As for the food, they could be be described as ‘meals for the soul’, and not just the tummy. The rice sambar, cooked with locally grown vegetables and served with refreshing buttermilk, was just as tasty as nutritious. Later in the evening, we again hit the water, but this time for kayaking and coracle boating (which involved a ride in a small round wickerwork boat). After this, we hiked to a bonfire and camping area, which proved to be quite a highlight. We sat in a circle around the fire and got to hear some wonderful and inspirational stories, which we savoured along with dinner. We couldn’t get enough of the star-studded night sky, away from the smog of the city.

Next day, around 6am, we proceeded for a trek–surrounded by the beauty of the morning and the chirping of the birds. On the hilltop there was the Bheemana Hejje, which are rock depressions believed to be the footprints of Bhima , and locally worshipped as a shrine.

Thanks to all these experiences, Honnemaradu had proved to be a perfect getaway, which will remain etched in our hearts for the years to come.

Meenakshi Gupta, a postgraduate from Delhi University, started her career as a professor of marketing. She has been associated with the travel and tourism industry for the past 10 years, and has even been an editor of a travel magazine. A businesswoman, freelance writer, travel enthusiast, runner, amateur trekker and someone who loves taking pictures of nature and food–she certainly dons many hats.