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

Island Tourism in Karnataka

Quick Travel Guide to Islands and Islets of Karnataka


Karnataka’s Tourism has always been know for its World famous Heritage sites but very little information is available in one place on all the Islands one can hop and the related activities from beach picnics to water sports.

The famous Rivers of Karnataka River Kali and River Cauvery not only create some the world’s greatest waterfalls in Karnataka they also carve out beautiful islands and Islets. These desolate and sometimes inhabited islands create some of the most unique travel experiences for Nature and Beach enthusiasts.



Island around Karwar

An archipelago of islands along the coast of Karwar offer some of the most beautiful coastal beaches, enchanting natural splendor and arguably the best diving sites in India. Making Karwar and further up on the West coast Gokarna the new hotspots for beach Tourism in India.


Popular islands near Karwar are DevBagh Island, Anjadiv Island, Kurumgad Island, Oyster Rock (Devgad Island), Sanyasi Island, Sadashivgad Island and Madlimgadh Island. Karwar know for its sparkling azure waters is where there is confluence of the Kali river with the Arabian sea.


DevBagh Island

The most beautiful of all the Karwar Island, this resort is just 22 km south of the Goa border and 2 and half hours from Goa. It can be reached by boat from Karwar. The beaches are pristine and private.

Thickly populated with green casuarinas trees the name literally means the garden of gods.
A great spot to watch Dolphins, it is also a popular Water sports destination. Alternatively you can take a Trawler trip and Island hop across the Kumaragarh Island, Oyster Rock, Anjadiv Island or Anjudeep Island and Sanyasi Islands.

An extremely serene and romantic place it is very popular with Honeymooners. Devbagh also had a great influence on Rabindranath Tagore who stayed here in his younger days. He also penned a poem “Prakritir Pratishodh” about this place.

Devbagh's most popular resort is the Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort


Kurumgad Island

A tortoise shaped island 4 km off the coast of Karwar (it takes a 20-minute motorboat ride to reach this desolate Island).

The Island is now privately owned and belongs to a Coffee Planter Suresh Mathias. It was ruled by different dynasties including the Vijayanagar Empire.

Atop a hill there is an old Narasimha temple that draws thousands of devotees every year during a annual jatra.

An ideal place to spot seals this rock formation according to Geologists was formed from Earthquake activity 300 million years ago.

The Kurmagad Island nearby has an old fort and a Narasimha shrine, worth a visit.
Great Outdoors Island Resort at Karwar is located at Kurumgad Island at 45 mins ferry ride from Karwar


Sadashivgad Island

This Island is connected with a 1 Km long bridge. This densely populated hamlet is a few Km from the mainland of Karwar. The Island has a famous fort and Durgadevi temple. The fort leads to a hill from where you get great views of the sea and Islands including Devbagh. The fort itself is quite dilapidated and very little remains.

Estuary View Resort is an Ayurveda Resort located at on a hill overlooking the Devbagh Island and Kali River at Sadashivgad, Karwar (Karnataka, India).


Anjadiv Islands (Anjadip or Angediva)

With an area of 1.5 sq km, it is the largest of the karwar Panchdiva chain of five Islands. Anji stands for five in Tamil and it denotes the fifth Island.
It is a 30 min boat ride 4 Km. This idyllic Island is home to the Indian Navy.

The island has some remains of the bygone Portuguese era, some old houses and Chruch ruins. Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes described it as the "Island of Amours".

Map of Anjadiv Islands


Madlimgadh Island

This Island is used as a Picnic spot; both Wild Buffalos and the British have inhabited this small island.


Sanyasi Island

Most of the Island resorts provide a complimentary boat trip to the Sanyasi Island. There is an interesting legends about this Island, in ancient times, a sage sought refuge on this island for penance and hence the name.


Devgad Island

Also know as Oyster Rocks these are a group of islands and rocks, There is a Lighthouse on the main summit at Devad gudda. There is thick forest growth on this hill top.


Map for Devgad Island

Map of Kawar

Best time to Visit Karwar and Karwar facts


Islands around Murudeshwar, Bhatkal and Honowar


Nethrani Island (Netragudo, Netrani or Pigeon Island)

Nethrani is a small uninhabited island, 18 km southwest off a small fishing village Murdeshwar and is shaped like a upturned boat with some vegetation along the rocky outcrop. The Island is famous for its Shiva temple and for having some of the best dive sites in world (You do have to travel to far of sites in Andamans or Lakshadweep).

You can see everything from Turtles to Barracuda. The diversity of marine life here is truly amazing and great spot to watch whales (August is the season when Tiger sharks come to Netrani Island).
Nethrani is also an excellent picnic spot.

The dive sites range from 6 to 40 metres deep and are famous for their clear waters (Visibility from 15 to 30 meters). Nethrani’s rich coral reefs are teeming with schools of marine life including Barracuda, Jacks, Snappers, Red tooth triggerfish, Indian Bannerfish, large shark- like Cobia, Groupers, Honeycomb Moray Eels, Pufferfish and Napoleon Wrasse.

Netrani Island, a coral reef, 18 km off Murdeshwar in the Arabian Sea, will be a national marine park, according to a proposal to be submitted to the Centre.

To reach the island you can take a boat from Murudeshwar or optionally hire a trawler from Bhatkal/Honowar. (Watch the colour of the sea change from turquoise to crystal clear dark deep blue as you cross 9 km range from Murdeshwar)

Distances from closeby travel destinations

Goa 220 Km (Four hour drive)
Bhatkal 16 km
Mangalore 165 Km
Bangalore 465 km
Karwar 120 Km
Shimoga 195 Km

BMIC and Barracuda Diving, Goa, organises weekend tours to the island.


Basavaraja Durga Island

It is situated about 3 kms from Honnavar. The island is famous for its historical Island fort, built during the regime of Shivappa Nayaka, king of Keladi dynasty.


Island of Mallikurve



Islands around Udupi and Malpe

St. Mary’s Island, Panna Island and Darya Bahadurgadh Island are few of the Islands you can visit from Maple.


St. Mary’s Island

St. Mary's Island is 300 m long and 100 m wide and its uniqueness is in the basalt rock formations that rise abruptly from the sea bed in various shapes.
It is a popular picnic spots with locals and tourists alike.

More about Boat rides to St. Marys Island in this post.


Panna Island

This is small situated nearly 5 kms from St. Mary's Island


Darya Bahadurgadh Island

Daria-Bahadurgad Island the northern-most island also close to near Udupi or Malpe is famous for its export of processed fish. While on this Island you can visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe's oldest tile factory.


Map of Udupi

Best time to Visit Udupi and more Udupi Facts



Islands around Dandeli

Dandeli is famous for the many tiny islets that exist in the midst of the extensive back waters from the Supa reservoir. All these islands are uninhabited and provide a serene environment for Camping.

You can find more about Boat rides in this post on Water sports.

Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort, Jungle Camp Resort)


Map of Dandeli


Best Time to Visit Dandeli and Facts about Dandeli



Islands around Mysore and Bangalore

The river Cauvery and its tributaries form many islands along the way from Coorg down to Tamilnadu. The main islands of Srirangpatnam and Sivasamudram are easily accessible from both Mysore and Bangalore. It is recommended that you base yourself in Mysore if you plan to visit these islands.


Srirangpatnam Island

Srirangpatnam 140 Km from Bangalore and 15 Km from Mysore is one of the Islands formed by the river Cauvery. The Island is 5 kms long and 1 km wide with the River Cauvery forming a natural moat. The breach on the Islands’s fort wall made by the British forces, which brought down the Sultan, can still be seen near the bridge. (The original bridge called the Wellesley Bridge is the only link with the fort).

All the dynasties, of whose kingdom this island had formed a part, have left their relics and monuments here – the Hoysalas of 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chanidragiri in 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan, then the French and finally the British. Thankfully after the battle for Sriragpatnam the Britsh ransacked the city and destroyed Tipu’s palace but they left the religious structures intact Popular relics are the temple of Shri Ranganatha which is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architecture, a Jain basdi dedicated to Adinatha, houses images of all the 24 tirthankaras and the Jama Masjid with two minarets built by Tipu(He lies buried beside his father in the tomb Gumad-e-Ala).

To have complete view of the island, you can go up to Karighatta Hill where the British had placed their cannons during the siege of Srirangapattana. From this hill about five kilometres away you will get a good view of entire landsacpe. There is also a small temple on top.

Some Home Stays and Hotel options in Mysore


Map of Srirangapattana

Best time to visit Srirangapattana and Facts about Srirangapattana



Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Island


Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 4 Kms to the South West of Srirangapatna is situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India ’s famous ornithologist. Dr. Salim Ali who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore , advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.

It includes six isolated islets, which provides abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon making Ranganathittu a favorite destination for migratory birds. Some species of birds that have made Ranganthittu their home are spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white Ibis, little cormorants, egret, heron, partridge, river tern, stone plougher, snake bird, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks. The birds begin arriving in the sanctuary in December every year, breed and move out with the little ones in August.

The best time to visit this Sanctuary is between June - November.

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


Sivasamudram Island

80 km from Mysore, 27 km from Somanathapura and 40 km from Mandya is the island town Sivasamudram. The river Cauvery bifurcates forming the sacred islands of Sivasamudram,

Around Sivasamudram are the scenic twin Sivasamudram Falls of Bhar Chukki and Gagana Chukki, plunging 320 ft and reaching a width of 1,000 ft in the rainy season (the most alluring sights on the Island). The falls supply hydroelectric power to Mysore and Bangalore. There are temples dedicated to Ranganatha, Someswara, Veerabhadra and Mariamma.



Islands around Coorg


Cauvery Nisargadama

The river Cauvery originates at the foot of Brahmagiri hills at a place called Talacauvery, the meandering river has created a cluster of islands and islets teeming with greenery, flora and bird life. Nisargadhama is one of the biggest and most picturesque.

2 km from Kushalnagar lies on the highway linking Madikeri and Mysore is where you can find this riverine island carved by the Cauvery river in the plains. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo groves, teak, and rosewood trees. A wooden bridge (75-metre high), fixed with steel cables to trees at both the ends, is the only approach to this islet from this mainland. The snady beds of the river provide for a great picnic spot, you find deer, elephants and can take boat rides. Do not miss the 45-min walk along the rim of the island.

Map of Coorg

Best time to Visit Coorg and more Coorg Facts

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)