Jan 14th – 16th, 2026

Shall we start the New Year with a Pause … a true pause to stop and smell the roses? Well, the cliché takes on an almost literal meaning when you find yourself at The Pause at Camrose Estates.

I enter the gates of the property just to be greeted by the welcoming notes of innumerable birds. I quickly activate my Bird Call app which I have recently discovered (better late than never) and in moments it results in an impressive list of nearly 25 species of birds which are currently ‘performing’ exuberantly in my honor … or so I would like to believe.

I am now within the grounds of this picturesque villa tucked deep inside the heart of a lush coffee plantation, where birdsong is the only soundtrack by day and utter silence, your companion by night … a silence so profoundly ‘loud’ that your ‘city abused’ ears are initially thrown into bewilderment but then slowly made to realise that this gift of a complete absence of noise is to be savored to the fullest … and a sound sleep which one has not enjoyed for ages, is to be thoroughly Slept!!!

And to further delight those in quest of quietude, this spacious and charming retreat with verandahs overrun by delightfully unruly flowering climbers and the serene backwaters of the Hemavathi river lapping its periphery, is barely a leisurely 4.5 hours from Bangalore.

So join me on my first discovery of 2026 and stop awhile at the The Pause at the popular hill station of Sakleshpur in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India and spend a couple of days unwinding in its lap and relearning the art of staying still.

About Sakleshpur – 

Sakleshpur is a hill station which nestles in the lap of the Western ghats mountain range. Also known as Sakleshpura, this is a taluk in Hassan, a district that falls within the Malnad region of Karnataka. The Malnad or Malenadu belt is one of the 3 geographical zones in the state. Mal(e) Nad(u) translates to land of rain.

Sakleshpur town is the headquarters of the taluk and it lies along the Bangalore Mangalore highway, thus being very easy to access.

Ancient temples, aesthetically built forts, numerous waterfalls and hillside plantations clad in shrubs of tea, coffee and spices which make for panoramic vistas, are some of the attractions that have put this place on the tourist map.

With a range of options for stay and adventure, this naturally beautiful region is growing rapidly as a tourist friendly destination.

About The Pause, Camrose Estate –  

Operational since October 2025 under the new management, this delightful 4 bedroom luxury estate villa offers a generous 8000 sq ft of space.

Inset in the midst of a 8 acre coffee plantation, this serene home overlooks the picturesque backwaters of the river Hemavathi (the water level is at its most prominent post monsoon).

This villa can accommodate a total of 16 people.

About the management – 

The place is run by Pradeep Rebello whom I have mentioned about in my earlier blogs. A 3rd generation coffee planter and an engineer by degree, he hails from a family of renowned estate owners who have made their home in Chikmagalur, barely 60 km away from Sakleshpur.

It is in Chikmaglur that Pradeep first launched his other successfully running luxury villas which I have written about in these posts – Strelitzia Villas   Cicada Villas and Samara Villa.

The Pause is his first foray outside Chikmagalur. He is also ably assisted in all his projects by his equally talented wife Pearl, his son Sam and daughter Suzanne.

Features and Amenities – 

This inviting home is built on 2 levels, each featuring 2 spacious ensuite bedrooms at either end of a long hall. Equally long and enchanting verandahs run parallel on each floor, furnished with multiple seating options ideal for lazing around with families and friends.

The interiors feature an eclectic mix of furniture and artistic décor that, despite their contrasting styles, blend harmoniously to create a unified and visually appealing space.

The garden is a delight, with flowering plants running riot and tall trees frequented by the birds. Unfortunately, though the tiny avians make themselves well heard, the dense foliage ensures that they are barely seen.

This is not a wheelchair-friendly property.

The Bedrooms – 

This large 4 bedroom villa as mentioned earlier, has 4 bedrooms, 2 at the ends of the ground floor and the other 2 similarly on the first floor.

All the rooms have a closet/dressing room space at the entrance and an en suite bathroom with a partial division between the shower and toilet areas.

The bedrooms are largely identical but the upper floor ones have an additional cozy attic lounges for those who totally want to disappear from sight! The attics are accessible via a metal ladder. This space can accommodate 2 people and the bedroom can house 3 people with its king size bed and single side bed.

All the bedrooms open out into the verandahs.

All 4 rooms feature the usual amenities like beds, wooden cupboards, table and chairs, 24 hour hot water, bath linen, toiletries, mosquito repellents etc.

The ground floor hall/living room and kitchen – 

The 2 bedrooms flank a central space whose components include a living area with couch seating, a dining area with a table and chairs and an open kitchen.

The kitchen is equipped with a stove, microwave, toaster, refrigerator, cookware, crockery and cutlery.

he first floor hall –

A bar counter at one end, a mysterious teal blue door at the other and some indoor games like a foosball table, are the features of the first floor hall.

Ground floor verandah – 

This opens out into the paved path at the rear, which is flanked by multi-hued flowering shrubs.

First floor verandah – 

With a view of the backwaters, this space is equally cozy and great to laze around in.

Bonfire area – 

There is also a dedicated area outdoors for bonfires and barbeques.

A short video showcasing the features – coming soon

Dining –

Guests have many options as dining venues, starting with the central dining table or the tables on the verandah or even the garden outside. During mealtimes, the staff serves the food from the kitchen to these locations.

Being a private villa which operates only when there is occupancy, the entire menu has to be pre-decided before arrival, so that the kitchen staff can be suitably prepared.

While there is a set menu which the guest chooses from, one can also make special requests like Jain food or allergen free dishes etc, which will be fulfilled if possible.

Breakfast is complimentary for the guests and is served between 8.30 am to 10.30 am. The menu covers a main item of idli-vada-chutney-sambhar OR puri bhaji. In addition, they also provide cereal, bread, butter, jam, boiled eggs/omelettes, along with fruit, coffee and tea. 

Lunch, tea time and dinner are not complimentary. There is an à la carte menu and the food is prepared as per pre-order. The menu is shared with the guests via WhatsApp before they arrive at the villa. The choices are quite finite and cover starters, mains and desserts from North Indian and South Indian cuisines.

Lunch is served between 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

High tea is served between 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm and offers a choice of hot beverage like coffee or tea served and freshly made snacks like sandwiches, potato fries, vegetable fritters etc.

Dinner is served between 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm. One has a choice of tandoor items/barbeque, apart from the existing menu. 

Barbeques are organised in the designated zone, with prior intimation.

Food options outside the homestay –

The villa is 20 km from Sakleshpur which is the nearest big town, so it is advisable to have all meals in-house itself.

Activities – 

Activities within the plantation – 

Hanging out on the verandahs to spend lazy mornings, listening to birdsong with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, trying to spot the various birds with the bare eye or camera, walking through the lush estate and unwinding by the bonfire under starlit skies … these are the peaceful activities which one can indulge in at this serene retreat, where time slows down in a way that the city can never compete with.

Barbeque and bonfire in the fireplace can be arranged with prior notice. Costs are as per specifications.

There are indoor games for those who prefer staying inside.

Of course, just catching up on lost sleep would be the most recommended thing to do in a place like this and I speak from personal experience 😉

Things to do in the Surroundings – 

Sakleshpur has several attractions to lure tourists across a range of interests. Being a scenic hill station, it naturally offers opportunities for trekking, hiking, visiting waterfalls etc.

Guests have to use their own vehicles to go around.

A few of the places that one can visit are –

Shettihalli Rosary Church – a hauntingly beautiful ruin of a 150 year old French built Gothic style church built by French missionaries in 1860 AD.

This is 30 km off the highway from Hassan and also 30 km from the villa.

Abbe Gundi falls – also called Magajahalli Abbe falls is 38 km from the villa. Google maps is sufficient to get there. There is roadside parking available and one has to descend a flight of steps to get to the falls.

Manjehalli falls – 18 km from the villa.

Sri Sakleshwara temple – Constructed during the Hoysala period and after which the Sakleshpur town is named. 23 km away.

Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple – 70 km away. A major pilgrimage center for Hindus.

Tea factory tour – Kadumane tea estate which is around 38 km away, hosts an open house every Sunday. Visitors can get an educational tour of the tea factory and also purchase various flavors of tea. There is no cost involved other the purchases made.

Manjarabad fort – This 8 pointed star shaped fort which was built in 1792 by Tipu Sultan, is a popular tourist attraction and is 18 km from the villa.

Bisle ghat viewpoint – 38 km from the villa is Bisle Ghat which is a tourist spot offeriing a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Visitor Profile – 

Since the entire villa has to be booked by one party and booking of bedrooms separately by different people is not permitted, it makes economical sense to book it for a group of people, optimally equal in number to the maximum people allowed.

Guests of all ages are permitted. There are no restrictions of any kind, on the category of visitors and that includes unmarried couples, bachelors etc, as long as it is clear that illegal activities are not going to be indulged in and that peace and decorum are going to be maintained.

The villa is not suitable for guests who are differently abled.

This is also a pet friendly property with additional charges for the animals. And of course the guest is expected to supervise the pets at all times to ensure their safety and that of the surroundings and of other people’s on the premises.

To summarize, this private luxury villa in its idyllic coffee plantation setting and adjoining event space, is ideal for any type of occasion, whether it be a rejuvenating break from the mundane to get away from it all or for celebrations of intimate nature or personal events etc.

Best time to visit – 

Sakleshpur is a year round destination. The weather especially within the coffee plantations, is pleasant even in summers. Rainy season has its own charms, though outdoor activities may be restricted. Winters are cold but actually quite lovely and are also a great time to visit.

Phone and internet connectivity –

The property provides a free Wifi connection for its guests. It is not perfect but is stable to a large extent.

What is available and what you should carry –

There is a generator for power back up which can support all appliances, WiFi etc, in case of a power failure.

Considering the possible outdoor activities in Sakleshpur, carry a pair of walking shoes, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a backpack, a camera etc.

The type of clothing you need is weather dependent of course. In summer one would need light cottons especially during the daytime but monsoons and winters are quite chill, hence equip yourself accordingly.

And as always, carry your ID card with you.

Additional Information – 

Check-in is at 2 pm and check-out is at 11 am.

Open air parking is available.

Smoking is permitted in open areas.

CCTV cameras are installed in outdoor areas for security.

Loud music or any activity that is disruptive to nature and to the general peace, is not permitted.

The place provides accommodation for the personal staff of their guests. Check with them for the rates.

It is a pet friendly property. Check with them for the rates.

Getting there – 

The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport which is 150 km away and the journey via the ghats (mountains) takes around 4 hours.

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, is 260 km, around 5 hours.

Driving down from Mangalore or Bangalore, is the most convenient way to get to the resort.

Sakleshpur town also has a railway station and bus stand, both of which are well connected to Mangalore and Bangalore. The villa is 20 km from the town, around 30 mins by road.

Taxis and autos are a possibility for last mile accessibility.

Things of interest enroute from Bangalore – 

A few major places of interest enroute are –

Sravanabelagola Jain temple – 12 km off the highway and 145 km from Bangalore.

One can also visit the aforementioned Shettihalli church while coming from or returning to Bangalore.

Booking and contact – 

Address –

The Pause, Camrose Estate, Sakleshpur, Nidigere, Karnataka 573134, India

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YqdPtysB6MJMh7sK6 

Phone (Whatsapp) –  +91  8217391718

Email id –  

Website of The Pause

Website For Bookings 

Instagram of The Pause

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Please Note –

This trip was in collaboration with The Pause and I thank them for the hospitality. My narration is based on the inputs I received from various sources as well as my personal experiences.

For more pictures see My Facebook – The Pause, Sakleshpur 

Also catch me on My Facebook, My Facebook page, My Twitter and My Instagram

This itinerary was specially curated hence some of the features might have been personalized accordingly. Before booking, please check the facilities offered in your package.

I would really appreciate your feedback and comments in the comment box below.

Jan 14th – 16th, 2026