A sudden assignment took me to Javagal in Hassan district and thereafter to Coorg yet again and I am now back, finished with the article and the pictures..We are working on a special on homestays and discussing the merits of homestays wrt resorts. While I do think both offer unique experiences , I prefer a homestay for the local connect and the personalised service and the fact we get an opportunity to meet some great people ..

So..what do you all think ? Do let me know..In the meanwhile here is a glimpse of rural Karnataka and the Coorg trail resumes in the next post

19 comments

  1. Aaarti 26 June, 2008 at 16:27 Reply

    Lovely assignment i must say~~ πŸ™‚
    wish i could travel as much..sigh

    homestays are fun, cos u interact with local families, mix with em and dont really feel like a tourist in that town~~ πŸ™‚

  2. indicaspecies 26 June, 2008 at 16:55 Reply

    Javagal of Javagal Srinath fame, I’m sure.:)

    Homestay v Resorts: Both have its advantages and disadvantages.

    To put it in a nutshell, I’d personally prefer a homestay as, in my opinion, it is a better way to get the feel of local culture including having some authentic local food, and there’s a better opportunity for a direct rapport with locals. The downside is, gotta behave well (!?) and maybe have early nights.

  3. Nomadic Matt 26 June, 2008 at 19:13 Reply

    Homestays are great. I’d rather stay with a local in a shack than stay at 5 star resort simply because I like meeting the locals.

    I love the perspective on that first photo too!

  4. Anu 26 June, 2008 at 22:31 Reply

    Lakshmi,
    I love the shades of green in the first pic..

    As to homestays vs. Resorts, I must say I havent tried the first yet, though I will in future.

    I think the pause feature for me wass, home is a deeply personal place and I wouldnt want to do or say anything, which might hurt the owners. So probably would be on my guard most times and that would make me uncomfortable.Resorts on the other hand are totally impersonal (but thats not a good thing either πŸ™‚ )!

  5. Dee Dee 27 June, 2008 at 00:25 Reply

    Lakshmi..How wonderful to travel and see so many beautiful places and experience different cultures…I love people…all are uniquely special. The homestays would be my choice..to participate in daily routines and enjoy lovely foods so different from my own….best wishes my friend as you go on your journey of life…

  6. Jeevan 27 June, 2008 at 10:03 Reply

    Homestay would give a real feel, was not more the resort gives. Nice pic, I like more the last one and the carts like this are less visible these days. I remain riding on it in our village in childhood πŸ™‚

  7. Lakshmi 27 June, 2008 at 11:11 Reply

    Aaarti – yes, it was fun and quite out of the blue, I must say :)agree with you on the tourist bit

    Celine – Thats true..in a way, its better cos you dont have loud drunken tourists and noisy kids around πŸ™‚

    SS – Thanks and I like them too..though some resorts are good for groups

    Sameera, Ropi – Thanks .They are cabbages πŸ™‚

    Maria – You bet..I feel so relieved, but another one starts πŸ™‚

    Indrani – Thanks for voting for homestays..yes, they are cabbage farms and they look lovely , dont they πŸ™‚

    Matt – Thats the best thing about homestays as they give you a local connect.Thanks for the comment on the picture..I went a bit berserk and shot quite a few ones..:)

    Anu -Thanks..I understand the dilemma..you really cant let your hair down..actually its the mood if you ask me..if you feel like you need your space, then a resort is a better idea , else homestay is a great option

    Sukku -Thanks for your vote.The experience will be quite unique

    Deedee – The personalised service comes from a homestay I guess and the opportunity to meet so many people..The food will always be local ..Thanks for your wishes.

    Sujatha – im glad you are enjoying them

    jeevan – Thanks..aspects of village life are fast disappearing in villages also πŸ™‚

  8. flyingstars 28 June, 2008 at 08:09 Reply

    The places look beautiful…the first pic look simply amazing…I would prefer homestays and as you said they offer the chance to get more connected with people & to me travelling is not only about seeing a place but also having a feel of the smell of the soil there…lovely pics!

  9. Lakshmi 28 June, 2008 at 17:39 Reply

    Priya – Welcome to backpakker and thanks for the appreciation..indeed villages are very beautiful

    Stephanie – Currently thats what I do πŸ™‚ the homestays do offer personalised service

    Mitr -Thanks..Ive got quite a few pics of the cabbages..glad you liked them.Agree with your views on homestays.

    Kalyan – Thank you for your encouraging words.yes..what you said is so true..smell of the soil -thats a nice way of putting it

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