We take a look at the use of spices in Indian food.

Most Popular spices

Turmeric is usually used in powder form and adds a strong yellow colour to the food. Although it is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, it is still recommended to use sparingly, as even a little of it goes a long way!

Cumin Seeds are used in both forms; whole as well as powder. It has a distinct aroma and is used quite extensively.

Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant and is used whole as well as split. Rich in a number of vitamins, it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Pepper is indigenous to India.

Mustard and Coriander Seeds are both used to garnish dishes and are extremely popular in an Indian kitchen.

Red Chilli is a very important spice and is mainly used in the dry form. When grounded into a fine powder and sautéed in oil, it adds a fiery element to a dish. The degree of hotness depends on which part of India the spice originates. The Kashmiri red chilli is the most popular one that used in Indian cuisine followed by the Andhra red chillies.

Cardamom is a sweet spice having a very distinct aroma and is used in many North Indian as well as South Indian desserts.

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices. It is produced in very few regions of the world, Kashmir in India being one of them. Not only is saffron aromatic and delicious but it also adds a beautiful rich colour to the food.

Nutmeg and Mace are mainly used in desserts. Keeping in mind how strong and potent they are, it is strongly recommended to use them both sparingly!

Cloves are dried up flower buds and are a strong and heady spice. It is mainly used in North Indian dishes such as biryani and curry. They are barely used in South Indian delicacies.

Cinnamon is actually the dried bark of a tree. It is added to oil as its getting heated, in this manner the oil gets flavoured and the food gets cooked in this fragrant oil.

Staying on a spice plantation

Many spice plantations open their doors to guests, giving you the opportunity to explore a working plantation and see and taste the fresh spices. Find out more about plantation tours.

Here are some great choices for enjoying the lush green surrounds of an Indian spice plantation.

• Pepper County in Thekkady is a modern and immaculate house with a sense of rural seclusion. The house looks out onto spectacular views across hills and plantations, consisting mainly of pepper and cardamom with many other spices and fruits, such as chillies, cashews, cinnamon and jackfruit. The hosts gladly show the guests around and inform them about the various kinds of plantations.
• Ambady Estate in Munnar is of about 75 acres in size and is right behind the smoking house that is still used to dry the cardamom from the plantations. Activities here include learning the traditional Kerala style of cooking.
• Glenora Homestays in Wayanad  is located amidst a massive 90 acre plantation of coffee and betel nut with a whole variety of spices and fruit trees growing on the property. The hosts have been taking care of the plantations for over 40 years now and will take you on a plantation walk to show you and let you taste numerous fresh spices.

Related articles and links
Homestay activities: Plantation tours
Wonderful Wayanad: Guest review of Glenora Homestay
A taste of India: Typical Indian Breakfasts
Activities to try in a homestay: Indian cookery

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With prices starting at Rs. 2300 it’s the perfect excuse to plan your next trip!

Sanjeeva Duplex Home in Kolkata

A modern home in Kolkata’s new town is a pleasant respite from the busy streets of Kolkata. The home-stay gives you plenty of privacy and a great view of the manicured lawns and pool below. There are 2 bedrooms available for guests, well furnished with modern ensuite bathroom facilities.
Find out more about and see photos of Sanjeeva Duplex Home

Sai Home in Agra

Sai Ashram homestay offers guests large rooms which open into a sunny eating area. The rooms are beautifully furnished with AC, a plasma TV and plenty of storage. All rooms have modern tiled en-suite bathrooms. This homestay offers a fantastic base from which to explore the many sights of the city; the famous Taj Mahal is just 1.5 kms away. Your hosts can provide a wealth of information, provide travel assistance and cooking lessons and yoga sessions can be organised on request.
Find out more about and see photos of Sai Home

Coconut Creek in Kumarakom

Located just a short walk from the backwaters, life passes by at an easy pace in the village of Kumarakom. Sitting on the edge of the water gives Coconut Creek a peaceful view and three well equipped rooms will ensure you have a relaxing stay. The air conditioned modern rooms are well equipped and with the hosts main residence a short distance away this property offers a perfect blend of privacy and hospitality.
Find out more about and see photos of Coconut Creek

