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A Memorable Family Trip to Mekanagadde Homestay
Me Riya Sharma and our 5 family were looking for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. We wanted to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature, and enjoy some quality time together. We decided to book a stay at Mekanagadde Homestay after Googling and finalized it, a cozy and comfortable place nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
We arrived at the homestay after a scenic drive through the lush green hills and paddy fields. We were greeted by the friendly hosts, who welcomed us with a warm smile and a refreshing fruit drink🍹. The hosts showed us around the property, which had a rustic charm and a homely vibe🏠. The rooms were spacious and clean, with all the amenities we needed. The homestay also had a common area where we all could talk, play games, or read books.
The next day, we woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the foggy hills surrounding property. We had a delicious breakfast of traditional dishes, Akki Rotti and Kesa. We then decided to go for a trekking adventure, guided by Vinay one of the localite who take care of the guest. We explored the nearby forest, where we saw various flora and fauna, and enjoyed the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. We also visited a water stream gushing, where we splashed in the cool water and took some pictures.
After the trekking, we returned to the homestay for a relaxing lunch🍲. We then went for a coffee plantation tour on jeep, where we learned about the history and culture of coffee growing in the region. We also used to get filter coffee when we asked for, which was aromatic and flavorful. We bought some coffee beans as souvenirs for our other friends and family.
In the evening, we enjoyed a bonfire and barbecue at the homestay. We roasted chicken, sang songs, and chattered stories circling bonfire with family. We also had a mouthwatering dinner of local Malnad style🍛, cooked by the hosts. We thanked them for their hospitality and praised their food.
We retired to our rooms, feeling happy and content. We slept soundly, dreaming of our wonderful trip. We woke up the next day, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. We packed our bags and bid farewell to the hosts and little dogs😊 (accompanied us everywhere). We thanked them for our memorable stay and promised to come back again.
We drove back to the city, feeling grateful for our family trip to Mekanagadde Homestay. We had experienced nature, adventure, culture, and food in a unique way. We had also bonded with our family more and had plans for next holiday trip. We agreed that it was one of our best trips ever.
– Riya Sharma & Family
Blogger
Bengaluru
May 20, 2023
Chikmagalur Dishes / Malnad Cuisines
Chikmagalur is a city and a hill station located about 250 km away from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Situated in the suburbs of Western Ghats, the city allures many tourists all over the state for its good climatic conditions, coffee estates, farms and many more landscapes. While staying at a homestay in Chikmagalur one can relish the best malnad food in chikmagalur depending upon the season.
Prominently known as the malnad region, Chikmagalur is famous for its authentic mouthwatering delicacies, an exquisite treat for taste buds. The malnad food is exceptionally renowned for its local fruits and vegetables available throughout Western Ghats’ thick forests. A few of the essential dishes of Chikmagalur are Akki Roti, Kalule (Tender Bamboo Stems), Alubu (Natural Mushrooms), and Kesa (Colocasia Leaves), Gaddhe Yedi (Soft Shell Crabs), Gaddhe Meenu (tiny fishes), Kadubu, Menthe Muddhe etc. Let’s look into the details of the top 3 cuisines of Malnad:
Akki Roti:
Akki Roti is one of the critical dishes of each household of Chikmagalur. Every morning breakfast starts with the aroma of Akki Roti straight from the kitchen, which is a unique breakfast compared to other regions. The main component of Akki Roti is Rice and Rice Flour. It is unnecessary to cook a bowl of fresh rice to make the roti as it is prepared with the previous night or leftover rice from our lunch/dinner menu. The recipe goes as follows:
- Take the leftover rice or fresh rice in a mixing bowl and add a good amount of salt, rice flour and water.
- Mix it well, making it into a consistency of the dough and take a ball sized dough to make the roti.
- Flatten the roti dough balls in the form of a chapati (Generally, there are roti making machines available in the market to make roti).
- Cook the flattened roti on the Tawa on either side and cook directly on the stove flame until the roti is fluffed and suitable to eat.
