Hello everyone, hope 2025 is treating you with love! My year started a bit rough, and by the time January ended, I was completely drained, physically and mentally. I badly needed a relaxing break, and our stay at RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur came at just the right time. Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a peaceful hill station known for its lush coffee plantations and misty landscapes, just what I needed to reset and recharge.

A Quick Life Update (Skip if You Want to Jump to the Resort Details!)

Has it ever happened to you that you planned something perfectly, only for life to turn around and say, “Nope, not today!”? Well, welcome to my life. This kind of thing happens to me all the time, and 2025 started off no differently. The first day was fine. We had just returned from a nice vacation in Kerala. And, I thought that was the perfect way to begin the year.

But on the second day? Boom. I fell sick. And not just a little sick, the “why is the world ending?” kind of sick. So much for a fresh start!

Now, a sensible person would have rested. But me? Nope. Instead, I poured all my frustration into work and went full-on editing machine mode on our Arunachal Pradesh vlogs. Five videos in a week, one after another. Did it help me calm down? Yes. Did it completely wreck my health? Also yes. Who could have seen that coming, huh?

After a week, I finally managed to drag myself around the house, thinking I was on the road to recovery. And that’s when these headaches kicked in. I was popping painkillers just to stay on my feet. I knew stress was partly to blame because, of course, January is Nemit’s birthday month and my mom was visiting soon.

Now, my mom visiting wasn’t the stressful part (love you, Mumma!). But planning Nemit’s birthday? That was a different story. I wanted to plan more than just a celebration, more like an experience for him and for us.

But that’s a story for another day, which I’ll share in another blog post, hopefully soon!

At this point, the headaches were unbearable, but resting was no longer an option. And since my mom was coming, we had to stick to our ritual of planning a relaxing trip together. That’s when RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur popped back into my mind.

This place had been on my wish list for ages. But, we kept postponing it because luxury comes at a luxury price. Honestly, we’re at that stage where we’d rather spend on adventures than fancy resorts. But considering how January had exhausted me, I thought it was time to give in and indulge. And that’s how this much-needed escape to RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur finally happened.

RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur

We’ve visited Chikmagalur three times before, and each time, we’ve experienced something new. RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur is one of those places that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. For someone like me, who thrives on thrilling outdoor activities in nature, this resort was a dream come true. Surrounded by dense jungles and coffee estates, it offers an alluring view of the Charmadi Ghats in the backdrop.

From the moment we arrived, it felt like we were in the heart of nature. The resort is peaceful, with lush greenery all around, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. What I loved the most is that while the resort provides the luxury of comfortable cottages and modern amenities, it doesn’t take away from the raw beauty of the surroundings. It’s like the perfect combination of luxury and adventure, where you can unwind and relax or explore nature-filled activities, depending on your mood.

How To Reach RiverMist Resorts?

The most common way to reach Chikmagalur is by car. If you’re coming from Bengaluru, it’s about a 5 to 6-hour drive (approx. 250 km). We took the NICE road, then NH75. We passed through Sakleshpura and continued on SH27, eventually reaching Mudigere. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to the resort.

The total journey took us about 6 hours, and the route is well-maintained, making the drive smooth and quite enjoyable. The resort is located around 68 km from Chikmagalur city.

A heads-up from the resort staff: about 5 km before you arrive, you’ll lose network connectivity, so they advised us to save the map offline. As we got closer, the road became more interesting especially the off-road stretch. The path was narrow, but driving through it was pretty exciting! The last 1 km before the resort was a bit patchy, and we even had to drive through a small river stream. It was a fun experience, and I’d love to go back during the monsoon to see the river with much more flow!

Overall, the drive wasn’t hectic at all. We left at 8 am, took a 30-minute break and a fuel stop, and reached the resort by 2 pm.

First Impression

As we drove through the last stretch and finally reached RiverMist Resorts, there was an instant sense of calm. We were greeted with a warm welcome by the staff, who offered us refreshing drinks, instantly setting a relaxing tone for the stay.

Upon arrival, we were also informed that the parking area is located a little higher up on the property. The staff handles parking for you, so there’s no need to worry about it.

Since it was already lunchtime, the staff kindly suggested we have lunch before heading to our room. One of the team members took a moment to give us a quick overview of the resort, outlining all the activities we could enjoy during our stay. They also told us about the private waterfall on the property, which we were all excited to visit. After thanking them, we sat down for a hearty buffet lunch. The spread was delightful, and we really enjoyed the food.

Accommodation at RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur

RiverMist Resorts offers a range of rooms designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. The resort has six types of rooms:

• Luxury Pavilion: Features a spa tub and an open shower.
• Luxury Wood House: Equipped with a jacuzzi, loft, and living space with a sofa.
• Family Room: Perfect for groups or large families, with four beds that can accommodate up to eight individuals and two washrooms.
• Luxury Cottages: Known for their classy interiors, jacuzzi, and huge balcony.
• Premium Cottages: Spacious interiors with breathtaking views of the Charmadi Ghats from the balcony.
• Deluxe Rooms: Spacious rooms, but without a balcony.

We had booked the Premium Cottage, considering both our budget and our requirements. Since my mother was also with us, we requested an extra bed, which was comfortable and met our needs perfectly. The room itself was spacious, featuring a king-size bed. The ample storage space with big almirahs was the cherry on the cake. The bathroom was equally spacious, with the shower area separated by a sliding glass door, adding a touch of elegance.

Image Source: rivermistresorts.com

One of the best features of our room was the window wall, which provided a clear view of the beautiful Charmadi Ghats. The large balcony facing the Ghats made it even more special. The room came with several thoughtful amenities, including a kettle with tea and coffee-making supplies, a refrigerator, toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, swimming towels, a yoga mat, and a clothes-drying rack in the balcony.

However, one thing I always find puzzling at resorts is the lighting in the rooms. While the room was cozy and luxurious, I personally prefer brighter lighting, especially at night. Some resorts, like this one, tend to use minimal lighting with yellow tones to create a warm atmosphere, but I do miss having a bit more brightness in the room.

Food & Dining

One of the best things about staying at RiverMist Resorts was that all three meals, along with evening hi-tea, were included in our package. Since it was a buffet setup, we didn’t have to worry about ordering from an à la carte menu, which made mealtime super convenient.

The food was a mix of different Indian cuisines, with a strong influence of South Indian flavors. Every meal had both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and the best part? The food was light, non-spicy, and well-balanced, making it enjoyable for all of us, including our son, who can be a bit picky at times. They always had at least one or two kid-friendly options in every meal, which was a thoughtful touch.

Breakfast mostly leaned towards South Indian cuisine, with just one North Indian option. While everything was delicious, I do feel they could add a couple more North Indian choices to make it more balanced. That being said, the highlight for my family was definitely the dessert section! My husband, son, and mom all have a major sweet tooth, so they looked forward to trying different desserts after every meal. Seeing them enjoy their sweet treats was a joy in itself.

Activities at RiverMist Resorts

This was hands down my favorite part of the stay at RiverMist! In fact, there’s so much to share that I’ve decided to write a separate post just about the activities. Otherwise, this one will turn into a mini travel guide on its own.

But to give you a quick idea, RiverMist has an exciting lineup of activities throughout the day, from nature treks and river walks to stargazing and bonfires. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an adventure junkie or just looking to unwind in nature.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking Your Stay

• Road Conditions & Accessibility – The last stretch to the resort includes an off-road patch and a river crossing, which can become tricky during the rainy season. If you’re driving a sedan, proceed with caution, as SUVs are better suited for this terrain. If you’re planning a trip during monsoon, check with the resort in advance about road conditions.
• Resort Layout & Mobility – RiverMist is built on a steep landscape, which means walking from your room to the dining or play area involves climbing slopes. If you’re traveling with very young kids, carrying a stroller can help. For elderly family members who may have difficulty walking, it’s best to be mindful of the terrain before booking.
• Mobile Network & Wi-Fi – There is no mobile network in the area, but the resort provides Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi connection varies by location within the property. Some may find this inconvenient, so it’s best to disconnect and enjoy the serene surroundings with family.
• Best Rates & Booking Tip – If you’re looking for the best rates, it’s advisable to book directly with the resort rather than through third-party websites.
• Seasonal Activity Availability – Certain activities like river walking and waterfall visits may not be available during monsoons due to safety concerns. If these activities are a priority for you, check with the resort in advance about their availability.
• Weather & Packing Essentials – Chikmagalur has pleasant weather, but it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. Carry light woolens if you’re visiting in winter. If visiting during the monsoon, be prepared for heavy rains and pack accordingly.

We made the most of our time there, indulging in everything from off-road rides and fish feeding to silent stargazing sessions under a sky full of stars. But I’ll save all the details (and my favorite moments!) for another post. Stay tuned!

Have you been to Chikmagalur before? Did you know about RiverMist Resorts before? Or is this going straight to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

The post Our Stay at RiverMist Resorts in Chikmagalur | A Weekend Getaway appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

We just came back from our Gujarat trip (Delhi-Ahmedabad-Kutch) and the highlight of our trip was visiting the Great Rann of Kutch and to witness the white desert. We have been planning this trip for the last 2 years but it could never materialize because of the high cost of transportation & accommodation since we were planning to visit during the Rann Utsav & staying in the tent city. In order to plan our trip within budget we simply ditched the idea of visiting during the festival.

Was it a good idea or we made a mistake? Read on to find out…

How to plan a perfect trip to the Rann of Kutch?

1. When to Visit
2. Transport
3. Accommodation
4. Packing
5. Research about the places to visit

PIN IT!

1- When to visit Kutch/Rann of Kutch?

This is the most important thing which you need to decide before anything else. There are only 2 best options, either visit during the Rann Utsav or visit just before the start of the festival.

The Rann Festival happens every year for 4 months (Nov-Feb) when the weather is much better than the rest of the year. This year Rann Utsav will begin from 28th October 2019 to 23rd February 2020 and you may get all the details of the festival from their official website, www.rannutsav.com

Since the packages offered are quite expensive, we decided to visit in mid-October just before the Rann Utsav, also to avoid the crowd. But we are surely going to visit the Rann Utsav soon.

