Tag: Karnataka homestays

Udupi: Coastal Karnataka for Bangalore’s Independence Day Weekend

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By SaffronStays  •  Malpe  •  Independence Day 2026  •  Karnataka Coast  •  Weekend Getaways

Udupi carries its name into restaurants across the country, dosa and filter coffee travelling far beyond the coastal temple town where that tradition actually started. The town itself sits about seven hours from Bangalore, and August here means something different from a beach holiday: the temple at its most atmospheric, backwaters running full through the monsoon, and a coastline better suited to walking than swimming this particular month. Independence Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, and a Friday off turns this into a proper three-day trip instead of a rushed one.

Bangalore’s own Independence Day ceremony brings no-parking zones and road closures around Central Street, Cubbon Road and MG Road on August 15. Anyone driving through the city centre that morning should route around it rather than through it.

Getting There: A Real Long Weekend, Not a Quick Trip

Distance: ~400-440 km   |   Drive time: 6-9 hrs   |   Route: Charmadi Ghat

Bangalore to Udupi is not a casual drive, and this piece will not pretend otherwise. The most direct route runs via NH75 through Hassan and the Charmadi Ghat, a scenic stretch through the Western Ghats that is also the part of the journey most affected by monsoon conditions; heavy rain can slow the ghat section considerably. An alternate route via Shimoga adds distance but avoids the steepest ghat driving, worth considering if the weather forecast looks unsettled on travel day.

Leave early. A 6 AM start from Bangalore makes the difference between arriving in daylight and finishing the ghat section after dark, which is worth avoiding regardless of season.

Wide shot of a private pool villa at dusk near Hejamady Beach, Udupi, monsoon clouds over the Arabian Sea.
Hejamady Beach, Udupi

What August Actually Offers Here

Malpe Beach and the coast around Udupi are not swimming destinations this month. Tides run high through the monsoon, and SaffronStays’ own guidance on visiting Udupi is direct about it: the season is not ideal for beach activities. St Mary’s Island, the basalt rock formation a boat ride from Malpe, frequently suspends its ferry service in rough seas, so treat a visit there as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.

What August does offer instead: a temple town at its quietest, and backwaters at their fullest.

What the season does hand over is different. The backwaters around Udupi run full and green, walking weather along the coast is pleasant between showers, and the town’s temple culture, which runs on its own calendar regardless of tide charts, is worth the trip on its own. Kapu Lighthouse, about 15 kilometres south of Udupi, is a better coastal stop than the beach itself this month: the walk up is short, the structure has stood since 1901, and the viewing point sits high enough to watch the monsoon surf from a safe distance rather than in it. Swimming is not advised here either; the sea runs just as rough as it does at Malpe.

Where to Stay in Udupi

SaffronStays Blue Flag House beachfront exterior with private pool, Hejamady, monsoon sky.
Beachfront private pool villa, Blue Flag House, Udupi

Two villas here cover different versions of this trip. SaffronStays Blue Flag House is a three-bedroom beachfront villa in Hejamady, close enough to the coast to make walking, not swimming, the plan, with a private pool that does the actual swimming work this month. It suits a group that wants the sea nearby without needing to enter it.

SaffronStays Suvarna Sangam Sharavathi takes the quieter, inland version instead: a one-bedroom riverfront villa built for a couple or small family, where the water views come from a backwater rather than the open coast. It suits a smaller, slower trip over a group getaway.

Krishna Matha and the Real Story Behind Udupi Food

Udupi cuisine, the dosa-and-filter-coffee tradition now found in restaurants across the country, started here, at the Krishna Matha temple founded by the philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century. The temple kitchens developed sattvic vegetarian cooking, no onion, no garlic, meant as offerings to Krishna, and those same principles still shape what gets served at the temple’s free dining hall today, where devotees are fed twice daily, seated on the floor and served off trolleys.

August carries a specific significance here beyond the monsoon itself: it falls within Chaturmasa, a four-month religious observance period with its own dietary restrictions in the temple kitchens. The temple stays fully open to visitors through this period, free meals continue as usual, and the restrictions affect the kitchen’s ingredients rather than anyone’s ability to visit. For anyone curious about where the dosa actually came from, this is the source, not a recreation of it.

Is This Weekend Worth the Drive

Nine hours each way is a real commitment, and this trip suits a proper three-day weekend more than a rushed two-day one. For anyone who can take Friday, August 14 off, the math works: a full day and two nights in Udupi still leaves real time to see the temple, walk the coast, and use the villa itself as much of the plan. Split the drive if nine hours straight feels like too much in one push; Chikmagalur, roughly three hours from Bangalore and two from Udupi on the route via Agumbe, works as a one-night stop for anyone willing to turn this into a four-day trip instead of three.

Skip it if the only free time is Saturday and Sunday alone; the drive would eat most of both days. Better to wait for a longer window than to spend a weekend mostly in the car.

