Responsible Tourism

The Hermitage Guesthouse

» For more information, reviews and availability, click here «

The Hermitage Guesthouse has three rooms; the Machan and the Kadaba are without electricity, but very comfortable and the most popular. The Gota is perfectly suited to senior citizens, and families with young children. The Machan accommodates two adults, and the other two cottages accommodate two adults and two children each. The three rooms are isolated to give guests their privacy. The community area which includes the dining area is also without electricity, and where all the activity is!

The Hermitage Guesthouse is truly a special place to stay, because we offer the international traveller the opportunity to experience jungle living as well as exposure to life in rural India. We are located in the Western Ghats designated one of the worlds 18 bio diversity hotspots. It is a chain of hills extending over 1600 kms along the West Coast of Peninsular India, housing one of the richest assemblages of flora and fauna on earth. If you love the outdoors, here is a great opportunity for you to walk or trek, nature watch, swim in the River Mahadai, bird watch and soak up the sun. Having lived here for 28 years, you as our guest will be warmly welcomed by the surrounding village communities. Participate in a wedding ceremony, religious festival or village fair.

The Hermitage Guesthouse is a small family run concern offering you an individual service and genuinely following the principles of Eco tourism. Why not spend your vacation with us, David Morvarid and Katrina, your own personal hosts, enjoying all the comforts of home, while experiencing the Colour and Chaos that is India! You'll take back memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Our approach is innovative because of our unique design and method of construction. Though we reject extravagance and conspicuous consumption we provide comfortable living quarters; with no compromise on the quality of food or service. Our approach is innovative because we are personally involved in the running of the guesthouse; constantly interacting with visitors, and welcoming them as members of our family.

 

Morvarid does the cooking; flavoursome Parsee and Anglo Indian fare with lots of other variety besides. The Hermitage Kitchen uses ingredients that have long since disappeared from urban dinning tables. Varieties of Millet unknown outside rural India, unusual fruits and vegetables, and indigenous ingredients from the Western Ghats, all find their way into the cooking. We are constantly on the look out for old varieties of seeds, bulbs and tubers, and other sources of food that we can grow. Most of the produce is home grown or sourced from the surrounding communities. We cater to both vegetarians and non vegetarians.

 
We provide a special environment for children, young people, and senior citizens and a safe environment for single women travellers. Our approach is innovative because at the Hermitage not only do we entertain but educate at the same time.
We provide a special environment for children, young people, and senior citizens and a safe environment for single women travellers. Our approach is innovative because at the Hermitage not only do we entertain but educate at the same time.

Things to See and Do:

All sorts of activities can be undertaken at the Hermitage, but not necessarily as an organized program. Guests can decide how they want to spend their day, how active or inactive they want to be. Walkabouts on the farm and participating in farm activities are part of our stay program and are at no extra cost. Guests may also choose just to relax, read, chat, or play a game of mah-jongg.
What follows is a list of activities at The Hermitage. Your hosts are always available to help you plan your days here, and David will be your guide and take you wherever you wish to go.
1. Walking and Trekking: Short walks or long treks can be undertaken depending on the guests' fitness and interests. There are plenty of options available, a walk up Bear Hill or a full day trek to Pohe Vajara, a wonderful waterfall in the middle of nowhere.
2. Swimming in the River Mahadai at Kongala or at Pansera. Very enjoyable and a very popular activity.
3. Short drives by jeep to visit surrounding areas followed by a short walk or swim.
4. Bird watching, nature and wild life observation
5. Visit to the local communities and participation in local activities such as weddings, festivals and village fairs.
6. A visit to the Tibetan centre at Mundgod, a Buddhist centre of learning.
7. Adventure sports at Ganeshgudi, a short drive away, white water rafting and other activities.
8. A visit to the weekly market at Khanapur, followed by a visit to the temples at Halsie.
9. A night safari, by jeep or on foot. You never know what you might see!
You can also try your hand on the potter's wheel, or have fun doing some natural dyeing. Mountain bikes are also available for a ride through the jungle.

 

» For more information, reviews and availability, click here «