Home > Blog > Chikmagalur Travel Guides > Two-Night Family Stay at RiverMist
Sometimes we all need a break from the rush of everyday life. For us, that meant a short family getaway from Mangaluru to a nature resort in Chikmagalur. Our two-night, three-day stay at RiverMist Resorts turned out to be the best luxury stay experience, filled with mountain views, nature walks, river adventures, good food and quiet family time. Here’s what our stay was like.
Planning for a Nature Resort in Chikmagalur
My wife and I wanted a break from our busy schedule, so we planned a short weekend getaway. Since we live in Mangaluru (Mangalore), Chikmagalur was the best option during the monsoon. After much searching, we finally booked a stay at RiverMist Resorts, the most peaceful resort in Chikmagalur.
Tucked away amid the forests, mountains, and natural landscapes of the Western Ghats, the luxury estate offered something increasingly hard to find on holiday.
From the personalised service to the aesthetically pleasing rooms and nature activities, everything felt thoughtfully planned.
The Personalized Luxury Service Starts Before You Arrive
We travelled from Mangaluru by car, and the drive to RiverMist Resorts took us around 3.5 hours. The final 3 km stretch to the resort was muddy during our visit. It had not rained for a week, so we managed without much difficulty, but I would still recommend driving slowly, especially during the rainy season.
There is also a river crossing near the property. Before we arrived, the staff told us they would arrange a pickup van if the water level was too high. During our visit, the water flow was low enough for us to drive across in our own car.
What impressed me was that a day before our arrival, we received the itinerary for our two-night, three-day stay and were asked to share our live location while travelling. It was a small gesture, but it made the arrival feel organised.
Two-Night, Three-Day Stay at RiverMist Resorts Overview
Day | Activities |
Day 1 | Drive from Mangaluru → Check-in → Lunch → Rest → Fish Feeding, Painting → Resort adventure ride → Indoor games/family time → Nature Connect → Guided night nature walk → Dinner |
Day 2 | Breakfast → Guided river walk with Lohith → Lunch → Rani Jhari sunset visit → Nature Connect → Dinner |
Day 3 | Breakfast → Infinity pool with mountain views → Check-out |
Day 1: Check-In, Lunch, and Time to Settle
The staff were waiting when we arrived. They helped with our luggage, parked our car and welcomed us with a drink. I also met Mr Ajit, the resort manager.
The main building has a heritage-inspired look, with wooden details, patterned flooring and spacious areas where guests can sit for meals or simply relax after arrival.
The pathway to our cottage was lined with greenery, and misty mountains appeared through the trees. Our kid enjoyed walking along the landscaped path as much as we did.
The luxury cottage welcomed us with a cosy king-size bed, a balcony with a mountain view, and a spacious bathroom with a jacuzzi, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
After a warm welcome, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch. The Malnad food experience still stays with me. They serve both veg and non-veg items along with desserts. The staff were cordial and regularly checked if we needed anything extra and gave our son a baby-sitting chair to eat comfortably.
Fish Feeding, Painting, Adventure Ride.
Fish Feeding
Fish feeding may sound like a small activity, but with kids, it becomes important. There was no rush, just feeding them and enjoying the surroundings.
Painting amidst Nature
Every evening, the staff holds a painting activity for its guests. Watching the mountain shrouded in clouds and spending time creating something with our hands felt very different from the usual sightseeing routine. Our kid was enjoying painting whatever came to mind.
Adventure Ride Around the Estate
Hold your attention; now comes the resort’s most adventurous activity. We hopped on the pickup van for a ride that gave us a completely different perspective of the estate.
Games and Play Areas
The games and play areas included chess, carrom, badminton, basketball, table tennis and children’s slides. They were useful when we wanted to keep our toddler occupied without leaving the resort.
Nature Connect and Nature Walk
At 7:30 pm, Mr Ajit invited guests to gather near the pool for Nature Connect, an activity focused on pausing and listening to the natural surroundings.
The resort lights were switched off, and we sat quietly with our phones on silent. It was followed by a bonfire. This was the best stargazing in Chikmagalur moment we enjoyed.
