Karnataka Home stays - tariff, quality ratings and reviews.

Tariff and Reviews for HomeStays at Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Mangalore and Dandeli.

Karnataka and especially coorg have pioneered the concept of a Home Stays in India. The idea of giving the traveler a home away from home has started to gain momentum across the state.

Homestay facilitate you to get an insight into local people and their traditions. It gives you an opportunity to mingle and enjoy the local culture and hospitality. Homestays give tourists easy access to local cuisine, colorful festivals and intricate handicrafts of the local people. Home Stays are good options for single travellers especially females or women offering them great security. Some homestay’s allow the guest to be even share activities such as cooking in their kitchen. From the exapnsive coffee estates of Coorg, Chikmagalur and Shimoga to the tiny ancestral homes in Hampi Home Stays they are changing the way people in Karnataka experience places in our state.

Karnataka latest guidelines for HomeStays exempts taxes for Liquor served in Home Stays.
HomeStays are considered environmentally friendly since they promote commercial activity that does not disturb the fragile ecosystem of regions such as the Western ghat.

Finally, in a true HomeStay the families offering home-stay facilities to tourists will have to stay with the tourists and share their homes. It is not the spirit of home-stay when the family that owns the house stay away leaving the tourists to fend for themselves.

No standardization or ratings model yet for Home Stays - Reviews only solutions.

One problem with Home Stays is how do you research about their quality and standards before you travel. It will be a while before there is a model to certify home-stay facilities or classify them into categories which could be used by tourist to choose the good ones from the not so good home stays. A popular internet travel site HolidayIQ has evolved a model where they provide reviews from real travllers you have stayed in home stays and have rated them based on various parameters from food to service. Using these review travelers can make sure their chosen Home Stay is well-equipped and maintains minimum hygiene standards.

There are currently around 800 homestays in Karnataka. The goal is to take the number of homestays to 1,500, this will work out to 7,500 new room options for tourists.

Some of the popular home stays in tourism hotspots are covered below to guide you on your next stay away from home.


Top Home Stays in and around Coorg

Coorg HomeStays Costs and Reviews

In Coorg instead of constructing luxury hotels more coffee estates and traditional houses are being converted into HomeStays where tourists get to know the culture and tradition of the area. Previous post on how Homestays are the fastest growing hospitality sector in coorg.

Top Home Stays in and around Hampi

Hampi HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Mysore

Mysore HomeStays Costs and Reviews

You can find more about Mysore homestays in this few post a few months ago



Top Home Stays in and around Hassan or Sakleshpur

Hassan HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Mangalore

Home Stays in Arecanut plantations coming soon in Mangalore


Top Home Stays in and around Bangalore or Nandi Hills

Bangalore HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Kabini Wildlife Reserve

Kabini HomeStay Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Gokarana

Nimmu Guesthouse


Top Home Stays in and around Udupi

Apna Holiday Home Stay


Top Home Stays in and around Dandeli

Dandeli Home Stay

Train from Bangalore to Mangalore – Ride through Heaven on Earth

Train travel now a real option to experience the Beaches of Karnataka

The new Bangalore – Mangalore train will bring a whole new dimension to Train based Tourism in Karnataka. The train will provide travelers to experience the never before seen view of the Western Ghats – Verdant Valleys, Waterfalls, Nestled Hills, Running streams, brooks and endless Tunnels. Western Ghats is home to 100's of waterfalls and the birth place of many great rivers of Karnataka. Beauty of the Western Ghats can be enjoyed especially while travelling between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road ghat section which promises to be a unforgettable experience. The train will have 18 coaches comprising AC, sleeper class and general service coaches. The problem now is that to start with this will be a night train and while passing through the Western Ghats it will be pitch dark. For now Nature lovers can only sample some of the sights and be contented with convenience factor of this new train service. Mangalore is the gateway to Beach and Sea Tourism along the west coast of Karnataka. Some of the hot spots are Karwar, Udupi and Malpe. These locations are also great destinations in south india and Karnataka for Water Sports and Activities. The journey would take around 12 hours.

Some Trivia on this engineering marvel – There 670 bridges, 110 curves and 57 tunnels, 57 km Ghat section and a 8 degree curve.