Temple bells, sea air, and someone else cooking.
Browse private-pool villas in Udupi on SaffronStays and lock your Independence Day long weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Udupi from Bangalore?

About 400 to 440 kilometres depending on route, roughly 6 to 9 hours by road via the Charmadi Ghat. This is a genuine long-weekend distance rather than a quick day trip.

Is it safe to swim at Malpe Beach in August?

Not recommended. Malpe carries explicit monsoon advisories for high tides and strong currents. SaffronStays’ own guidance notes that monsoon is not ideal for beach activities in Udupi; a villa pool is the safer way to swim this month.

Is St Mary’s Island open in monsoon?

Boat service to the island is frequently suspended in heavy rain and rough sea conditions. Check locally on the day rather than assuming the crossing will run.

What causes Independence Day traffic in Bangalore?

The city’s own flag-hoisting ceremony brings no-parking zones and road closures around Central Street, Cubbon Road and MG Road on August 15. Confirm the current advisory closer to the date.

What is the best villa in Udupi?

SaffronStays Blue Flag House, a three-bedroom beachfront villa in Hejamady, suits a group that wants the coast close by. SaffronStays Suvarna Sangam Sharavathi, a one-bedroom riverfront villa, suits a couple or small family wanting quiet backwaters instead.

Can Krishna Matha be visited during Chaturmasa?

Yes. The temple remains open and the twice-daily free meals for devotees continue as usual; Chaturmasa affects the temple kitchen’s ingredient restrictions, not visiting hours.

Coorg in July 2026: Coffee, Rain, and the Particular Silence of a Misty Plantation

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Rain falls on a coffee plantation differently than it falls anywhere else, settling into the leaves one at a time rather than crashing against them, until the whole estate holds a low steady hush that makes conversation start to feel unnecessary. This is Coorg in July, and it behaves nothing like the version of Coorg that shows up on postcards and winter itineraries.

Most travellers picture Coorg in its winter form, with clear skies, an organised weekend circuit between viewpoints, and a waterfall stop timed carefully against traffic on the way back to Bangalore. July asks for something slower and less scheduled than that, because the coffee plants are still holding the last of their berries before the October harvest, mist sits low in the valleys until well past mid-morning, and the whole district settles into a rhythm that rewards travellers willing to slow down and run on it too.

July does not interrupt Coorg. It is the month the plantation was built for.

Table of Contents

What July Actually Looks Like in Coorg

July sits at the centre of Coorg’s monsoon, with temperatures holding between 19°C and 25°C through most of the month and rain arriving in spells rather than a single continuous downpour, often clearing by afternoon before returning again by evening. Roads to Madikeri, Virajpet, and the main plantation belts generally stay open under normal conditions, though a handful of interior trekking trails close temporarily after the heavier spells pass through.

This is also the wettest stretch of the year, with July rainfall typically running between 900 and 1,200 millimetres, which means waterfalls across the district hit their strongest flow of the entire year. Coffee plants, still carrying the last of their cherries before the October harvest, turn a deep saturated green that photographs never quite manage to capture, no matter how good the camera.

None of this makes July a compromise season for anyone willing to plan around it. It makes it a different destination altogether, one built around slowness and atmosphere rather than a tightly packed sightseeing checklist.

The Particular Silence of a Working Plantation

Most travel writing about Coorg leads with waterfalls, but the real character of July here runs quieter than any single landmark can capture. It lives in the sound of rain on a tin roof at six in the morning, the smell of wet earth mixing with drying coffee cherries on a covered drying floor, and the mist that collects at the base of the hills and refuses to lift until well past mid-morning most days.

Staying inside a working plantation, rather than at a hotel on its edge, changes how the entire month feels, because mornings start with walks between coffee rows still dripping from the night before and evenings settle into sitting under a covered veranda with a filter coffee, watching rain move across the valley as though it has somewhere else to be. Nobody is rushing between attractions in a stay like this, since the plantation itself has quietly become the attraction.

This is where a heritage bungalow earns its keep over a standard resort room, and SaffronStays’ Calamondinn Bungalow, a 130-year-old colonial home set inside a working coffee estate near Nagarhole, is built for exactly this kind of month. High ceilings and wide verandas were designed for tropical rain long before air conditioning existed, and in July that old design does genuinely useful work, letting guests wake to birdsong between showers, take guided walks through the plantation with the host, and sit down to meals cooked from what the estate itself produces just outside the kitchen door.

Most visitors think of a Coorg homestay as somewhere to sleep between waterfalls. In July, the plantation itself becomes the reason to stay.

Things to Do Between the Showers

Coorg in July rewards a flexible itinerary far more than a tightly packed one, and a handful of spots are genuinely worth building the day around rather than rushing past on the way to the next stop.

