The tiny-home concept began as an introspective and mildly philosophical Western design movement that put a spotlight on minimalist living well before Marie Kondo. It inspired many to build spaces that reduced their carbon footprint while providing housing to more people. Tiny homes are unobtrusive spaces by design, and our new home in Udupi is no different. One of the biggest impacts of living in a tiny home is the ability to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions and help the environment, as they are extremely efficient and use much less energy to heat and cool.
Little Matsya is one of the few intentional tiny homes in India that truly embody the concept of minimalism as an untapped luxury. It opens up to the ocean on one side and the backwaters on the other, leaving barely a dent in the ecosystem. With a bermuda grey façade and burnt sienna slatted windows, it’s a wistful picture postcard of the Malpe coast. The beach is usually secluded, creating a private bay experience. You will soon find you don’t need much else – and the transformative nature of this is best experienced for longer durations of time.
Watch the early morning sun filtering through coconut tree fronds, admire the little Tulunad homes and colourful temples along the road, and chat with the fisherwomen carrying their fresh catch. Out here, you will find a piece of utopia.
comforts
Little Matsya is a self-catered tiny home with all the creature comforts you need. There is a fully-equipped kitchen with a gas connection, mini-fridge, washing machine, geyser, and a little work table so you can catch up on tasks remotely.
Climb up to a loft bedroom with a clean, soft mattress. The living area has a diwan for one more friend. Lounge on a sit-out facing west overlooking the ocean, or feast your eyes on traditionally-designed Tulunadu homes from the other side. Wake up to the first rays of the sun rising over shimmering backwaters.
The property is operational all year round and we encourage longer stays. It is ideal for two adults with ample space for a third.
food
You are free to cook your own meals in our fully-equipped kitchen. If that doesn’t interest you, our neighbour, Gopi akka, will spoil you with traditional Tulunadu meals for a nominal fee. Eat fish so fresh you can taste the sand.
Gorge on authentic fish curry, fish fry, boiled rice, rotis and coconut-infused sabzi, and neer dosas for breakfast. Vegetarians, there are a variety of options available to you too. We’ll also provide you with a handy list of local restaurant recommendations!
ideal for
Solo travellers, couples or groups of three; surfing enthusiasts, artists who want inspiration on the coast, lovers of authentic Tulunad food, and people who can be respectful of local tradition and culture. This is not Goa or Gokarna. If your idea of visiting this piece of paradise is to play loud music, party, and consume copious amounts of alcohol, this place isn’t the best idea.
If you want some time alone to slow down, this is your one-way ticket.
getting there
Little Matsya is located less than 15 km from the Udupi railway and bus station. The closest airport is in Mangalore, just an hour away. We can recommend safe drivers to pick up and drop from either the airport or the stations.
Further details will be provided at the time of confirmation.
things to do
Go for a ride on the magnificent 12 km stretch of Utopia. Explore the vast, empty white sand beaches, visit a centuries old lighthouse, and take long walks to witness the sunset.
Are you fascinated by historical architecture? Hasta Shilpa is 15 km away. On the periphery of the lake in Manipal, Hasta Shilpa is a collection of restored homes from this region, covered by stunning, rich woodwork details and intricate latticework.
Off the coast of Malpe is St Mary’s Island- made up of distinctive columnar basaltic lava, dating back to when India broke away from Madagascar and the continent of Africa. Malpe is a 5-minute ride away, and there are regular ferries that take you to the island during the day.
If you’re looking at more active things to do, we can put you in touch with trained kayaking, SUP, and surfing activity providers not too far away that are ideal for week-long lessons or for a couple of hours.
If you like to surf, there is a particularly juicy break in the waves here that might entice you to make this your practice area, followed by long siestas in our perfect little home.
