Inchara Homestay, two kms off Mandgadde is a very nice place for a weekend retreat. Situated 30 kms away from Shimoga on Thirthahally road, this place has everything to offer for the weary and fatigued city folks. Spread over 14 acres of lush green vegetation, encompassed with tall areca trees, massive canopy of huge trees, variety of flowers in full bloom, a small pond etc gives this place an authentic Malnad ambience.
Five cottages clustered around the main house of Mr. Ramesh, the owner provides all amenities like a dining hall in a bamboo cotage, swings for those who look for a liesurely book reading, a TV hall, badminton and basket ball court, and a hammock to destress yourself makes this place a must see.
The fire place adds grandeur to this idyllic location. Mornings are awesome. The chirping of the birds from dawn with thier shrill and soft voices is an unique experience and no wonder this place is appropriately named "inchara’ - voice/music of the birds. Nights are very calm except for the sound of the beetles.
Amdist the greenery and to the adventerous, a small trek in the estate for half an hour amdist the tall trees where the sun plays hide and seek is a rejuvenating experience. An early morning walk in the midst of the roses, anthuriums, orchids and colorful flowers is a poet’s and nature lovers delight. An outing will 2-3 families will a a enjoyable experience. In short it has everything to offer, the young, stressed executives, children and elders.
What makes this place very enchanting is its accessability on the highway and its vantage location connects you to all places, be it Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary (2 kms), Sakrebyalu elephant camp ( 10 kms), Gajanur Dam (15 kms), B.R. Project (30 kms), Jog Falls (130 kms), Agumbe (70kms), , Sringeri (70 kms) etc.
The owner Mr. Ramesh an retired engineer by profession has developed the estate and homestay together with his caring wife Mr. Chandra who personally look after the upkeep and other facilities with concern and care. The tariff is reasonable at less than Rs. 1000/- per person a day. We did not miss the homely food here and for those of us from Bangalore to be far from the maddening crowd and stressful routines, we had a wonderful experience of staying at "Inchara’ last week.
Route : Bangalore - Tumkur - Tiptur - Arasikere - Kadur - Birur - Tarikere - Bhadravathi - Shimoga - Mandagadde. Distance 306 kms Time around 6-7 hours. Those interested can contact Mr. Ramesh - Inchara Home Stay, Mandagadde. Phones 08181 - 245545, 291666 Cell 99456-55170, 99803-53911
Shiv Kumar