Abbey Falls runs at its most powerful this month, framed by coffee and spice plantations along the approach road, and the viewing platform stays open in most weather even though the walkway leading up to it can turn slippery after a heavy spell.

Dubare Elephant Camp, sitting on the banks of the Kaveri, continues operating through July, and the swollen monsoon river adds a real sense of drama to the whole setting that the dry season simply cannot match.

Raja’s Seat in Madikeri offers a different kind of view in the rain, with mist rolling through the valley below in slow waves while the garden empties out compared to peak season, which makes the whole spot feel almost private for anyone who visits early.

Namdroling Monastery, home to one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist settlements in India, works particularly well on a heavier rain day, since its gold statues and detailed murals hold their own against grey skies outside and give travellers somewhere absorbing to spend an hour indoors.

Monsoon travel note for Coorg, July 2026

Short treks around Tadiandamol or Brahmagiri are possible with a local guide, but trails get slick and leeches are a genuine consideration this month. Guided routes only, and carry high socks. Ghat sections on the Madikeri-Mangalore route can slow down after heavy rain. Check conditions before setting out, and build a buffer into any drive. Most main attractions, including Abbey Falls, Dubare and Madikeri Fort, stay open through normal monsoon spells. A raincoat and closed waterproof shoes matter more than an umbrella.

Where to Stay: Four Coorg Villas Built for the Rain

Coorg’s monsoon character comes through best in homes that were designed around the plantation rather than built apart from it, and a few SaffronStays properties do this particularly well, each in its own way.

Calamondinn Bungalow remains the standout choice for July. Set inside its own coffee estate near Nagarhole National Park, this five-bedroom colonial home combines antique furnishings with genuine estate life, from guided plantation walks and home-cooked Kodava meals to covered verandas that turn every rain shower into part of the stay rather than an interruption to it. SaffronStays has also been recognised at the MakeMyTrip Awards for India’s Favourite Villa, which is a fair marker of the hospitality standard guests can expect across the wider portfolio.

Tanjore Villa takes a completely different route. Guests enter through a 172-year-old temple door into a five-bedroom heritage home filled with rosewood furniture and gold-leaf Tanjore art, and a stream runs through the property and past several of the bedrooms, so that in July the constant sound of moving water becomes a calming presence running through the estate’s coffee and avocado plantations.

Coorg Toddy Farms, a traditional Mangalore-style villa set on the Harangi backwaters, sits inside its own coffee plantation and offers a quieter, more rustic take on estate living, with the nearby river adding an extra layer of monsoon atmosphere that suits travellers looking for something less polished and more immersive.

Jerdon’s Perch, sitting on the edge of the Coorg-Sakleshpur coffee belt, is a pet-friendly pool villa surrounded by plantations and paddy fields, and it tends to suit larger groups who want open lawns and shared spaces to go along with their estate walks.

The same rain that closes a beach opens up everything a coffee estate has to offer.

Getting There and Packing for July

Coorg sits roughly 250 to 260 kilometres from Bangalore, which typically works out to a drive of five to six hours depending on whether the route runs through Mysore or Kushalnagar. The nearest airport is Mangalore International, about three to four hours away by road, and the closest railhead is Mysore Junction, around 95 kilometres out, so weekend travellers coming from Bangalore should budget for slower ghat sections in heavy rain and build a genuine buffer into the schedule rather than planning it tight.

Packing for July means raincoats rather than umbrellas, closed waterproof footwear, quick-dry clothing, and insect repellent for leeches on any forest or plantation trail. Most plantation stays provide gumboots for guests heading out into the estate, which is worth confirming at the time of booking rather than assuming it is included.

Misty coffee plantation road in Coorg during the July monsoon with the Western Ghats in the background
Stay Inside Coorg’s Coffee Country Private plantation villas across Coorg. Your caretaker, your veranda, your monsoon.

FAQ: Coorg in July

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Is Coorg worth visiting in July?

Yes, for travellers who want lush landscapes, low crowds and lower rates rather than dry, clear-sky sightseeing. Waterfalls and coffee plantations are at their most dramatic this month.

What is the weather like in Coorg in July?

Expect temperatures between 19°C and 25°C, frequent rain spells through the day, and rainfall around 900 to 1,200 millimetres for the month, the wettest period of the year.

Are Coorg’s roads and attractions open during monsoon?

Main roads and popular attractions including Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp and Madikeri Fort generally stay accessible. Some interior trekking trails close temporarily after heavy rain.

What should I pack for Coorg in July?

A raincoat, waterproof closed shoes, quick-dry clothing and insect repellent. Gumboots are often provided at plantation stays for estate walks.

Which SaffronStays villa is best for a coffee estate stay in Coorg?

Calamondinn Bungalow offers the most immersive plantation stay, with guided estate walks and home-cooked meals inside a working coffee estate near Nagarhole.

