home, we began our journey. With ample time to reach the homestay, we chose the route through the Nagarahole forest. Surprisingly, we didn’t spot any animals, not even deer. But the lush greenery was a treat for the eyes. We arrived at the Sagar Nest homestay on Mysore – Gonikoppa road (https://g.co/kgs/cHFgRXi), a place I’ve visited multiple times with both friends and family, never once disappointed. This charming homestay retains its appeal over the years, with wonderful hosts who adhere to homestay norms, ensuring a quality experience. They have seven friendly pets that love accompanying guests on estate walks. Without a doubt, I would recommend this homestay to anyone visiting Coorg.
We arrived at lunchtime, having requested just rice and rasam, yet the host prepared a full three-course meal. After the hearty lunch, we explored the surrounding greenery while the kids enjoyed catching guppies in the fish pond.
Around 4 pm, I visited Mattigodu elephant center, which was 6kms away from the homestay. It houses 12 elephants, of which 4 are Dasara elephants. I was keen on seeing the mighty ‘Abhimanyu’ there, but unfortunately, he was kept away as he was in ‘masth’. Felt the 100/- entry fee was a bit steep for spending 15-20 mins. But it is what it is.
These two were 6 years and 11 years each.
In the evening, we went for an estate walk, led excitedly by the dogs, followed by tea and snacks while chatting until sunset. 
Beautiful sky during the walk
Walk with kids and dogs. I was very attentive as just a couple of days back, an elephant had raided the estate to eat fruits from the fig tree in the estate.
Bozo, arlo, bella, one-two, aldo and pogo are the pet names.
It had been over five years since my last visit, so there was much catching up with the hosts regarding life updates.
At the arch
Nice gazebo setup
The younger one is carrying the baby of an estate worker
Pogo posing.
Homestay has 4 well appointed and spacious rooms.
View from the homestay rooms’ portico.
Yummy breakfast. This was the only pic taken of the amazing spread of food. Proof that I was busier eating than clicking. They make sure to serve locally available food and Coorg cuisine. If she has brewed any homemade wine or brandy, you get to taste it too. All juices are from estate-grown fruits like papaya, passion fruit, guava, lichi, orange, fig, to name a few.
Day 2:
After a delightful breakfast, we headed to Imangala village for our second homestay ( Red Hill Homestay ), owned by a friend’s cousin. Located near Virajpet, the property is well-maintained with an abundance of potted plants, which my wife and mother-in-law, both gardening enthusiasts, thoroughly enjoyed. They even took some plants home. We fished in the pond and caught four medium-sized fish. A resident cat kept my kids company during the stay.
Though we had not informed prior, I asked for one as it’s been a while since I sat in front of a fire. Spent some 30-40 mins in front of it.
cat for company
My friend’s house as seen from the homestay. It’s a 5-minute walk from there.
Fishing attempt.
Posing in the garden
Day 3:
On the final day, we checked out and headed back to Bangalore, stopping by my mother-in-law’s village, Yelandur, along the way. The Kollegal-Bangalore route now has two tolls, totaling approximately 150 INR. After crossing the toll near EKYA school, traffic was slow-moving until we reached home, but we arrived without any incidents.
Some floral touch.
Catch a chick – checked!
Catch a goat/kid – checked!
From the driver’s seat, it feels like the Jimny takes up a lot of space on the road, but after parking, there is so much space left around. Still getting used to the boxy dimensions of the Jimny.
Next to our sugarcane field
Sad to see olden day style houses giving way to concrete structures. Even my MIL’s old ‘thotti mane’ was demolished, andan RCC house was built
Jimny Drive Review:
Overall, we had a well-spent two days. The Jimny, equipped with a top box, efficiently handled our luggage, although it did struggle a bit with overtaking other vehicles at times, with four people and luggage onboard. The vehicle achieved a fuel efficiency of 13 kmpl for the trip. Its compact size made maneuvering through narrow village lanes easy. We had a pleasant conversation with a Toyota Fortuner owner at a nursery near Hunsur, who was curious about the Jimny’s performance and its suitability for comfortably transporting family members.
cheers
HTC
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