An outdoor experience. Close to the city.
With forested hills on one side, a lake spread out in front of you and birdsong throughout the day, this is a nature-lover’s ideal getaway.
The Outback Farm & Homestay is Bangalore’s best and closest nature escape. Set in surroundings straight out of a storybook and nestled at the periphery of the Bannerghatta National Park.
Bannerghatta can boast of being the worlds closest wildernesses to a metropolis that is home to wild Asiatic elephants. The park is also richly diverse and is home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs and sloth bears apart from commoner mammals like gaur, wild boar, various species of deer and an array of nocturnal wanderers including the rare honey badger or ratel. The park is also a birdwatchers paradise, with over 150 species of bird, including the yellow-throated bulbul and rufous-bellied eagle. It’s hard to believe that it’s a mere 35 km from the heart of the city.
If you are in the mood to have the time of your life, just visit us at The Outback.
Where you feel 24 hours is just not enough
At The Outback Farm & Homestay there are activities for everyone, including bird-watching, trekking and trail biking (cycling) for the more active and boating or fishing for those inclined to a more relaxed holiday, and later, enjoy a drink at the campfire – all of this in the most serene and scenic surroundings.
A typical day goes as follows: Wake up to the songs of birds serenading the break of a new day. Walk onto the verandah with a steaming cup of coffee prepared in your room and watch the sun spread its magic over the lake. Walk around the lake and property to work up an appetite for a sumptuous breakfast. Later you could go on an adventurous jungle trek up the neighbouring hill or a more relaxed nature walk around the area. Alternatively, you could go for an exhilarating cycling ride and explore the beautiful neighbouring countryside and villages. For those not inclined to exerting themselves, there are more relaxing activities like boating and fishing, however the latter may not be relaxing if you hook onto one of the monster fish from the lake!
After an exciting day, sit around the campfire with a glass of your favourite brew and watch the moon and stars light up the night sky unspoiled by glaring city lights. Finally, settle down for the night in the most peaceful surroundings, as the silence of the neighbouring forest settles softly around you.
Bird Watching
Bannerghatta is a birdwatchers paradise, with over 150 species of bird, including the rare yellow throated bulbul and rufous bellied eagle. Be assured to sight at least 30 species within the property.
Angling
The lake is well stocked with various species of freshwater fish including carp and snakehead. Please note: Angling is practiced on a strict catch-and-release basis only. Fishing equipment and bait is provided at The Outback.
Trail Biking
Go on a trail biking (bicycle) ride along various paths that criss-cross the property or go on a long ride to explore the surrounding countryside.
Nature Photography
Nature photographers are sure to take home gigabytes of memories. There are tons of opportunities for bird photographers, macro and landscape photographers.
Trekking
We offer various treks depending on fitness levels. Treks range from a short 20-minute nature walk to a long 2.5-hour trek.
Wildlife Tracking
Bannerghatta has a rich diversity of wildlife, including Asiatic elephants, Indian gaur and spotted deer among the herbivores. If one is very lucky, you may also chance upon a tiger, leopard, Indian dholes or even a sloth bear, too.
Accommodation
We take utmost care to ensure that our guests are comfortable in all the accommodations we provide.
Explore our accommodation options below.
Luxury Room
Our luxury guest rooms built over a private lake are fully air-conditioned with a large verandah that allows to you to soak-in the gorgeous surroundings especially when sunrise and moonrise reflects off the calm waters of the lake.
- Large and spacious rooms
- King-size beds in all luxury rooms
- Air-conditioning in all luxury rooms and ceiling fans
- Large verandahs
- Modern and spacious bathroom
- Tea/coffee maker in every room
- Lake facing with incredible views
Forest Facing Room
Our luxury forest facing room is one-of-a-kind, and brings to you an incredible immersive experience. The room is surrounded by the jungle, and gives you the feeling of staying right out in the wild. The room is spacious and comfortable, with an attached modern bathroom.
We guarantee you would want to stay here again and again.
