Western Ghats holiday accommodation, Karnataka
| country: | India | ||||
| location: | Western Ghats, Karnataka | ||||
| price: | From Rupee 1,250 per person per night including meals, based on twin share. Please see child rates below. We are open all year round, except during July and August in the middle of the monsoon.
|
description
This ecolodge in India is a well-appointed and secluded working farm set amidst the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
If you are a nature and wildlife enthusiast, keen on birding, a nature photographer, enjoy trekking or just simply love the outdoors, then our ecolodge is the perfect holiday destination for you.
Your farmstay at this ecolodge will give you an opportunity to experience and observe life in rural India, an opportunity seldom presented to the traveller. Come and have a close encounter with provincial India, the village community, and its culture.
We have just 3 rooms for guests, two of which are without electricity. They have been built using local materials such as mud, bamboo and wood taken from sustainable sources. Other material used, such as tiles, are village, and all have been recycled from old village homes.
We pride ourselves on our food which is both wholesome and healthy, assured by using only the freshest of ingredients, natural herbs and spices, and low cholesterol sunflower oil. We cater for vegetarians. Our forte is Parsee and Anglo Indian Cooking; both communities have a lot in common as town-dwellers, westernised, and lovers of family life, food and drink. Both their styles of cooking are a blend of many cultures.
The ecolodge is situated amongst a 45 acre horticultural farm with Chikko (Achras zapota) as the major crop, and an assortment of other fruit trees including mango. The 15 year old coconut trees have more or less all been destroyed by elephants and consequently cropping patterns have had to change - luckily they do not like Chikkos! - but turmeric has had to replace rice as our monsoon crop.
We have left 12 acres undeveloped where wild animals can come and graze so are not tempted to break into the orchards. During the Summer months, Bison can be sighted as they need to come out into clearings to avoid being mercilessly attacked by blood sucking flies that drive them to distraction!
Trees include eucalyptus, acacia and silver oak and spotted deer enjoy resting here, and a pair of peacocks nested last season. Our water supply is from a natural spring, and the soil belongs to the laterite group.
We also have an assortment of farm animals including a family of pigs, geese, free-range poultry, rabbits, a dog, cats and a duck.
We have a huge selection of activities on offer, or you may choose just to relax, read, chat, or play a game of mah-jongg. Walkabouts on the farm and participating in farm activities are at no extra cost.
Trekking: You will find the Western Ghats a remarkable area to trek in with something for all ages and abilities. Delight in the areas around Abnali, Dongargoan or Jamgoan. Explore the banks of The Bandora and Mahadai rivers, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching & birding. Charges depend on the length of the trek and the area selected.
Birdwatching: The State of Karnataka has some of the best birding sites in the whole of India. Locally we can sight many species common to both the Western Ghats and the Eastern plains and short distances away there are opportunities to watch water birds. There is the Ghattaprabha Bird Sanctuary, best during the monsoon and just after and from November to February village tanks, lakes and dams are host to a number of migratory birds.
Excursions by 4x4 jeep: There are a number of excursions that guests can undertake (local villages,swimming in rivers and waterfalls, wildlife, caves, Tibetan settlement at Mungod, Ghataprabha bird sanctuary, historical sites etc.) The cost depends on the duration, either half or full day, and the distance travelled. All full day excursions will include a picnic lunch.
Community & culture: Rural India is full of colour and activity. Soak it all in by visiting the weekly markets, wandering around surrounding villages, visiting temples, or as a welcomed guests to a local wedding (April & May) or family meal.
Adventure sports: Just an hour's drive away is the small settlement of Ganeshgudi and the river Kali with opportunities for white water rafting, solo kayaking, coracle riding and crocodile spotting!
Textile dyeing & pottery: One of the most enjoyable and satisfying ways to spend your time is to try your hand at dyeing fabric with natural dyes extracted from nature, many having been used since antiquity. You can also spend as much time as you like on our potter's wheel and trying your hand at other methods of pottery making using the clay that Khanapur Taluka is so well known for.
Yoga: Our ecolodge provides a wonderful backdrop to practice your yoga, quiet and serene. Arrangements can be made for a yoga master to give you lessons, beginner's welcome, however advance notice must be given.
Stargazing: The skies over our farmstay are clear and brilliant due to the fact that there is no light or dust pollution due to the forest cover. Our exact location is 15° 35’ 21.3" N and 74° 25’57.2" E.
If you are a nature and wildlife enthusiast, keen on birding, a nature photographer, enjoy trekking or just simply love the outdoors, then our ecolodge is the perfect holiday destination for you.
Your farmstay at this ecolodge will give you an opportunity to experience and observe life in rural India, an opportunity seldom presented to the traveller. Come and have a close encounter with provincial India, the village community, and its culture.
We have just 3 rooms for guests, two of which are without electricity. They have been built using local materials such as mud, bamboo and wood taken from sustainable sources. Other material used, such as tiles, are village, and all have been recycled from old village homes.
We pride ourselves on our food which is both wholesome and healthy, assured by using only the freshest of ingredients, natural herbs and spices, and low cholesterol sunflower oil. We cater for vegetarians. Our forte is Parsee and Anglo Indian Cooking; both communities have a lot in common as town-dwellers, westernised, and lovers of family life, food and drink. Both their styles of cooking are a blend of many cultures.
The ecolodge is situated amongst a 45 acre horticultural farm with Chikko (Achras zapota) as the major crop, and an assortment of other fruit trees including mango. The 15 year old coconut trees have more or less all been destroyed by elephants and consequently cropping patterns have had to change - luckily they do not like Chikkos! - but turmeric has had to replace rice as our monsoon crop.