Kalule (Tender Bamboo Stems):
During the monsoon season, Kalule (Tender Bamboo Shoots), is a dish that is a must for all people in malnad. It is a seasonal delicacy that is grown in forests and along riversides. During the monsoon season, the first rains influence the bamboos to protect the tender shoots collected before it turns hard. The hard outer covering is pealed until we get the soft mushy pale coloured bamboo shoot. The bamboo shoots are cut into slices and soaked in water for about 48 hours. It eliminates all the toxins and acids that the node contains. The dripping water needs to be changed within 24 hours, allowing the bamboo to ferment a bit, giving a tangy taste. The recipe goes like this:
- Wash the soaked bamboo thoroughly and remove any retained water.
- Add tadka with mustard, curry leaves, garlic cloves, and add the sliced bamboos to the pan.
- Add prominent spices like chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and sesame seeds.
- Mix everything well till the spices blend nicely with the bamboo shoots.
Note: Akki Roti is best eaten hot with a pinch of melted ghee.
Kesa (Colocasia Leaves):
Kesa (Colocasia Leaves) are one of the authentic delicacies of malnad food, with a medicinal significance with rich iron content. These leaves are grown in wetlands. Sometimes few leaves are not suitable for consumption as they might contain a few harmful toxins. But the experts quickly detect the leaves if good enough for consumption. In a few parts of Chikmagalur, this dish is cooked by tying a knot with the leaves, and a few people make curry out of it by chopping it into pieces precisely like spinach. The method of preparation is as follows:
- Wash the Kesa leaves and knot them or chop them into fine pieces.
- Add tadka with mustard, garlic cloves, green chilli, and chopped/knotted Kesa leaves in the pan.
- Add the required amount of salt, chilli powder, and coriander powder with a good lime juice. (coconut can be ground and added if needed)
- Cook until the medium consistency is retained.
NOTE: Tastes fantastic when served with Akki Roti and can be had with freshly cooked hot rice.
April 12, 2022
Country Roads to Village Vacation
Find life in its most unfiltered form at a village vacation this year
We are eating ancient grains, wearing indigenous clothing, cooking from grandma’s recipes and gradually putting life in slow gear. There is a universal yearning to go back to the roots, to live a less complicated and de-cluttered life. While some people have been able to slow down their everyday madness, others simply look for it elsewhere….
The Alternative Route
Travel trends confirm that more and more people are cutting away from the lure of big cities and their trappings and taking a detour towards small towns and villages on their travels in India and abroad. Be it a spectacular Swiss village or an enchanting Northeastern hamlet, pastoral charm is swaying travellers. “What’s the in going from one frenzied city to another? The whole point of vacation is to find some vacant mind space – and you get a lot of it in rustic setting,” says Delhi-based website designer Nitin Moudgil. “I find a village holiday a better substitute for a full body detox. You can get your fix to clean air, give your lungs a good scrub, stock up on homegrown fresh produce and flush out all the mental toxins!” he adds. In fact, a rustic holiday can be so much more. It could be a walking vacation, exploring the ethnicity of the place on foot or a vacation in sync with a music fest or annual cultural procession. You could stay with a local artisan and learn a native craft or check into heritage homestay and enjoy a bit of luxury in the middle of nowhere.
Go Local
From misty Himalayan hamlets and the sunny north Indian countryside to the arty heritage villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan, it really takes a village to see India in its characteristic colours. “There is a growing desire amongst city dwellers to reconnect to their roots and enjoy the tranquillity and cultural refreshment offered by traditional rural environments,” shares Manisha Pande of Village Ways, a social enterprise with the specific aim of promoting rural livelihoods through community tourism in Binsar villages, Mothakkara village in Kerala, villages in Satpurs and Pench amongst others. On their tours, they offer guests seasonal food bursting with flavours, leisurely walks from village to village, night stays at different guest houses with well-informed guides to update you on the wildlife and rural cultural life. Sometimes it’s just for that one pure food experience that you head to village – dollops of fresh white butter, chicken saaru on the neer dosa and kadubu with pork.
