Dec 31, 2009 11:42 AM
14993 Views
(Updated Dec 31, 2009 11:54 AM)
To begin with, let me tell you that this resort is totally cut off from the cities as such, the only transportation is your own vehilce or hired taxies from Dandeli, Hubli or the resort would arrange for you to be picked up and dropped.and I believe thats the way it should be, if you are looking for a break from your normal routine city life. I loved this part.
We reached Hornbill from Gokarn at about 01:30 pm, we drove in our Alto, .it had been a long drive in our Alto, from Mumbai - Kolhapur - Mangalore - Gokarn - Hornbill resort - then drive back to Hubli - Pune and back to Mumbai.
Had heard of this resort from my cousin who had visited earlier, a few visits to the site by using google and a visit to Mouthshut( to know the public opinion), made me choose this resort over the others available in the area. And I do not regret it. A few calls to Mr Anil Patnekar and Mr Umesh(the owner of the resort), two months in advance and we managed to book a tree house for my family of 6(Mom, Dad, Self, Wife and two kids).
The stay in the treehouse overlooking the river Kali in the wilderness was an experience in itself, totally unique which I believe does not exist any where in India.
Must mention that Mr Umesh(the owner) and Mr Ashok(the manager) are through gentlemen who pay individual attention to each and every family visiting the resort.also must mention that it is totally safe for a family visit eventhough it is located in the jungles. The treehouse is spacious with attached western bathroom along with a bath tub, the tree house has a refregerator and comfortable sofas and beds.
The nature walk through the jungle in the morning and at night, the santuary visit, river rafting, island visit(for a natural zacuzzi) and rapelling are some of the activities conducted by the resort. One can also swim in the natural swimming pool and also try ones hand at fishing on the river banks at the resort.The food is OK.
I fully recommend this place, it is definitely worth a visit atleast for the experience of living in the tree house over the river in the wilderness. And Mr Umesh and Mr Ashoks personal attention also gives you the homely feeling. Only thing is that if you intend to stay in the tree house then you need to book the same at least two months in advance as the resort has only two tree houses, the other type of accomodation available are the rock houses, tent houses and the log houses.
Kudos to Mr Umesh and Mr Ashok, AND A BIG THANK YOU to them for making our stay at Hornbill memoriable.
