Tavarumane Homestay: Blissful Rural Holiday Destination in Karnataka

Modernization, better accessibility and increasing pollution levels have ensured that we have to look far and wide to find those ideal relaxed holiday getaways that are located in the lap of nature, are built around a sustainable economy, are far away from all kinds of pollution and where there is no modern day chaos. Rural getaways with remote destinations fit the bill, but they are few and far between. One such blissful rural holiday location that I came across recently is Tavarumane homestay, a beautiful home and farm stay that is located amidst mountains, forests, streams, waterfalls, plantations and farms in the Jajjigudde village of Uttara Kannada in Karnataka.



Tavarumane, which literally translates into mother’s place in Kannada has everything that I look for in a holiday destination. It is a mud house that is surrounded by lots and lots of greenery. It has delicious home cooked food made from self-grown or locally sourced ingredients. It has zero noise, extremely limited connectivity and zero internet. It is life at its simplest best with lots of sunshine, good exercise through a multitude of farm, forest and mountain walks, no gadgets, nutritious food, clean air and beautiful nature. And for those who wish to explore beyond the farm, there are many tourist attractions in the Uttara Kannada region like Yana Caves, Magod Falls, Sathodi Falls, Unchalli Falls, Vibhooti Falls, Shivapura hanging bridge and others that can be explored as part of half-day and full-day trips.



Surrounded by mountains of the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Tavarumane homestay is located in one of the wettest regions of the country. And understandably so the vegetation is dense. In terms of farming, only areca palm, rice and vegetables are grown as most other farm or plantation plants do not seem to handle the heavy rains well. On the positive side, this has ensured that the native species of the forest grows in abundance here along with many rare herbs and medicinal plants. This diversity in flora attracts a wide variety of fauna that includes butterflies, birds and wild animals.



Even though the location is pristine and surreal, the highlight of a stay here has to be the hospitality shown by Mr. Hegde and his wife and the food that they serve to their guests. Both of them seem to shower love on their guests and go to any extent to make their homestay experience a happy and memorable one. The yummy food that they serve here is a part of this loving experience. Cooked in traditional local style and with vegetables, fruits and spices that grow in their land and served with fresh cow ghee (from their cow’s milk), fresh wild forest honey (that they rear themselves) and unique sauces, their meals, snacks and desserts are simply unbelievable. Just writing about it brings water to my mouth. Their food was so good that I don’t have any pictures to show for it. The food disappeared into our mouths before we got a chance to take our cameras out. I would visit this homestay any day of the year just for its food.



If good sleep, herbal baths, head massages, lots of sunshine, a rustic farm environment, a local family, lip smacking food, birds and wildlife and forests are your requirements, then Tavarumane homestay is the place that you ought to be checking out. Relaxation, zero (air, water and noise) pollution and digital detox are the main things on agenda here, but if you wish you can add birding, walking and sunbathing to it. And also playing with their in-house cat, dogs and even a wild monkey that visits every morning to be fed. This simple homestay is what you need if you need a true break. I highly recommend this rural holiday gem!



How to reach Tavarumane Homestay:

Tavarumane homestay is located in Sirsi taluk of Uttara Kannada. From Sirsi, you take the Hulekal road, cross Hulekal and Vanalli villages and then further ahead take a dirt track towards Tavarumane homestay. In case you are using Google maps, do remember that there could be some errors in the last mile. It is best to call the homestay owner and get proper directions. Only BSNL mobile phones work post Hulekal.

In terms of distance from Bangalore, it is about 460 kms if you opt for the Shimoga highway and 430 kms if you opt for the Chitradurga – Davangere 4-lane highway.

The nearest railway station would be Hubli. The nearest bus station would be Sirsi. The nearest airport would be Hubli, though Bangalore airport (430 kms away) and Goa international airport (210 kms away) would have the best pan-India connectivity.

How to make bookings:

Call Mr. Padmanabha Hegde at +91 98415 89037. Phone signal can be weak at times at the homestay. Hence, do try after a while if you are unable to get through.

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12 Gorgeous places to stay during a weekend getaway from Bangalore

It is that time of the year when the Western Ghats are going to be the home of rich monsoon action with lush green surroundings, bustling nature, full water bodies and simply a lot of abundance. This is also the perfect time to head west from Bangalore to experience those surreal weekend and long weekend getaways that include idyllic walks in the rain, sipping hot cups of tea or coffee and reading/relaxing while the world dissolves itself in a blur of rain, mist and fog and going on monsoon treks.

But, the key question here is where to go? Do you go mainstream or do you go offbeat? Do you go to Kerala, Tamil Nadu or stay in Karnataka? Do you opt for a home stay or do you stay in a luxury resort? Should you opt for budget or should you splurge?

I am pretty sure that you might many such questions in your head prior to planning your weekend getaway from Bangalore. I can’t possibly answer all of your questions, but I can certainly guide you to some of the prettiest properties in the Western Ghats for a possibly monsoon weekend or long weekend holiday for you, your friends and your family. These properties fall under a wide budget, luxury and experience net and hence could cater to a wide variety of people. Here is the full list of these 12 gorgeous places from which you can pick n choose for your next Bangalore weekend getaway.

1) Aham Anubhava: Wayanad, Kerala



Aham Anubhava is your traditional plantation home located in rural Wayanad. This is the kind of place to go to if you crave for quiet, lush nature, delicious food and lazy walks. This rural getaway is a perfect place to get in close proximity with Kerala’s laidback countryside, rich birdlife and may be even some wild animals. The highlight of a stay here has to be the lip smacking food prepared by the female head of this family.

You can read my full review here: Aham Anubhava: Traditional Plantation home in Rural, Wayanad, Kerala

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Plantation home, Rural holiday, Home cooked Brahmin food

2) Gravityville: Ooty, Tamil Nadu



Gravityville is straight out of a fairy tale. It is a 1936 colonial home located on a 1 acre plot very close to the golf courses in Ooty. It’s well thought through design, pristine surroundings and easy access to the tourist attractions of Ooty town and outside makes it a hot favorite. And right now, you can get the entire home for a steal. Look it up on AirBnB.

You can read my full review here: Gravityville: A Fairytale Home in the Queen of Hills ‘Ooty

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: British era colonial bungalow, Creative design

3) Keremane: Sringeri, Karnataka



Keremane is your traditional and simple Brahmin household that is surrounded by farms, forests and mountains. The place is simple when it comes to modern day comforts, but it is truly five star when it comes to mother nature. It is a great base for a temple, waterfall or a rainforest holiday. Do remember to try out the vegetarian meals here.

You can read my full review here: Keremane Homestay: Solitude in the Western Ghats

Distance from Bangalore: 325 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Traditional Homestay surrounded by rainforests, Absolute calm and peace, Lush nature

4) Honey Valley Estate: Coorg, Karnataka



They were once the largest producers of honey. Today, they make do with coffee estates, spice farms, fruit orchards and an extremely popular homestay. All of 100 acres, Honey Valley Estate is the last point of civilization before you head into tropical jungles and to Thadiyendamol, the highest peak in Coorg. The highlight of a stay here are its umpteen walks and treks.

You can read my full review here: Honey Valley Resort: A Peaceful Homestay in Coorg

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: 100 acres of coffee estate and spice gardens surrounded by waterfalls, streams, rainforests and tall mountains, bird watching

5) Windermere River House: Inchathotty, Kerala



If you are looking for a tropical destination to unwind, Windermere River House has to be it. Located by the banks of the Periyar river, Windermere River house offers that perfect blend of luxury, nature and laidback Kerala countryside. The Thattekad Bird sanctuary and the Neriamangalam forest are located close by for all those bird and wildlife lovers.

You can read my full review here: Windermere River House: Where time goes for a stroll

Distance from Bangalore: 535 kms

Budget Range: $$$

Experiences to be had:

6) Niraamaya Cardamom Club, Thekkady, Kerala



Niraamaya Cardamom Club is the kind of place where you can not only relax, but can rekindle romance. Surrounded by cardamom plantations, this place dishes out some amazing Kerala food and offers some authentic Kerala style Ayurvedic massages. Even though Periyar Tiger Reserve and Thekkady are the main highlights here, one can trek around the property and hope to get lucky with wildlife sightings.