Cassiopeiea in Kotagiri

Located in Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is one of the oldest hill stations of the region. Sitting on the edge of the Pristine Valley, Cassiopeia is a small guest house with modern furnishings and stylish touches. You’ll be drawn out onto the balcony offering spectacular views of the tea estates below. Find yourself a spot to spend hours watching the bisons feed in the valley below or just catch up on a good book.
Find out more about and see photos of Cassiopeiea

Ratan Villas in Mount Abu

This homestay in Rajasthan is situated in a sprawling landscape with many seating areas, walking paths, climbing adventures and an endless variety of possibilities for your holiday. Ratan Vilas has 15 well equipped rooms and cottages along with seven seasonal tents. The cottages are perfect for families as they have adjoining rooms with twin beds. The guest rooms which all come with AC are large and sunny, the perfect base for exploring the popular attractions of Mount Abu.
Find out more about and see photos of Ratan Villas

Akhey Vilas in Mount Abu

This homestay which has been handed down through generations of the family has five extremely spacious guest rooms with large en suite bathrooms and separate seating areas. There are plenty of close-by attractions including Dilwara temple and Nakki Lake, both just 3km from the homestay.
Find out more about and see photos of Akhey Vilas

Northern Hay in Masinagudi

Sitting at the edge of the Mudumalai forest in Tamil Nadu it is easy to get your wildlife fix in this beautiful cottage built over a century ago. It is possible to spot a panther, elephant, nimble-hoofed gaur and shy deer along with many other residents of the jungle during your stay. Only a few hours from Bangalore the homestay offers a mix of rooms and cottages, aesthetically done up, blend in well with the serene surroundings.
Find out more about and see photos of Northern Hay

Lymond House in Ooty

Tucked away off the main road, this homestay is the perfect place for a luxury holiday in Ooty. Two suites and three luxury double bedrooms have an enchanting feel with antique furniture and fire places while a small garden offers a relaxing place to sit outside. With delicious food being served in the restaurant at the property you won’t even need to leave the homestay for a truly indulgent break.
Find out more about and see photos of Lymond House

180 Mc Iver Villa in Coonoor

High ceilings, fire places, wooden floors and stunning 180 degree views greet you as you enter this luxury, century old villa in Coonoor. The beautiful, well furnished rooms are matched with splendid modern en-suite bathrooms. Mc Iver is also known for its large spread of organic food in the restaurant run by Chef Pierre Mazou. The restaurant is called La Belle Vie and sources a lot of its fresh produce from local organically inclined farms.
Find out more about and see photos of 180 Mc Iver Villa

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Mahindra Homestays always ask guests for their honest feedback as it gives hosts an opportunity to improve their service and allows potential guests to get an experience into the homestay experience. It’s great to see positive comments from guests travelling from all over the world, all really enjoying the homestay experience.

Here are some recent reviews from guests:

Cosy Homes – Jaipur, Rajasthan

Cosy Home is a lovely homestay nestled in the peaceful environs of Banni Park in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.

Alice Eastaugh from the UK stayed here in June 2012, praising the homestay for its excellent hospitality. “This was a lovely welcoming homestay and so nice to be met at the airport by the host himself. Wonderful hospitality. Truly had a personal touch.”

This homestay is on special offer at Rs. 1250 a night for for stays between 1st August and 31st October 2012.

Ranger woods – Munnar, Kerala

Ranger Woods in Munnar enjoys an enviable location packed with spices, vegetation and fruit trees such as passion fruit. Amongst the greenery can be seen giant Malabar squirrels, incredibly coloured butterflies and many species of birds,

Anshu Gaind from the USA stayed here in April 2012 and loved the scenic location.

