Raoji Residency Homestay in Valparai

Staying in Valparai is not at all expensive. In fact, for budget travellers it is really good. The problem is finding a good place to stay. We had initially booked rooms at the Green Hill Hotel Valparai, but shifted from there after being unhappy with the not-too-clean & dingy-looking rooms. It appeared that there are quite a few homestays in Valparai where lodging is provided, though not meals. We discovered a homestay named Raoji Residency.

Green Hotel Valparai review

Hotel entrance

Contrary to what many people have said about Green Hill Hotel in Valparai, it is not recommended to stay here. Located on the State Bank road, it does not have any good views at all.

Staying at Ambrra River Resort Pollachi

Soaking feet in cool river waters

Wouldn't you love to do this?! 

This opportunity we got while staying at the Ambrra River Resort, Pollachi. The resort does not have the word 'River' in it just for the heck of it. It is indeed located near a river, the Aliyar River to be precise.

Staying at Aura Valley Resort Yelagiri

On our trip to Yelagiri, a quiet hill station within driving distance from Chennai, we stayed at Aura Valley Resort. You can have your base here and visit the local Mangalam temple and Swamimalai Temple.

Hotel Serenade Manor Gangtok review

Hotel Serenade Manor is not a luxury hotel, but has well furnished rooms with the usual phone & TV that is to be seen in any hotel room. The hotel itself has only about a dozen rooms. The rooms are comfortable enough with attached bathroom having basic toileteries. Mineral water and newspapers are available on request. 

The hotel looks quite attractive from outside, as many buildings in Gangtok do, with pretty window frames. However, if you are aiming to get some scenic views from your hotel, forget it. There is no view to speak of! This is not a great disadvantage as the purpose of visiting a lovely hilly region is to get ecstatic over breath-taking views isn't it?! So only if you are not unduly bothered about views you could stay here.

Another minus point about this hotel is that if you get up early, you are unlikely to get any quick service (if at all) because it is a practically dead place during the early morning hours with no helpful staff around. A huge red banner outside informed us that pure vegetarian food & Gujarati specialities was available. Well, let me tell you, the food is nothing worth talking about. It is strictly Ok and very highly priced.

Room rates start at about Rs.1,600/- per day (taxes extra). Rooms available are Standard, Deluxe and Super Deluxe.You have to pay extra for laundry services. Transfer to and fro from the airport or railway station is NOT free.

Address of Hotel Serenade Manor Gangtok:
Tibet Road, (S.G. Marg), 
S G Marg,  
Gangtok,
Sikkim

Staying at Vailankanni

When visiting Vailankanni you can stay at the MGM Vailankanni Residency Resort. It is located about 1km from Our Lady of Vailankanni shrine. You can opt to stay in one of the 8 cottages or in a delux room or in a suite.

Room Tarriff at MGM Vailankanni Residency Resort:
* Delux room: Rs.2750/- + Taxes and Service Charge Single / Double occupancy
* Grandeur Suite: Rs.3250/- +  Taxes and Service Charge Single / Double occupancy
* Cottage: Rs.3500/- +  Taxes and Service Charge Occupancy: 4 people
Note: The rates include breakfast; an extra bed costs Rs. 700/- + tax
Check in Time 14:00 Hrs / Check out Time: 12:00 Noon. 

Facilities at MGM Vailankanni Residency Resortinclude a swimming pool, mult-cuisine restaurant, a badminton court, and an indoor games room. Business travellers can avail of conference room facilities. The in-house Lotus restaurant offers Indian, Chinese and Continental food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

The resort can arrange for transportation to the shrine.

MGM Vailankanni Residency Resort Address and Contact Information:
# 64 / F 2, Nagapattinam Main Road
Vailankanni-611111
Ph: 91-4365-263900 / 263979 / 263336
Email: mgmvlknresidency@mgm.co.in

Staying in Kolkata Homestays: Sunflower Guest House

When visiting Kolkata, capital city of West Bengal, India, I would recommend just one place: Sunflower Guest House.

Before I tell you of this wonderful homestay, though, here's an important tip: you need to show some ID to book accommodation at the Sunflower Guest House. Indians, foreigners, adults, kids - ALL must have some ID. For your kids you can take along their school ID or passport.