Spring will soon turn into summer and the rising mercury will quickly usher in the longing to escape to the hills. While there are plenty of homestays spread across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the hills of South India are not to be forgotten. Here, the temperature is cool and pleasant, perfect for days spent hiking and strolling through rolling hillside tea and coffee plantations. Here are five homestays in the hills of South India
The Malabar Coast traverses through four states starting from Maharashtra, past Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and all the way to Tamil Nadu. On a two-week road trip from Goa to Kerala, I took National Highway 66, aka NH66 which is a smooth, straight four-lane highway running parallel to the Western Ghats on one side and the western coast on the other. Except for some major road expansion work from Karwar (Karnataka) to the start of the Kerala border, it’s a quick and painless drive with some very interesting highway pit stops.
I usually do some amount of research before I travel but with highway pitstops I’ve learned— especially from this trip—that the best way to do it is based on two parameters: 1. How hungry you are. 2. A quick google map search of ‘restaurants near me’. Any place that has a decent rating (3.5+) and a couple of reviews usually turns up to be worth a stop.
NH66/ Panvel-Kanyakumari National Highway
Ratna Sagar Pure Veg Udupi Restaurant, Karwar
For: crisp medu vadas and fluffy idlis
A two-and-a-half drive down south from Goa on NH66 is Karwar, the bordering town and check post between Goa and Karnataka. A ten-minute drive from the border is Ratna Sagar, clearly visible from a distance, on the left of the highway. With ample parking space, fairly decent toilets and a clean dining area, Ratna Sagar serves freshly-made crisp medu vadas, fluffy idlis and a legitimate sambhar, made with real vegetables and not the sweet watery sambhar we’re served at Udipi restaurants.. Make sure to indulge in some old-school candies displayed in jars at the billing counter.
Tip: Even though you’ve entered the south Indian belt, I’d recommend chai over coffee here.
Location: 99 kms from Mapusa, Goa. R4MJ+X4W, Tariwada, Kodibag, Karwar, Karnataka 581303. Ph: 083822 25017. Timings: 7am to 11.30pm
In 1933, a Sanskrit scholar constructed a house for his Polish wife. Today, its European decor and breathtaking views are open to guests. Cosy up by the fireplace, or play a board game together while the Himalayan scenery works its magic. Wake up to refreshing sunsets next to your bed, and we promise that the king-sized bed, work tables and wooden furnishings will make sure you don’t need to get out of the room all day. Doubles from Rs7,000 plus taxes, including all meals. Website
Beautiful hotels in PondicherryBeautiful hotels in Pondicherry
Feel like you’re in a home away from home at this 200-year-old bungalow in Puducherry. The en-suite rooms come decorated with poster beds under lace canopies and there’s a spacious open courtyard to bask in the sun. The Anglo-French furnishings lend a romantic air to the restored home, and the lack of electronic distractions urges you to reconnect with each other. Doubles from Rs7,800 plus taxes, including breakfast. Website
Located by Umiam Lake, Ri Kynjai opens to views that you can’t help fall in love with. The property has a specialty restaurant, Sao Aiom, where you can explore northeastern cuisine along with the usual Indian and Continental fare. The cottages are inspired by the Khasi thatched huts of the region, and mingle beauty with comfort. Indulge your partner in a Khasi-style massage session at the spa, or enjoy each other’s company in one of the private sit-out spaces. Doubles from Rs11,280 plus taxes with breakfast. Website
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