March 17, 2010                                                                     
                                                                     
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”, 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.

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 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.

Fore more details, please contact:

Shanthi Kunnj Homestay
Devdhana Village, Honnekoppa,
Sangameshwar Pet,
Near Kadabagere
Chikmagalur - 577136

Email : reservations@shanthikunnj.com
Website: www.shanthikunnj.com

Tel: 0091 810 5763632 / 0091 824 2485180