Waking Up Above the Clouds: A Guide to Coorg and Chikmagalur Coffee Plantation Stays in June

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There is a particular kind of morning that only coffee country can offer.

You wake up to the sound of rain tapping softly against tiled roofs. Wisps of cloud drift lazily through rows of coffee bushes. The air smells of wet earth, pepper vines, and freshly brewed filter coffee. Somewhere in the distance, a Malabar whistling thrush announces the start of another monsoon day.

This is June in Karnataka’s coffee heartland.

While much of the country is battling rising temperatures, the hills of Coorg and Chikmagalur begin their annual transformation. Coffee estates turn emerald green, waterfalls return to life, and the roads winding through the Western Ghats become some of the most scenic drives in South India.

Whether you are planning a family getaway, a slow monsoon escape, or simply want to spend a few days surrounded by coffee plantations and mountain views, Coorg and Chikmagalur offer two distinct yet equally memorable experiences.

Table of Content:

Why June Is the Sweet Spot for Karnataka’s Coffee Country

Most travellers associate hill stations with summer. Seasoned travellers know that coffee country comes into its own once the rains arrive.

June marks the beginning of the monsoon season across Coorg and Chikmagalur. The first showers wash away the dust of summer, streams begin flowing again, and entire valleys disappear beneath blankets of mist. The weather remains pleasantly cool, typically ranging between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for long walks through plantations, leisurely breakfasts overlooking the hills, and afternoons spent listening to rain from a covered verandah.

Unlike peak holiday periods, June also brings a quieter atmosphere. Roads are less crowded, viewpoints feel more intimate, and plantation stays offer a sense of privacy that is increasingly difficult to find in popular destinations.

Practical note: early June (before the 15th) is the most rewarding window. The hills have already greened up and waterfalls started flowing, but the heaviest sustained rain has not yet arrived. Carry a waterproof layer, wear high socks on plantation walks (leeches appear in damp undergrowth), and build flexibility into your plans. Some trails close temporarily after heavy rain.
Emerald green coffee bushes shaded by silver oak trees on a Coorg estate in the June monsoon, Karnataka

Coorg: Where Families Find Space to Slow Down

Ask anyone in Karnataka about their favourite monsoon destination and chances are Coorg will feature near the top of the list.

Known as the Scotland of India, Kodagu district combines rolling coffee estates, forested hills, rivers, and charming plantation homes that have been welcoming guests for generations. For families looking for private villa stays in Coorg, the region offers a compelling alternative to conventional hotels. Private villas allow families to gather under one roof, share meals together, enjoy expansive gardens, and experience the slower rhythms of estate life.

A typical day in Coorg rarely needs an itinerary.

Mornings begin with steaming cups of locally grown coffee. Afternoons are spent exploring nearby waterfalls, driving through mist-covered roads, or simply watching clouds move across the hills. Evenings often end around a bonfire when weather permits, accompanied by local Kodava cuisine and stories that stretch long after dinner.

The emphasis here is not on rushing from one attraction to another. It is on allowing the landscape to set the pace.

Among the most rewarding ways to experience Coorg is by staying within a working plantation itself. SaffronStays operates private villas set amid acres of greenery, with views of the Harangi backwaters and the quiet rhythms of a working estate that many day visitors never see.

Chikmagalur: Living Among the Coffee Estates

If Coorg feels established and familiar, Chikmagalur feels wonderfully immersive.

Often regarded as the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India, Chikmagalur has a long association with sprawling estates, mountain landscapes, and plantation culture. The region’s elevation gives it a distinct character. The roads are steeper, the views broader, and the coffee estates stretch as far as the eye can see.

For travellers seeking a luxury plantation stay experience in Chikmagalur, the appeal lies in staying within these estates rather than merely visiting them.

A morning walk here might take you through rows of coffee bushes shaded by silver oak trees. You could spend an afternoon learning about the coffee-growing process from bean to brew, before returning to a verandah overlooking rolling hills wrapped in mist.

Unlike busier hill destinations, Chikmagalur rewards travellers who appreciate slower experiences. Time is measured not by sightseeing checklists but by cups of coffee, changing weather patterns, and conversations that unfold naturally.

SaffronStays properties in Chikmagalur place guests in the heart of plantation landscapes, allowing them to experience the region’s defining character from the moment they wake up. The result is not just a stay in Chikmagalur. It is an opportunity to live, however briefly, within the rhythms of a working coffee estate.

Sunrise over rolling coffee estates in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, with mist filling the valleys in June

Coorg or Chikmagalur: Which Makes the Better Drive from Bangalore?

One of the biggest advantages both destinations share is accessibility from Bangalore.

Coorg typically takes between five and six hours by road via the Mysore route. Chikmagalur is often a little closer, at four to five hours via NH75 through Hassan. Both are well within reach of a Bangalore weekend drive, making them natural choices for the city’s professionals and families looking to escape between Friday evening and Sunday night.

Choosing between the two ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Coorg tends to appeal more to families looking for spacious homes, heritage character, backwater views, and a broader range of activities. Chikmagalur is often preferred by travellers who want to immerse themselves in coffee culture, mountain landscapes, and plantation life with fewer distractions.

The good news is that there is no wrong answer. Both destinations deliver the sense of escape that city dwellers crave, particularly during the monsoon months.

Extending the Journey: Why Kabini Deserves a Place on Your Radar

For travellers planning a longer Karnataka getaway, Kabini offers a compelling addition to a coffee-country itinerary.

While it is better known for wildlife experiences than coffee plantations, the region’s water bodies, forests, and tranquil surroundings create a completely different atmosphere from the hills. Many travellers exploring Kabini waterfront resorts and stays are drawn by the opportunity to spend time near the backwaters, where mornings often begin with bird calls and mist rising over the water.

Combining Kabini with either Coorg or Chikmagalur creates a well-rounded itinerary that blends plantations, forests, and waterfront landscapes into a single journey through Karnataka’s most rewarding countryside.

Kabini backwaters at dawn with mist rising over the water and forest on the opposite bank, Karnataka

Why Private Villas Work So Well During the Monsoon

Rain has a way of encouraging people to slow down.

That is precisely why private villas often feel more rewarding than conventional hotels during this season. Instead of navigating crowded dining halls or busy common areas, guests have the freedom to enjoy the weather on their own terms. Breakfast can stretch into lunch. Conversations can continue uninterrupted. Children can explore open lawns while adults settle into a covered sit-out with a book and a fresh cup of coffee.

The experience feels personal rather than programmed.

In destinations built around nature and scenery, that difference matters. A hotel gives you a room with a view. A private estate puts you inside the view.

A Three-Day Coffee Country Escape

A long weekend is often all you need.

Leave Bangalore early on a Friday morning and arrive in Coorg or Chikmagalur by afternoon. Spend the evening settling into your villa and enjoying your first monsoon sunset. Reserve the second day for estate walks, coffee experiences, local cuisine, and nearby viewpoints. Allow room for spontaneity because some of the best moments in coffee country are unplanned.

On the final morning, wake up early, enjoy one last leisurely breakfast overlooking the hills, and begin the drive back with a few bags of freshly roasted coffee in the boot.

The journey home feels considerably shorter when you have spent a weekend above the clouds.

One Last Thought

June transforms Coorg and Chikmagalur into some of the most rewarding destinations in South India. The landscapes are greener, the air is cooler, and the experience feels more intimate than during peak holiday periods.

Whether you choose the spacious charm of a Coorg family villa or the immersive appeal of a Chikmagalur plantation stay, one thing is certain: few places make slowing down feel this effortless.

And sometimes, all it takes is a cup of coffee, a blanket of mist, and a home surrounded by the Western Ghats to remember how refreshing that can be.

Browse SaffronStays properties in Coorg and Chikmagalur at saffronstays.com/villas/villas-in-coorg.

Plan Your Monsoon Coffee Country Escape Private plantation villas in Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Kabini. Your caretaker, your kitchen, your estate. saffronstays.com/villas/villas-in-coorg

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • Kerala in Monsoon 2026: Why June Is the Best-Kept Secret for a South India Villa Stay  (Published 4 June)
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  • Best Places to Visit in India in June 2026: SaffronStays Region-by-Region Guide  (Publishing 18 June)

FAQ: Coorg and Chikmagalur in June

Is Coorg good to visit in June?

Yes, with the right expectations. Early June is excellent: the estates are vivid green, waterfalls have started flowing, and the worst of the monsoon rain has not yet arrived. By mid to late June, expect sustained rainfall and some trail closures. Pack a waterproof layer, wear high socks on plantation walks, and build flexibility into your plans. For travellers who enjoy the atmosphere of rain and mist, June in Coorg is genuinely magical.

How far is Coorg from Bangalore?

Coorg (Madikeri) is roughly 240 to 260 kilometres from Bangalore, typically a five to six hour drive via the Mysore route (NH275). Traffic through Mysore and road conditions in the Ghats can affect the timing. Most travellers leave Bangalore by 5am or 6am on a Friday to arrive comfortably by early afternoon.

Which is better for a monsoon stay: Coorg or Chikmagalur?

Both are excellent but they offer different experiences. Coorg is better for families wanting spacious villas, heritage character, and a wider range of activities around the Harangi backwaters and nearby attractions. Chikmagalur is better for travellers who want pure plantation immersion: steeper terrain, broader views, and a stronger focus on coffee culture. If you have four or more days, combining both is very rewarding.

What is the drive time from Bangalore to Chikmagalur?

Chikmagalur is roughly 240 kilometres from Bangalore via NH75 through Hassan, typically four to five hours by road. The route passes through pleasant countryside and the drive itself is part of the experience. Start early to arrive before afternoon and make the most of your first evening at the estate.

What should I pack for a Coorg or Chikmagalur monsoon stay?

Waterproof jacket or poncho, waterproof shoes or sandals that can get wet, high socks for plantation walks (essential for leech protection in damp areas), a light fleece for evenings (temperatures drop to 16 to 18 degrees Celsius after dark), and a power bank since signal can be patchy on estates. Leave itinerary pressure at home. The best thing to pack for a monsoon coffee country stay is willingness to let the weather decide the day.

Discovering local food in Homestays across India

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Maharashtra homestays

As travellers, we’re always on the look out for restaurants and dhabas that will give us a taste of local food, irrespective of whether we’re in a city or somewhere exotic. Sometimes, we stumble upon, or are directed to the right food joints, but other times, we come back from a beautiful place with no idea what the food there tasted like.

Call us lucky, but when we travelled, we managed to satisfy both our curiosity and cravings without stepping out of the comfort of the home stays that we were staying in. Our team and some of our favourite travel bloggers share their stories about discovering local food in home stays across India.  Get your taste buds tingling.

 

New found love for Bamboo shoot – tasting Assamese cuisine in Guwahati 

Homestay in Guwahati
Delicious and flavoursome Assamese cuisine. Photo by Tejas Parulekar

“We’d reached Guwahati after a long day of travel and once in the beautiful home stay run by Mrs. Sheila, we began pining for some authentic local food. So, at a short notice, our cook-cum-caretaker,  prepared a flavoursome chicken curry with bamboo shoots – a traditional Assamese dish. I was reluctant at first as I recalled the vegetable curries infused with bamboo shoots that we make back home in Maharashtra and one that I am not a big fan of for its pungent flavour. But as I slowly took a bite of the chicken, I was in for a surprise. It was delicious and the chicken seemed to balance the flavours perfectly well. Just when I thought I was done, the cook served us with another surprise – a delicious chocolate pudding – not a local cuisine but it’s definitely one of the best desserts I have ever eaten.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Sheila)

– Tejas Parulekar (Co-founder, SaffronStays)

 

Stress busting menu – Cocktail and hot Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim

sikkim homestays
Delicious Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim. Photo by Sarita Santoshini

“I reached the village of Chota Singtam after a long day in Gangtok and stepped into Mrs. Lalita’s large, stand-alone Bungalow a little more tired than usual. The whiff of fresh vegetables being cooked in freshly grounded spices welcomed me through the verendah and lifted my spirits instantly. After a long chat, she set the table with bowls of hot vegetable soup and  a plate full of chicken momos –delicious Nepalese dishes that are a part of most locals’ everyday diet in Sikkim. We also took long swigs of Bay Breeze, a delicious cocktail of white rum, cranberry and pineapple juice perfected by Mrs. Besnett in minutes. Breakfast next day was home-made bread, mayonnaise and peanut butter. Needless to say, I am a huge fan.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Lalita)

– Sarita Santoshini (Content Editor, SaffronStays. http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com )

 

Not just another bread, but a delicious souvenior – Tasting Poi in Goa

Homestays in Goa
Poi with Chicken Xacuti makes a perfect set for a dinner spread. Photo by Amrita Das

“It was a memorable moment for a non-bread lover, the first time poi’s light husk fell on my fingers in a home stay. I remember tearing the perfect round bun into two and as my thumbs gently broke into the soft texture of the fresh dough, I knew this would soon become a part of my every day diet. Poi is a Goan local bread which is served with almost everything from rasa omelette to chicken xacuti. It can be had with anything or nothing. As a part of my seasonal job as a property manager of a boutique homestay in Goa, I was expected to know the local delicacies. However, poi wasn’t just another local delicacy in the state. Very subtly spiced and hollow in the centre, one fresh poi is good to set you throw the day as a part of your breakfast. My friends and guests have packed poi and returned to their homes, as if it were a Goan souvenir.”

– Amrita Das ( Writer at http://travellingidesofmarch.com )

 

A hearty Malayalam breakfast – eating Puttu right for the first time in Kerala

Kerala homestays
When in Kerala, make sure to try a hearty breakfast of Puttu. Image Source : mydiversekitchen.com

“Puttu, honestly, is not something I thought I liked. But after having tasted it at Maranat Mana, I realised I hadn’t eaten the right stuff till then! Imagine alternating layers of ground brown rice and coconut, steamed in bamboo cylinders and then tumbled onto your plate in neat sections of white and light brown. This is then topped and surrounded by a dark, rich kadala or gram curry. Roughly ground coconut against the soft texture of rice chased by spicy curry that breaks through the sweetness of that coconut. What you have is a breakfast that could easily masquerade as lunch! But it didn’t end there. This was washed down with a cup of strong filter kaapi, and then sealed with sticky and sweet steamed plantains. Excuse me, can you ask for a stretcher please?”