Train Stops and Timings

Train 6517 Mangalore Express - Yeshwantpur(Bangalore West) to Mangalore (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun)


Arr and Dep Distance
YPR Yeshwantpru JN 20:35
SBC Bangalore City JN 20:50 20:55
MYA Mandya 22:43 22:45 99
MYS Mysore JN 23:55 00:10 144
KRNR Krishanrajangar 00:43 00:45 179
HLN Hole Narsipur 01:33 01:35 233
HAS Hassan 02:15 02:25 265
SKLR Sakleshpur 03:20 03:25 307
SBHR Subrahmanya 05:30 05:35 417
KBPR Kabakaputtur 06:23 06:25 459
BNTL Bantawala 06:48 06:50 484
KNKD Kankanadi 07:40 07:42 503
MAQ Mangalore 08:05 Destination


Train 6518 Yeshwantpur-Bangalore Express – Mangalore to Yeshwantpur(Bangalore West) (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun)

Arr and Dep Distance
MAQ Mangalore 19:45
KNKD Kankanadi 19:58 20:00 6
BNTL Bantawala 20:18 20:20 25
KBPR Kabakaputtur 20:47 20:49 49
SBHR Subrahmanya 21:50 21:55 92
SKLR Sakleshpur 23:55 00:05 202
HAS Hassan 01:00 01:10 244
HLN Hole Narsipur 01:43 01:45 276
KRNR Krishanrajnaga 02:34 02:35 330
MYS Mysore 03:50 04:05 365
MYA Mandya 04:48 04:50 410
SBC Bangalore City 06:50 07:00 503
YPR Yeshwantpur 07:40 Destination

Bangalore to Mangalore by Road

If you looking to take the road to Mangalore here are detailed driving directions from Bangalore to Mangalore and detailed driving directions from Bangalore to Mangalore

It is around 360Km between the two cities by road.

The drive is quite scenic and the road condition reasonable upto Sakleshpur , the Sakleshpur-Mangalore stretch (around 150 Km) of road is in very poor conditions and currently under repair. Plan for atleast a 14 hour ride given the poor road conditions.

Bangalore to Mangalore by flight

There are daily direct flights operated by all major airlines between Bangalore and Mangalore.

Guide to Water Sports and Activities in Karnataka

Quick Travel Guide to Karnataka Water Sports Destinations (Beaches of Karnataka, Lakes of Karnataka and Rivers of Karnataka)

Water Sport destinations while usually near Sea Coasts or Beaches of Karnataka (HolidayIQ quick take on Beach & Sea Water Sports), the many Lakes and Rivers of Karnataka are hot spots for Fresh Water Sport Activities (HolidayIQ quick take on Fresh Water sports).

Karnataka is among the Top Water sport destination with a large coast line it has some of the best locales for water enthusiasts. Most Water sport destinations would invariably also be great beach destinations. Some of them are large lake based or backwater water bodies. To enjoy the thrills of scuba diving, coracling, surfing, canoeing, kayaking or windsurfing you are looking for, explore the places below.

Water Sport Equipments

The major Water Sport sites in Karnataka are well equipped with excellent quality surf boards, Kayaks, canoes and other facilities. These places also offer expert training for those who are new to these sports. Some types of Water Sports need special equipment, in most cases these are provided by the Resort but it is a good idea to check before had if there are any special charges and or equipment that you may have to carry yourself. The major Water Sport resorts or destinations in Karnataka listed below are usually are well equipped with excellent quality surf boards, Kayaks and canoes. Some of these places also offer expert training especially in the case of Snorkeling and Scuba for those who are new to these sports. They all have trained professionals who guide you and supervise your activities. subject to suitable weather conditions

Best Times for Water Sports in Karnataka

For Fresh water sports (Lakes and Rivers) best times are in the monsoon months of July, Aug, Sept and Oct. (One exception being Kali River which is year round except July, Aug and Sept))

For Sea and Beach bound water sports it is all months other than the monsoon months of July, Aug and Sept.

Types of Water Sport activities

Water Sport activities are categorized below by type of Water sport, wherever possible links are provided for Popular Accommodation options and more detailed information on the destination:



Boating (Rowing and Motor Boats)

Pleasure boating is a family sport and is growing in popularity as age is no barrier and it is a easy way to enjoy water. In this form somebody could be powering the boat by rowing or it could be a motor boat maneuvered by experienced driver. Locations for pleasure boating

Kabini Backwater – Wildlife Safari on a boat. – (Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Cicada, Water Woods and Orange County Kabini Resorts)

Brindavan Gardens Mysore – View the park’s fountains while cruising around on a boat.

Malpe (Close to Udupi)– Boat or Ferry ride to St. Mary’s Island - Vasco-da-Gama landed in 1498 on one of these islands, it is one the unique spots in India where basaltic rocks show up such peculiar formation. Popular Resorts -

Ranganthitu Bird Sanctuary Near Mysore - Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, early mornings and evenings are best times to catch all the birds. You can also get to see crocodiles, otters and bats.

Near Dandeli – Moonlight Boat ride at the Bison River Resort

Near Karwar – Speed boat rides at Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort



Banana Boat Cruise

A Banana boat is designed to be pulled by a larger boat where the riders sit astride a large tube. It provides some of the same thrill experienced during water skiing but is a lot easier.

