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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Premium.
• Classic.

Facilities

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! If you have pets, you can leave them in the safe hands of hosts who are animal lovers themselves. For a nominal fee, they will look after your pets while you tour the city. 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 set Carmel Homestay other homestays and hotels. And it's the family's welcoming, friendly manner that will stay with you long after you leave Bangalore. Joseph believes that while the guests rent only one bedroom, they don't have to think of it that way; they are free to treat the whole house as their own.

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