You can read my full review here: Niraamaya Cardamom Club: Slice of Heaven in Thekkady, Kerala

Distance from Bangalore: 500 kms

Budget Range: $$$$

Experiences to be had: Cardamom plantations, Traditional Kerala cuisine, Easy access to Periyar tiger reserve

7) Dodda Mane, Agumbe, Karnataka



Do you remember the popular TV show ‘Malgudi Days’ that used to air on Doordarshan a couple of decades back. Well, Dodda Mane is the place where this TV series was shot. This place, which literally translates into big house is not just famous for its history with Malgudi days, but also for its rustic hospitality and rainforest surroundings. This place is like your grandmother’s home – warm and happy. The food here will definitely blow your mind. I will return here in a jiffy just for its food.

You can read my full review here: Dodda Mane at Agumbe: Great Hospitality with a rustic homely experience

Distance from Bangalore: 355 kms

Budget Range: $

Experiences to be had: The house where Malgudi days was shot, Rainforests, Monsoon treks and King Cobra

8) Windermere Estate, Munnar, Kerala



Located just outside of bustling Munnar town is Windermere Estate, a gorgeous cardamom and tea plantation that is surrounded by the towering mountains of the Western Ghats. This luxurious plantation home is perfect for those who wish to explore Munnar and the offbeat destinations around Munnar while indulging in a bit of comfort. The library here is the perfect place for all those book lovers and for those lazy bums.

You can read my full review here: Windermere Estate: Luxurious Plantation Home in Munnar

Distance from Bangalore: 440 kms

Budget Range: $$$$

Experiences to be had: Cardamom and Tea plantations, Luxurious mountain holiday

9) Malnad Homestay, Bisle Ghat, Karnataka



Malnad Homestay is your typical rural homestay that is simple, authentic and is located in a remote village. Surrounded by cardamom and pepper plantations, this is the kind of place that will be liked by budget travelers. Go here for the gastronomic experience. Meat lovers will have an absolute ball here.

You can read my full review here: Malnad Homestay: Perfect Rural Holiday in Karnataka

Distance from Bangalore: 240 kms

Budget Range: $

Experiences to be had:  Delicious Malnad Food, Cardamom lantations, Rural holiday

10) Gramam Homestay, Kochi, Kerala



A Kerala backwater holiday cannot get any better than this. Located by the backwaters, Gramam Homestay is a traditional Kerala home that is located in a small village about 40 minutes from Kochi. It is that kind of a place that allows you to enjoy the countryside atmosphere while not being too far away from the charms of Kochi old city.

You can read my full review here: Gramam Homestay: Blissful Kerala Backwater Paradise near Kochi

Distance from Bangalore: 520 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Kerala Backwaters, Traditional Kerala food, Kerala countryside, Lush green environment

11) Chingaara Estate, Coorg, Karnataka



Contiguous with Honey Valley Estate, Chingaara estate is named after the mighty Chingaara waterfall that is located in the property. The father runs the budget Honey Valley estate, while the son runs a slightly more upscale Chingaara homestay. This place is ideal for those who love long nature walks and treks. You can also soak in the sun and catch up on some reading.

You can read my full review here:  I don’t have a property review written about this place, but I have one about the waterfall after which it is named. Here it is: Tropical Trek to Chingara Falls, Coorg

Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms

Budget Range: $$

Experiences to be had: Chingaara waterfall, 100 acres of coffee estates and spice gardens surrounded by rainforests

12) Monica Garden Tea Bungalow, Valparai, Tamil Nadu



This is the kind of place where you can spot rare birds and wildlife right from the property itself. Part of the Woodbriar group, Monica Garden Tea Bungalow is a British colonial bungalow that is surrounded by tea estates and the Anaimalai tiger reserve. It is perfect for large families who want to have a special hill station holiday. The in-house chef and especially the dessert chef are legendary.

