A small slice of Kerala in Bangalore – that's what best describes the Carmel Homestay at Sarjapur Road, Bangalore. The homestay gives you the best of both worlds – while it is not far from the city centre, it also gives you a break from the madding crowd.
The hometsay is named after Carmelaram, where it is located, and is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture – it has an open courtyard covered with baked Mangaloean tiles, the centre courtyard with a 'varppu', the pot traditionally used by families in Kerala to cook for guests. The interiors are decorated in the traditional Kerala style, with authentic rosewood furniture, lamps, a tanjore veena and an ethnic swing. The bright colours, abstract art murals and knick-knacks give it a very contemporary feel.
Joseph John and his wife Maria, who run the homestay, believe that it is their experience of having lived abroad for twenty years that helps them give their guests the right combination of an authentic Indian homestay, which is on par with international standards. And Joseph's rich experience in the hospitality industry is reflected in the tastefully-decorated and clean rooms, bathrooms specially sanitised for the guests, and the immaculately-kept house.
Joseph and Maria believe in treating guests like an extension of their family; this leaves the guests pleasantly surprised by the warmth and intimacy with which they are received. Joseph is very knowledgeable when it comes to books, movies, philosophy and the culture of Kerala; guests can access his well-stocked library and movie collection. He is also interested in collecting antiques – as the 17th Century portable fireplace, one of the few brought by the British to India, and the antique Tanjore veena are testimony to this. His wife Maria, a homemaker, is a very good cook; the family and other guests swear by her chicken and pork dishes. So if you want to learn the authentic Kerala way of cooking, who better than her to introduce you to it?
If you just want to relax, then you have a wide variety of options, whether you just want soak in the sun on the lawns, or play some indoor games like snooker or chess. Or you can sit down for a movie marathon in the home theatre. For the weary, there's the option of a oil massage or yoga classes; and if you're artistically inclined, you can try your hand at pottery.
The architecture of the house – with its baked tile roof and open courtyard – keeps the premises fresh and cool, even in the summer months. During the warmer days, guests can sit on the swing in the living area, and watch overhead sprinklers create 'rain' in the courtyard.
It's in the small, personal touches that sets Carmel Homestay other homestays and hotels. And it's the family's welcoming, friendly manner that will stay with you long af
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