Nestled on the tranquil banks of the River Tunga, the enchanting village of Mattur in Karnataka's Shimoga district beckons with its rich heritage of Vedic traditions. Stepping into Mattur is like stepping back in time, where ancient texts echo through the air and the melodious sounds of Sanskrit fill the surroundings.

This idyllic village is home to the Sankethis community, who, over 600 years ago, made Mattur their abode and have since become the torchbearers of Vedic culture. Here, the time-honored Pathashala education system endures, and sacred religious rituals are observed with unwavering devotion.

People from every corner of the world yearn for an authentic experience of this timeless way of life, often gracing Mattur with their presence for months, immersing themselves in Sanskrit learning and embracing the profound aspects of the Vedic lifestyle. Moreover, the village's Sanskrit scholars extend their wisdom beyond the village borders, offering online lessons to eager learners worldwide.

While preserving the essence of their ancestors' wisdom, Mattur gracefully embraces the modern era. The village's children consistently excel in academics, and many of its residents have ventured into the dynamic world of software, working with prestigious global firms.

A visit to Mattur is more than just a trip; it's a transformative revelation, leaving visitors with cherished memories and stirring thoughts that resonate for a lifetime. 

Join us on a journey to Mattur, where the past and present converge in perfect harmony, painting a picturesque scene of timeless wisdom and contemporary accomplishments. Let this hidden gem enchant you with its serene beauty and profound traditions. 

At Kaav, you may feast your eyes upon the spectacular jungles and perhaps even catch fleeting glimpses of wildlife right from your balcony. Of course, the jungle denizens will delight your sense of hearing with alarm calls, melodious chirping of birds and other sounds from the jungle. By way of accommodation, Kaav offers ‘Luxury Rooms With Private Balconies’, ‘Glamping Tents With Private Decks’, and Luxury Pool Villa.

The folks at Kaav have seamlessly blended luxury with the genuine no-frills aura of a jungle. A stay here also offers a wide array of interesting experiences. The food is superb and the rooms are squeaky clean. In fact, the entire property is immaculately maintained with a reassuring sense of hygiene. The staff is highly efficient.

The resort has an adorable eco-friendly character – from optimal utilization of renewable energy resources to using kitchen waste in a biogas plant and using methane for cooking, Kaav leaves the smallest possible carbon footprint.

This iconic restaurant has rightfully earned its well-deserved legendary reputation of serving some of the best authentic traditional cuisine from the south-western coastal region of India. The team at Karavalli has always tirelessly worked to recreate lost flavours and even approached locals in this quest. The freshest vegetables and the finest meats as well as authentic coastal ingredients such as home-grown chillies, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon are used.

The menu offers an overwhelming choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, encompassing a wide range of culinary experiences from different communities such as the Portuguese of Goa, the Konkanis, the Kodavas from Coorg, and the Havyaka Brahmins of Vitla to name a few. They also offer special experiences, with popular ones being seasonal and wood-fired dishes, and South west coast Grills in the garden. Karavelli has won many national as well as global awards and is featured in some of the most prestigious food guides in the world.

The restaurant has a pleasant ambience and its architecture reveals coastal South Indian influences. Surrounded by lush soothing tamarind trees, it is modelled on a traditional Mangalorean bungalow.

In a nutshell, Karavalli is an experience and not just a restaurant.

As the sun sets and the stars twinkle, Mysuru springs to life with an electrifying festive spirit that sweeps through the city for 10 incredible days of Dussehra celebrations! The air is filled with excitement as the entire city is adorned with an enchanting display of lights and vibrant flowers. The iconic Mysore Palace takes center stage, gleaming like a beacon of grandeur with thousands of lights illuminating its regal facade. The sight alone is nothing short of awe-inspiring!

The pièce de résistance of this extravaganza is the legendary 'Jumbo Savari' or 'Elephant Procession. On the final day of Dussehra, a magnificent idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the revered deity of the Wodeyar kings, is placed atop a resplendent golden howdah, adorning a regal elephant as it leads the enthralling procession from the Mysore Palace. The vibrant procession is a kaleidoscope of colors, accompanied by mesmerizing performances by traditional dance groups that leave spectators spellbound.

Throughout the festival, the city reverberates with spiritual fervor as special Pujas are held not only at the majestic palace but also in humble households and various other sacred places. And that's not all – cultural enthusiasts are treated to a spectacular feast of events, including food carnivals, captivating children's Dussehra celebrations, empowering women's Dussehra gatherings, and soul-stirring poetry recitals that celebrate the richness of the Indian arts and culture.

Mysuru during Dussehra becomes a melting pot of cultures and a global magnet, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. The city's vibrant spirit and captivating festivities leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness this enchanting spectacle.

Mark your calendars and make your way to the city of Mysuru during Dussehra – a time when the essence of tradition meets the splendor of celebration. Let the magic of this grand festival immerse you in an experience like no other.

Just a short drive from the swanky city of Bengaluru, there lies the village of Bhadrapur. Largely inhabited by an erstwhile forest dwelling tribal community called Hakki Pikki, this village is full of amusing quirks. The children of Bhadrapur go by unbelievable names – coffee, Elizabeth, Congress, Google, Mysore Park, and High Court to name a few. So, if you call out for coffee, a village lad may well come bounding up to you.

Wondering if the villagers have a challenged vocabulary? Not at all. In fact, they can speak over 10 different dialects. The explanation is rather simple. After living a wild way of life in the jungles, where hunting for food and being absolutely at home with the elements of nature were as natural as breathing and drinking water, the Hakki Pikki community was highly overwhelmed after encountering the trappings of civilization outside the jungles.

In India, a lot of thought goes into naming a child and the Hikki Pikkis are no exception. So, they ended up naming their children after celebrities and institutions that caught their fancy.

Add Bhadrapur to your itinerary for a quick getaway and enjoy a deeply immersive tribal cultural experience.

Since inception of tourism in the year 1974, the Royal Government of Bhutan adopted a very cautious and far-sighted approach towards growth and development of tourism industry in the country. Bhutan’s consistent tourism policy of ‘High Value, Low Impact or Low Volume’ tourism helped the Kingdom ensuring its rich living culture, all these years.  From its launch, tourism Industry in Bhutan has been based on the principle of sustainability and in order to minimize the negative impacts of tourism, the number of tourists were maintained at a manageable level and one of the strategies adopted to exercise this control had been through a policy of Government regulated Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR).

Re-strategizing policy of 'High Value & Low Volume' tourism to ensure the sustainable use of tourism resources, effective from 20th June 2022 Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR) was abolished while Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) raised from previous’ US Dollar 65 to US Dollar 200 per person per night. The SDF principally is the Sustainable Development Fee, a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. The SDF is collected by national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for Bhutanese nationals and visitors alike, as well as funding free healthcare and education. 

Post Covid, as tourism continues to rebound there has been further announcement of temporary SDF incentives by government, effective from 1st June’2023 until 31st December’2024, which has been designed to help attract more guests, encourage longer stays in the kingdom, and greater exploration of all 20 districts.

Depending on their planned itinerary, visitors can choose any of the following options: 
•    4 + 4:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for four nights, and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.
•    7 + 7: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for seven nights, and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy. 
•    12 + 18:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night per person, for twelve nights, and receive up to eighteen additional nights without the daily levy.

As per the Tourism Levy Act of Bhutan 2022, the SDF is exempted for children of 5 years and below and there is a concessionary levy rate of 50% for children between the ages of 6-12 years. Anyone aged 12 and above pay the full SDF rate. The same long-stay SDF incentives outlined above can be applied to US dollar SDF-paying children.

TERMS
•    This incentive came into effect for bookings made from June 01, 2023, onwards, and has been valid for stays in Bhutan from June 01, 2023, until December 31, 2024. Guests staying in Bhutan from January 01, 2025, onwards will not be eligible for any SDF incentive unless otherwise communicated.
•    The SDF incentives are only applicable to full US Dollar SDF paying tourists.
•    Each different SDF option will reset at the end of the designated time period.
•    The SDF incentives cannot be combined with the 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns.
•    The SDF incentives may be retracted or extended at any time.

To simplify SDF calculation, Department of Tourism has outlined following FAQs which can be useful for better understanding and planning upcoming trips:

FAQs 

Q1. How can I calculate the cost per night for longer trips?
  A. The table below will help you calculate the SDF cost per night, per person.

While these are the lowest SDF calculations, the price in the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration website will show you various price options based on which option you choose.  So, we recommend you try all three calculators before proceeding to select the best option for your guests.

Q2. Can the incentives be repeated or combined for long stays?
A. The incentives can be repeated but not combined. For instance, guests staying for 16 nights can select the 4+4 option, which will be repeated to make 16 nights. But guests cannot select a 4+4 and a 7+7 for stays of 22 nights.

The same incentive can be repeated several times if required.

Q3. If guests select the 4+4 (or any other option), are they obliged to stay for the full 8 nights?
A. No, they do not need to stay for the full 8 nights. For instance, guests can choose the 4 + 4 option and just decide to stay in Bhutan for 5, 6 or 7 nights should they wish. They will still pay USD 800 and that will allow them to stay in Bhutan for between 4 to 8 nights, as per their convenience.  

Q4. Can guests choose the lowest SDF calculation that the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration’s website (https://visit.doi.gov.bt/) provide?
 A. Yes. Guests can use any of the calculators provided on the DOI’s website and choose the best option for their trip. 

Q5. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 4 – 8 nights?
 A. The best option to select would be the 4 + 4 option which entitles them to stay for 8 nights. 

Q6. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 9 – 10 nights?
 A. The best option would be the 4 + 4 option, and then add on additional nights at USD 200. So, it would cost USD 1,000 for 9 nights, and USD 1,200 for 10 nights. 
 
Q7. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 11 – 14 nights?
 A. The best option would be the 7 + 7 option. 

For all options, guests also have the choice to select one of the three incentive options and add an extra few day by paying the full SDF after the chosen SDF incentive option expires / finishes.
 
Q8. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 15 – 16 nights?
The best option for 15 nights would be 7 + 7 (USD 1400) plus another night at USD 200 = USD 1600
The best option for 16 nights would be to take the 4 + 4 incentive and repeat it (USD 1600).

Q9. If I have guests who have a pre-approved visa visiting after June 01, will I need to reapply for them to avail the new incentives?
 A. Yes. You will need to cancel their visas and reapply should you wish to avail the new incentives for them. The system will not automatically do this for you.

Q10. What happens if guests choose one of the SDF incentives and then leave earlier than planned? Are they entitled to any refund?
A. Any complimentary nights issued as part of the SDF incentive will not be refunded. However, if a guest pays the SDF for four nights (for example), and leaves after staying for three nights, they will be refunded the SDF for one night. If the guest pays the SDF for four nights and originally plans to stay for eight nights, but leaves after five nights, they will not be entitled to any refund.

Since inception of tourism in the year 1974, the Royal Government of Bhutan adopted a very cautious and far-sighted approach towards growth and development of tourism industry in the country. Bhutan’s consistent tourism policy of ‘High Value, Low Impact or Low Volume’ tourism helped the Kingdom ensuring its rich living culture, all these years.  From its launch, tourism Industry in Bhutan has been based on the principle of sustainability and in order to minimize the negative impacts of tourism, the number of tourists were maintained at a manageable level and one of the strategies adopted to exercise this control had been through a policy of Government regulated Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR).

Re-strategizing policy of 'High Value & Low Volume' tourism to ensure the sustainable use of tourism resources, effective from 20th June 2022 Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR) was abolished while Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) raised from previous’ US Dollar 65 to US Dollar 200 per person per night. The SDF principally is the Sustainable Development Fee, a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. The SDF is collected by national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for Bhutanese nationals and visitors alike, as well as funding free healthcare and education. 

Post Covid, as tourism continues to rebound there has been further announcement of temporary SDF incentives by government, effective from 1st June’2023 until 31st December’2024, which has been designed to help attract more guests, encourage longer stays in the kingdom, and greater exploration of all 20 districts.

Depending on their planned itinerary, visitors can choose any of the following options: 
•    4 + 4:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for four nights, and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.
•    7 + 7: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for seven nights, and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy. 
•    12 + 18:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night per person, for twelve nights, and receive up to eighteen additional nights without the daily levy.

As per the Tourism Levy Act of Bhutan 2022, the SDF is exempted for children of 5 years and below and there is a concessionary levy rate of 50% for children between the ages of 6-12 years. Anyone aged 12 and above pay the full SDF rate. The same long-stay SDF incentives outlined above can be applied to US dollar SDF-paying children.

TERMS
•    This incentive came into effect for bookings made from June 01, 2023, onwards, and has been valid for stays in Bhutan from June 01, 2023, until December 31, 2024. Guests staying in Bhutan from January 01, 2025, onwards will not be eligible for any SDF incentive unless otherwise communicated.
•    The SDF incentives are only applicable to full US Dollar SDF paying tourists.
•    Each different SDF option will reset at the end of the designated time period.
•    The SDF incentives cannot be combined with the 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns.
•    The SDF incentives may be retracted or extended at any time.

To simplify SDF calculation, Department of Tourism has outlined following FAQs which can be useful for better understanding and planning upcoming trips:

FAQs 

Q1. How can I calculate the cost per night for longer trips?
  A. The table below will help you calculate the SDF cost per night, per person.

While these are the lowest SDF calculations, the price in the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration website will show you various price options based on which option you choose.  So, we recommend you try all three calculators before proceeding to select the best option for your guests.

Q2. Can the incentives be repeated or combined for long stays?
A. The incentives can be repeated but not combined. For instance, guests staying for 16 nights can select the 4+4 option, which will be repeated to make 16 nights. But guests cannot select a 4+4 and a 7+7 for stays of 22 nights.

The same incentive can be repeated several times if required.

Q3. If guests select the 4+4 (or any other option), are they obliged to stay for the full 8 nights?
A. No, they do not need to stay for the full 8 nights. For instance, guests can choose the 4 + 4 option and just decide to stay in Bhutan for 5, 6 or 7 nights should they wish. They will still pay USD 800 and that will allow them to stay in Bhutan for between 4 to 8 nights, as per their convenience.  

Q4. Can guests choose the lowest SDF calculation that the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration’s website (https://visit.doi.gov.bt/) provide?
 A. Yes. Guests can use any of the calculators provided on the DOI’s website and choose the best option for their trip. 

Q5. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 4 – 8 nights?
 A. The best option to select would be the 4 + 4 option which entitles them to stay for 8 nights. 

Q6. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 9 – 10 nights?
 A. The best option would be the 4 + 4 option, and then add on additional nights at USD 200. So, it would cost USD 1,000 for 9 nights, and USD 1,200 for 10 nights. 
 
Q7. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 11 – 14 nights?
 A. The best option would be the 7 + 7 option. 

For all options, guests also have the choice to select one of the three incentive options and add an extra few day by paying the full SDF after the chosen SDF incentive option expires / finishes.
 
Q8. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 15 – 16 nights?
The best option for 15 nights would be 7 + 7 (USD 1400) plus another night at USD 200 = USD 1600
The best option for 16 nights would be to take the 4 + 4 incentive and repeat it (USD 1600).

Q9. If I have guests who have a pre-approved visa visiting after June 01, will I need to reapply for them to avail the new incentives?
 A. Yes. You will need to cancel their visas and reapply should you wish to avail the new incentives for them. The system will not automatically do this for you.

Q10. What happens if guests choose one of the SDF incentives and then leave earlier than planned? Are they entitled to any refund?
A. Any complimentary nights issued as part of the SDF incentive will not be refunded. However, if a guest pays the SDF for four nights (for example), and leaves after staying for three nights, they will be refunded the SDF for one night. If the guest pays the SDF for four nights and originally plans to stay for eight nights, but leaves after five nights, they will not be entitled to any refund.

Since inception of tourism in the year 1974, the Royal Government of Bhutan adopted a very cautious and far-sighted approach towards growth and development of tourism industry in the country. Bhutan’s consistent tourism policy of ‘High Value, Low Impact or Low Volume’ tourism helped the Kingdom ensuring its rich living culture, all these years.  From its launch, tourism Industry in Bhutan has been based on the principle of sustainability and in order to minimize the negative impacts of tourism, the number of tourists were maintained at a manageable level and one of the strategies adopted to exercise this control had been through a policy of Government regulated Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR).

Re-strategizing policy of 'High Value & Low Volume' tourism to ensure the sustainable use of tourism resources, effective from 20th June 2022 Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR) was abolished while Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) raised from previous’ US Dollar 65 to US Dollar 200 per person per night. The SDF principally is the Sustainable Development Fee, a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. The SDF is collected by national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for Bhutanese nationals and visitors alike, as well as funding free healthcare and education. 

