Shanti Kunnj Resorts
Chickmagalur : A Visionary thinks a head of his times and his foresight stands testimony to changes that come with modernization and moving times. The “Holy Cross Estate”, has over the years emerged as an abode of peace, quietude the bucolic beauty of nature, the boulevard to savor nature at its natural best and is indeed a dream come true thanks to the prescience of Anthony Saldanha, the master planter blessed with a fervor for plantations. It was his fecund imagination that led to the conversion of a barren land into a burgeoning “Holy Cross Estate”, which today stands tall in all its majesty and splendor. Keeping in tune with the same spirit of adventurism “Shanthi Kunnj Resorts”, the home stay facility which has come up in this estate recently, has emerged as a gateway for all those who are in the hunt for a beguiling rendezvous with nature away from the chaotic city life.
Shanthi Kunnj Resorts founded in 1979, the Holy Cross Estate is unique and inspiring in its own way, a true testimony of the saga of dedication, forbearance, determination and foresight of its founder. His ceaseless efforts, fortitude and innate strength resulted in converting a barren land into fertile and luxuriant vegetation. Once known as ‘Masigadde’ (coal field) as it was used for burning coal required to run the steam locomotives of the British era, Antony Saldhana, took it as a challenge to turn the charcoal land into a veritable goldmine much against the prophesies of doom by those who felt nothing could be grown on this land downgraded by years of burning charcoal. The Bhadra River flowing closely became his lifeline and he envisaged building an estate and embarked on this ambitious journey with full gusto. His strenuous efforts began yielding desired results as the estate began to yield in 1983-84 and the area taken for dead by many began to breathe life once again due to the concerted efforts of the one man army of Antony Saldanha. Cash crops like coffee, areca, black pepper, cardamom, vanilla and banana plantations are grow.
The Tranquil Abode
Presently, his son Neethan Saldhanha is managing the estate with the same vigor and fervor exhibiting a rare acumen resulting in the birth of “Shanti Kunnj’, situated close to the cushy embrace of the Holy Cross Estate. Armed with an engineering background Neethan has embarked on the challenging task of carrying forward his father’s legacy in style and keeping in tune with the modern times and needs.
As the name suggests Shanti Kunnj Resorts is an abode of peace and tranquility, an epitome of seeing and enjoying nature in its pristine form. It is safe haven where one can cuddle under the lush green ambience of coffee estate, overlooking the enchanting hills and captivating foliage inviting with its endearing charm. The essence of Shanti Kunnj lie in the fact that it is a unique coalescence of the best that luxury resorts can offer with the rawness of a jungle lodge coupled with the joyful lavishness and hospitality of a home stay.
Set on the banks of river Bhadra, Shanthi Kunnj, with a complete professional approach aims to reach out to out to those who are on the look out for a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the stressful urban life and want to unwind under the nature’s majestic splendor. For those who just want to relax and rejuvenate having a perfect holiday destination Shanthi Kunnj beckons you with its misty, mystical and serene allure that can leave you mesmerized with life time memories. It will be a dream come true to loll in a lavish log cabin with the sound of the majestic river gushing nearby, amidst the tranquil environs of the lush green coffee estate and to witness the beauty of hills filled with wisps of gleaming mist dappled with golden sunshine. That is the essence of Shanthi Kunnj.
Cottages
The cottages at Shanthi Kunnj are created with an eye for every detail keeping the comfort of the guests in mind and to make their stay a cherished experience. Keep in touch with the eco-friendly tradition all cottages are created entirely out of locally grown timber. Guests can choose from three types of cottages. Log House/ Twin Cottages, Area Houses and Glass Houses, to suit the tastes, comforts and choice of guests. Twin Cottages comprise the central structure of Shanthi Kunnj, with two independent bathrooms each to cater to large groups. These cottages are of first floor level to enable the guests savor the nature in its pristine best.
The areca cottages are constructed entirely out of areca palm timber to give a feel of jungle stay amidst the luxuries of modern resorts. The Glass houses are a combination of wood and glass, the blending resulting in a marvelous creation of cottages. Using wood as the basic structure the rooms are encased with full length glass windows on all three sides overlooking the river.
All cottages are provided with comfortable modern furnishing along with 24-hour hot water and provision of color television. At the basement of the twin cottage is the Den – a common fellowship area, where one can play games, or have a get together. An independent rest house is provided for chauffeurs with all meals at a small extra cost. An open air parking area is provided for safe parking of your vehicles along with wash and basic facilities for routine maintenance.
