10 Best Places To Stay In South India

South India. Simply two words and there’s a sudden rush of emotions (topped with tamarind!). If you have ever gone on a Southern India tour with your family, you must have witnessed the traditional decor of the homes, italicised coconut trees for company, a tour of the backwaters in Kerala and so on. Not to forget the scrumptious Chettinad-flavoured food and downing bowls of Rasam and authentic Sambhar for meals… If this makes you want to look for places to stay in South India already, we’ve got you covered.

With several weekend getaways near Bangalore and Puducherry, we offer a variety of options for those looking at spending time with their loved ones. From a tour of the coffee plantations to walking hand-in-hand with your partner on the beach and dining at a private deck, the experiences are unparalleled. So, if you’re looking at places to stay in South India, look no further…

1. SaffronStays Suvarna Sangam, Udupi

Looking for some time off with your bae? Head to this rustic-luxe romantic villa for rent near Bangalore. Located on a river island, this home has a private deck with panoramic views. Serene and silent with coconut trees dancing to the beats of nature, enjoy delicious seafood delicacies as you bond once again over some conversations.
To know more about the villa, click here.

(In The News: Private Decks, Gorgeous Sunsets And Lazy Backwaters: Love Is In The Air At This Island Homestay Near Udupi)

2. SaffronStays Kaapi Cottage, Chikamagalur

Kaapi = Coffee.
Rightly named after the 45-acre coffee estate in its premises, this 5-bedroom farmhouse in Karnataka near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has an authentic Carnatic vibe. With charming views, this nature retreat near Bangalore also has options for trekking and birdwatching around it. At this home to stay in South India, don’t forget to ask for the lip-smacking Malnad delicacies prepared by our in-home cook.
To know more about the villa, click here.

3. SaffronStays Ivory Cottage, Hassan

What’s your take on ‘peppering’ your next weekend getaway near Bangalore with an assisted home tour? Well, at this home surrounded by 100-acre coffee and pepper plantations, guests can experience just that. The 125-year-old coffee estate in Karnataka, which was built by Col. Crawford, has two cottages that ensure privacy. At the clubhouse here, you can have your own wine-n-dine session. And if you’re in the mood for a bonfire party, you’ve got that too!
To know more about the villa, click here.

(Read More: Revisit the Regal Era at a Heritage Coffee Estate)

4. SaffronStays Maleya Manor, Sakleshpur

This one’s a starry home, trust us. While on the one hand, the 2006 super-hit Kannada film Mungaru Male was extensively shot here, on the other, you can witness the sky studded with stars. Starry enough, right? This 2-bedroom villa in Sakleshpur is surrounded by coffee plantations, so, enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa while here. Savour delicious South Indian meals and relax in the cosy bedrooms at this home near Bisle View Point. Just the ideal place to stay in South India!
To know more about the villa, click here.

5. SaffronStays Coconut Grove, Harohalli

How about picking your own veggies for lunch from a vegetable garden? At this 4-bedroom farmhouse near Bangalore, you could do that. With an organic vegetable garden, it also has coconut and mango plantations. This pet-friendly home near The Art of Living Headquarters also has plenty of outdoor space; so, unwind over a cup of coffee and vadas in the lawns here. For your next weekend getaway near Bangalore with friends, plan a barbecue and campfire night.
To know more about the villa, click here.

6. SaffronStays RiverSong, Kollam

Privacy, thy name is SaffronStays RiverSong. A 2-acre private island in Kollam, this waterfront villa is an ideal couple retreat in Kerala. Flanked by the Ashtamudi Lake on one side and the Kallada River on the other, everything about this home is unforgettable. One can also indulge in activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, village tour, sunset and sunrise cruise, canoe rides and crab hunting.
To know more about the villa, click here.

7. SaffronStays Riverstone, Mysuru

What reminds you of Mysore? Mysore Pak? Mysore Palace? Mysuru Dasara? A quick weekend getaway to this waterfront villa near Mysuru will etch SaffronStays Riverstone’s name in your mind, too. The 3-bedroom massive brick home in Srirangapatna, a beachfront villa, is located near the banks of the River Kaveri. While you can indulge in some stargazing on the banks of the river, you can also snuggle up with your loved ones in the warmth of the bonfire. You can also go sightseeing as the villa is near Mysore Palace and Brindavan Garden.
To know more about the villa, click here.

8. SaffronStays Thenkani Organic Farms, Denkanikottai

If you want to chance upon some elephants on your vacay without stepping out, then book SaffronStays Thenkani Organic Farms, where elephant spotting is common. Ideal for family getaways in Denkanikottai, this 2-bedroom pet-friendly wooden chalet near Bangalore is set within a forest reserve. Go adventurous as you camp on the hillock, have a bonfire night or opt for sleeping in tents. Relish home-cooked meals in the semi-outdoor dining area, and have a jungle-esque experience!
To know more about the villa, click here.

