Madhuvan Homestay — Hotel in Karnataka

Pros: ||1. Close to nature (Spotting animals, star gazing etc.)||2. Friendly hosts||3. Awesome food||4. Clean property and rooms||5. Campfire||6. Location - 17 kms from Dandeli city, 1 km from Safari entry gate, 10 kms from Nagoda (backwaters jeep and boat ride)||7. No network connectivity other than BSNL||||Cons: ||1. If you do not have own car, it may be less convenient, but not too difficult||||Madhuvan Homestay is a great place to stay for all type of travelers. The property is excellent and even had two watch huts. It has lots of open space and is very very close to nature. The entire property is super clean including the rooms and toilets. The rooms are basic and not luxurious. The cottages have open balcony and the rooms have a closed lobby kind of place. The dining area is shaded and very airy and cool even in March. In terms of facilities, they have some games available - badminton, dart etc.Campfire can be set up and they have sufficient space for parking multiple vehicles. Hot and cold water is available in the rooms. ||||In the vicinity of the property, we spotted wild rabbit, mongoose, Malabar squirrels, different varieties of monkeys, Indian hornbill and deer. We heard strange noise during campfire and were literally scared... when we contacted the hosts we were told that the sound was that of a group of elephants... but they were over half a kilometer away, must be on their way to drink water. We were told that during the paddy growing season, even elephants can be seen. At night, the sky is very clear and not much of light pollution. You can stargaze for hours if you like!||||Our hosts - Rajesh and Deepa - were so humble and cordial, I do not have words to explain this. In some hotels and resorts that I have been to, I see the words "Atithi deva bhava" (The guest is equivalent to God) framed. These guys are practicing it. In terms of hospitality, this homestay tops the list. We kept telling each other "How can these people be soooo nice?" They guided us on what to explore, told us more about Dandeli, and their own experiences. This area only connects BSNL, when our Airtel and Vodafone wouldn't work, they happily asked us to use their mobile for talking to family/friends. Rajesh took us on a short tour of his own arecanut plantation and also showed us many spice plants - Pepper, Nutmeg, and Lemongrass... As the conversation continued, and we were curious to see Cinnamon plant, he was kind enough to walk us across paddy fields to his father-in-laws place to show Cinnamon plant. I was surprised to learn that Cinnamon and Bay leaf come from the same plant. || ||And my favorite part - The Food. Deepa is an awesome chef and I do not know how she cooks such delicious meals so consistently. We had four breakfast and each were unique and tasty. For lunch/dinner, we had option of rice and chapati. For lunch we had one lentils/daal and two vegetarian dishes. For dinner we had non-vegetarian dishes - a mixture of thick and thin gravy. She also prepared us some great snacks - chicken kabab fry and rawa mackerel - in the evening during campfire. I tried Sol kadhi (made from kokum) for the first time here.||||The package that we took, had stay and food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) included. They provided snacks separate for the package with some prior notice. They are available on some of the sites, but we had called Rajesh directly and customized the package...

Pros: Close to nature (Spotting animals, star gazing etc.) Friendly hosts Awesome food Clean property and rooms Campfire Location - 17 kms from Dandeli city, 1 km from Safari entry gate, 10 kms from Nagoda (backwaters jeep and boat ride) No network connectivity other than BSNL

Cons: If you do not have own car, it may be less convenient, but not too difficult

Madhuvan Homestay is a great place to stay for all type of travelers. The property is excellent and even had two watch huts. It has lots of open space and is very very close to nature. The entire property is super clean including the rooms and toilets. The rooms are basic and not luxurious. The cottages have open balcony and the rooms have a closed lobby kind of place. The dining area is shaded and very airy and cool even in March. In terms of facilities, they have some games available - badminton, dart etc.Campfire can be set up and they have sufficient space for parking multiple vehicles. Hot and cold water is available in the rooms.

