Aakriti & ExplorIndya – Read about us on TripAdvisor.com

FootPrints
FootPrints @ 2009
FootPrints @ 2008
FootPrints @ 2007
FootPrints @ 2006

FootPrints

Your Family Home was Highly Recommended by some visitors to you in 2004 but what we got from all of you was much much more than what we ever expected – we enjoyed an incredible hospitality, and great food and ofcourse learnt a lot about India, not only the normal things that you can read in a guidebook, but also got some insights into the daily life, something that you never get when you are traveling from one hotel to another. There was only one bad thing… and that was that we had planned to stay only for 2 nights !! Next time we will come back for longer. — Promise!

Chris and Jackie Timeus – Wetzikon, Switzerland – 3rd to 5th November 2005

" I grew up with stories of life in the Nilgiris, but nothing could prepare us for the reality! We’re Hooked! Thank you so much for the best holiday we have ever had. And for the best Pearl Wedding Anniversary we could possibly have had. We certainly wont wait for the Ruby Anniversary to visit you again!! The Food was outstanding and we could not stop ourselves from tasting all of it … but I promise you the Diet Starts tomorrow! "

Ann & Bertold Weidmann – Lincolnshire – England – 30th September to 14th October 2007

" The food is delicious,the scenery magnificent, and the hospitality endless, the enthusiasm infectious, the love is palpable and the kindness heart-warming. Your home is exquisite and your service impeccable… so with all my Heart and Stomach, I submit an official application to Lord Ganesh, that I may be born here and in this family in my next life! I will work hard to Deserve it! "

Tobias Leenaert – Founder of the Vegan Society – Belgium – 11th to 18th of January 2008 - http://www.vegetarisme.be

"A Stay in your home is just the start of our 2 weeks tour with explorIndya – and what a wonderful introduction we have gained. From knowing the Nilgiris only as a Gegraphival Area, we now have memories and pictures of a special part of India and a vastly knowledgeable and environmentally aware family. And we have so much enjoyed Vegetarian Food! "

Adrian Parker

" How can I thank you enough for all your kindness and generosity – your arrangements for my birthday treats will live with me forever – and one day I will attempt to wear the beautiful sarree you gave me – though I shall never achieve the grace that you have wearing these lovely clothes! And what a delight it has been to be staying in the home of a veritable artist – Mrs Kumar, your artistry reaches from the kitchen to the garden and has really made our stay here a little bit of Indian Heaven! Thank You for everything."

Kate Parker

Adrian and Kate Parker – King’s Lynn – England – 15th to 18th January 2008

"I came not knowing what I would find in India, I leave with a knowledge that will form the basis for the rest of my life.
Ravi, Renu, Lalith , Rupa and Rajat, thank you for your passion for what you do and believe in. You all have a special place in my heart."

Sue Hambly – New South Wales – Australia – 12th to 19th February 2008

"Your Home is the most beautiful place, brings a smile in every face.
Nature, friendly family, this is where we like ot be. Two Swiss move on and say to you: “ You were the best its really true!” Many thanks for all you have done for us! To Renu, Ravi, Rupa, Rajat and Lalith … the masala omletter with green chillis is just the best!!!"

Chris Studli and Heike Herr – Arni – Switzerland – 25th to 28th February 2008

"This holiday has surpassed all our expectations. Your Hospitality, food, information and generosity has been exceptional. We both feel India is now our second home and you have all become our extended family. Highlights have not only been the palaces we have visitied but the small “ moments” such as plummeting into the barrier, sat in the back of a tuk tuk! Everyone has been so kind and shown genuine warmth towards us. We will be back as soon as we can!"

