Itinerary - Uttara Kannada Spice Village Getaway
We begin our holiday in the village of Hulgol near Sarsi. Hulgol is a trademark Western Ghat village, well known for agriculture and horticulture (especially spice-growing) and forestry. On Day 1 we indulge in a Spice Garden walk witnessing and set on short forest walks exploring the rich flora and fauna here. We’ll be visiting the village homes and maybe even end up marveling at the traditionally styled doors and homesteads. There is enough to explore around this village too – with the Sahastra Linga, Bird Sanctuary, Ancient Temples, Yana Caves and Spice markets. By the end of the holiday, with such loving hosts and such a close look at the life here, you are sure to feel that you’ve always been a part of this community.
Day 1:Uttara Kannada: Spice Garden Walks, Warm Village Lives and the Sahastra Linga Visit
Arrive at Uttara Kannada and the pristine western ghats territory. Plantations of areca nut or betelnut line the road as you make your way to the ancient tribal community of Hulgol village.
With lively green forests and spice farming, Hulgol is pristine with a simplistic charm – a sort of elegance attached to it like an artist’s devilish details.
The winters are a pleasant time for spice garden walks, and also to witness the harvesting of rice crop, cocoa, areca palm and spices like Vanilla, pepper and cloves. We’ll be visiting the village homes to peep into the life here and their culture. The evening will be spent on a relaxing walk to the Sahastra Linga – a rapid with a thousand shivlings.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at Village Guesthouse/Homes
DAY 2: Uttara Kannada:A Day of Sightseeing around Hulgol
After experiencing the inner circles, we move on to the places around this tribal community – there is much to see and explore here.
We begin with the Yana its massive rock outcrops and the cave temple below. The rocks are a natural marvel made of solid black crystalline limestone and almost resemble faces of people.
We’ll even go out on a walk through Uttar Kannada’s spice markets where the whiff of peppers, cardamoms, cloves, nutmegs and more are a hypnotizing spell.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at Village Guesthouse/Home
Day 3: Uttara Kannada:Take Leave and Promise to Come Back
After breakfast, we may leave for the ancient temple town of Banavasi built around the Madhukeshwara temple which was built in the 9th century by the Kadamba kings. You could even opt for a walk discovering the wide variety of birds and butterflies in the nearby Bird Sanctuary.
After lunch, bid goodbye to your lovely hosts and this home away from home.