May 22, 2016
Best Picturesque Riding Destinations in and around Chikmagalur
Every biker is familiar with the feeling of freedom, the joy of flying through the freeways and shredding the tarmacs from a great ride. This is perhaps the greatest reason why those of us with a hint of madness love our two wheeled beasts. Now imagine every feeling intensify thanks to some picturesque landscapes that take breath away from their sheer beauty. Imagine yourself riding amidst nature’s best creations. Makes you want to drop that cup of coffee, switch your pristine suit for an equally pristine riding jacket and head out on the roads doesn’t it?
A RIDE THROUGH THE COFFEE HOUSE OF KARNATAKA
The first location to visit was the good old hill station in Hassan district on the way from Bangalore to Mangalore. If you couldn’t guess it yet, we talk of Sakleshpur. Just about 250Km from Bangalore, the location is about 5 hours ride from Bangalore. Sakleshpur is definitely worth a ride. The roads are mostly in good condition with plenty of pitstops peppered on the way. The weather is an absolute beauty and the landscape is full of lush green coffee plantations, breath taking mountains, tiny creeks and streams and some waterfalls too.
SIP SOME CLASSY TEA AT KELAGUR
A pitstop at Kelagur tea estate plantation is a must for any one visiting that place. Pick some tea powder from the local shop to gift it to your friends and family. A nice picturesque tea garden can bring some nice photographs to your memorable road trip.
TACKLE SOME CURVY BEND WITH THE QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS
Once inside Mudigere you simply can’t let Charmadi Ghat slip by your fingers and that’s exactly what riders thinks. Charmadi Ghat is is the Queen of Hill stations and it is also a short ride away from Mudigere. What makes the trail one of the most exciting one for riders is the fact that it has close to 11 sharp hairpin bends that make for a perfect recipe to a memorable ride. If you’re headed from Bangalore you could have a short pit stop at Shiradi Ghat for some bird watching before you hit the Dharmasthala road to Mudigere towards Ujire.
SAY HELLO TO SOME ELEPHANTS IN THE WESTERN GHATS
We don’t really mean it. Please do not try saying hello to wild elephants. That can end very badly for everyone.
Getting back on track, riders hear some talk of elephants and Western Ghats from some of the caretakers at their homestay in Chikmagalur. Head to plateau nestled amidst the towering mountains of the Western Ghats known as Kalasa. The best way to ride to Kalasa is via Kottigehara as this allows you to pass through the forests (best not to do this at night) and plenty of tiny waterfalls and if you are lucky you may even spot some elephants crossing the road. This is one of the most picturesque roads in all South India.
SHRED THE HIGHWAYS THROUGH THE SCOTLAND OF SOUTH INDIA
Once at Sakleshpur you won’t feel heading back to home base. Instead choose to ride on visiting Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola and a bunch of other places on their way to Coorg. Coorg is an absolutely stunning but rather quiet town nestled in the midst of coffee plantations, colonial style bungalows and the river Cauvery. The food here is absolutely amazing especially the pork which is a major delicacy in the town. We’d like you to know that Coorg is a convenient 280Kms from Bangalore just in case if you’re planning on a ride. Once at Coorg you can opt to stay at many home stay options (some may require pre-booking).
March 13, 2016
Cool Ways to Travel in 2016
Wellness Climbs Up the Priority List
The wellness revolution seems to be getting bigger by the day among globetrotters. With resorts, holiday homes, boutique hotels and even airlines dedicating a major chunk of the itinerary to distressing, detoxing and other health-related activities, the wellness quotient is definitely a norm this year. What’s more? Some properties are also incorporating walking and hiking tours, with food and beverage menus being given a complete overhaul.
Travelling with Total Stanger’s
Sounds scary? But isn’t travelling all about meeting new people? Going on solo trips, on with one gets to explore untouched lands with a group of complete strangers, is becoming popular; particularly among backpackers and couch surfers. These travel junkies are often seen making trips to lesser-known places such as small towns and remote villages. In fact, going small is translating into big trend, as it is low-budget and a convenient way to beat the rush.