– bhavani (Writer at merrytogoaround.com )

 

Simple, authentic and delicious – Feasting on a Malvani spread in Maharashtra

Maharashtra homestays
A delicious Malvani spread . Photo Source : Mid-day.com

“It’d been a nasty ST bus journey from Mumbai to Velas. The sight of the welcoming shore was something to feast on. But the body demanded a real feast or at least some nourishment. Settled on the floor right next to our homestay host’s kitchen from where the aroma of hot pipping food engulfed our nostrils, we decided to play the let’s-guess-what’s-been-cooked game. In true Malvani style, coconut was the mainstay ingredient permeating the air. Our lunch spread comprised of steamed rice, nachni/ragi (cultivated in their fields) bhakris along with ladiesfinger/okra prepared with groundnut, and – the icing on the cake – prawns, fried as well as prepared with the local curry (on special request just for us). Right from the rice, which wasn’t the basmati a hotel would serve you, and the bhakris roasted over the embers, everything was authentic in spite of the simplicity. Or may be because of the simplicity!”

– Elita ( Writer at nomadicthunker.blogspot.in )

 

A non-vegetarian’s confession – Enjoying Dum Aloo in Kashmir

Homestays in Kashmir
Enjoying a preparation of Kashmiri Dum Aloo in Srinagar. Image Source – tasteofindiafoods.com

“After the long and tiring jourey from Mumbai to Kashmir, the only thing keeping me up was my craving for Kashmiri food. There was a curfew and going to a restaurant wasn’t an option. This is when the cook at our pure -veg homestay served me some delicious Kashmiri dum aloo, prepared with perfectly fried baby potatoes and the right amount of spices, with a stack of rotis. I am not a fan of vegetarian fares, but this was definitely an exception.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Anita)

– Greeshma Soley (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)

 

Developing a taste for Organic food – Home made meals in Chikmagalur 

Homestays Karnataka
Delicious home cooked food in Chikmagalur. Image Source – sugarandspice-nz.com

“Our trip to Sunkasale was made pleasant not only by the heavenly location, but also by the scrumptious meal prepared by Guna aunty in her homestay. The stark contrast of the spicy baby cabbage curry and sweet rice made for a hearty lunch. Homemade butter and rice papads kept us seated on the dining table and chatting even after we had greedily wiped the plates clean. I realised then that there is something different about organically grown food which makes you yearn for more even though your belly screams no!” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Guna)

– Sameer Tambe (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)

 

Have you ever discovered and enjoyed local food in a homestay during your travels? Share your experience with us.

Visit our website to book homestays across India – www.saffronstays.com 

11 reasons I choose a Homestay over a Hotel, everytime!

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Homestay India

Over the last few months, we’ve travelled to different parts of India, from its remotest corners to its most touristy belts. Our team of photographers and travel writers visited more than 700 homestays and personally interacted with as many hosts and locals.  We also discussed the concept with a lot of friends, colleagues and like-minded travellers to understand why they indeed travel, and what has prompted them to move from hotels to homestays.  All this has led us to believe that we are truly onto something magical.

So, while we at SaffronStays are busy curating our website with beautiful properties and travel experiences, I leave you with these reasons to choose a Homestay for your next holiday.

Reason #1 : “I travel to experience a place.”

Homestay Manali
The beautiful backyard of Sneh & Godwin’s homestay in the outskirts of  Manali

We believe that the concept of travel has tremendously evolved in India over the years. While you’d like to visit the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, you’d perhaps also like to dine at a historic restaurant that doesn’t feature in tourist guides. With the little time that we all squeeze into our lives for travel, it is only important that we make the most of it. A Homestay lets you do just that. When you live with a local, you are exposed to local sights, sounds and flavours. A brochure in a hotel’s reception will never match up to that.

Reason #2: “I feel safe”

Homestay Srinagar
Jyotsna’s homestay in Srinagar where you can stay safe with a family and enjoy your privacy as well.

Homestays are largely run by families or a small staff personally appointed by them. Whether it be a sprawling Farm House in Meghalaya or a simple two bedroom home in the mountains of Sikkim, the hosts themselves take care of everything. It is in their own interest to ensure that theirs is a safe place for travellers to have a pleasant stay in. While living with a family gives you company and makes you feel safe, hosts also ensure that you have enough privacy by letting out rooms in a separate floor or an adjoining building some times. Both safety and privacy are ensured here.

Reason #3: “We can savour home-cooked local delicacies”

Homestay food
A plate full of delicious home cooked meal in Sameer’s homestay in Coorg

The best part about staying in a homestay is undoubtedly the delicious home-cooked food. It allows you to understand local cuisine and even learn what goes into the preparation as most hosts willing share secret recipes with you. A lot of homestays in Rajasthan, for example, hold active cooking classes during meal hours. Without the effort of hunting for local restaurants, you can indulge in Pandhi (pork) Curry in Coorg, Gatte ki Sabzi in Jaipur and Malvani Fish Curry with Solkadhi in a quaint village called Parule near Tarkarli.

