A homestay area located just 25 Kms from Sakleshpur and 250 Kms from Bangalore, Karnataka, Swarga is a place of plantations, elephants and long treks.( http://www.swarga.in)
Chanced upon the site and was further inspired to make the visit, on the offer from the owner Chirag to bring my dog along. Not many resorts are even willing to consider animals and its always sad to leave them behind at kennels.
The map on the site is not too adequate and sometimes its difficult to actually contact anyone around the countryside(No network for certain areas). The language spoken is pretty difficult to understand, but the people are very helpful. In all ways, the drive through the countryside is worth the effort .
Swarga is pretty vast and has a huge amount of place where children can run around and have fun. The place has about 4 cottages and acres of plantations around. You can go fishing, climb the plantation slopes or just sit by the river. We had gone with another couple and their dog, and the fact that the dogs could be off their leash was truly Swarga. We had the two ensuring a paw print in every square foot of Swarga.
As the place is open only on weekends(The plantation work keeping everyone busy on weekdays), its better to get there early to get the benefit of the 2 day stay. Inspite of leaving at about 6.30 am it was almost 1 pm when we finally reached the place. After a long trek to the river and back(dogs or merdogs?) the bonfire and delicious dinner does bring about cheshire grins. Chirag’s wife is into wine-making and we sampled some delicious ginger wine, followed by banana wine and then grape wine. Food at Swarga is simple and tasty, but I would suggest you discuss the menu if simple rotis and dal along with chicken is not what you enjoy. Also, please do be informed that the 1750/- charged is per head and not per room and it is inclusive of meals.
The trip to the plantations along with the walk near the forest and the talk about the compost pit/organic farming and the gobar gas plant is highly educative. Swarga is perfect for corporate workshops, team building activities and definately the place for people who want a quiet weekend to refresh themselves.but if you are the type who enjoys company and dont enjoy solitude, you may wanna gouge somebody’s eyes out by the end of the weekend!
Bangalore seems to have several places around that is worth seeing.we plan to cover atleast 50% during our stay here:)