Hulgol Hubba: Spice Saga
A series of 6 short holidays in Hulgol, Karnataka with different themes and activities, to truly immerse yourselve in the Western Ghats.
A series of 6 short holidays in Hulgol, Karnataka with different themes and activities, to truly immerse yourselve in the Western Ghats.
Journey into the heart of the Western Ghats with Spice Saga—six distinct itineraries rooted in the village of Hulgol, where you’ll wander through verdant spice plantations, walk sacred forest trails to ancient Sahastralinga, immerse yourself in Yakshagana performances under starlit skies, attend harvest festivals adorned with rangoli, and discover your creative voice through artist workshops.
Whether you arrive for a long weekend during spice season, celebrate Dusshera and Diwali in a forest village, or seek artistic retreat among ancient rivers, each itinerary offers genuine encounters between curious travelers and a remarkable place that refuses to be reduced to a postcard. This is a comprehensive immersion in village Karnataka.
We offer 6 different holidays to join, for 6-8 guests. We have something for everyone – mothers and daughters, small groups, families, weekend explorers, and more. Scroll down to choose the one you want to join.
Arrive by train and reach the guesthouse after passing Sirsi. Spend the evening settling in.
Learn the story of Hulgol. Go on a guided village walk through spice plantations. Spend the evening stargazing and enjoying the campfire.
Choose your morning. Have a traditional local lunch. In the evening, attend a Yakshagana performance.
Have a farewell breakfast before heading back home by train.
Join us in the village for a quiet Dusshera. Learn the art of Yakshagana and mala (flower garland) making. Play traditional Indian games.
Arrive at The Keith House and expect a refreshing welcome with juice or tea.
A guided village walk in the morning, followed by a craft workshop before lunch. Create your own keepsake with local artisans. In the evening, play some traditional games.
Choose your morning of birdwatching or a rangoli session. Learn how to make a garland. Attend a cooking workshop in the village.
Have a leisurely breakfast before heading home.
Arrive by train and reach the guesthouse after passing Sirsi. Spend the evening settling in.
Learn the story of Hulgol. Go on a guided village walk through spice plantations. Spend the evening stargazing and enjoying the campfire.
Choose your morning. Have a traditional local lunch. In the evening, attend a Yakshagana performance.
Have a farewell breakfast before heading back home by train.
A creative retreat where watercolours meet village life — forests, riverside carvings, spice trails and a Yakshagana finale, all in the Western Ghats.
Arrive in the village. Unwind in the evening with a gentle stroll. Campfire at night.
Learn the story of Hulgol. Go on a guided village walk through spice plantations. Begin the first creative workshop.
Forest and riverside trails — native flora, birdlife, and ancient riverside carvings. After lunch, continue the workshop at your leisure.
Share your art with fellow participants. Spend the day exploring the village.
Have a farewell breakfast before heading back home by train.
Come for the village quiet, stay for the full moon. Stargaze during the winter and witness a skyfull of stars. This is a relaxed itinerary with fun activities for the family & small groups.
Arrive by train and reach the guesthouse after passing Sirsi. Spend the evening settling in.
Learn the story of Hulgol. Go on a guided village walk through spice plantations. Locals take you through traditional art forms. Create your own keepsake.
Walk by the river, visit Sahastralinga. Have lunch by the riverside. Evening is free for leisure.
Relax during the day, and this is followed by a theatre performance in the village.
Have a slow breakfast and walk in the meadow by the guesthouse. Return home.
Begin the new year celebrating the harvest bounty of the village of Hulgol. Have a feast with the community, enjoy misty mornings surrounded by trees, and have a quiet celebration with family.
Arrive by train and reach the guesthouse after passing Sirsi. Spend the evening settling in.
Start of the new season. Attend a rangoli session and indulge in a harvest feast. Visit the local market.
Walk to Sahastralinga. Spend the afternoon with no agenda.
Visit a spice plantation and meet locals. Attend a theatre performance.
Have a farewell breakfast before heading back home by train.
Built with the village community of Hulgol, this is a serene retreat surrounded by meadows and forest. A short walk away from the river and the rest of the village, this area is also known for being particularly spectacular for stargazing at night.
The Spice House has 3 bedrooms with en-suite baths. There is a common dining area with a kitchen that is open to all.
Unwind in a common living area with a book, or step out with your cup of tea and look at the party of hornbills in the neighbouring trees.
If you’re a small group of 6, a family with children, or even a solo traveller, this is for you.
We particularly welcome those with a keen interest in understanding cultures, painting, writing, photography, or forest ecology.
We particularly welcome those with a keen interest in understanding cultures, painting, writing, photography, or forest ecology.