Visit Us
Come spend time in the hills
We're on a hillslope facing west with stunning sunset views across the valley. Depending on the season, you'll see everything from deep green foliage to a golden brown hillside.
What to expect
The land is laid out in three zones — wildlife corridor, food forest, and cultivated land — regenerating naturally over the last several years. Hike up to the Chikkamma-Doddamma Temple and you'll get a panoramic view of the whole valley. You'll be greeted with a cacophony of bird songs early in the morning and again in the evening — and if you're visiting after Dussehra, expect the morning dew to leave your trousers wet on early walks.
The food
We keep the food as local as possible, cooked using recipes from the local community that runs our kitchen — ragi mudde, tangy rasam and sambhar with farm-harvested tamarind, soppu from whatever greens are in season, and seasonal fruit depending on what the elephants and monkeys have left us.
The facilities
Tented accommodation across the Malabar hut (two tents, each fitting up to 3 adults or a family of 2 adults + 2 kids, plus a large common space) and the Banyan hut (one tent + deck), plus two bamboo huts (2 adults each) and dome tents for a more adventurous camping experience — all weatherproof, usable year-round, and laid out with mattresses and sheets. There's a lunch hut next to the kitchen to sit, chat, and learn about farming — and yes, there's WiFi via BSNL, which should tell you all you need to know about its reliability.
Common toilets have western closets, a closed shower and an open one (no hot water at the showers, but the kitchen can heat some up on request), and minimal lighting — grid-powered with a solar backup and a generator for the rare bad day. Ask for a torch if your phone isn't cutting it.
Activities
Farm Tour
A ~2 hour walk through the kitchen garden, the water works, the food forest, and the trees and birds along the way.
Bird Watching
Over 100 species have been sighted here — early morning is best for spotting and identifying them.
Basket Making
Our expert basket maker Ramdoss can teach you bamboo craft — this needs advance notice so we can set it up.
Star Gazing
The valley measures just 31.8 μcd/m² of artificial brightness — on a clear night (most nights here), the stars and galaxies are bright and unmistakable.
Chop & Drop
An integral part of our permaculture system — happy to hand you a machete if you'd like to help.
Board Games
A relaxed way to spend time with family and friends when you'd rather save your energy.
Campfire
Weather permitting, we can light a campfire and set up a small vegetarian barbeque.
Plus hiking on three trails into the adjacent forest.
Choose how you visit
Nearby attractions
The Cauvery river is just over 10 km away. Hogenekal Falls is about 55 km / 1.5 hours, winding through Anchetty, Natrapalayam and Bingundala. Chunchi Falls / Mekedatu is about 53 km / 1.25 hours — a good detour via Kanakapura on the way to or from TVC. See How to Reach for full driving directions to TVC itself.
Etiquette & precautions
Etiquette
- Treat the farm staff and local villagers with respect, including their right of way.
- Watch for domestic animals (cows, goats, hens) when driving in.
- No alcohol or other intoxicants on-site.
- Avoid littering plastic — take it back with you or hand it to farm staff.
- Avoid trampling saplings or damaging plants.
Precautions
- We're in the elephant corridor — don't wander into the jungle without farm staff.
- You may encounter reptiles; leave them undisturbed and inform staff if you're concerned.
- It can get hot — wear a hat and carry water on walks and hikes.
- If staying overnight, keep your tent/room closed and dark from 6:30–7:30pm, when bugs are drawn to light.
What visitors say
Read what past guests have to say about their stay at TVC, or share your own experience.
Read reviews on Google →FAQ
How can I plan my visit?
Fill in the enquiry form on the relevant page below (or message us on WhatsApp) — we coordinate the stay with our hospitality partner, Linger, from there.
Is the place senior friendly?
There's a fair bit of walking — the camp site is a 5-7 minute walk from the parking lot. Fine for active seniors, but not the most accessible place.
How about food?
Food is included in the charges. Meals are freshly prepared and mostly vegetarian; non-veg on request. What you get depends on seasonality and availability — no à la carte options.
What is the best time to visit?
June to January is best. It's mostly pleasant during these months, though it can feel warm without a breeze.
What is the wildlife scene?
There are no hard boundaries — rabbits and wild boar are common visitors. Elephants visit in the dry season, drawn by the tamarind and ragi; TVC sits inside a live elephant corridor connecting Bannerghatta National Park to the Cauvery — one link in a wider chain that also ties in MM Hills, BR Hills, Sathyamangalam, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