January 25, 2016
Top Travel Trends of 2016
Whether or not it translates into reality, exploring the most exciting bit of the wish list we draw out every new year. From the diverse repertoire of harvest fairs to the pine-scented breeze of meditative walking trails, India tosses up the unexpected at every bend of a lane – pulsating with an incredible blend of people, culture and landscapes. As the country celebrates India Tourism Day today, here are some of the radical travel trends of 2016 that come in handy while you plan your holidays this year…
Experimental Journeys More Favoured
As the term implies, experimental tours refer to a slow-paced and more immersive approach, in which the traveler seeks to sample real-life, hyper-life experiences, instead of the canned services that include visits to must-see place sand being treated to luxurious amnesties. Instead of high-end hotels, travelers are opting for homestays and soaking in indigenous culture, history and culinary traditions.
Selfies See a Downfall (Finally!!)
The burden of taking selfies in front of every monuments and uploading those photos on social media is off the tourist’s shoulders. A personal photographer will now be in the tow, as frolic around local hotspots. Travel firms are now incorporating a professional snapper in the holiday packages they offer. The photographer documents your trip and delivers you a daily dose of social media-appropriate images.
January 25, 2016
Benefits of Staying at a Homestay in Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur
There’s a saying, “Athithi Devo Bhava”, which means “the guest is God”. Specially in Karnataka it’s a huge honor to have guests in our homes and please them. Our hospitality is no were in the world. Sadly, most travellers first finds to stay in hotels, never get to experience true malnad hospitality. The good news is that everything is gradually changing as a result of growing popularity of homestays in Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur.
Staying in homestay is better than staying at resorts
Staying at a homestay is a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of a destination, while saving money and enjoying more comfort and convenience than a resort. Here are some reasons why you should choose a homestay over a resort for your next trip:
- A homestay is more personal and friendly than a resort. You can interact with the host family, learn about their customs and traditions, and get insider tips on the best places to visit and eat. A resort, on the other hand, is more impersonal and formal, with standardized services and facilities that may not suit your preferences or needs.
- A homestay is more authentic and immersive than a resort. You can live like a local, eat home-cooked meals, participate in daily activities, and explore hidden gems that are off the beaten track. A resort, on the other hand, is more isolated and artificial, with a touristy atmosphere and a limited exposure to the local culture and environment.
- A homestay is more affordable and flexible than a resort. You can find a homestay that fits your budget and expectations, with different options for amenities, location, and duration. You can also negotiate the price and conditions with the host directly, without any intermediaries or commissions. A resort, on the other hand, is more expensive and rigid, with fixed rates and policies that may not match your requirements or plans.
A homestay is similar to bed and breakfast concept. They are accommodated in the own home, or in separate guest house. Nowadays, most homestays provide guests as much comfort as reputable hotel do.
1. Unique and Characterful Accommodation – Tired of sterile hotels? There better way to experience the incredibly diversity and charm of Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur at a homestay. The options are almost endless and include plantation bungalows, historic mansions, and remote rural cottages.
2. Personalized Service – In contrast to a hotel, a homestay usually only has a few rooms. The family who resides there runs it, and acts as host. This guarantees that guests receive plenty of individual attention. You can spend as little or as much time with the host family as you like. Some guests choose only to dine with them, while others spend hours chatting to them. Regardless, staying with an malnad family is the easiest way of finding out about Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur culture and way of life. Many guests and hosts find that they bond with each other so much, that they keep in touch long after the vacation is over.
3. Local Knowledge — The wealth of information that the hosts have about their local area makes deciding what to see and do a breeze. Such local knowledge is extremely helpful in getting the most from your visit. Many hosts are delighted to show their guests around their local area.
4. Home Cooked Food — There is a huge difference between the malnad food served in restaurants and hotels, and the food that’s cooked in Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur homestay. By staying at a homestay, you’ll be able to taste authentic malnad home cooked food. Some homestays even welcome their guests into their kitchen, and let them watch and participate in the cooking process.
5. Unique Activities — As a guest at a homestay, activities will vary depending on location. Exploring a coffee plantation in Chikmagalur, watching birds, herding animals, village visits, picnics, and temple tours.
Those who prefer their privacy may feel more relaxed at a homestay that has separate accommodations for guests, rather than rooms in the family home.
September 21, 2015