Post Covid, as tourism continues to rebound there has been further announcement of temporary SDF incentives by government, effective from 1st June’2023 until 31st December’2024, which has been designed to help attract more guests, encourage longer stays in the kingdom, and greater exploration of all 20 districts.

Depending on their planned itinerary, visitors can choose any of the following options: 
•    4 + 4:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for four nights, and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.
•    7 + 7: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for seven nights, and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy. 
•    12 + 18:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night per person, for twelve nights, and receive up to eighteen additional nights without the daily levy.

As per the Tourism Levy Act of Bhutan 2022, the SDF is exempted for children of 5 years and below and there is a concessionary levy rate of 50% for children between the ages of 6-12 years. Anyone aged 12 and above pay the full SDF rate. The same long-stay SDF incentives outlined above can be applied to US dollar SDF-paying children.

TERMS
•    This incentive came into effect for bookings made from June 01, 2023, onwards, and has been valid for stays in Bhutan from June 01, 2023, until December 31, 2024. Guests staying in Bhutan from January 01, 2025, onwards will not be eligible for any SDF incentive unless otherwise communicated.
•    The SDF incentives are only applicable to full US Dollar SDF paying tourists.
•    Each different SDF option will reset at the end of the designated time period.
•    The SDF incentives cannot be combined with the 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns.
•    The SDF incentives may be retracted or extended at any time.

To simplify SDF calculation, Department of Tourism has outlined following FAQs which can be useful for better understanding and planning upcoming trips:

FAQs 

Q1. How can I calculate the cost per night for longer trips?
  A. The table below will help you calculate the SDF cost per night, per person.

While these are the lowest SDF calculations, the price in the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration website will show you various price options based on which option you choose.  So, we recommend you try all three calculators before proceeding to select the best option for your guests.

Q2. Can the incentives be repeated or combined for long stays?
A. The incentives can be repeated but not combined. For instance, guests staying for 16 nights can select the 4+4 option, which will be repeated to make 16 nights. But guests cannot select a 4+4 and a 7+7 for stays of 22 nights.

The same incentive can be repeated several times if required.

Q3. If guests select the 4+4 (or any other option), are they obliged to stay for the full 8 nights?
A. No, they do not need to stay for the full 8 nights. For instance, guests can choose the 4 + 4 option and just decide to stay in Bhutan for 5, 6 or 7 nights should they wish. They will still pay USD 800 and that will allow them to stay in Bhutan for between 4 to 8 nights, as per their convenience.  

Q4. Can guests choose the lowest SDF calculation that the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration’s website (https://visit.doi.gov.bt/) provide?
 A. Yes. Guests can use any of the calculators provided on the DOI’s website and choose the best option for their trip. 

Q5. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 4 – 8 nights?
 A. The best option to select would be the 4 + 4 option which entitles them to stay for 8 nights. 

Q6. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 9 – 10 nights?
 A. The best option would be the 4 + 4 option, and then add on additional nights at USD 200. So, it would cost USD 1,000 for 9 nights, and USD 1,200 for 10 nights. 
 
Q7. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 11 – 14 nights?
 A. The best option would be the 7 + 7 option. 

For all options, guests also have the choice to select one of the three incentive options and add an extra few day by paying the full SDF after the chosen SDF incentive option expires / finishes.
 
Q8. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 15 – 16 nights?
The best option for 15 nights would be 7 + 7 (USD 1400) plus another night at USD 200 = USD 1600
The best option for 16 nights would be to take the 4 + 4 incentive and repeat it (USD 1600).

Q9. If I have guests who have a pre-approved visa visiting after June 01, will I need to reapply for them to avail the new incentives?
 A. Yes. You will need to cancel their visas and reapply should you wish to avail the new incentives for them. The system will not automatically do this for you.

Q10. What happens if guests choose one of the SDF incentives and then leave earlier than planned? Are they entitled to any refund?
A. Any complimentary nights issued as part of the SDF incentive will not be refunded. However, if a guest pays the SDF for four nights (for example), and leaves after staying for three nights, they will be refunded the SDF for one night. If the guest pays the SDF for four nights and originally plans to stay for eight nights, but leaves after five nights, they will not be entitled to any refund.