A soulful escape to Timbertales in Coorg

Often referred to as the Scotland of India, Coorg has long been a favourite getaway, especially for Bangaloreans, who flock to its lush coffee plantations at every opportunity. Much like others, as the short-lived summer hit the city and coincided with a long weekend, I escaped to the misty hilly town. 

While the rest of Madikeri, or Coorg, is crowded with tourist hotels and eateries, we detour into the untouched wilderness of Modur Estate. Our phone’s connectivity is lost, but our soul opens to the possibility of solitude, bliss, and a deep reset from the busy city life. 

Tucked away within the estate and spread across 100 acres of forest land, Timbertales is a resort where luxury blends with nature. It’s a perfect getaway for those looking to disconnect and recharge. 

Unlike other luxury resorts, Timbertales is not as much about opulence as much it is about connecting with nature and with oneself. 

My day at Timbertales began not with an alarm, but with birdsong—the kind that makes you forget that modern gadgets exist. The glass doors merge the indoors with outdoors, making one feel like they are living inside the wilderness!

I brewed a steaming cup of Coorg coffee and headed to my villa’s deck to enjoy the forest breeze and bird-watch from the comfortable sun loungers. 

The resort features 71 villas, with one in the making, and are elegantly designed using muted colours, and furnished with wood-craft that blends seamlessly with the foliage around them. 

Fitness enthusiasts can skip the slow-mornings and take advantage of the up-hill terrain for an in-forest run or cycling session, or dive into the common pool, seated amidst the hills for an early morning dose of endorphins. For those who prefer a mindful start to the day can begin their day with Vinayasa yoga by the lakeside deck. 

I made use of my morning by finally catching up with my reading before heading to the private plunge pool, soaking in the morning sun. The highlights, however, are the in-room jacuzzis and temperature-controlled infinity pool. 

Once ready to start my day, I hop into the buggy to navigate the various corners of the resort before heading to Bamboo Buzz—the 180-seater restaurant offering Indian, Coorgi, pan-Asian and continental cuisine.

Executive Chef Prashanth Ravi is a master of all trades—he cooks up global cuisine with the same finesse he does with Indian delicacies. The secret, I realised during my brief conversation with the chef during dinner on the same day, was in his experience across countries and cuisines. A Bangalorean by birth, Chef Ravi has worked in kitchens across Naples, Massachusetts, Washington DC, and Canada. 

Post a large spread of a-la-carte buffet, we head to Modur Kaapi—a bean-to-brew experience to explore the nuances of coffee cultivation, plucking, roasting, and brewing before enjoying a fine cup of freshly brewed Americano. In-house brewer Sumana introduces us to Kopi Luwak or Asian Palm Civet (cat) coffee. 

In the afternoons, Timbertales guests can either choose to spend at leisure or pick an activity with multiple options to choose from. Activities like kayaking, fishing, guided nature walks, and cycling tours are available inside the premises. Guests with children can also choose to spend their time at the pet zone—an interactive experience where one can meet, feed and learn about farm animals or explore the indoor play arena. 

With relaxation in my agenda, I headed to Viyoma, the 27,000 sq ft wellness centre offering signature experiences like the Turkish Hammam and ayurvedic massage therapies. Still full from the hearty breakfast, I opted for an ayurvedic facial massage for a glow-up session. The experiences at Viyoma are indulgent without being overwhelming, and intimate without being fussy. 

Culinary at Timbertales sit at a global gourmet table at night—a vegetarian, Asian garden restaurant—Twisted Basil. with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own plantation, Twisted Basil was a revelation. The restaurant offers private dining pods that float over water and is lit by dancing water fountains. 

The seven-course tasting menu was anything but predictable. It began with a crispy pickled vegetable sushi, followed by dumpling soup, glass noodle salad, crystal dim sum, and tofu Buddha bowl. The meal ended on a bright note with mango-passion fruit panna cotta. I never imagined a vegetarian Asian spread to leave such a lasting impression. 

In a competitive travel landscape, Timbertales offers thoughtful luxury, and invites guests to pause and connect with the soul of Coorg, amidst the emerald coffee plantations. 

Relaxed and recharged for the fast-paced life, as I checked out from the property, Timbertales offered me a part of itself to take back home—a gardening kit with seeds, plant food, and a pack of its very own soil. 

Timbertales Luxury Resort is situated 7 kms away from Madikeri, and is accessible by road. The resort also features one of the few helipads in Coorg. 

Cost: All-inclusive packages start from Rs 40,000 (plus taxes) for two guests per room.