Hoysala Village
Hassan

Surrounded by sunflower fields in Karnataka’s rural countryside, lies Hoysala Village, a relaxed village-like hotel. From the moment of arrival, you will find yourself completely immersed in local culture, waking up to a gentle chorus of local singing and enjoying traditional dance performances in the evening. The lodgings have a home-from-home feel and are traditionally designed, from the red-tiled roofs and the use of polished teak wood to the curtained four poster beds. The bathrooms are also fitted with luxurious free-standing copper bathtubs.

A stay here will provide a wonderful respite in a busy temple-hopping itinerary, the vibe here is very much one of relaxation. That being said, in such a rich heritage area, there are many cultural activities to keep you occupied - the UNESCO World Heritage Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu are only a 40-minute drive away. Bird watching is also excellent, particularly around the hotel’s lily ponds in the garden, or you could take a bullock cart ride across the farmland. Otherwise, you could easily while away your days surrounded by nature and not even look at your watch. The hotel is equipped with a swimming pool shaded by palms and a spa for Ayurvedic treatments. Yoga is also on offer, and a quaint treehouse is tucked away in the foliage, ideal for candlelight dinners. 

At Hoysala Village, sustainable practises are at the fore, such as rainwater harvesting with their own water purification unit and all the food is grown organically, including the coffee beans and milk from their cows.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson