Guide to Stay with the Malnad Locals

Some of my best nights spent traveling to Chikmagalur have been inside a comfy homestay with wholesome home-cooked meals, interesting conversations, and decent amenities.

If you’ve never heard of this concept before, then you are at the right place. I guarantee once you have your first real experience in a homestay, you will see what all the hype is about.

Homestays give you a home away from home feeling and staying in these mystical homes with the locals just elevates your travel experience to a whole new level.

Here’s absolutely everything you need to know about homestays and the feeling of staying with the locals of Chikmagalur.

Why stay in a homestay?
Homestays are my kind of accommodation and have led me to some of the best travel adventures that allow you to meaningfully connect with locals by staying with them in their homes.

A homestay is not only a place to rest your head after a long day of exploring, it is a valuable experience that gives you an insight into local life which you would never discover otherwise.

Another major benefit is the food you will eat here. No matter how authentic and killer street food is, there is no type of food more authentic than one cooked in a home kitchen. Get to experience the Malnad culture first-hand as you connect with the owner and his family.

Staying in homestays can lead to a change in travel plans, hidden gem spots that only locals know, and building long-lasting friendships with fellow travellers.

My experience in a homestay:
I stayed in a beautiful bungalow nestled in the lush green mountains on the foothills of Mullayanagiri which is twelve kilometres from the bus stop of Chikmagalur.

Hospitality is a part of the Malnad culture and the homely atmosphere was felt throughout my stay.

The owner was a coffee plantation expert and was kind enough to share his knowledge and expertise in coffee cultivation with all his guests.

The authentic Malnad cuisine that I got a chance to taste included Akki Rotti, Neer dosa, traditional-style chicken dishes, and more.

The other activities included in the property were star gazing, bird watching, coffee estate walks, indoor and outdoor games, reading, hiking, and so on.

How to enjoy staying with the locals?
Living with a host family gives you the ability to ask them any question about the places you are visiting no matter how silly or embarrassing they may sound. Homestays also provide a safe learning environment to practice and try the local language and learn a few phrases.

Learn what the locals do, and where they go, take time to learn how to cook their favourite dish, watch a local TV show, or just speak to them.

Participate in the typical day or evening activities right along with your host family to fully experience the life of a Malnad local.

Do check out our variety of accommodations on our website and choose what is best suited according to your needs and preferences.