We had been to Coorg last vacation. We stayed in a homestay that has only positive feedback on the internet. There was promise of cycles available to ride around the property, books to read, games to play etc. When we went there, it looked ok. But after some time I realised there were lot of insects on the walls (the black moth insects that make you itch on contact). After 5.30, the town becomes dark and starts raining after 6pm. The lights were very dim. So it is impossible to read the very less collection that was there unless you want to go blind straining the eyes. The games had few coins etc missing and with the dim light it is impossible to play too. If we went inside the room and switched on the light, the numerous insects were entering our room. So we had no option than to stay in the verandah in the dim light until it was time to sleep. And through out the night, fire flies were flying over our beds. We had booked for 2 days, paid in advance and hence had to stay. There were not many places to see around too in the day time. And regarding the promise of cycles to ride, there was only 1 which the care taker was using. And the property did not have any space to ride any cycle too. While returning, we saw the feedback register filled with positive feedback. I didn't want to lie. Hence didn't leave any comments in the register. In all, I am not very clear what is all this hype about coorg. It is not just the homestay we stayed, but any homestay would be the same unless we stayed in the madikeri town. The only good thing was the food. It was mostly good and some dishes were ok. I have never hated a vacation so much spending all the money.
Hi... I had been to Coorg last year and I stayed in homestay and enjoyed a lot and I dint had any such problem so its wrong to say whole Coorg or all homestays are bad... You should have left your feedback saying clearly what was wrong and How did you book the place if thru website put your feedback there so that others dont get duped like you..so please share the home stays name here...
Coorg is a natural spot and it is best during the monsoon seasons. IMHO, going for these sort of activities, like book reading, games, cycling, it is better to choose a resort in a seashore. It is a pathetic sight to see concrete enclaves destroying the green cover in hill stations like Coorg and Ooty.
When I toured Coorg we stayed in hotels and had a hired car and so I have not had the experiences you have had. I have also stayed in Kushalnagar near the Tibetan monasteries and the hotels were OK and you can easily hire rickshaws in the area. The local drivers know all the sites.
as you say, it makes sense to stay in a resort in seashore to do all the indoor activities. but when you read the descriptions and feedback, you tend to form an image and when it doesn't match in anyway, it doesn't feel good and takes the fun away. Coorg's green cover mainly comes from the coffee plantations. The town is fairly dimly lit and the weather conditions don't let you go around much. Of course, there is the fear of leeches when you walk near the plantations. i myself had atleast 6-7 leeches sticking on me within a couple of minutes of walking near the plants.
we too went to kushalnagar and stayed there for a day. The place was ok. we had gone by car and hence it wasn't difficult commuting inside kushalnagar. If we had stayed in hotel instead of homestay, probably i would not have had such a bitter experience. The homestays don't have the infrastructure. Especially with insects around you, how can you feel good. In a forest camp, you can expect that.
Hi Kiran, Can you give the name of the homestay you visited? It would help others who are planning a trip to Coorg.
I hope you were able to see the many Tibetan monastery temples in the Kushalnagar area....some are so fabulous. Leeches......really I have such an aversion to leeches.......
We saw the tibetan monastery temples and also nisargadhama. nisargadhama was over crowded but still the place was good.
People talk about staying in coorg for 4 or 5 days. There is only talacauvery and coffee plantations. we can visit kushalnagar and nagarhole, both are not in coorg. my husband after hearing from his friends created a hype and i felt extremely disappointed after going there. it was nowhere near an even average vacation for me. Looks like many in business of lodging and travels are trying to cash in saying that coorg is a non commercial place unlike other tourist places. But seriously, for getting commercialised the place has to offer something. I felt like writing so that others don't feel disappointed. Because the internet is full of hype about the place. So it is better to keep the data correct before visiting the place. And regarding stays, do a lot of homework and go.