Clive and Michelle Rockliffe – Kent – England – 22nd Feb to 29th Feb 2009

"We have spent 2 wonderful days in your house. It seemed like we have been friends for many years. You made us feel wonderfully at home and welcome. We enjoyed your cooking very much – the best Indian food we ever had. We appreciate your care for all details, be it nature, local villages, knowledge of your country, tribes and traditions. You are a very special family and the harmony we felt and the humor made us very happy. We wish you all the best for the future and hope to see you again. Till then keep on smiling!"
Thank you very much and God Bless

Lily and Rosmarie Forster – Gossau – Switzerland – 27th February to 1st March 2009

FootPrints @ 2009

Aakriti is spacious and beautifully furnished with stunning views which make it such a lovely place to stay. Thank you all so much for welcoming me into your family and for your outstanding hospitality. The vegetarian food was delicious and unbelievably varied and after Renu’s lesson, I shall certainly prepare much more of it. I welcome Ravi’s thought provoking conversations at meal times, I shall miss him. My special thanks to Lalith who has worked so hard planning an interesting itinerary to cater for my unusual interests of botany, entomology and conservation. Thanks to your efforts this has been an unforgettable holiday. I have really enjoyed my short stay here and I can’t thank you enough for the consideration and hospitality you have shown me. I shall try to return with Veronica one day. Much love, Colin.

Colin Hart – United Kingdom – February 2009

The holiday was splendid, the tours and programme-Perfect!
But most of all was the warmth, hospitality, care and consideration that we received from the whole family. It has been a privilege to have met you and to have been embraced by your kindness. We met strangers but we leave dear friends. We SHALL meet again but will always treasure this time spent with you all. Thank you so much for everything you have done and wish you great success in the future. With much affection! David.

David Britton – United Kingdom – February 2009

We enjoyed our stay in this marvelous resort very much!
Especially the warm hospitality of the family that we felt as part of them. We learned a lot about Indian cooking and the correct use of spices in these meals. The Indian way of taking responsibility for the environment is very impressive. The shopping tours with Rupa, Lalith and Rajat were very exciting. The discussions, laughs, jokes with the family were unforgettable!
We hope to come back to India and being able to meeting you again. Maybe we see each other once in Switzerland?

Franziska & Hansjorg Zaugg – Switzerland – February 2009

This has been the first time since I arrived 3-weeks ago that I’ve had the good fortune to encounter people who have been willing and able to tell us about India and the Nilgiris – what a treat it has been to hear so much and to benefit from such considered, well informed insights! Every member of this extraordinary family has done more than most people even imagine. It has been wonderful to put ourselves into the hands of such competent travel guides.

Fiona Fincannon – United States – February 2009

Thank you so much for making our visit so memorable and for welcoming us into your home, which was a lovely experience. You all took an infinity of trouble to look after us and show us the beauty of the Nilgiri area and explain what is happening in your country. Thanks also for adjusting your excellent cuisine for our tender taste buds. Also for finding the Nazareth Convent!

Margaret & Tony Purssel – United Kingdom – February 2009

It was a pleasure to stay with you and to make Focaccia, pizza, Swiss bread and Indian-mix vegetable curry together.
Thanks a lot again.

Elena Caselli & Camilla – Switzerland – February 2009

It is a wonderful and lovely place! We like it very much! Thanks for your great hospitality for your interesting information over all, and thanks for the wonderful meal! It was just too short!

Scharers – Switzerland – January 2009

FootPrints @ 2008

Imagine! You are flying around half of the world to a country which you have never visited, driving kilometers by car and 8-hours with the lovely Blue Mountain Train. Meet Rupa and Lalith and advance you are in a very nice holiday, enjoying the wonderful landscape and then Aakriti resort and the ‘rest of the family.’ Some minutes later you have lunch and the feeling that you are part of the family. Very interesting discussions about “God and the world.” The delicious food, the nice designed, very personal rooms, the walking to the wonderful sea. Thank you all for the warm hearted welcome – What a pity that we booked only for one night! We hope we will meet you again! Best wishes for you all.

Dieter Roskoni & Wilma Mohr – Germany – December 2008

Thank you very much for this wonderful time we had in the circle of your family – we felt like family members. All the wonderful excursions, discussions and laughing together and especially the cooking lesson will always be in our mind and will be unforgettable for us! Hope to see you all again! In between, we wish you all the best! Thank you all so much!

