A Little Secret in the Coffee Hills of Coorg
From riverside picnics to fresh Coorgi coffee, this homestay is a story of a woman sharing her legacy with travellers.
Around last New Year (2024–25), a long-time little dream of mine of waking up to coffee plantations was finally fulfilled!
I’d even written about it in one of my earlier posts.
This is the story of the place where my dream finally came true. It’s also one of the best homestay experiences we’ve had - thanks to a host who didn’t just let us stay but ensured we truly experienced Coorg (the ever-popular weekend getaway from Bengaluru) like never before.
The homestay and the host:
Imagine a charming cottage steeped in legacy, perched high up with stunning views of Coorg’s green slopes, surrounded on all sides by 25 acres of lush coffee plantations.
A rustic yet luxurious escape from the modern world, where the only sounds you hear are bird song during the day, insects buzzing at night, and a sky full of stars overhead.
The place is run by Geetika Basapa, the fourth generation in a family of coffee planters. The house was originally built by her grandfather in 2010 to live amidst the peaceful surroundings.
After working as a scuba diving instructor in the Andamans, Geetika returned to her hometown to continue her family’s legacy by hosting people in the home built by her grandfather. She named it Rahasya (meaning "secret") and fondly calls it “Kodagu’s little secret”, offering guests an authentic taste of life in Coorg. (Kodagu is the native name for Coorg.)
Geetika lives with her family just a few minutes down the hill and is an incredibly involved host - not just ensuring an enjoyable stay and delicious freshly cooked meals, but also curating an experiential visit for her guests.
She personally takes guests on plantation walks, nearby hikes, and riverside picnics - usually accompanied by the family’s friendly dogs.
We especially loved the riverside picnic set up at a private river body within the estate.
My favourite memory:
The picnic by the river was an enriching experience! I remember thinking:
“I’d love to have a home near a water body someday, with private access to it.”
Geetika guided us through the coffee plantation walk, sharing stories about the estate’s history, the coffee-growing process, and her life in Coorg.
One sweet thing she said really stayed with me:
"My guests are my friends - along with my dogs, since I don’t have many friends living in Coorg."
We ended the walk at a small water body - also part of their private estate - where the riverside picnic was set. Geetika brought along freshly brewed coffee from the plantation, made in the traditional Coorgi style with jaggery, and some bananas to munch on.
Her lovely dogs were the first to jump into the pond!
I hadn’t packed a swimsuit, not expecting to dip in December, but the water was so inviting, I couldn’t resist. Thank God Geetika had reminded us earlier to carry towels and a change of clothes - clearly not her first time witnessing spontaneous swims in that clean little pond.
She mentioned that she often comes to the river with a book in hand, and I could imagine myself doing the same. Spending hours here with a book, listening to the sound of the river gushing against the rocks - it’s in fact the perfect meditation spot.
But we were on a picnic! So, we spent the time chatting with Geetika, clicking pictures, and playing with dogs. I’m not sure how many hours passed, but it was definitely my favourite memory at Rahasya and in Coorg!
I came for the coffee, and while I loved the plantations, that riverside picnic was the absolute highlight.
Home-style food and homegrown coffee:
The food deserves a special mention. It’s made by their wonderful caretaker and chef, Shweta, who lives just a few steps away from the homestay with her husband. Before our visit, Geetika had discussed our preferences and dietary needs in advance.
The meals were home-style and delicious - and what stood out was how different and thoughtfully versatile the menu was each day. My family was delighted! Eating at the same place every day can sometimes feel repetitive, but here it never did.
My parents were trying Coorg-style food for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I didn’t leave without some of the local coffee grown on their plantation. Being a coffee lover and fan of all things “local”, there was no way I would have left without buying some.
Being a passionate naturalist, Geetika invites guests to reconnect with nature and encourages guests to unplug, slow down, and get immersed in the sights and sounds of the valley.
Consider booking a stay at Rahasya if you are visiting Coorg. It’s great for a group of four seeking a tranquil escape around coffee plantations.
Let me and Geetika know if you found Rahasya through this newsletter. I’d love to hear about your experience there!
I believe in being a good matchmaker between travellers and locations. So here are a few extra notes:
Best for early risers and those happy to stay indoors after sunset (the road is uphill and remote, so reaching after dark without guidance can be tricky).
While the kitchen is accessible, cooking your own meals isn’t an option—the warm and capable caretaker prepares them.
Expect to adjust to a slower rhythm—traditional hot water, mindful electricity use, and peaceful surroundings.
Having said that, Geetika is a warm, responsive host, just a message or call away.
I am Namrata Gohain, a designer-turned-storyteller, writer and content producer. I document stories on responsible travel, crafts, cuisine, slow living and my creative journey.
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This homestay sounds like a dream ! Thank you for sharing all these details so well !
After reading this, I'm definitely reaching out to you for my next trip to Coorg and Goa.
Love your travel posts and the mindful pointers at the end.
Keep writing Namrata! :)