JLR Seethanadi nature camp near Hebri [Updated Dec 2023]

December 2023 Update: Spent a night at JLR Seethanadi Nature camp. Post updated with recent findings.

Last week we stayed for a night at JLR's Seethanadi Nature camp. It is an accommodation option between Hebri and Agumbe, maintained by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. With Seeta river on one side and lush green forests around, the campus offers a nice retreat. I have been seeing the entrance of this facility every time I ride, drive or travel towards Agumbe but had never managed to visit.

Wooden cottage at JLR Seethanadi Nature camp

The Seethanadi nature camp campus is about a km away from the main road, on a road paved with stone blocks. Normal cars can go, just be a bit careful. You have to balance well on two tracks, any overtaking or giving side is tricky as wheels may slip off the path.

Type of rooms at JLR Seethanadi Nature camp:

Wooden cottages: The most expensive option are the wooden cottages- a very spacious cottage with space for 3 adults and a super spacious bathroom. A geyser for hot water, a kettle to make coffee, a jug of drinking water, few chairs to sit, AC, ceiling fan, a cupboard and a bench to sit outside are part wooden cottage. Wooden cottage may cost as much as 6000 INR per night for 2 people on a weekend, food and some activities included. Single occupancy will cost some 3000 INR + 30% extra single occupancy charge.

Tented cottage: Slightly cheaper than Wooden cottage, these are cheaper to constrict as outer wall is made of tent. There is an attached bathroom and other basic facilities inside.

Dormitory: The cheapest option at JLR Seethanadi nature camp is a dormitory option that costs around 2000 INR. Includes 3 times food and 2 activities.

While the JLR booking cost will feel very high, it includes all 3 meals (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 tea/snacks, 1 breakfast and morning tea. These food items can easily cost 700-1000 INR per person if we are to order separately elsewhere. Food is good- unlimited buffet system- some 6-7 items for lunch/dinner, 4-5 items for breakfast, with 1 non veg option.

Activities:

JLR rent also includes activities. In Seethanadi nature camp, there will be one coracle ride that lasts 10 minutes (water level permitting) and a trekking in the morning- 2-3 kms/1hour. Even in December, we got some leech bites, reportedly because soil remains cool due to thick trees.

I was thinking rates are per room (for two people) but then realized it is per person. I didn't stay there, staff were kind to give me a walkthrough of the rooms. Beside these rooms, there is a kids play area, an open restaurant area and other standard facilities.

View of Seethanadi from JLR- had some water in March 2021

Trekking options at Seethanadi nature camp (earlier photo, not available in 2023)

Update: No waterfall trails were offered to us in December 2023, just a walk in the woods

 

Being part of western ghats, the JLR Seethanadi campus is relatively cool being in a forest area. However, compared to Agumbe or Sakrebailu which are on an elevation, this one is less cooler. Because Hebri is bit too far for Bengaluru crowd and there are not much activities (no wildlife safari), JLR Seethanadi campus is bit affordable (relatively). So might be a good choice for a relaxed stay with family.

Nearby: Kundadri hills * Varanga lake basadi * Scenic places to visit along Seetha river * Best Jungle Lodges to stay in Karnataka * JLR pricing has doubled in 7 years * Kudlu Theertha waterfalls * Jogi Gundi waterfalls *