9. SaffronStays Ocean Pearl, Hejamady

What would define the term ‘best of both worlds’ for you? With the backwaters on one side and a beach on the other, for us, it would be SaffronStays Ocean Pearl. And so, if you’re looking for a family getaway near Bengaluru, this 3-bedroom villa on Hejamady Beach is just perfect. Tuck in coastal meals at this elderly-friendly villa near Mangalore. Pawsome news: The home has two resident dogs, too. So, if you’re scouring for the best beach places to stay in South India, this is it.
To know more about the villa, click here.

10. SaffronStays Southern Seascapes, Kovalam

Does it feel special to stay in a home that has won an award? If yes, then head to SaffronStays Southern Seascapes, a beachfront villa in Kerala. Winner of the Kerala State Tourism Award 2001-2002 for excellence in House Category, this homestay in South India is an ideal romantic getaway in Kerala for couples. Enjoy a candlelight dinner in the open-air dining area with a view of the beach. The exclusive chef here can also whip up an Ayurvedic meal.
To know more about the villa, click here.

Email: book@saffronstays.com | Call: (022) 6811 0811 |
WhatsApp: +91 84240 40040

11 places in India to enjoy your bowl of Maggi!

Reluctant as ever, my Grandpa refrained to eat noodles, until one day, we were both home alone, rest of the family was busy attending a family function, and how he hated outside food! So, to avoid going to bed with an empty stomach, he gave in to the pop culture and asked me to share my bowl of Maggi with him. Surprisingly, one spoon after the other, slurp..slurp..and slurp! He finished his first ever bowl of Maggi! This yellow colored packet had some magic I tell you, even my Grandpa couldn’t resist the 2 minutes miracle! Yes #WeMissYouToo Maggi, hoping for a comeback, or else you will only be heard of in our memories and be seen in our Maggi Selfie’s to our future generation. Below are the places across India where you can have unique encounters with Maggi.

#01 Matheran

Glide over the mesmerizing beauty of Matheran, while you hear the clippety cloc-cloc of horses. This is one among the very few pedestrian hill stations in India! Enjoy the view of forest from the top and munch on your Maggi meals.

Don’t know where to stay at Matheran? Click here!

#02 Murud

Murud, a city in Raigad region is fast becoming a favorite tourist destination because the only sound that disturbs the peace is that of the sea waves crashing on the shores, barely 50 meters away. Because of the land across, the sea here is quiet and tranquil. Wouldn’t it be amazing to spend some time in isolation with your favorite dish i.e., Maggi?

Don’t know where to stay in Murud? Click here!

#03 Lonavala

Let the gentle breeze at Lonavala sooth you, enjoy the warm maggi, a cup of hot chocolate and some corn bhajiya’s at Tiger point. Cuddle up with your friends, gossip about your school days, or take your kids for a drive and share your good old days with them!

Don’t know where to stay while in Lonavala? Click here!

#04 Munnar, Kerala

Kerala is blessed with a lot of beauty, water bodies, beaches, culture & art! So why not indulge into multiple elements and savor your taste buds with a bowl of Maggi which soothes your sense, mind, body & soul! Sip on the soupy noodles and let the waves wash away your stress.

Don’t know where to stay in Kerala? Click here!

#05 Kullu-Manali

After a long drive through the beautiful ghats, relax with your friends or family in the balcony and peep into the nature and come alive while you fight with your friends for the last spoon of Maggi in that bowl!

Don’t know where to stay in Manali? Click here!

#06 Coorg, Karnataka

The old structures and monuments in Karnataka come alive to tell you tales from the past, hear them out on your visit, and on your way back to home, living amid the jungle, let the monsoon showers hinder outside while you enjoy with your delicious bowl of Maggi!

Don’t know where to stay at Gulmarg? Click here!

#07 Srinagar

Remember your Mom waking you up by bribing you a bowl of hot Maggi? Imagine you are on a holiday and you get a home cooked delicious Maggi with added flavors from the hills, nothing like it, right?

Don’t know where to stay at Srinagar? Click here!

#08 Lahaul & Spiti

Out of nowhere amid the magnificent Spiti Valley, when you finally take a sigh & want to fill in your stomach, a two minute Maggi would be a saviour, isn’t it? Settle yourselves under a tent, glance at the mountains right in front of you & let the breeze bring you a homely feeling!

Don’t know where to stay at Lahaul & Spiti? Click here!

#09 Pangong Tso Lake

The deep blue lake reflects the sky and the mountains around. With a falling temperature, this is the perfect location to be your share buddy for a bowl of Maggi! The clouds are just handful away, thin air, silence, you and your Maggi!

Don’t know where to stay in Pangong Lake? Click here!

#10 Sikkim

Do you like trekking in the Himalayan range? Often come back to the base camp with memories from the hills? Ever cooked your own food at the base camp? A two minute break would be such a relief from the long hour cooking procedure! Enjoy the hot Maggi dish with your trek mates and bring back home #MeriMaggi stories.

Don’t know where to stay in Sikkim? Click here!

#11 Marchula, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, an originating point of significant Indian rivers, also known as a land of spirituality, offers breath taking views of mountains to the visitors. This region has multiple options and Marchula, is one among the many! It is a small yet beautiful and famous tourist place. Spend some time observing the running water from the banks of Ramganga and sip on your Maggi soup!