Reason #4 : “Sometimes, I need my own local Sherpa”

Darjeeling Homestays
Our host in Darjeeling, Ranju, guides us through her village.

Nobody knows a place better than someone who was born and raised there.  Online research is great but usually, all you have to do is ask and your homestay host will share his local insight and vast network with you in minutes. Whether it be the contact number of a reliable auto driver, closing time of a local museum in Shillong, the timing of a special event in a Fort in Jaipur, the best eateries in Mysore and the dishes you should order or the direction to a virgin beach in Kerala – you’ll get this information from no one but a local and your homestay host is the best person to rely on.

Reason #5 : “I need warm glass of turmeric milk at 10 pm for my 5 year old daughter who has a sore throat”

Homestay Sikkim
A host in Sikkim who gladly opens up her kitchen and large kitchen inventory to guests

Ladakh SaffronStays host
A SaffronStays host in Ladakh

By staying in a homestay with another family (host) around, you can be assured that you’re not alone in case of a medical emergency. As a mother, I sometimes need access to the kitchen to be able to cook khichdi (simple rice and lentil dish) for my parents-in-law or prepare a glass of warm turmeric milk for my kids. A lot of homestays will allow you to use the kitchen or willingly help you deal with different situations.

Reason #6 : “Home stays are comparatively affordable”

Homestay Rajasthan
Experience Rajput hospitality in Prabhut’s homestay in a Bishnoi village without burning a hole in your pocket.

Hotels have become prohibitively expensive.  Especially during peak season, hotels could charge you an arm and a leg.  Homestays, however, offer a clean and affordable alternative and come with better experiences. While you might pay the same price in some places, you do so for the personal care and service that you receive in return.

Reason #7: “I am a curious cat”

Homestay Sikkim
Jignay, a host in Sikkim, plays a traditional Bhutia instrument called Damney for us.

Travellers are extremely curious and want to soak up as many stories as they can. Staying with a family gives you access to a lot of such stories during your many conversations with them. Most hosts have interesting background – some have ancestors who were the rulers or royal Diwans of the local state or Governor General of India or are simple families with deep cultural roots in the place that has been inherited over centuries. In Sikkim, we heard a host play a traditional Bhutia instrument called Damney while in Jodhpur, we heard stories about the Maharaja of Jodhpur – each a lasting experience.

Reason #8 : “Home stays generates income for locals”

Homestays Darjeeling
Homestays help women, like our host Mayadevi, gain income and take charge of the household.

Homestays are simple establishments run by local families to augment their family income.  These families tend to open their homes to locals for want of company or for the sheer passion for hospitality. We’ve visited a number of community run homestays during our travels and have realised that the income that is generated from their operations is usually with the aim of making the women in the families more independent. By staying in these homestays, you contribute to their income.

Reason #9 : “I am a strict Vegan”

Homestay India
Our host, Lalita, gladly dishes up a quick meal on request.

If you’re someone who adheres to strict rules when it comes to food, home stays give that option to you. The temple town of Pushkar, for example, is perfect for vegetarians as you can be assured that the hosts cook and serve just that in their homes. Homestays will also prepare and set up your meals in a specific way and with special care for your needs.

Reason #10 : “We travel as a large Indian joint family”

Host families usually enjoy the company of those travelling as a joint family.
Host families, like that of Tanuja & Dilip’s, enjoy the company of those travelling as a joint family and take special care for their comfort.

As Indians, we like to travel as one large joint family. Most often, you’re not looking for luxury but a caretaker or a host who takes care of all your simple needs. You could simply be looking for a place where mattresses are laid out on the floor and you are allowed the space and privacy to have a good time with your family. While you could be restricted to do so in a hotel, a large number of homestays are all about joint families and accommodate these simple requests.

 Reason #1 1: “Because, there is no better place than a home”

Homestays leave with you a warm, unforgettable experience.
Homestays leave you with a warm, everlasting experience.

While we travel to get away, how amazing would it be to find second homes and make new connections with people that become like family by the end of your trip! We believe that in this busy, chaotic world, travel should leave you with an experience like that. By staying in a homestay, rest assured you’ll never be away from home.

 

Convinced and excited to book a homestay? Visit our website.

Read this to know some exciting tips on how to choose a homestay

About the author: Tejas Parulekar is a first generation entrepreneur who has (ad)ventured into a domain that is traditionally dominated by large hospitality chains and other travel portals. A Banker by experience and Chartered Accountant by training, she is aspiring to leave an imprint in the hospitality sector by bringing together the little fish (Homestays) to take on the mighty shark. Encourage her and her homestay hosts by booking your next stay on www.saffronstays.com.