The village of Agumbe will forever be Malgudi for all those who have watched and fallen in love with the television series Malduidi Days. The series was almost entirely shot in this rain drenched village in Karnataka’s Shimoga District and even today the region is as brilliantly green and thickly forested as it was decades ago.

Just a few kilometres from Agumbe is the 350-year-old traditional Malnad mane or home, Hingaara, which has been in Shashank Hegde’s family for over five generations. 

With its tiled roof, red oxide floors and pillared verandah and halls, Hingaara is an authentic traditional village home. The rooms are basic and some have shared bathrooms. So if you are looking for a luxurious ‘rural’ stay then Hingaara is not the right choice for you. But if you want to experience true Malnad village life, where you are able to understand and be part of the rhythms of the village and be as close to wild Mother Nature as possible then this is a great option. 

Shashank says Hingaara is not a “run-of-the-mill homestay; people visit us to experience rural life, culture and tradition, farming, wildlife of Western Ghats, monsoon, yoga camps, cycling and more.\" 

The journey to Agumbe will make it clear how much of a starring role Nature will play in a holiday here. Roaring waterfalls, still pools, gushing streams, lush forests and emerald fields—you will find all these and more here. This region is among those that receive some of the heaviest rainfall in the country. It is also known as the King Cobra capital of the country, so do keep your eyes peeled when going on hikes and treks here and ensure you venture into the jungles only with an able guide!

At Hingaara Shashank will organise a variety of activities all focused on ensuring a guest gets a holistic and immersive experience. This could include working in the farms, spending a day with children at the nearby Government school, trekking, going on village walks or becoming a part of the village audience during an all-night folk performance. Plus you will be treated to delicious home cooked Malnad meals. 

Price: Rs 1,950 per person for 24 hrs. This includes all meals and homestay activities, likefarming, camping, water cave walk and wildlife session and walk.

Read more: http://www.hingaara.com/

Slow Travel

Hingaara is a heritage homestay and the hosts are focused on promoting local culture, traditions and festivals. They are associated with a few local government schools and are engaged in cultural exchange programmes and support teachers and students with the help of contributions from the homestay’s guests. The homestay organises wildlife awareness camps for locals and students. It also supports local talent, who perform for the guests at Hingaara.