As you make your way towards Western Karnataka, please stop at a beautiful village close to the town of Sirsi. These parts host a wide variety of terraneous wonders, from lush forests both deciduous and semi-evergreen, to gushing waterfalls, historic temples, and winding streams.
The community here relies heavily on forestry, horticulture, agriculture, and spice cultivation. Due to climate change and fluctuating prices, there is a need to supplement incomes with an idea the village has embraced wholeheartedly – sustainable tourism. The people here are natural hosts who help guide guests and take care of the guest house – your home for the duration of your stay.
There are over 4500 flowering plants in the area, of which about 1500 of them are endemic to the Western Ghats. Numerous species of animals, ranging from reptiles to insects to mammals to birds thrive in the forest. The community also relies heavily on the forest. Every part of the plant is used, from fruits and seeds, to bark and roots.
This area is overflowing with cultural wealth, evident from local dwellings that range from large bungalows with intricately carved doorways and wide verandahs, to smaller cottages. Almost all have large, open courtyards with colourful garden flowers and the traditional ‘tulsi’ pots – a relic of a bygone era for most people in urban environments.
comforts
The Areca Hut guesthouse has 3 double bedrooms with 2 adjoining bathrooms, a dining hall, and a sitting hall. There is a working kitchen, but the members of the cooperative society are happy to cook meals and provide hot beverages, such as tea and coffee. The house comes with filtered drinking water, and in the case of an electricity outage, there is a backup inverter. Please make sure to bring your own toiletries!
food
Eat simple and traditional food cooked by your hosts. Seasoned with local spices (obviously), and locally-sourced produce, every meal is satisfying, nap-inducing, and healthy.
Ask the hosts for their recipes too, they will happily engage in conversations about the food and get you to help in the kitchen. After all, food always tastes better after a little bit of hard work!
ideal for
This region is steeped in the mythology of the Mahabharata. It was also ruled by the Kadamba dynasty in the 4th century AD. We can’t stress enough how fascinating this will be for anyone with even a minor interest in the history of India.
If you’re curious about this environment, its water bodies, rock formations, trees and plants, fruits and flowers – we invite you to bring a notebook and a pencil and document everything.
A simple life is what you will experience – and if you’re exploring a minimalist holiday, this is the place for you. This stay is great if you want to understand the history of food and local ingredients in Karnataka.
getting there
Areca Hut is located 13 km north of Sirsi in a charming little village. There is a short walk of 25 m from the parking.
The closest bus stop is in Sirsi. Autos can be arranged to bring you to the homestay.
The closest airport is 100 km away, in Hubli.
Areca Hut is accessible all year.
things to do
As mentioned above, spices are a big deal in these parts (in a country that’s already glorified for its spice trade – can you imagine?) Chefs and amateur experimental cooks alike will get to see peppercorn and turmeric and more at source. Get a deeper understanding of spice plantations with expert knowledge from the people who grow them.
This sleepy village also provides lots of opportunities for activities such as birdwatching at leisure, visiting large waterfalls, wandering rivers, and lush forests. There are three bicycles provided at the guesthouse, in case you want to explore the village or local area.
We recommend you visit the spice market and watch how an auction is carried out too.
Village walks to Kalagin Kheri, to meet the local community can be organised (subject to availability).
price
For groups of 2-3 adults and 4-6 adults, Areca hut is priced at Rs. 3900 and Rs. 3500 per person per night respectively. The cost is inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a village/river/spice plantation tour, and all applicable taxes.
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