Natural causes
The days when an eco-vacation meant sojourns at resorts set in lush surroundings are long over. No longer wanting to be restricted to t he property and what it offers, more and more vacationers are looking for unique e x periences— gett i ng i nvolved i n activities with the local community, learning about the area’s folklore and customs, and tasting traditional cuisine. Think of it as a crash course in understanding a new culture. And let your first stop be the Orange County, Coorg.
Set in one of southern India’s most verdant landscapes (in a 300-acre family-owned plantation, no less), Orange County, Coorg, is luxury-meets-eco-vacation at its best. Everything at the resort is geared towards showcasing the nature and culture of the land. From the architecture to the resort’s Ayurvedic wellness village, each aspect is immersed in local traditions, aimed at helping guests experience a different lifestyle.
Home t o t he Kodava community, t he paddycultivating indigenous people of the region, the villas at the property blend local architecture with elements from Raj-era plantation houses: Sloping roofs, terracotta tiles, and wooden columns recreate an old-world charm. Spacious Private Pool Villas, secluded and intimate, are ideal for those looking to leave behind their city woes. Just park yourself in one of the planters’ chairs with a book and a drink, and let nature do the rest. The Lily Pool Villas and Bungalows (lilies are everywhere) feature romantic water bodies and gazebos to while away the hours.
Being a coffee plantation, days at Orange County start with a freshly brewed cuppa as you decide on what to do for the day. There’s the popular plantation tour, a guided walk around the estate where you can learn to differentiate between