Silver Oak farm is a lovely homestay and farm run by a this couple (the Khannas) just an hour or so away, bang on the slopes of Nandi Hill. It really feels like a sort of far-from-the-maddening-crowd home-away-from-home — and it was still just an hour or so away from Bangalore.
We had gone there for a weekend getaway for one night when our parents were visiting us. But you can go there for just lunch and a day trip as well.
We were 6 of us—my husband and I, our 2 kids—7 and 5—and our parents. All three generations had a lovely time--just spending time together, having yummy gourmet khana cooked by Mrs. Khanna, and taking in the view, fresh air and the countryside.
A popular thing to do is to reach there for lunch and then go for a short trek to Nandi Hill or roam around the far and just hang around leisurely basking in the countryside, and then have tea and leave for home. They also can arrange trips to see silk yarn production (silk worms) etc. Many families from our kid’s class had also gone.
Here are some things that our family likes about the place:
- Of course, the best is that it is so close by (just an hour or so away) but still feels so far from the maddening crowd of Bangalore.
- Peace...fresh air...nature...organic farm...birds and the view—panoramic and green, strewn with monuments like Tipu Sultan’s mosque and Hyder Ali’s picnic spot ruins on a peak...Oh yes, the night sky was clear and we had fun admiring the stars—since it was away from the city. There are lots of scenic walks within the farm. And of course the short trek to Nandi Hill.
- Of course very homely and child friendly. The kids were very happy with the 2 friendly dogs there and the turtle. They enjoyed feeding the turtle spinach and vegetables. Also, just romping around.
- The yummy food: Eclectic, fresh and tasty. Even the Indian buffet lunch had eclectic things like brussel sprout masala and the dinner is a continental sit-down dinner—tasty and authentic—a welcome change from the Indian khana we eat at home everyday. Mrs Khanna is a great cook and makes the jams, pickles, cakes, juices etc. all herself. Btw, we had vegetarian food and all of us—my in laws, the kids and us of course relished it. The sample menu is in their website. Yes, we are all big foodies. ;-)
- The Khannas (Pradeep and Meera) were great hosts and friendly unlike other homestays where the hosts are far removed. The place too is cosy and charming. Open courtyard, with bedrooms around...
- It is a little expensive (A family of 4 can spend upto Rs 5-6K per night), but then so close by and hotels these days are again pretty expensive. This was very homey and comfy. So we feel it is “worth it”.
Keep in mind:
- Take your binoculars--lovely view of monuments and lots of birds. Take a good book as well and books and games for the kids to keep them occupied. You can use the kitchen there as well.
- They can arrange for trips to see silk yarn production and a potters’ village.
- Make sure that Mrs. Khanna is also there. Friends had gone when she was away, and were not too pleased. She is the main chef and makes the place run well!
- There are just 4 rooms I think and they do fill up and they need to know a day or so in advance to ensure proper lunch. So try and make lunch or overnight reservations early.
Some details
http://www.silveroakfarm.com
Silver Oak Farm
Nandi Valley
Sultanpet Village
Nandi P.O. 562 103
Chikballapur Dist.
Karnataka
INDIA
Meera Khanna: +91-9342510445
Praveen Khanna: +91-98456-52267
Email: silver@silveroakfarm.com
Distances
Bangalore: 56 Kms
Bangalore International Airport: 22 Kms
Chennai:350 Kms
Hyderabad: 560 Kms
To reach Silver Oak Farm by road from Bangalore:
(Approximate driving time from Vidhan Soudha – 1 hour & 15 mins.)
Take the Bellary Road (NH 7), towards the new International Airport at Devanahalli. You will pass the flyover complex leading in and out of the airport. Stay on the highway and about 5 km later you will pass on your left, a rock hill with a Jain Temple at the top and a few smaller buildings at its lower levels. About 200 meters after you pass the hill, you will find a prominent turn to your left, with a sign saying “Nandi Hills 23 Km”.
Take this left turn and drive exactly 10 Kms when you will reach a 'T' section. The left turn will take you up Nandi Hills; instead take the right turn.
Approximately 4.7 Kms on this road you will reach NANDI village. You will find yourself on a crossroad. Turn left and you are driving through Nandi village. Drive on leaving MASJID-E-RAHIMIYA on your right. Approximately 1.6 kms later, on your right, you will see a cement board announcing SULTANPET.
Driving a further 0.4 km (400 meters) you will see a Banyan tree on your right and an electric transformer on your left, with a left turn by its side. The large signage in Kannada with a red arrow pointing left is showing you the road leading you to the steps that will take you to the temple at the top of Nandi Hill. Take this left turn and within 20 seconds you will sight our farm and house at a slight elevation. Drive straight up to our gate, which again is marked by another electric transformer next to it.
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