Quite a few of the resorts across the west coast (Udupi, Karwar and Mangalore) offer Banana Boat rides. Popular Resorts - Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort



Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Snorkeling much simpler than Scuba diving is sport where a using a tube the diver floats on the water’s surface. One end fits in the diver's mouth(Who is below the water surface) and the other end extends above the water.

Scuba which stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) requires intense training at least for a couple days. Scuba divers carry a tank of air that allows them to breathe while deep underwater. Divers while underwater explore fish and corals. Diving is usually a ocean sport but some divers also explore lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Resorts near Udupi (Turtle Bay Beach Resort)
Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)



Coracling

A Coracle is a small, lightweight boat that looks like a walnut shell. They are used for fishing or just have a River rafting joy ride.

Resort near Bheemeshwari Location – (Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp and Lodges)
Resorts near Kabini Back Waters – (Jungle Lodges Kabini)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort, Jungle Camp Resort)



Rafting (Still water rafting)

Raft is the simplest type of watercraft. Modern rafts called rubber dinghies are in use today. The rubber dinghy is a boat consisting of a rubber shaped tube filled with air.

Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort)
Resorts near Udupi (Turtle Bay Beach Resort)
Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)



Canoeing

Canoeing is a sport where the paddler propelling a canoe through water, sometimes down a stream or river. Requires advanced training and great stamina. If done in a Whitewater river environment it requires significant expertise and skill to navigate the canoe through rapids.

Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort)



Kayaking

The kayak is propelled by a double-bladed paddle and requires both stamina and the paddler to keep balance while maneuvering the Kayak. Canoes are also made of fiberglass, plastic, and sometimes hard-rubber. This sport is usually enjoyed in pairs.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Resorts near Kabini Back Waters (Cicada)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Surfing (Surf Boards)

Surfing which is Riding on waves using a Surf Board toward the shoreline takes skill, stamina, and agility. This requires significant practice before being able to maneuver the Surf Board and learn to stay afloat.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



White Water River rafting

White water river rafting location in Karnataka include the Kali river at Dandeli. Kemphole, Sitanadi (near Agumbe) and Netravati. Parts of Cauvery at starting at Bheemeshwari is also popular with White water rafting enthusiants.

Near Dandeli - All through the year except monsoon months of June, July and August

Conducted by Southern River Adventures and Ozone

Organized or Self Contanied white water rafting expeditions at Dandeli - Aquaterra

Near Bheemshwari at Bheemshwari Fishing Camp and Lodges (Conducted by CARE India) - monsoon months of June, July and August

Near Agumbe or Sitanadi which lies in Shimoga district or 105 Km from Chikmagalur (Conduced by Venture Adventure Club or Adreno ) - monsoon months of June, July and August

Near Coorg

At Barapole River (Conducted by Southern River Adventures Coorg) - monsoon months of June, July and August with Rafting base at Ponya Organic Coffee Estate

Organized or Self Contanied white water rafting expeditions at Coorg - Aquaterra Coorg

Near Shimoga or Sagar

Honnemaradu (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Windsurfing

The basic skill required here is to get on and off the board with falling. The basic equipments for windsurfing are a board and rig. In addition the surfer required buoyancy aid windsurfer boots and wet suits. Going in a straight line or going backwards could be quite challenging.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Skiiing

Originally called "aquaplaning”, in this sport the skier holds on to a rope attached to the front of a ski board. Ski boards are usually 6 to 10 feet long and 3 feet wide. The skier has to use their body weight to stand up and manipulate the board., with a rope tied to the front.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)
Honnemaradu Near Shimoga or Sagar (Mr. Swamy, Ms. Nomita - The Adventurers - Ph: 080 3409712/3305508, E-mail - honnemardu@satyam.net.in)



Water Scooters

Water scooters accommodate two people on a ride. This action sport provides all the thrills of a motorbike and is usually easy for even amateurs to get started.

Resorts near Karwar (Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort and The Great Outdoors Karwar Island)

Women making Karnataka’s HomeStays great stay options for budget travel

Women have always been involved in large number of activities that contribute to powering and serving Karnataka's tourism industry indirectly. Karnataka has been an early starter in attracting women to the tourism sector when it extended 5 percent financial assistance to women entrepreneurs who intend to start hotels. This was initiated in 1992 under Tourism Policy to open HomeStays in Karnataka especially in Coorg Coffee estates and Plantations. Today, Women entrepreneurs are the forefront of the concept of home-stay springing up in Kodagu or Coorg and Mangalore districts. There are nearly 600 home Stays in Kodagu and around 75 in Chikmagalur districts that are being operated currently in many cases by Women. They provide tourists a homely experience through local food, cuisine and awareness to Karnataka’s culture. Coorgi’s and especially women folk are great hosts and they like meeting people and socializing.