We have left 12 acres undeveloped where wild animals can come and graze so are not tempted to break into the orchards. During the Summer months, Bison can be sighted as they need to come out into clearings to avoid being mercilessly attacked by blood sucking flies that drive them to distraction! Trees include eucalyptus, acacia and silver oak and spotted deer enjoy resting here, and a pair of peacocks nested last season. Our water supply is from a natural spring, and the soil belongs to the laterite group.
We also have an assortment of farm animals including a family of pigs, geese, free-range poultry, rabbits, a dog, cats and a duck.
special things to do and see here
We have a huge selection of activities on offer, or you may choose just to relax, read, chat, or play a game of mah-jongg. Walkabouts on the farm and participating in farm activities are at no extra cost. Trekking: You will find the Western Ghats a remarkable area to trek in with something for all ages and abilities. Delight in the areas around Abnali, Dongargoan or Jamgoan. Explore the banks of The Bandora and Mahadai rivers, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching & birding. Charges depend on the length of the trek and the area selected.
Birdwatching: The State of Karnataka has some of the best birding sites in the whole of India. Locally we can sight many species common to both the Western Ghats and the Eastern plains and short distances away there are opportunities to watch water birds. There is the Ghattaprabha Bird Sanctuary, best during the monsoon and just after and from November to February village tanks, lakes and dams are host to a number of migratory birds.
Excursions by 4x4 jeep: There are a number of excursions that guests can undertake (local villages,swimming in rivers and waterfalls, wildlife, caves, Tibetan settlement at Mungod, Ghataprabha bird sanctuary, historical sites etc.) The cost depends on the duration, either half or full day, and the distance travelled. All full day excursions will include a picnic lunch.
Community & culture: Rural India is full of colour and activity. Soak it all in by visiting the weekly markets, wandering around surrounding villages, visiting temples, or as a welcomed guests to a local wedding (April & May) or family meal.Adventure sports: Just an hour's drive away is the small settlement of Ganeshgudi and the river Kali with opportunities for white water rafting, solo kayaking, coracle riding and crocodile spotting!
Textile dyeing & pottery: One of the most enjoyable and satisfying ways to spend your time is to try your hand at dyeing fabric with natural dyes extracted from nature, many having been used since antiquity. You can also spend as much time as you like on our potter's wheel and trying your hand at other methods of pottery making using the clay that Khanapur Taluka is so well known for.
Yoga: Our ecolodge provides a wonderful backdrop to practice your yoga, quiet and serene. Arrangements can be made for a yoga master to give you lessons, beginner's welcome, however advance notice must be given.
Stargazing: The skies over our farmstay are clear and brilliant due to the fact that there is no light or dust pollution due to the forest cover. Our exact location is 15° 35’ 21.3" N and 74° 25’57.2" E.
rooms, food and facilities
There are three comfortable independent units available, each styled differently to respect the privacy of guests. Come and experience the art of simple living without electricity, television and the other trappings of modern life. The Machan: A home on stilts 11ft above the ground with great views. Built with bamboo and wood, there is a private western style bathroom at ground level, open to the sky so you can look up and delight in the green forest canopy, far more interesting than a book!
Cold running water is supplied on tap and hot water is available from a 'Bhum' located near by. The Machan does not have electriticy.
The Gota: The Gota is a rural cottage with cool soothing interiors which would be suitable for a family with 2 young children. The floors are locally made with red clay tiles, and the roof is distinctive because of the old recycled, hand made village tiles. There is a modern western style bathroom attached, with running hot and cold water, and electricity.
The Kadaba: Built in the traditional style of the area, the Kadaba is a typical village home which would be suitable for a family with 2 young children. The house is built of bamboo, wood and mud plaster on a raised foundation of rammed earth. There is a modern western style bathroom open to the sky, built with bamboo and thatch. Cold running water is supplied on tap, and hot water available from a 'Bhum'. The Kadaba does not have electricity.
The Recreation area: If you are in the mood for company here is where is it all happens! You will find the dinning area complete with a barbecue pit, comfortable chairs for lounging and chatting, the 'Bhum' for hot water and a notice board to bring you up to date with the latest news.
Family friendly: We welcome families with children. Children under 6 years stay for free, children 7-12 years Rupee 500 (approx £6) per night including meals.
how to find us
We are located in South India, Karnataka State, in Belgaum District, which is on the boarder with Goa. We are located 45 kms from the city of Belgaum. Our nearest town is Khanapur located 18 kms away and 28 kms away from Belgaum.
how this holiday makes a difference
 The lodge was built by the community, and they help us to run it. We give jobs to those who need them most such as women (particularly widows) and the very poor. We try and source as much as possible (products, food etc.) from the local community and hope that when the lodge is starting to do well, we will be able to put back a percentage of our earnings. We have just 3 rooms for guests, two of which are without electricity. They have been built with local materials such as mud, bamboo and wood taken from sustainable sources and other materials such as tiles have been recycled from old village homes. We are members of a local conservation group trying to protect the Western Ghats from destruction and to have our area recognised as an Ecologicaly Sensitive area. We campaign to stop mining, felling of trees, and the mining of sand, and using existing roads and paths instead of creating new ones. We provide guests with information about the local environment and culture, and encourage low-impact enjoyment of the area. We do not provide showers in the bathrooms to conserve water, use recycled paper for advertising etc., discourage the use of plastic as much as possible and handle waste disposal efficiently. We use home grown organic fruits and vegetables and compost our organic waste for use on the farm. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |