For us, the Fernandez family, [Katrina was born in 1983], living here has been an awesome experience. To the local communities, we were as much a cultural shock as they were to us. We didn’t think communication would be much of a problem, but we had to learn a whole new language, the vocabulary we brought with us was urban based and totally useless. Twenty-three years ago we entered a strange unknown world, today we are part and parcel of it.

Living in a Jungle Environment is not easy but how rewarding. You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings and sensitive to all that is happening around you. Urban living tends to deaden the senses, not only did we have to learn to live and see things differently we also had to unlearn so much more. There is no doubt that we can now see better, hear better and smell better!

The Hermitage is the ideal place for those interested in a close encounter with nature and with local community life. We do not promise you anything spectacular, but warmly invite you to experience something of our world.  We offer you friendship and camaraderie, good food, and plenty of belly laughs.

What else is there to say? Your hosts David and Morvarid are middle aged but still young at heart! Katrina has just turned 19, and at the moment is away at University doing her degree in the Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies. As a family we enjoy meeting interesting people {age no bar}, we love animals and nature, listening to music and farming. Our favourite pastimes include travelling, reading and fishing.  David is still trying to find the time to finish restoring his 1928 Ford.

Postscript: Your hosts [all three] have the gift of the gab, and will do their best to answer all your questions.

David, Morvarid and Katrina conduct EarthFoot's The Hermitage Guest House in the Western Ghats experience.