“We really enjoyed spending two nights at Ranger Woods. The rooms were spacious and clean. The hosts were absolutely fantastic. My wife ended up learning a few local dishes from the host and their cook.”

This homestay is on special offer at Rs. 1250 a night for for stays between 1st August and 31st October 2012.

Pepper County – Thekkady, Kerala

Pepper County Homestay is a modern and immaculate house with a sense of rural seclusion, offering spectacular hill and plantation views. The front veranda is a perfect spot for bird watching or seeing the sun set over the hills and guests can enjoy a tour around the plantation to learn about the different spices and fruits grown there.

Jan Draeper from the UK had a very enjoyable stay here.

“We stayed here for a couple of nights in December 2011 and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Beautiful spacious bungalow set in wonderful grounds. Cyriac’s son and daughter-in-law work for a prestigious hotel chain in London and the western influence shows through in the quality of the furnishings, linen and cleanliness. But the best part of the stay was Cyriac himself who could not have done more for us. There was unrest in the area while we were there and he worried and cared about us as if we were family. Highly recommended!”

This homestay is on special offer at Rs. 1750 a night for for stays between 1st August and 31st October 2012.

Manali Meadows Homestay – Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali Meadows is located in a scenic location just outside Manali town with views over the hills to the snow capped mountains in the distance.

Kishor Vaghodkar from India stayed in June 2012.

“Our stay at Manali Meadows was wonderful; Manali Meadows experience was like a home away from home. The location of Manali Meadows is amazing. It is located on foothill of a hill of cedar trees, outside Manali city away from the crowded market place. It is very quiet place.

We had booked two rooms; both rooms were spacious with attached bathroom and balconies. The lawn is well maintained with different verity of flowers and full of roses. The hosts Mr. Sanjay Dutta & Mrs. Sunita Dutta are very hospitable. Mr Sanjay Dutta along with his team took very good care of my family.

On our request Mr Dutta had organized local sightseeing tour with reasonable cost. The food here was delicious, nice home cooked food. The breakfast was nice. We enjoyed our stay in Manali & Manali Meadows I certainly recommend this home stay.”

This homestay is on special offer at Rs. 1700 a night for for stays between 1st August and 31st October 2012.

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Wonderful Wayanad; A guest shares her experience
Mahindra Homestays: Highly Rated by Customers
Four new homestays for your next break
Perfect hosts: Falling in love with one of our Homestays

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Tucked away from the normal tourist hotspots, Mahe is actually part of Pondicherry but lies 630km on the opposite coastline with the Arabian Sea on one side and much loved Kerala on the other.

This tranquil coastal town with its narrow streets bearing testimony to its French lineage is the perfect secret destination for relaxation.

One of our newest homestays, Surabhi offers a perfect blend of Indian hospitality and privacy in this quiet destination. Close to a temple and the river, head for a walk amongst the verdant surroundings of jack fruit trees. Surabhi is a great place to unwind with a book or ‘do nothing’.

Hillscape Inn and Green Paradise in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar is a much loved hill-station in the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Two new homestays can be combined together to offer a perfect break in this North India summer refuge.

No visit to Srinagar is complete without a couple of nights in a houseboat allowing you to experience life on Dal Lake. The Green Paradise offers a fleet of super deluxe family owned houseboats, each with its own crew that takes care of your food and any activities that you want. These luxurious boats echo back to the time of Kings when it was decreed that no outsider could own land in Kashmir. The British got around this ruling by living on the water, employing Persians to build Cedar wood boats with elaborate wooden carved interiors.

Combine a few nights on a houseboat with a few days in the mountains. Hillscape Inn offers a beautiful view of Dal Lake and you can spend your days trekking in the mountains before heading back to your homestay for a bonfire dinner. The attentive hosts of Hillscape Inn have great knowledge of local artifacts and handicrafts and can guide you with shopping for the beautiful woodwork or the Pashmina shawls that Kashmir is known for.

