Situated about 10 Kms from Chikmagalur, on the slope of the Baba Budangiri Hills Hills at an elevation of 4100 ft with a breath-taking backdrop of Mullayanagiri the tallest peak in Karnataka, Thippanahalli HomeStay is set amidst the prettiest of locations in the country.
This handsome architecture has been restored, inspired from the style of the famous Chola empire. With 28 rooms, it has a fine collection of rare paintings, true artifacts, grand chandeliers, stupendous carpets, cute dolls, antique furniture and the like collected over a period of five generations! Many well-known celebrities have visited this heritage place and left with pleasant memories.
HomeStay has an edge over the regular boring hotels and motels. HomeStay gives you a more personalized and customized experience which you will treasure. Since time immemorial, people have been visiting each other families and been staying with them for short durations. It benefits both ways, the guests feel at home, though away from home.
Thippanahalli Homestay
We at Thippanahalli HomeStay have taken this concept of HomeStay to a whole an elevated level of comfort by adding a professional touch. Come stay with us to experience a whole new dimension of holidaying. We bet it is not the usual hotel-stay experience. You will truly be amazed and pleasantly surprised. Enjoy your privacy, go around the engulfing Nature and make your holiday worthwhile, refreshing and memorable! One visit and you will keep coming back for more!
Why Thippanahalli HomeStay?
The exclusive and very private mansion has now opened its doors to touring guests to stay and experience authentic cultural heritage. Enrich your soul by taking a leap back in time to the era of royals. Thippanahalli HomeStay, with its magnificent structure encircled by timber-wood pillars ornamented by intricate carvings.
The two rooms are newly built, named KENT & SANDROMON. Along with the dining area known as PEA BERRY, these buildings are handsomely and aesthetically designed to blend in with the main heritage mansion; at the same time offer all modern-day comforts. The old rooms, ARABICA & ROBUSTA are refurbished to the highest standards and blend into the existing ambience naturally.
The interiors is a fusion of evergreen historical antiques and stylish modern designs. Once you step in, the decorations will leave you awestruck. With its nostalgic aura, this home away from home makes an instant connect with your soul, regardless of your country of origin. The soothing stone masonry takes every effort to make your HomeStay a truly pleasant experience.
The mansion is complimented by a gorgeously landscaped garden and manicured lawn. One of the main attractions in the garden is the huge cactus plant, that is more than 50 years old and is one of the biggest of its kind in this region – a true spectacle. The garden is a lovely place to unwind with lovely walk-paths and sit-outs. This will very well be THE view that you will cherish forever.
The Chola Dynasty Architecture
The architecture of the building takes its roots from the Chola empire. The Chola dynasty was one of the most famous dynasties of southern India. It is also believed to be one of the longest ruling in world history. Under the great king Rajaraja Chola I and his successors the dynasty was a military, economic and cultural power well known in South Asia The Chola empire represented the zenith of art and architecture. Staying true to this rich tradition, the architecture of this building was designed. Simple exteriors with rocky texture are inspired from the temples built during their formative stages. Multifaceted roofs and symmetrical geometry have been adopted for construction. Another highlight is the inclusion of the Dravidian style that emerged during this period. Every part of the home pays homage to the engineering marvels of ancient times giving due respect to the skilled artisans of that memorable era.
Our Food
Relish the delicious south Indian Malnad style cuisine. Homemade food offered just as a family will offer their guests; clean, fresh and tasty with some recipes that have been passed over five generations. Take a refreshing vacation with us and go back to living your life to the fullest. The surroundings radiate a free-spirited energy that flows through the house, giving you a therapeutically satisfying feel. Let go your mental and physical stress by absorbing this energy – this aura and replenish yourSELF!
Our Guests
Many well-known celebrities like politicians, cricketers, doctors and many more have visited this heritage place and left with pleasant memories. Some of the prominent luminaries include HRH Krishna Rajendra Wodeyar, Sir Mirza Ismail – the Diwan of Mysore, Former Prime Minister of India Sri H.D. DeveGowda, Ex-minister Chandrashekar, Field Marshal Cariappa, Cricketers Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and the like.
Must Try Our Coffee
The Arabica coffee is another beauty that is lightly brewed to a mild copper color. The best thing to start your day with especially with the misty mountains of the western Ghats in the backdrop. This is one caffeine kick you are sure to remember for years.
20 Must see locales
Chikmagalur – The Tourism Heaven of Karnataka
- Mullayanagiri Mountains: The most picturesque of mountainous places you will ever witness; a stunning view! Here towers the highest peak of Karnataka crowned by the Siva temple. Climb atop to reach the temple surrounded by nature. Come with friends and family to enjoy the climb even more. From the top, enjoy the blessed 360-degree birds-eye view of the gorgeous landscapes.
- Hebbe Falls: This Falls is not to be missed, especially after the Monsoon rains. It is a sight to behold. The drive to the Hebbe Falls will be equally satisfying as you will be driving through the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. The drive promises fun, excitement and adventure. So come on over and take the challenge.
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Another amazing tourist spot. It is primarily a protected area and is part of the national level Project Tiger, It is about 40 kms towards the northwest of Chikmagalur. This sanctuary boasts of a wide range of flora and fauna – best for a quick one-day trip. Some common animals found here are Tigers, Elephants, Gaur, Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, Langur, Machack monkeys. For bird lovers you can easily spot Serpent Eagles, Sea Eagles, Whistling Thrush, Drango, Hornbills, River Tern, three kinds of Cormorants, Snake bird, three kinds of Dangos, mynah, peacocks & peahens, jungle fowl, and many more. So, bring out the photographer in you and relish your time with nature.
- Jhari Waterfalls: There is nothing like a glass of cool buttermilk after a hard day of work – healthy and refreshing. Well, come over to the Nature’s gift: The Buttermilk Falls also called Dhab Dhabe. It is about a 4km trek by foot from the base and trust us it is worth the effort. However, you could also rent a vehicle for a modest amount to take you up there.
- Sringeri Mutt: Another place attracting numerous tourists. The pristine Tunga river flows nearby. This Mutt also welcomes pilgrims and free sattvic food is served to all the guests. This Mutt is sure to be the soul tranquilizer.
- Z Point: This is a must visit place, especially for trekkers in Kemmangundi. The main entrance to this amazing trek corridor is about 1000 metres in front of the Raj Bhavan. Experience the strong winds in your hair as you walk through this valley. Anytime of the year is amazing but we can’t help but make a special mention during Monsoons. The final view from the top is to die for.
- Baba Budangiri: The best place to visit early in the morning. Calm and serene Darga visited by people from all communities. The Darga is inside a cave making it more beautiful. Folklore has it that Baba Budan (a respected saint) lived his last phase of life here and is believed to have disappeared into the caves. Check this out as a must visit place close to Chikmagalur.
- Hirekolale Lake: A perfect place to complete your day – peaceful and enjoyable. To see the sunset across this lake is a sight to behold. The best way to wind up a hectic day of travel and trekking. A cup of tea by this lovely lake is all you need in the world.
- Sri Veeranarayana Temple: another spiritual hotspot. Do not miss this blessed temple while you drive towards Chikmagalur. Constructed in line with the Hoysala architecture, this temple is the true meaning of being old but gold. Obtain the divine blessings and go out with a true peace of mind.
- Kudremukh National Park: is commonly known for its charming beauty. Designated with the status of being a national park in the year 1987, the entire 600-kilometre square area is sure to make you feel that your vacation was spent in awe. It is also one of the most well-preserved national parks in Karnataka.
- Kudremukh Peak: Heads up nature lovers! This astonishing view of the mountains and the greenery all around, makes it look like a perfect painting. It is very well maintained by the forest department and one of few tourist places that is clean and litter-free. Enjoy the different hues of the mountains accompanied by the gentle chirping of the birds and the gushing water stream. True meaning of heaven on earth!
- Dirt Mania Outdoor Adventures: For all the Quad bike enthusiasts, this is a perfect place to bring out the racer in you. You can rev up the off-road mania surrounded by lush green countryside. So, if dirt riding is your thing, then this is one of your best locales waiting to be conquered.
- Kalaseshwara temple: Kalasa is an attractive town in Chikmagalur. Overlooking the western ghats and amidst plantations and mountains all around. Kalasa is mostly famous for Lord Kalaseshwara temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Here lies the Swayambu Linga supposedly aged 3000 years. This amazing temple should be on your must-visit list.
- Ballalarayana Durga Fort: This fort borders Chikmagalur. From the Kottigehara- Kalasa road, at a distance of about 5kms, you will find this fort – again an excellent place for a quick trek of approximately 3 kms. Once you reach the initial forest path, the beautiful Shola grasslands welcome you offering spectacular views. This fort was built by the famed Hoysala dynasty and stands proudly showcasing our past architectural excellence.
- Central Coffee Research Institution: Coffee lovers heads up! The Coffee Museum is situated right in Chikmagalur at a distance of 5km from IG Road. A professional guide will accompany you in a guided tour and explain the rich history, tradition, culture and technology that goes into blending your morning cup of coffee. You can see some famed antique coffee bean roasters and at the same time some of the latest processing equipment. Definitely a worthwhile visit.
- Lakya Dam: A Monsoon Treat! A true sight of beauty. This dam was primarily built for collecting the silt from an Iron company. If you are in Chikmagalur during Monsoons, then you need to feast your eyes on this Dam.
- Mahatma Gandhi Park: Another fun place to go especially if you are taking kids along. The park is a good place to spend some time. There is even a toy train ride that is sure to impress the kids. Modest rates are prevalent for the rids and is definitely a place not to be missed.
- Inam Dattatreya Peetha: Inside the cave you go to witness a slice of spirituality. The path to the Peetha is truly divine. The road up the hills has scenic greenery all around. The mountains are lush green, easy to climb and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the valleys. It gets cloudy and misty during monsoons making for the perfect place to spend with loved ones.
- Rock Garden: Another place to spend quality picnic time. The landscape is worth the watch, there is also the famous Orchid House and you will be able to see a lot of exotic plant species adding immense beauty to the surroundings. The environment is perfect for visitors trying to escape the city heat and pollution.
- Thirumaleguppi: This place is mostly under rated but has an exclusive charm. Known to be most incredible part of the Western Ghats, nature lovers will enjoy this place to the hilt. Driving around will surely give you goosebumps