Don’t know where to stay while in Marchula? Click here!

P.S. Cover Photo Credits: http://www.hourdose.com

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

Kerala – God’s own Country. Indeed!

Kalpetta, Wayanad

Close your eyes and think of the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Wedding’. For years, the first thing that came to my mind was chaos. Turns out, that’s no longer the case. I am a proud convert. If I close my eyes right now, I can see myself having the most amazing time at my friend Anjali’s wedding in Kalpetta, a small town in Wayanad. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Kalpetta is a great place to go hiking & then come back to a delicious spread of home made Malayalam cuisine. Yes, I am referring to spicy Meen curry served with hot rice to the view of lush green forests and coffee plantations.

Small towns have their own charm. But it may take a while for you to discover it if you are an outsider and don’t know any locals. In my case, it was different. I got off the bus late in the evening and was met by Abhinav, an old friend of Anjali’s. We were meeting after years but the conversation was easy and effortless. The walk up to Anjali’s house was beautiful. It was a full moon night and I couldn’t help but notice the clean air. That’s the thing with us city folks, we get very excited about clean air.

To make the most of our stay, we even decided to brave the rain and heavy mist one morning. We chose a scenic route and hiked our way up to Edakkal Caves – a site that has drawn the interest of numerous archaeologists owing to detailed carvings that depict human and animal figures as well as tools of pre-historic age. Although not the easiest hike, once we reached the caves, we realised that it was totally worth the effort. Some of us even befriended a few monkeys on our way up and had our share of laughs. That day, Kalpetta really felt like paradise.

Kalpetta, Wayanad
The beautiful mountains of Kalpetta. Photo by Gopika Nair

Anjali’s parents moved to Kalpetta a few years ago because they wanted to live a better life. A life that didn’t include the everyday madness of a city like Delhi. And boy, one look at the house and the green expanse behind it, I knew what a good life this must be. I later found out that they even make their own coffee. Yeah, fresh coffee that comes from the coffee plant in their garden. Dinner was followed by our first conversation with the groom, Nishant. A desi, born and brought up in Australia. One of us asked him what he likes the most about this small town. ‘I like sleeping in the room upstairs, especially when it rains because I can hear it pour so clearly. This may seem trivial, but to me, it feels really magical now,’ he answered. That’s all it took. We all connected with him from the first day and couldn’t be happier for Anjali.

Traditional Malayalam wedding
The bride-to-be performing a puja at home. Photo by Ananya Banerjee

The next morning started with a big breakfast of idlis, vadas & baby utthapams. Although most of us didn’t speak the language, we communicated just fine with the caterers. Gorgeous breakfast, followed by the devi puja, conducted by the bride, for which we all dressed up in traditional cream & gold saris. After the puja was lunch and then, all the women were asked to make 1,000 wicks with cloth, as part of a ritual. But a) it wasn’t easy to make those wicks and b) we’d eaten too much. Again. Evening was mehendi – not a Mallu ritual but Anjali wanted to bring in some Delhi spirit to Kerala. It was amazing to be around so many excited and happy people. That same evening some of Nishant’s friends from back home joined the festivity and together, we all had a blast.

Kerala Malayalam wedding
The six-hour long Vedic wedding in progress. Photo by Gopika Nair

Next morning was the six-hour long Vedic wedding at home with about 80 people. It was a beautiful ceremony, during which we got time to connect with Nishant’s friends. It’s amazing how it doesn’t matter where you are from if your values are the same. All of us felt that about them. We had grown up in such different environments but it was surreal how similar we were. This connection with the people and their locale is what made the wedding trip so special. I’ve only just gotten back, but as I write this, I find the gorgeous landscapes and unspoilt traditions of Kerala inviting me again, and I am lost in the heap of memories. God’s own country indeed!

Kerala is historically termed as Keralam, and is a beautiful state in the south-west region of India. And the best time that reflects the beauty and faith of the people of Kerala is during Onam, the biggest festival of Kerala. A harvest festival, a Malayalam New year, is the perfect time when the beautiful landscapes of Kerala is in its full radiance.

We bring you five best reasons why you must visit Kerala and experience the most marvelous facets of its people as they unfold their rich culture.

#1 Spices & Cuisine

Because the traditional food on Banana leaf at Alleppey lets you savor the taste bud!

Click here to know where you can find the deliciously home cooked food in Kerala

#2 Houseboats

Because the view at Mararikulam will leave you speechless

Click here to know where to stay at Mararikulam, Kerala

#3 Forest & Wildlife

Because Munnar is a home to rich forest wealth & wildlife

Click here to know more about this place in Munnar

#4 Homestays, Culture & Tradition

Because if you have nothing to do, Kerala is the perfect place to do it in!

Click here to know more about this place

#5 The Beaches!

Because not everybody who wander are lost

Click here to know more about this place

To know about more such places to visit in Kerala, click here!

Cover Photo Credits: ww.enticingtour.com

About the traveller: Komal Singh is a fiction writer, based in Bangalore. Beer, books, films, good food, parks, connections and travel make her really happy.