| Unusual
Places to Visit |
As
intrepid travelers felt a deep yearning to stay at an
unusual location; atop a tree set on the periphery of
a wildlife reserve forest, beside a gushing rivulet
or on a mountain slope; we have discovered some unusually
incredible places; a tea plantation, a backwater heritage
retreat, a bungalow set on the fringes of the buffer
zone of a tiger reserve, a multi-crop plantation located
on the foothills of the Western Ghats, a plantation
bungalow within a pristine, unspoiled environment abounding
with bird population, a house on a lagoon-inlet; all
to give you the feeling of being far from the madding
crowd and homely.
Each of these properties boasts of an ideal private
location, large, comfortable, quaint rooms, period furniture
and architecture, warm hospitality and delicious local
cuisine. It is a home away from home |
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| Properties
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| The Marari
Beach House |
| Located on the
southwest coast of Kerala and washed by the Arabian Sea
this expansive group of cottages is set on a 2 acre property.
The largest of these cottages was once owned by a local
fisherman. Renovated with artifacts sourced over the years
from ancestral properties, this property has 4 distinct
cottages with 5 air-conditioned rooms. Out here you could
go on a country boat cruise on a fisherman's canoe, walk
along the beach, sun-bathe, rejuvenate yourself with an
ayurvedic massage, visit the local fish market, treat
yourself to some excellent sea food cuisine or better
still watch a sunset everyday. |
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| Emerald Isle,
Alleppey |
Flanked by the
Manimala River on the southern side and emerald green
paddy fields on its north, Emerald Isle is a 150 year
old ancestral home with traditional red oxide floors,
teak paneled walls and an ara or granary. Located in the
heart of Kuttanad, near Nedumudi, it is the perfect place
to explore the famed backwaters. 4 comfortable rooms make
up this heritage property.
Take a country boat cruise through the meandering lagoons,
motor- boat cruises to a 1000 year old Syrian Christian
Church, learn to throw a fishing net, watch the toddy
- tapper tapping the local brew from a coconut tree, have
an ayurvedic massage or simply laze on a hammock and read
a book.
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| Akkara House,
Kottayam |
Set on a few acres
on the river-bend of the Meenachil River, Akkara is a
few kilometers away from Kottayam Town. This large Syrian
Christian private residence has terracotta floors with
a rectangular verandah and a large open courtyard with
steps leading to the river. A private boatman transfers
you across the river on a country boat to large spacious
rooms, overlooking the central courtyard. 3 large rooms
are available for stay at Akkara.
A perfect homestay, each guest is personally attended
by your host Mrs. Shanta Kurian. Treat yourself to some
traditional Syrian Christian cuisine, take a cruise up
the river towards Ayemenem, visit a rubber plantation,
visit Kumarakom, a half hour away or spend the evening
in the silence of the surrounding. |
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| Periyar Reserve
Bungalow, Pachakanam |
| Situated on the
fringes of the buffer zone of the Periyar Tiger Reserve,
this bungalow is surrounded by an 80 acre cardamom plantation
and flanked on its north by a rivulet and an evergreen
forest. Lined around the courtyard are tall trees, which
are home to the Malabar Giant Squirrel and the Flying
Squirrel apart from a hornbill's nest and plenty of wildlife
viewing opportunities around the area. Most definitely
the best wildlife destination in Kerala, this plantation
bungalow has 3 large rooms that can house 3 families comfortably.
Enjoy Game drives to Gavi, boating at the Periyar Tiger
Reserve, spice plantation walks, bathe in the cool rivulet
or indulge in a bar-b-que dinner in the silence of the
forest cover. |
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| The Banyan
tree, Sethumada |
Located on the
foothills of the Western Ghats, bordering the Indira Gandhi
and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuaries, The Banyan Tree
is situated in Sethumada, on a 4500 acre multi-crop farm.
Built as a residence for the landlord to manage this expansive
farm, presently it is a single bedroom house with marble
floors, a small living area and an open dining area covered
with a tiled roof. Traditional tamilian food with a landlord's
hospitality create the perfect village feel.
With two huge water canals running across the farm for
more than 5 kms the farm is a veritable conservatory of
fruits and cash crops of all kinds. Its close proximity
to the wildlife sanctuaries and the mountains provides
scope for game viewing and trekking.
Apart from those, one can trek to a tribal settlement,
trek and bathe at a waterfall or if one is fortunate go
rafting across the canal. |
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| The Whistling
Thrush Bungalow, Neelampathy |
Situated on the
Nelliampathi Plateau this neo modern bungalow is set in
a multi crop plantation filled by birds of every feather.
Two spacious well furnished bedrooms, a tastefully decorated,
pots and plants filled well-lit living room with a tall
ceiling and homely food make up this quiet bungalow. Once
the abode of orange plantations, today abandoned estates
have become haven for a dynamic bird population.
What sets this place apart is the sound of the wind, trees
and the company of the Malabar Whistling Thrush and its
mellifluous song pervading the morning air. Do an early
morning walk across the plantation or drive to Victoria
Church, an abandoned church atop a rock, from where you
can see the plains, miles away and if you are fortunate,
hear and watch the Great Indian Hornbill taking flight;
a once in a lifetime sight. |
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| Nakshatramana
Poothotta Vaikum |
Set within an acre,
on the Ernakulam -Vaikom road, this private residence
has traditional Keralan construction with open brick finish
and tiled roofs. Home to Ashok, a photographer and Tillottama
Koshy, a BharataNatyam dancer, Nakshatramana is an activity
center with a private dance stage and a lagoon inlet flanked
by coconut palms.
With their intrinsic knowledge of the performing arts
and the culture of India Nakshatramana holds private dance
and music shows, from the make-up to the performance,
with explanation of each intricate step, apart from facilitating
unusual tour packages and events.
More particularly, enjoy the much-travelled company of
your hosts & their son Aastik, their boxer dogs and
pet kite and the warmest hospitality this side of the
country.
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| Tallayar
Valley Bungalow, Munnar |
Set in a huge tea
plantation just 20 kms from Munnar, The Tallayar Valley
Bungalow is surrounded by mountains and tea gardens. The
awesome Dumb Mountain (local name-Oomamalai) is towards
it's west, and forms an imposing backdrop to this beautiful
three bedroom bungalow, while rolling tea gardens lie
sprawled out on the other sides.
What sets this bungalow apart is open air bar-be-cue area
and clay court where every evening a Kalaripayattu show
unfolds. Moreover, two unique sancturies are just half
an hour away-the Eravikulam National Park (home to Nilgiri
Tahr) and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. |
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| For bookings contact us |
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