Welcome to The Agrahara
A concept homestay
About
Agraharams (uh·gruh·haa·rums) are vibrant houses lined up around a Hindu Temple, resembling a flower garland placed around the temple. Agraharams were started in the South of India during the Pallava period and thereafter by Cholas and Pandiyas particularly for brahmins (priests) who practiced Vedas (revered texts). The Agraharams in rural Tamil Nadu (tuh·mil·naa·doo) still carry forward some of the traditions – expect to hear the popular prayer-suprabhatam in the morning, traditional kolams (traditional welcome art) in front of houses in the mornings and colorful bhajans (songs) being sung at the temple in the evening.
The Agrahara is located at Alwarkurichi – a small hamlet in the South rural Tamil Nadu . Part of Tenkasi district, the place abounds with nature since it sits at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
It is part of the agraharam street leading to a Perumal Temple which forms the jewel of the agraharam.
Do check out our tourism section to know more about the places of interest around.
Make great memories at this Century old traditional and unique house where you can experience South Indian hospitality at its best. The House has been recently renovated with all modern amenities, but by carefully retaining the old world charm.
The house is a traditional Agrahara house that is just 17 feet wide, but over 200 feet long! There is also a backyard that stretches over 100 feet.
The Agrahara is conceptualized for families who wish to explore the area around with the touch of tradition by feeling completely safe and comfortable. Awake to the chirping of sparrows and peacocks from the backyard and sip that filter coffee! Enjoy scrumptious home cooked vegetarian meals dished right out of our kitchen! And after a day out visiting around, relax away at the pump set (a rural, Indian jacuzzi) in the backyard! And if you don’t wish to do anything, just sit in the large swing in the front veranda with that favorite book of yours!
The Agrahara Experience
Accommodation
Layout
The Agrahara has 2 bedrooms. The Master bedroom has a King size bed with en-suite bathroom and a TV. There is also a sofa convertible to a double bed that can accommodate kids. The Second bedroom has two single beds. The bathroom for the small bedroom can be accessed from outside the room. Both rooms are air-conditioned, fitted with premium quality mattress/linen and equipped with TV.
The House can comfortably accommodate 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 kids.
House Rules
Keeping in accordance with the traditions and sentiments of the agraharam, the Agrahara is a strictly vegetarian, non-smoking property. Alcohol consumption is also prohibited. However, if you wish to indulge, we can refer you to places nearby. The terrace is not accessible to guests. Partying of any sorts and loud music are prohibited as the houses next to each other share a common wall.
The house comes with a veranda, living, dining and a huge backyard – all accessible for the guests. Round the Clock hot water and purified RO drinking water are available.
At the Agrahara, we bring you the traditional South Tamilnadu food that has been kept in the families through the generations. “You are what you eat” is the way Tamilians view cooking. South Tamilnadu cuisine is based on the concept that food shapes the personality, mood and mind. A healthy vegetarian diet fosters serene qualities. In a South Tamil household food is cooked with a great deal of attention to cleanliness; to the balancing of nutrition, flavor, texture and variety. Every ingredient used in the South Tamilnadu cuisine has a purpose that goes beyond taste and texture. Fenugreek as a digestive aid, cumin has multiple usages, dried legumes and beans are great protein sources, pepper is the best home remedy for colds and coughs, turmeric is the wonder healer of wounds.
Typically, idli, dosa, arisi upma are the common breakfast dishes in the household of a Tamilian, surrounded with the Suprabhatham sounding from the houses early in the morning.
Breakfast at the Agrahara– Any two from Idli/Pongal/Poori/Uthappam/Dosa/Upma served with Vada, Chutney, Sambar and Coffee/Tea.
Lunch is not just a romance with food, lunch is the best way to rejuvenate the body, and the meal is cooked with the combination of spices in such a way that the soul stays serene. Hence it is lavish and served appropriately in a banana leaf.
Lunch at the Agrahara– Boiled Rice served with curry of choosing - Paruppu/ Sambar and Rasam / VathaKulambu/Pitlai/Mor Kuzhambu along with choice of side dish made with vegetables -Poriyal/Avial, and accompaniments - Kootu, Vada, Appalam, Payasam, Curd & Pickle.
What better way to spend the evening sipping that piping hot filter coffee(South Indian style coffee) with a crunchy snack to accompany!
Evening at the Agrahara – Coffee/Tea with any one of Bajji/Bonda/Sundal/Pakoda
Dinner is usually a simple affair to keep things light before hitting the bed after a long day.
Dinner at the Agrahara– Sevai/Rava Dosa/Wheat Dosa/Wheat Upma/Rava Upma with savory Chutney or Chapathi with Kurma & Milk.
Food
Tariff
Stay:
Entire House – INR 6,500 (Upto 6 pax)
If you are a smaller group:
Per Pax - INR 1,250
(A minimum of INR 2,500 will be charged)
The above tariff is excluding taxes and food.
Food:
Breakfast – INR 200
Lunch – INR 300
Evening Snacks with Tea/Coffee - INR 50
Dinner – INR 200
The above cost is per person all inclusive. Please inform us 5 hours in advance if you require a meal since all food is cooked with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced based on request only.
Contact
24, Perumal Sannidhi Street East Agraharam, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu 627412
7353090800
Distances:
Madurai Airport – 195km – 3.5 hours' drive
Trivandrum Airport – 135km - 4 hours' drive
Tirunelveli Railway Station – 41km – 1 hour drive
Alwarkurichi Railway Station – 3km
Driving from Bangalore – 600km – 10 hours' drive (You can have a stopover at Madurai)
Driving from Chennai – 660km – 11 hours' drive (You can have a stopover at Trichy)
Please contact us if you wish to avail any pick-up and/or drop facilities.