Gabriella Affeltranger & Daniel – Switzerland – November 2008

We cannot thank you enough for all your help in tracing Miles roots in Ooty; also for all your time showing us the beautiful scenery and countryside. The cooking and the henna is an experience tat Wendy will not forget. Your food and hospitality far exceeded our expectations. Namaste!

Miles & Wendy Hardy – United Kingdom – November 2008

My third visit to the Nilgiris has been wonderful because I’ve lived for a few days high above the bustle and business of Ooty and experienced real calm and relaxation. I arrived stress driven by clocks and leave in a frame of mind that is quite different. Thank you to all the family for the wonder, the fun, the conversations, the learning, the cooking – and of course the mandi! I wish you all joy and continued happiness and I hope to be back.

Wendy Cooling – United Kingdom – November 2008

Lovely landscape, plants, tea estates, villages, people and homemade food.
You have given us a nice taste of your paradise you are living in. Many thanks to you all. We will keep you in our memories!

Philipp, Juliette & Alexia Huber – October 2008

We had only one day in the Nilgiris, but we have seen so much, that it seemed much longer. Thanks so much for the great hospitality, the interesting visits and the delicious meals! It was a great experience! We shall tell our friends!

Ursula & Francis Stadler – Switzerland – July 2008

The trip with the two boys from Bangalore, Mysore to Aakriti was great. Vera had told me about Aakriti but no words can describe how it is. You must see and feel it. See you again in Switzerland, Germany or Vizag, but surely in Aakriti.

Vera & Jurg Hegi – Switzerland – April 2008

It feels like we have found and made new friends here, even Villads has found a new friend and hero in Lalith; we never thought this was possible!
It is hard to explain how much we have enjoyed this stay with this wonderful family. Thank You for amazing views, food, walks and laughs. This has, no doubt, been our best Indian experience and we hope to treat you the same way in Denmark Please come to visit us.

Kristian Bach, Krestine, Gustav & Villads – Denmark – March 2008

-Indian sights,
-Interesting smells,
-Thought provoking rituals,
-Happiness dwells.
-Broad spectrum of nature and cows!
-Food with abundance, taste sensations galore, spontaneous conversations. You couldn’t ask for more!
-It couldn’t have been better, to do all in one week!

Thanks for extending your amazing, endearing family warmth to us. You exude what “family” is all about, inclusive of humans and pets! As my first ever trip to India, you have to claim fame for contributing to Indian tourism!

Susan Standring – Australia – March 2008

Dear Renu, Rupa and Ravi,
We had a great time here. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. We will never forget this highlight of our Indian trip and we miss the words to say what we feel. We hope to hear from you by email. You are welcome in Switzerland. With the best wishes for you and your family!

Walter Enzen & Elisbeth – Switzerland – March 2008

Thank you very much for your hospitality, the warm welcome, the wonderful food, the kind atmosphere…… It’s hard for us to say what we liked most. Of course our interesting talk about Bollywood and 6-pack Shah Rukh Khan. We’ll come back soon and are really looking forward to traveling with you throughout beautiful India.

Fenja Schnizer & Dieter Hans – Germany – March 2008

It is really hard to capture the enjoyment of our stay at Aakriti in a few words. Suffice to say we had a wonderful time; the company; food and location are hard to beat. We have learned so much about India and Hinglish! Some really deep conversations over dinner and during our drives and walks around this stunning location. This was our second visit to Aakriti and once again we have no reservation over recommending Aakriti to our friends and relatives. Keep up the good work in forest conservation. (I also got my porridge again this year. Everyday!; 11/10 from me!!)
Good luck for the future!

David & Charlotte Grove – Scotland – March 2008

It was a very pleasant stay. Your warm welcome let us feeling like friends. We hope you won’t forget two Swiss girls who were wearing your sarees?
We are sure we will never forget you!
Thank you for your great hospitality!

Karin Schifferle – Switzerland – February 2008

ApplePie. Squirrels. Shola. Saris. Dosa. Woodpecker. Ooty. Bison in moonlight. Orange Pekoe. Thali. Steam train. 36 bends. Stars. Stratosphere. All this and much more are part of the Aakriti magic!