Lakerose in Wayanad, Kerala

Wayanad in Kerala’s beautiful Western Ghats is a destination that visitors fall in love with; stunning views over coffee plantations, tea gardens and teak forests, crashing waterfalls with hidden swimming coves and a wildlife sanctuary where you might just spot a tiger.

New homestay Lake Rose is perfect for guests who want to be one with nature and soak up the tranquil environment. With the Karapuzha dam just meters from the house, wake up to the views (pictured above) of soft mist rolling over the water.

The house offers all the modern facilities you might need, including a fully furnished kitchen and three large units, great for accommodating families who are travelling together.

If you are planning your next break maybe one of these new homestays will tempt you! Don’t forget Facebook fans can claim 15% off their booking.

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Superb service, rooms with a view, romantic settings and world-class cuisine doesn’t have to come with the high price tag of a five star hotel. These premium properties will give you a break to remember without breaking the bank!

TAAMARA HOMESTAY, ALLEPPEY, KERALA

As you drive into the home’s premises you’re welcomed by a lotus pond in full bloom and it’s smiling owners, waiting with a pink lotus flower to give to you. The well furnished rooms are comfortable and stylish, with huge windows looking directly out onto Vembanad Lake. Wander onto your own private balcony which juts out over the water and watch the fisherman and houseboats passing by, drifting through a sea of violet water hyacinth. There can’t be many places more beautiful and relaxing than this!

The delicious home-cooked Keralan cuisine will treat you to some of the best tasting food in the region and the amiable hosts can help you arrange a day out on the backwaters, spa treatments or a trip to the beach.

See photos of Taamara
Find out more about Taamara

GLENORA HOMESTAY, WAYANAD, KERALA

Waking up with fresh coffee, drinking in the views over the jungle from the balcony of your luxurious room at Glenora will leave a lasting memory. Luxury cottages built on platforms high above the ground allowing spectacular views deep into the plantations without a sign of habitation for miles around.

The rooms are comfortably furnished and designed to make the most of the peaceful surroundings. A delicious dinner around a warm bonfire under a starlit sky adds to the atmosphere. The friendly hosts will cater to your every need, from delicious snacks to a tour around the plantation, allowing you to taste and smell fresh spices such as cinnamon, clove, lemongrass and sweet sherbet root. It’s no wonder this homestay has received so many rave reviews in the world press, including the Guardian, New York Times and The Hindu.

See photos of Glenora
Find out more about Glenora

PALM COURT, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

In royal Rajasthan, Palm Court is located in a peaceful colony in Jaipur. Well appointed rooms offer the perfect place to relax after a days sightseeing. The property is immaculate with an open plan ground floor and an elegant mezzanine floor above, with incredibly high ceilings, tall windows. Every aspect of this property, from the linen and silk curtains to the delicious meals offers luxury to the discerning traveller.

See photos of Palm Court
Find out more about Palm Court

ARCO ORIS, MARGAO, GOA

This bright yellow house stands vividly in the backdrop of one of the lakes of the Curtorim village. The large the wide airy rooms, large courtyard of the house and the hammocks outside offer perfect places to relax and unwind. The well-appointed rooms are tasefully done up with all the conveniences guests need.

See photos of Arco Iris
Find out more about Arco Iris

THE HOMESTEAD, CORBETT, UTTARAKHAND

The Homestead is sprawling farm bordering the Corbett National Park. A cottage, three rooms and a recently constructed spa area with two rooms are perfect to accommodate large groups, while offering a high degree of privacy. Immaculately and tastefully decorated, the rooms are extremely comfortable with bright sunny terraces opening out from each type of accommodation.

See photos of The Homestead
Find out more about The Homestead

AMBADY ESTATE, MUNNAR, KERALA

Set within a 75 acre estate, which sprawls boundlessly behind the century old smoking house, Ambady Estate offers guests a luxurious get-away. With a plethora of tropical fruit trees as well as exclusive rainforest fauna and grasslands on top of the mountains, the region is a natural wonder. The accommodation is contained within four cottages each with two separate rooms.The high roofed rooms are tastefully decorated in soft hues with large French windows which overlook the green vegetation outside. Extra touches, such as meditation platforms, make this the perfect place for a special stay.