Recreation
Holidays and recreation always go hand in hand to make it an exciting interlude of fun and frolic and to make the holiday a memorable and a life time experience. Recreation offer includes plantation tour, bird watching, nature walk and wild life watch with the added excitement of spotting hares, wild hen, peacock and other exotic birds. Shanthi Kunnj also offers on demand recreation activities such as White Water Kayaking of 7 kms on river Bhadra, Stil water Kayaking for families including children, swimming with the assistance of a life guard, trekking in Bhadra Reserve Forest with the guidance of a government official and Coracle ride throughout the year.
Holidays can also be combined with excursions to notable places of interest nearby namely visit to Muthodi Forest Reserve/Wile Life Sanctuary (20 kms), Kigga Falls (50 kms), Sringeri Temple (35 Kms), Kandya Temple (3 Kms) Bababudanagiri Caves (80 Kms) and Kemmangundi (80 kms).
Shanthi Kunnj is indeed a treasure trove that offers unlimited scope for enjoying nature at its pristine best. It is a surefire gateway to revivify and rejuvenate the mind, the mind and the sould. The allure of Shanti Kunnj will always beckon those who want to be enfolded by nature to treasure those priceless moments for life.
Facilities & Recreations
Children’s Play Area
Barbeque
Music
Parties
Campfire
Indoor Games
Tent Stay
Lounging Area
Hammocks & Benches
Doctor on call
Plantation Tour
Bird Watching
Nature Walk
Wild Life Watch – Spot Hares, Wild Hen, Peacock and much more
Log House / Twin Cottages
Our central structure comprises of spacious twin cottages. To meet the needs of large groups, each cottage is provided with two independent bathrooms.
The cottages are mounted at first floor level, with balconies overlooking the river and surrounding greenery.
Areca House
This cottage is constructed entirely out of areca palm timber.
Glass House
Designed out of a combination of wood & glass. While the basic structure is made of wood, it is encased on all three sides over looking the river with full-length glass windows.
All cottages are provided with comfortable modern furnishing along with 24-hour hot water and colour television. At the basement of the twin cottage is the Den – a common fellowship area, where you can play games, or have a get together.
An independent rest house is provided for chauffeurs with all meals at a small extra cost. An open air parking area is provided for safe parking of your vehicles along with wash and basic facilities for routine maintenance.
TV in every cottage – stay in touch with the world outside
24-hours hot water
Airtel / Reliance / BSNL Reach
Getting to Shanti Kunj By Road
From Bangalore
Chikmagalur is 250 kms from Bangalore.
On the National Highway NH 47 between Bangalore and Mangalore,
Take the diversion at Hassan.
Distance from Hassan to Chikmagalur is just 55km.
Chikmagalur is linked to other towns like Koppa,
Sringeri, Kadur & Birur by road.
From Chikmagalur
Take the Balehonnur-Sringeri road from Chikmagalur
Reach Aldur 19 kms down the road
From Aldur go ahead 20 kms and you will reach the landmark Poorna Prajnya School near Kadabagere (which is also along the Balehonnur Sringeri Road)
Move to the next landmark, which is the St. Paul’s Church, Kadabagere
1 km from the church, take a right turn (the land mark here is the Government primary school). This road leads to Shanthi Kunnj (approx. 1.5 km from the turn).
From Mangalore
Take the route to Moodbidri
Proceed to Karkala bypass which is at a distance of 30 kms from Moodbidri.
From the bypass move on to Bajagoli.
Cross the S.K. Border and take a left turn and pass Kerekatte
Proceed towards Sringeri.
Drive past Jayapura and reach the Balehonnur town
From Balehonnur take the road to the left where you cross the Tungabhadra River Bridge and proceed 7 kms towards Kadabagere
As you are approaching Kadabagere take a left turn (the land mark here is the Government Primary school). This road leads to Shanthi Kunnj (approx. 1.5 km from the turn).
Getting By Rail
Chikmagalur city does not have a railway station. The closest rail terminals are at Birur, Kadur and Tarikere.
Getting By Air
Chikmagalur district does not have an airport. Mangalore and Bangalore are the nearest airports.
Fore more details, please contact
Shanthi Kunnj Homestay
Devdhana Village, Honnekoppa,
Sangameshwar Pet,
Near Kadabagere
Chikmagalur – 577136
Email : reservations@shanthikunnj.com
Tel: 0091 810 5763632 / 0091 824 2485180
Google Map Shanti Kunj
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