You can read my full review here: Monica Garden Tea Bungalow: A Colonial Holiday House at Valparai

Distance from Bangalore: 400 kms

Budget Range: $$$

Experiences to be had: Tea Estates, Wildlife sightings, Delicious food, Colonial British bungalow, Hill station

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Malnad Homestay: Perfect Rural Holiday in Karnataka

While luxury holidays and staying in five star hotels have their own charm, I think I connect more with who I am when I go on rural holidays and become one with the authenticity of local traditions and nature.



Last week, while going on a monsoon holiday to the Malanadu region of Karnataka, I opted for one such lesser known location for my rustic holiday. The place was totally remote, but it was endowed with rich nature and super friendly people. There was no phone coverage except that of BSNL, which meant my Airtel connection stayed dormant for 3 days, a real luxury in today’s time and era. The place was surrounded with traditional homes, beautiful spice farms interspersed with coffee estates, dense tropical forests, misty mountain tops, fast flowing streams and a total laidback environment.



Located at an elevation of 3500 feet above MSL, this village of Athihally is one that you would normally give a miss and I am so happy that I discovered it. Located somewhere between Somwarpet in North Coorg and Sakleshpur in Malnad, this village is tucked right between the Bisle State Forest and the Kaginahare Reserve Forest, two gorgeous tracts of tropical rainforests.



As my visit happened to be during the peak rains, I was treated to heavy rains almost always during my 3 day stay. While it did take a few hours to getting used to, the monsoons ensure that the environment is fresh and clean, the greens are as vibrant as possible and the rivers and waterfalls are as full as they can be. Athihally was no different. And boy did I enjoy riding in the rains!   
   


My base at Athihally was the home of Mr Mallesh Gowda and his family, who manages a family run homestay called Malnad Homestay. In his own words, the specialty of this homestay is personalized experience, which means that he doesn’t entertain more than one group at any given time. Set in his 2 acre home and next to his 10 acre plantation, Malnad Homestay offers a traditional home like setting right next to the home of the Gowda family.



He offers all the modern day luxuries like gas heater based hot water (which doesn’t depend on electricity), power backup (to charge all those gadgets), super delicious and organic home cooked food and a total noise free environment. The reason I opted for Malnad Homestay is because his property is where he himself lives with his family and he doesn’t run it like a resort or guest house like the other ones in the region.



There is no loud tour groups or drunken sessions. All there is pristine nature, a traditional Malnad family, their warm hearts and oodles of good ‘ol relaxation through good food, good environment and pleasant nature walks. Mr. Mallesh himself is a jovial person and will keep you entertained at many times. If you like pets, you will enjoy the company of Gundu and Kulla, their two dogs, who are as adorable as they come.



Mr. Mallesh’s wife is a seriously good cook and dishes out all traditional vegetarian and non vegetarian fares. Be it spicy pandi curry, pepper chicken, egg masala, beans with coconut, bamboo salad, Kadubu, Akki Roti, Kessa greens with local tamarinds or biryani, her food is bound to cause your mouth to water and make one happy place.



And after you have a happy stomach, you could potentially go on a plantation walk, take a bath at the Mookana Mane waterfalls nearby, trek to the Kaginhare Fort, soak in the stunning views of Bisle beauty spot, explore the famous Manjarabad Fort and visit Malalli falls, Coorg’s tallest waterfall. Most of these places are just a short drive away and the drive in itself is a stunning experience during the rains. During my visit, I could not see Malalli falls due to landslides and Mookane Mane falls due to heavy floods, but I got a chance to experience everything else.



Apart from the modern day luxuries that I mention above, the accommodation is basic, but it is comfortable. With a private sit out, a hard bed, 24 hours running water, backup power, hot water and a supremely green and quiet environment, Malnad homestay offers more than expected in a rustic holiday. Usual prices per person are 1800 rupees, but Mr. Mallesh is known to offer discounts depending on group size, week days or lean season. Personally, I paid INR 1500 for the 1st night and INR 1000 for the other.



For bookings, you can contact Mr. Mallesh at 94827 24214 or 94489 28393. Hope you enjoy your rural holiday in Karnataka’s Malnad as much as I did!

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