Belgaum is a Trekking destination in Outlook Travellers December issue
10:42 PM Posted by ukmad
The Outlook Traveller magazine in its recent December 2008 issue has mentioned Belgaum as a Trekking destination.
In its feature of Seasonal Choices; a winter wonderland of holiday options, Belgaum is a Trekking Destination.
It states “he tropical forests of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s 18 designated biodiversity hotspots, are one of our richest wildlife areas. And this is the season to visit. The Hermitage (Rs 1,400; 9242623020, http://www.thehermitageguesthouse.com/ is an eco-lodge and working farm set in the middle of the dense forests, which have over 1,000 plant species, many species of reptiles and animals like the Malabar giant squirrel and the bison. A lot of the wildlife wanders through the guesthouse but you can also go looking—on day treks in the adjoining areas. “
The link to the Hermitage site is wrong on the outlook traveler site, I have corrected it.
Belgaumblog.com had posted details about this Hermitage Guest house, “Nersa, A Wonderful place“ way back on 12 February 2008. See it here.
Source: Outlook Traveller
Nersa, A Wonderful place
10:13 AM Posted by ukmad
Love the outdoors and don't mind a holiday with an adventurous twist? Then head to the Hermitage Guest House.
Just getting to the farmhouse, located in the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of Karnataka, is an adventure by itself! The village is in the forest range of Londa at the border of Goa and Karnataka.
For accommodation, do ask for the Machan if it is available. It can be a little shaky, but once you get used to it, you will find it hard to swap it for the comforts of a concrete structure!
It has a little sit-out where you can blissfully gaze into the forest and the mountains beyond.
There is a lot to see if you're adventurous and curious. Deep inside the Londa range there are 200 bats inside a laterite cave. If you want to skip the batty experience, ask David to take you trekking or on a jeep excursion.
There are several scenic spots where you can sit and relax.
The Kadaba: Built in the traditional style of the area, the Kadaba is a typical village home. Based on a raised foundation of rammed earth, the Kadaba is built of bamboo, wood and mud plaster. Modern western style bathroom, open to the sky, built with bamboo and thatch. Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum' located close by in the recreation area. Not electrified (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)
Just getting to the farmhouse, located in the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of Karnataka, is an adventure by itself! The village is in the forest range of Londa at the border of Goa and Karnataka.
The Hermitage Guest House is located 45 km away from Belgaum.
The farmhouse is run by David and Morvarid Fernandez who are excellent hosts. While David takes you for exciting walks around the place, Morvarid serves the most delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Make sure you get loads of exercise on those walks and treks so you can do justice to the meals!
David knows the area like the back of his hand and will happily educate you on the plants, trees, birds and other inhabitants of the forest. Don't be surprised if he recounts an adventure about coming face to face with a bear!
David knows the area like the back of his hand and will happily educate you on the plants, trees, birds and other inhabitants of the forest. Don't be surprised if he recounts an adventure about coming face to face with a bear!
For accommodation, do ask for the Machan if it is available. It can be a little shaky, but once you get used to it, you will find it hard to swap it for the comforts of a concrete structure!It has a little sit-out where you can blissfully gaze into the forest and the mountains beyond.
There is a lot to see if you're adventurous and curious. Deep inside the Londa range there are 200 bats inside a laterite cave. If you want to skip the batty experience, ask David to take you trekking or on a jeep excursion.
There are several scenic spots where you can sit and relax.
The Machan: A home on stilts eleven feet above the ground with great views. Built with bamboo and wood. There is a private western style bathroom at ground level, open to the sky. Look up and delight in the green forest canopy, you will find it far more interesting than a book! Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum', located near by. The Machan is not electrified.
The Kadaba: Built in the traditional style of the area, the Kadaba is a typical village home. Based on a raised foundation of rammed earth, the Kadaba is built of bamboo, wood and mud plaster. Modern western style bathroom, open to the sky, built with bamboo and thatch. Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum' located close by in the recreation area. Not electrified (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)
The Gota: Is a rural cottage, with cool soothing interiors. The floors are locally made red clay tiles, and the roof is distinctive, because of the old recycled, hand made village tiles. There is a modern western style bathroom attached, with running hot and cold water. The Gota is electrified. (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)
http://www.thehermitageguesthouse.com/ visit this site for more details.
I havent visited this site but just thought its should be a nice place for a weekend.
With inputs from the website and Rediff.com
