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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