Rose Lord – Australia – January 2008

FootPrints @ 2007

We can’t thank you enough for the warmth and kindness you have shown us, and for including us in your lives. You are a lovely family and each of you has made our holiday very special.
We will not forget you or the hills and one day we will be back! Wishing you the best of luck for the future. Lots of love

Lucy Hall & Michael Redshaw – United Kingdom – November 2007

Thanks so much for al your efforts to make this stay so pleasant and relaxing for all of us. Will always remember this small paradise with all of you working with a very committed spirit – to preserve nature and human values. Once again, thanks – we really enjoyed! Will recommend this place to everyone I know!

Annie Olesen – Denmark – March 2007

Thank you all at Aakriti for welcoming us into your home. We felt part of your family for our too short a stay in this magical area. We enjoyed our discussions on world affairs, particularly the “George Dubya” video! We had our first trip to an Indian cinema thanks to all at Aakriti. We have no reservations in recommending an Aakriti experience to all our family & friends. Good luck with your ventures in the future. You truly deserve to succeed.

P.S. How could we forget the food. All of it was fabulous. I even got my porridge!!!
‘Hoots mon, ochaye the noo!’ as we say in Bonnie Scotland.

David & Charlotte Grove – Scotland – February 2007

Thank you so much for welcoming us into our home. You have all worked so hard to make our stay enjoyable and enlightening. We have learnt much about the environment and culture of Tamil Nadu. Your philosophy is inspirational. You care about the development of India and the welfare of its people.
We have had a wonderful time. Thank you for your genuine friendliness, excellent food and of course, for spotting the herd of bison!

Rosemary & Keith Vanham – United Kingdom – February 2007

Here’s a recipe for the perfect stay in the Nilgiris:
-Great treks with skillful guides.
-The best food we’ve had in India.
-Hours of enlightening conversation.
-Lots of laughs.
-Feeling at home with our new family.
-Giant spiders…..
-All the help and assistance we could need.
-Henna painted hands.
-English lessons for Mads

Hasseldahl Family – Denmark – January 2007

Dear Lalith, Rajat, Rupa, Renu & Ravi,
Thank you so much for all you have done for me. You really touched my heart and soul so much. I can’t say this in words!! I wish you good health and all the best. Stay as you are!! Deep love!! Alain – the Swiss cheese head!

Alain Vaucher – Switzerland – January 2007

Thank you all for a wonderful experience. It was a complete pleasure to have such kind and caring people change our vision of India. We loved every minute of our stay, including the hourly feasts! Your love for your region insights into your country and culture have left a lasting impression on us. Much love!

Simon & Vanessa Clarke – Australia – January 2007

FootPrints @ 2006

Dear Rupa, Lalith, Rajat, Ravi and by no means least, Renu.
Aakriti really is a team effort and each one of you plays a vital role.
Lalith and Rajat: Your knowledge and love of the flora and fauna of the Nilgiri hills is as infectious as your sense of humour, thank you for your insights.

Rupa: Your knowledge and love of Lalith and Rajat is undeniable – thank you for sharing your insights and for being a counter-balance to all that testosterone.
Ravi: Thank you for introducing me to my inner Jain!
Renu: The quiet hub around whom all the others revolve, thank you for letting us into your kitchen, the sanctum santorum of any self-respecting home.
Love, Mile

Here is the summarized version:
Guys, it was BRILLIANT!
Thanks so much for everything and you are welcome in Oxford anytime. Hope to see you again one way or another.
Love, Jo

Miles Doubleday & Jo Lyon – United Kingdom – December 2006

Dear Rupa, Lalith and family,
Thank you all for a lovely and unforgettable stay! To experience the warmth of your family is a priviledge. The attention from all of you we have got and the involvement into the family is unique. Your extension information was very helpful to understand India. The meals were not just a feast for the eyes, it was also a delicacy for the gourmet. We are thankful for your hospitality and your sense of humour.

Peter & Elizabeth Blazer – Switzerland – August 2006