In the vicinity of the property, we spotted wild rabbit, mongoose, Malabar squirrels, different varieties of monkeys, Indian hornbill and deer. We heard strange noise during campfire and were literally scared... when we contacted the hosts we were told that the sound was that of a group of elephants... but they were over half a kilometer away, must be on their way to drink water. We were told that during the paddy growing season, even elephants can be seen. At night, the sky is very clear and not much of light pollution. You can stargaze for hours if you like!

Our hosts - Rajesh and Deepa - were so humble and cordial, I do not have words to explain this. In some hotels and resorts that I have been to, I see the words "Atithi deva bhava" (The guest is equivalent to God) framed. These guys are practicing it. In terms of hospitality, this homestay tops the list. We kept telling each other "How can these people be soooo nice?" They guided us on what to explore, told us more about Dandeli, and their own experiences. This area only connects BSNL, when our Airtel and Vodafone wouldn't work, they happily asked us to use their mobile for talking to family/friends. Rajesh took us on a short tour of his own arecanut plantation and also showed us many spice plants - Pepper, Nutmeg, and Lemongrass... As the conversation continued, and we were curious to see Cinnamon plant, he was kind enough to walk us across paddy fields to his father-in-laws place to show Cinnamon plant. I was surprised to learn that Cinnamon and Bay leaf come from the same plant.

And my favorite part - The Food. Deepa is an awesome chef and I do not know how she cooks such delicious meals so consistently. We had four breakfast and each were unique and tasty. For lunch/dinner, we had option of rice and chapati. For lunch we had one lentils/daal and two vegetarian dishes. For dinner we had non-vegetarian dishes - a mixture of thick and thin gravy. She also prepared us some great snacks - chicken kabab fry and rawa mackerel - in the evening during campfire. I tried Sol kadhi (made from kokum) for the first time here.

The package that we took, had stay and food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) included. They provided snacks separate for the package with some prior notice. They are available on some of the sites, but we had called Rajesh directly and customized the package for our...

In one word, I could say amazing, but it won't justify the review it deserves. If place is the jewel, Rajesh, the host and his family are the crown of the jewel.

Rajesh is super cool, down to earth, amazing host. I won't take credit away from his family too, as the food served was most delicious home cooked food you would ever have. Simple, tasty and filling. If you are planning to stay there, I would suggest, clear your requirements very well , then this place Madhuvan willl add wonders to your stay.

What you can expect:

Home made delicious food. Expect a smiling host, who is available for your all needs. Just give them enough time. Rooms are clean. Bathrooms are clean, hot water is available. Rooms has enough lights. The basic needs are covered very well. Expect hornbills, Malabar squirrels, flying squirrels, monkey, peacocks, Langoor's sight at any moment. Sighting them is your luck since they are wild. Expect birds singing right behind your window You should wake at 5 AM to see the magic unfold. Get surprised knowing that your kids can spend time without mobile and television. You will have all the time for yourself and family. Forget your mobile, except if you want to use it as a camera. Two super friendly cute dogs. They too act as your guide, when you are on a morning stroll. Lots and lots of greenery. Every shade of green was available to soothe your eyes, mind and soul. Many Variety of games. Swings, one of those you would see in villages. A Machan, great place to have a chess game or just sit and admire the surroundings. Barbeque, camp fire, tent.. It's right at the edge of jungle.

My list would go on. Even when we went in summer, it was hot and humid, the place was full of beauty. Place demands energy. But it's ok, if you are a lazy person, and want to finish your favourite novel without moving an inch.

What you should not expect Super fast internet. Although Rajesh has a wifi which you can use as per the need. Mobile signal is weak or none. I did not miss it. Life felt so much good without them. Airconditioner. You should be ready to enjoy pure nature.

Madhuvan is flawless if you are not expecting a luxury stay.

We were two families. Our kids were from age 4 to 11. They enjoyed every bit of this place. My advice : Keep the expectations low, and be high at spirit then this place will take you...