Homestays in Kemmannu, Udupi

Kemmannu sits inland from the coast on the Suvarna River, about ten minutes from the beach and a little north of Udupi town. It is green in a way the coastal strip is not: open fields, water on the doorstep, and peacocks that wander through the surroundings without anyone finding it remarkable.

If Bengre is where you go for the sea, Kemmannu is where you go for the quiet. Both of our properties here are complete houses on the river.

The river is the whole point. Both houses face it, both have a balcony or sit-out over the water, and guests reliably end up spending more time there than they planned to. The water looks different every hour depending on the light, which sounds like a brochure line until you have sat through an afternoon of it.

The Kemmannu hanging bridge is the local landmark and worth the short walk. Beyond that there is not a great deal to do here, and that is the appeal. This is a place to cook, sit outside, and go a full day without checking your phone.

The area still runs on farming and fishing rather than visitors. Local markets carry fresh seafood and vegetables, which matters because both properties have kitchens set up for actual cooking rather than kitchens that exist for the listing photograph.

Two properties, both full 2BHK houses, both booked as the whole place rather than by the room.

One is a traditional Tulunad home with a dedicated puja room, a large hall and a proper dining space, run by a host who hands over the keys and leaves you to it. Food is available on a menu basis, agreed the day before.

The other is a riverside house with two bedrooms, a large balcony facing straight out over the water, and a kitchen properly stocked for a longer stay. It sleeps a larger group and is managed directly by Excoka.

Both suit families, small groups travelling together, and remote workers who want reliable WiFi with somewhere to actually switch off.

The beach is a few kilometres away, as is the point where the Suvarna River meets the Arabian Sea. Udupi town and the Krishna Matha are a short drive. Malpe and the St Mary’s Islands ferry are within a comfortable day trip.