At 8 pm, we joined Mr Ajit for a guided nature walk. What made the walk interesting was that it wasn’t simply about walking through the estate. One interesting thing I still remember him saying was about spider silk, which spiders use to create egg sacs, wrap prey, and make a safety barrier.
By around 9 PM, we returned for dinner and then headed back to our cottage.
The first day ended quietly, just as a slow holiday should.
Day 2: Guided River Walk and Sunset at the Rani Jhari Viewpoint
The second day began with a buffet breakfast serving the best items on the table. Unlike other resorts, this forest resort in Chikmagalur doesn’t mainly focus on sightseeing, but on getting close to nature within the resort.
River Walking
River walking is one of the things to do at RiverMist Resorts. We joined a group of fellow guests, accompanied by our guide, Mr Lohith, who handed each of us a sturdy stick for support. With his guidance, we could carry our toddler along. The river walk with a toddler depends on the water flow conditions and the guide’s assessment.
If you are planning to stay at a resort in Chikmagalur with a private waterfall, I would suggest RiverMist Resorts.
Sunset Watching At Rani Jhari Viewpoint
After river walking and lunch, we headed to the Rani Jhari Viewpoint, a visit arranged by the resort. Rani Jhari is around 8 km from the resort and takes roughly 30 minutes to reach. The road is bumpy in places, so the journey itself is part of the adventure.
The surrounding mountains were covered in layers of green, with the changing evening light creating a beautiful landscape. We spent time taking photographs, watching the sunset and simply enjoying the view.
The viewpoint is also on the route towards the Ballalrayana Durga Fort Trek, and from there we could see the trekking route.
We returned to the resort after sunset, headed to the nature connect activity before dinner, and then went back to the cottage for a peaceful sleep.
Day 3: Slow Morning Before Check- Out
The final day of our nature stay in Chikmagalur arrived. It was an unhurried morning. After breakfast, we spent some time at the infinity pool. The view from the pool was beautiful, with the mountains partially covered by clouds. They have this kids’ pool section too.
Some memorable moments stayed with us: our son painting, the high chair at lunch, short walks around the property and time together without a tight schedule. All these made our stay worthwhile.
What made our RiverMist Resorts Stay Experience Great?
Our two-night, three-day resort stay in Chikmagalur at RiverMist Resorts was an extraordinary experience. We had time to settle in, enjoy the on-site activities, take the guided river walk and visit Rani Jhari without rushing. A longer stay would suit travellers who want more downtime or additional sightseeing. With a toddler, the lighter schedule worked well.
Staying at RiverMist Resorts made us realise that a weekend retreat in Chikmagalur doesn’t always need to be about driving around different attractions. It is about living amidst nature and enjoying a luxury stay experience.
If you have an extra day to explore beyond RiverMist Resorts, our 3-day Chikmagalur itinerary brings together nearby viewpoints, waterfalls, and other experiences.
FAQ’s
What can families do during a two-night stay at RiverMist Resorts?
At RiverMist Resorts families can enjoy fish feeding, painting, indoor games, children’s play areas, guided nature walks, Nature Connect and the infinity pool. A guided river walk and a visit to Rani Jhari Viewpoint may also be part of the experience, depending on conditions and the package.
Is RiverMist Resorts suitable for families travelling with toddlers?
Yes, it can suit families with toddlers. During our visit, the high chair for kids, children’s play areas, kids pool section and simple activities were helpful.
What should you pack for a two-night nature stay at RiverMist?
Pack comfortable clothes (depending on weather conditions), walking shoes with good grip if trekking, extra clothes for your child, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent and toddler essentials.
Are meals and sightseeing transfers included in the stay package?
Inclusions vary by package and booking. Check your reservation confirmation or contact RiverMist Resorts directly to verify which meals, activities and sightseeing transfers are included .
Can families with young children join the guided river walk?
It depends on the water level, weather and the guide’s assessment on the day. If the weather is good and river flow is stable, then carrying toddlers won’t be a challenge.