2- How to reach Bhuj?

There are 3 ways to reach Bhuj from Delhi. First, reach Ahmedabad by flight.

We took a non-stop flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad which was quite cheap & took only 1 hr 30 mins to reach the destination.

Fare- 2200/- per person

From Ahmedabad, there are 3 options to reach Bhuj.

a) By Flight – Very costly (8k per person) but the fastest option available.

b) By Road – Take a cab, hire a self-drive car or take a bus (it will take 7-8 hrs)

c) By Train – We booked an overnight train (1st AC), no ticket for children below 5 yrs (fare- 1500 per person), it was the best option. Time to reach Bhuj – 7 hrs (11.59 pm – 7.00 am)

Bhuj Dadar Express – 1AC Coupe

3- Where to Stay?

Now, if you visit during the Rann Utsav, there are 2 options for stay. Either you book a complete package from the above-mentioned website where you get to stay in the tent city right at the Great Rann (all-inclusive package).

Or, you stay in the resort/hotel near the Rann of Kutch.

Or, you stay in Bhuj and you can visit the festival anytime.

Since we visited before the start of Rann Utsav, which was the low season, we could book the best resort just on the outskirts of Bhuj city. We checked the reviews online and also got recommendations for Regenta Resort, which is a luxury resort in Bhuj. I will do a detailed review post sharing our experience later (which was not as expected).

Heritage Huts at Regenta Resort, Bhuj

But yes, staying at the resort was much cheaper as compared to staying in the tent city. So, the choice is yours.

You may also want to read- Where to stay when visiting Pondicherry?

4- What to Pack?

Kutch is hot, very hot. And it may get very old during winter. We did check the temperature while planning our trip and assumed 35 degrees to be moderately hot. But, 35 degrees felt like 45 degrees in October, we were feeling tired without doing anything.

Kalo Dungar, highest point in Kutch

So, pack your bags accordingly. If you visit in Oct-

• Pack light-colored, loose, flowy breathable outfits
• Carry sunscreen, cap or scarf & sunglasses
• Wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk a lot
• Keep a water bottle with you all the time
• Also, keep some empty space in your bag to pack your shopping bags later on

You may also want to read- What to pack for traveling smart?

5- Places to visit in Kutch?

First things first, plan an easy trip & don’t book any tour in advance. We booked a cab from the railway station to our resort, found his rates reasonable so we booked him for the next day as well. We finalized the place of interest on the same day itself. And we didn’t add more than 2 places to explore in a day in our itinerary.

Note- If you book a package at Rann Utsav, it includes your accommodation, food, transportation and sightseeing. So, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

We had 3 days in Kutch, so we decided to travel & explore the places during the first 2 days and spend the last day relaxing at the resort. But then a friend recommended one more place which we added in our itinerary on the last day. Here’s our easy kid-friendly itinerary-

Sunset at Mandavi Beach, Kutch

Day 1– We visited Kalo Dungar & Rann of Kutch

Day 2– We visited a Jain temple, Vijaya Vilas Palace & Mandavi beach

Last Day 3– Bhujodi

Out of all the above places, we would highly recommend visiting Rann of Kutch, Mandavi beach (the private beach), and Bhujodi.

Keep 4-5 hrs in hand to spend at these places and the best time to visit is after 4 pm.

I would request everyone to spend some time on researching about the places to visit, read blogs, check reviews, look at pictures & videos on Google. In short, try to get maximum information about what to expect to avoid disappointment later.

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi

We always plan our trips keeping in mind the interests of our little boy. And, that’s why we avoid exploring temples, monuments, and museums which are of little or no interest for a 3-year-old.

Now the most important thing, if you noticed the first point I didn’t mention anything about the white desert. Because even if you visit during the Rann Utsav there is no guarantee you will get to see the white Rann.

We had no idea that we would find a white lake instead of the white desert in the Rann of Kutch. 

We knew the white desert was going to be the highlight of our trip. But we totally forgot to check what to expect in October. We usually call the hotel or the related authorities to check about the place & get an idea of what to expect there.

But this time we assumed a lot of things on our own. So, when we reached the Great Rann, we were highly disappointed to find no white desert. All the ground was covered in water from the season’s rainfall.

Sunset at Rann of Kutch, Rann covered in rainwater

We were told that this year Kutch received fairly good rainfall as compared to previous years hence all the water around. But later some of my friends informed me that it happens every year. If you want to see the actual white Rann, you should visit in December/January only after getting confirmation from the trusted sources.

Yes, we got sad to not find what we wanted to see but in the next moment, we were thrilled beyond measure to witness the most beautiful sunset right there in front of our eyes.

Here is the video of our Day 1 & Day 2 in Gujarat, do check it out-

So, that’s all about the Great Rann from our experience. I hope you find this post helpful in planning a perfect trip to Kutch.

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The post Visiting The Rann of Kutch? Here’s how to plan a perfect trip to Kutch appeared first on Growing With Nemit.