India Guide
Karnataka
Accommodation
1 Garden Paradise Far east end of village 
08394/652539 Four cramped but cute huts in an excellent riverside location. Shared bathrooms and a chilled-out restaurant. Price: Rs501-1000
2 Goan Corner 500m east of coracle crossing, Virupapuragadda 09448 718951 Large complex amid paddy fields and near the rocks with a range of rooms and huts, some with attached bathrooms. Lively restaurant. Price: Under Rs300
3 Gopi GH Virupapuragadda, 200m west of boat crossing 09/480 474 861 One of the mellower spots in Viru, with thatched huts of varying sizes encircling a garden and fountain. Price: Under Rs300
4 Laxmi Golden Beach Resort and Guesthouse Virupapuragadda, 400m west of coracle crossing on main drag 08394/287008 
www.laxmigoldenbeach.com Luxury touches down in Viru, with the bi-level bamboo restaurant and enormous, paddy-facing rooms of the Laxmi Resort, which is rather overpriced. The guesthouse rooms in the back, however, are significantly cheaper and not bad value. Price: Guesthouse Rs201–1000, resort Rs2001 and above
5 Manju's East of coracle crossing, beyond rice paddies 09449 247712 This grassy complex of ten mud-walled attached huts and two rooms has a tranquil, relaxed vibe; there's a delightful gazebo restaurant and Internet access. Price: Rs201-300
6 
Mowgli Far west end of main road 08394/329844 
hampimowgli@hotmail.com A range of rooms with comfy sitouts and private balconies, some with fantastic views, as well as a welcoming restaurant set against a gorgeous paddy and river backdrop, and all services (Internet, laundry, travel booking, money changing), make this the best-value lodgings in Viru. Book ahead. Price: Under Rs1500
7 River View Guest House next to Manju's, east of coracle crossing, beyond rice paddies 09448 441880 Six simple huts with shared baths and great views across the river. A fine, charming budget option. Price: Under Rs200
8 Sai Plaza Virupapuragadda 08533/287017, santoshgvt@yahoo.com These fifteen bungalows encircling an attractive courtyard garden are relaxed and welcoming. The restaurant has delicious lassis and sandwiches and excellent views across the river. Price: Rs301-500
9 Shanti Guest House Just north of the Virupaksha temple 08394/241568 This is a real favourite, comprising a dozen or so twin-bedded rooms arranged on two storeys around a leafy inner courtyard. It's basic (showers and toilets are shared), but spotless, and all rooms have fans and windows. Price: Under Rs200
10 Sunny Guest House Virupapuragadda 08533/287005 Nicely landscaped gardens with brightly painted bungalows and a row of compact rooms. Price: Rs201–500
11 Umashankar Lodge Virupapuragadda 08533/287067. Cosy, popular spot with small but clean attached rooms, the upstairs ones rather overpriced, set round a leafy courtyard. Price: Under Rs500
12 Vicky's Guest House At the end of the lane furthest northeast from the temple 08394/241694 Small clean rooms, some attached. Friendly and popular for its rooftop restaurant. Price: Rs201–500