- Large spacious room
- Queen-size bed and comfortable mattress
- Attached modern bathroom
- Dining table
- Tea/Coffee maker
- Electricity for charging appliances
- Reading lamp
Read more reviews and experiences of our guests on
Tariff
Lake Facing Room
INR 8,690
Per Night For Two People- Twin-sharing Accommodation
- All Meals + Coffee/Tea
- Activities*
- •••••••♦•••••••
- Single Occupancy: INR 6525
- Extra Person – 12 years & above: INR 3630
- Children – Below 12 years: INR 2420
- Children – Below 5 years: Free
Forest Facing Room
INR 8,690
Per Night For Two People- Twin-sharing Accommodation
- All Meals + Coffee/Tea
- Activities*
- •••••••♦•••••••
- Single Occupancy: INR 6525
- Extra Person – 12 years & above: INR 3630
- Children – Below 12 years: INR 2420
- Children – Below 5 years: Free
The Activities* included in the above mentioned costs are: Angling, Trekking, Nature Walk, Trail biking (cycling) and Camp fire.
There will be a surcharge of 20% from 20th December to the 2nd of January, as this is peak time and our staff work overtime.
Our special ‘Magical New Years’ on December 31st is priced at INR 6500/- per person. Please contact us for more details.
MAKE IT MORE MEMORABLE
Choose from well crafted add-ons to make your holiday even more exciting and memorable.
ADD ON: BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY HIDE
A bird photographer and ornithologist’s dream. Sit in the well-camouflaged hide and be assured of watching numerous species of Bannerghatta’s rich avian fauna visit one of the natural perches or the bird bath, allowing for incredible images and an up-close experience with these feathered beauties. Some of the key species that visit the bird bath are Indian scimitar babblers, grey-bellied cuckoo, red spurfowl, jungle bush quail and oriental white-eye, apart from many others.
Rate per person:
| 7AM – 10AM: Morning bird photography session | INR 1000 |
| 3PM – 6PM: Afternoon bird photography session | INR 1000 |
| Morning and afternoon bird photography session, if accommodation is booked | INR 1500 |
| Full day birding – Morning and afternoon bird photography session, with breakfast, lunch and tea/coffee. | INR 2500 |
| Full day birding – Morning and afternoon bird photography session, with lunch and tea/coffee. | INR 2250 |
Please Note:
- Full day birding also includes an optional trek (11AM – 1PM) to a nearby hillock known for good raptor sightings and a chance to sight the much desired yellow-throated bulbul.
- The rate for children below 12 years of age will be 25% off the above-mentioned rates.
ADD ON: BBQ DINNER
Enhance your dining experience at The Outback Farm & Homestay by booking a BBQ dinner amongst the stars. We offer various options of succulent meats and vegetarian BBQ delicacies as a perfect starter to your main-course.
The rate per person and options are as follows:
| 3 Meats (Chicken, Prawns & Fish) + 2 Veg (Corn on the Cob & Cottage Cheese) | INR 550 |
| 2 Meats (Chicken & Prawns or Fish) + 2 Veg (Corn on the Cob & Cottage Cheese) | NA |
| 3 Vegetarian (Corn on the Cob, Cottage Cheese and Stuffed Capsicum) | INR 500 |
| 2 Vegetarian (Corn on the Cob and Cottage Cheese) | NA |
Please Note:
- The BBQ package can only be booked subject to a minimum of 4 persons.
- The BBQ package must be booked in advance, preferably at the time of booking your stay. Unfortunately, we cannot cater to the BBQ package being booked directly at the venue.
ADD ON: PICNIC AT THE FARM - DAY EXCURSION
Too busy and can’t stay the night with us? No problem! Come and see what the fuss is all about and get your own taste of The Outback Farm & Homestay by spending one full day with us.
Agenda:
10:30AM: Arrive at The Outback Farm & Homestay and get to meet the Ross family over a welcome drink.
11 AM – 1:15PM: Angling at the lake – Build up an appetite after a fun experience hooking onto one of the big fish in the lake.
1:30 PM: A piping-hot and tasty lunch awaits you.
3:30 PM – 6PM: Trek to a nearby hillock. Experience an amazing sunset amongst stunning views and surrounded by beautiful forests.
6:30PM: Return to the farm for a steaming cup of tea/coffee along with some snacks before a final rendezvous and drive back to Bangalore.
Rate per person:
| Day Excursion with Breakfast, Lunch and Tea/Coffee | INR 2200 |
| Day Excursion with Lunch and Tea /Coffee | INR 1925 |
Please Note:
- For guests choosing the option with breakfast and lunch, you may arrive at the farm at 8:30 AM instead of 10:30AM.
- The rate for children below 12 years of age will be 25% off the above mentioned rates.
ADD ON: CUSTOMISED GUIDED PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Want your stay to be highly productive? Then book a customised guided photography workshop and take back a comprehensive and easy understanding of the basics of photography, post-processing or a topic of your choice.
What’s better, with award-winning wildlife photographer Phillip Ross as your instructor, you are sure to learn a lot, and gain new insight into the process with some amazing tips and tricks, and have super fun while learning a new skill.
The workshop is spread over one-and-a-half days, beginning at 10am on the day of your arrival and ending after lunch on the following day.
Rate per person:
| One-on-one learning | INR 14000 |
| 2 – 4 adults | INR 7000 |
| 5 – 10 adults | INR 6000 |
Please Note:
- The rates mentioned are only for the cost of the workshop and for an extra lunch on day two. You will also need to pay for the accommodation and meals as per the regular tariff.
- The workshop can be custom designed as per a topic of your choice, e.g., basics or advanced photography, time-lapse photography, post-processing workshop etc. Speak to Phillip on +91-9900147018 for further details.
Have Questions?
We hope you'll find your answers here
How do I make the payment?
We have multiple payment options available from which you may choose one as per your convenience. Details will be shared when we receive your enquiry.
Do you offer any discounts for bigger groups?
Yes, we do offer discounts for groups of over 8 persons. Talk to us to find out how much of discount can be availed.
Can I cancel my stay ?
Yes, you may cancel your stay with us. However, you are subject to the following cancellation fees: You will receive a Full Refund if you cancel your stay more than 30 days from the date of your booking. You will be subject to 10% cancellation fees if you cancel your stay between 7 and 30 days from your date of booking and 50% cancellation fees if you cancel between 2 and 7 days from your date of booking. There is No Refund if you cancel your stay within 48 hours from your date of booking.
I have a large group. Can you accommodate us?
Our homestay can comfortably accommodate up to 15 people at a time in a combination of rooms and luxury tents.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed! This is provided the entire homestay is booked by you or your group. There will be an extra charge levied when you bring your pet along.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, carrying your own food for a snack or as a side to your main course is fine. However, the use of our kitchen to cook your own food is prohibited.
Will I get transport to and from your homestay?
Transfers to and from the homestay are not included in the package. However, if you would like us to help arrange transportation for you at an extra cost, please call us for details.
Are the tents water proof? What do I do incase of rains?
All our accommodations and tents are 100% waterproof. You need not worry in case of a downpour.
Do you have electricity?
Yes, electricity is available at the homestay. In case there is a power outage, we have a UPS backup as well as a back-up generator.
Can I play loud music ?
No, we do not allow loud music to be played as the homestay is located right next to the forest, and this will disturb the wildlife. However, soft music will be allowed for your listening pleasure.
What wildlife can I get to see ?
Bannerghatta has a rich diversity of wildlife. Though tough to spot, the wildlife includes Asiatic elephants, Indian gaur, various species of deer and, if one is very lucky, you may chance upon a tiger, leopard, Indian dholes or a sloth bear, too. The park is also a birdwatchers paradise, with over 150 species including the rare yellow-throated bulbul and rufous-bellied eagle. Be assured to sight at least 30 species of birds within the property. Call us to enquire about recent sightings.
Is it safe to bring children along?
Absolutely! Children are completely safe as long as they stay within the premises of the homestay.
Do you have cellphone/internet access?
There is limited network at the farm. Airtel and Jio may work in certain pockets of the farm. There is no wi-fi available at the homestay.
Are there any other interesting places to visit nearby?
Once at the homestay, one wouldn’t want to leave because of the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the place, however, if you want to explore the surrounding area, there are a few places that you can drive to:
Bannerghatta Biological Park: Located 16.8 kilometres away from the homestay, the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is known for its famous zoo that houses a variety of mammals, reptiles and birds of both exotic and Indian origin, comprising 1301 animals belonging to 78 species that are displayed in captivity. There is also a ‘grand safari’ available that offers visitors a chance to see the tiger, lion, sloth bear and herbivore enclosures, along with a visit to the very beautiful butterfly park.
Muthyalamaduvu (Pearl Valley): Located 35 kilometres away from the homestay, this place is famous for its waterfall that pours onto shining rocks, creating an illusion of a string of pearls, hence the name Pearl Valley. The falls overlook a beautiful mountain range. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the waterfall.
Thattekere Lake: Located 9 kilometres from the homestay, this beautiful flat lake surrounded by forests is a fantastic place to visit. During the summer months, there is a high chance of sighting Asiatic elephants and other wildlife along its banks. The lake is also home to a plethora of birds including many species of duck, storks and other water fowl, which are especially seen during the winter migratory season.