See photos of Ambady Estate
Find out more about Ambady Estate

Get more information and best rates on luxury homestays

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THE HOME

Different levels of the house form an amusing labyrinth, leading you from one ornate space to another. The décor is an amalgam of thoughtful gifts given by prestigious artistes and visitors as well as artifacts picked up over the years by the hostess. The property extends downhill leading to an orchard full of juicy fruits and part of the land has been reverted back to the forest to keep benefit the natural flora and fauna. Barking deer, birds and wild fowl roam freely in the vicinity.

Swami Vivekananda, became known as India’s spiritual ambassador in America following his participation in the ‘Parliament of Religions’ held in Chicago, Illinois (USA) in 1893, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, made a great impression in Europe and America. Vivekananda did spent some time in Nainital and he is known to have have meditated under a tree which stood now where the sitting area of The Cottage begins.

In the local area a visit to the neighbouring tea shop is enjoyable, which can be the perfect final course to a delicious meal. A crackling bonfire in the sit-out on a chilly night is the perfect way to see an enchanting and rare sight – the distant lights from Nainital making an ‘Aum’ sign.

THE HOST

Mrs. Bhuvan Kumari is the heart and soul behind The Cottage. It was her childhood dream to open a homestay like this in the valley of Jeolikot. And towards this endeavour she passionately scouted for the perfect home. Finally, this 200-700 years old typical Kumaoni home caught her fancy and it became The Cottage, which was started 15 years ago. With the essence of the old village house intact she has overseen the meticulous restoration of The Cottage.

FACILITIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Five large and sunny bedrooms all with cheery bathrooms decorated by bright paintings
• Internet access in your own room by request
• Pick up, drop and assistance with sight-seeing available on request
• The weather in Nainital is pleasant throughout the year except the winter months. The best time to visit the place is between April to June and then again in September and October. The months of January to March are marked by snowfall.
• Travelling by road Nainital is connected to all the major national and state highways. From Nainital the following places are directly connected by regular bus service to Agra, Almora, Badrinath, Delhi, Dehradun and other important places.

Find out more, check availability and reserve a room with Mahindra Homestays.

You can also leave us a comment below and we will get in touch. Make sure you join us on our Facebook page for an exclusive discount on this homestay.

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THE PALACE

The right wing of the palace is over 300 years old and it’s present residential area was built over a century ago. Extensive reconstruction has given this historical location a new lease on life. It is the perfect place to discover more about the Royal Bundelkhandi past with historical souvenirs decorating the walls. With ten luxurious guest rooms The Alipura Palace is perfect for people who are looking to spend time in the lap of luxury and history.

The Palace not just serves as the perfect conduit for people travelling from Orchha to Khajuraho but is also a pleasurable place to stay. Day trips can be easily organised to both Khajuraho and Orchha.

At the Palace, crackling bonfires complement a dazzling, starry sky. Rich, hearty meals can be enjoyed on the terrace or inside the palace’s private restaurant.

THE HOSTS

This wondrous Palace is the pride and joy of Mr. Manavendra Singh and his wife, Brijraj Kumari. Together, the royal couple ensures their guests leave with an unforgettable experience and enchanting stories. Their hospitality has led many celebrities to stay here for weeks on end. Through word of mouth, the glory of the palace and its hosts means it is quickly becoming a popular weekend getaway.

FACILITIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• 10 suites with en-suite European bathroom facilities with hot and cold water.
• Air conditioned rooms with tea and coffee maker
• In-house restaurant
• Nearest airport – Khajuraho
• Nearest train station – Jhansi
• Ideal time to visit – August to March

Find out more, check availability and reserve a room with Mahindra Homestays.

You can also leave us a comment below and we will get in touch. Make sure you join us on our Facebook page for an exclusive discount on this homestay.

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