Thursday, March 10, 2016

The Hills are Alive...


...With the sound of music
With songs they have sung
For a thousand years...


No - I am not Julie Andrews or Maria - though, if you ask others, they may say that I am a "problem like Maria." And, really, how does one solve a problem like Maria? Regardless, don't this lyrics evoke images of picturesque, rolling, hills? Of lush meadows and babbling brooks? Of something like this?

The hills from the Sound of Music

 Today's blog post does take us to hills and lush meadows and babbling brooks - but, not in Austria. We are off to visit Notting Hill Homestay in Coorg, India.


The exterior of Notting Hill Homestay


I came across Notting Hill Homestay owned by the husband and wife team of Krish and Netra Ganapathy Krishna on a FaceBook shopping group I frequent (no surprise re the shopping group, right?!). I was so intrigued by the name (and being a hopeless romantic!) I immediately reached out to Netra to find out more about the cottage - and mentally filed this away in the list of places to visit when in India next!

Sit down with a brew of your choice and let yourself be transported to, perhaps, your next vacation getaway?

Over to Netra!

Chotta Sa Ghar (CSG): Tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you want to start Notting Hill homestay? And, why the name? :)
Netra Ganapathy Krishna (NGK):I am from Coorg and my husband and myself own this quaint cottage on Stuart Hill in Madikeri , Coorg. As I was not willing to rent out the place, the idea of running it as a Homestay seemed ideal as I could access the place anytime. 
Krish and myself are very romantic and our all time favorite movie is 'Notting Hill' featuring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. When I suggested the name, Krish just loved it. It's been Notting Hill ever since.
 
CSG: Where is Notting Hill Homestay located? And what is the easiest way to get there from major Indian cities?
NGK: The Homestay is located in a place called Madikeri, in Coorg district of Karnataka. It is a home to many coffee plantations and 'Coorg Coffee' is one of the best known Coffee brands in the country. The district is nestled in the Western Ghats and is often referred to as the 'Scotland of the East'. 
 
CSG: And, what is the easiest way to get there from major Indian cities?
NGK: There are airports in Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore. Bengaluru International Airport offers best connections for International travellers. The airport at Mangalore offers good connections on the domestic and Middle East Network.  Travel time from Bangalore to Madikeri  is about five hours by road and from Mysore and Mangalore is about two hours by road. Mysore is the closest Rail head and offers convenient connections to Bangalore and other places.
 
CSG: What makes Notting Hill unique?
NGK: Notting Hill is unique because of its location, service and the hospitality provided. We offer our guests a personal touch from the time of booking and extending beyond check out. 
Comfortable rooms
 
 
CSG: What can guests expect from a typical stay? Do you offer experiences unique to Coorg?
NGK: Guests can expect a beautiful cottage built in a typical Coorg Colonial style. Top notch Coorg hospitality, great view and awesome food. We serve Coorg cuisine to our guests on request. Many guests come to our homestay to enjoy our signature Coorg dish 'Pandhi curry' (pork curry). Like all old Coorg houses , we have red oxide flooring and wooden ceiling. It is a unique
experience for many.
 
Interior hallway featuring traditional red oxide flooring
Quaintly stencilled walls
 
 
CSG: What are some of your favourite corners of the homestay?
NGK: I love sitting in the verandah or under the mango tree with a book. The cool breeze blowing always puts me off to sleep. Sitting on the verandah with a hot cuppa or a drink, watching the evening  view of the lit town is even better. Watching the  sunrise, the lashing rains and the evening fog engulfing the town during the winter are some of the special moments I cherish.
The verandah to sit and do nothing!

I will leave you with a few more lasting images, do drop by and check out Notting Hill (who knows Hugh may just be around the corner! ;)) - I'd love to know if you end up visiting and some photos of your experience!
 
 
 
 
Images Courtesy: Netra Ganapathy Krishna