Mahindra Homestays » Kerala

Places in Kottayam

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:00:53 +0000

An important Kerala centre for spices and rubber, Kottayam lies near the tourist hub, Alleppey, in the southern part of the state. The famous Keralan backwaters are accessible as the town is based at the basin of Meenachil River and the Vembanad Lake.

The weather here is cooler in comparison to Alleppey and the evergreen lush topography a great respite. Kottayam is also known for famous home-bred bakeries. With a large Syrian Christian community residing here, non vegetarian delicacies are in plenty. Look out for local jaunts to try some delicious beef, pork and sea food.

Kottayam is a fairly small town, spread over about 55 sq kms and is not traditionally a tourist hub, but there are some interesting places in Kottayam where you can choose to base yourself for a few days or visit during your trip.

1. Vagamon
This is a hill station close to Kottayam, situated 1100 metres above sea level. Vagamon is not that well known on the tourist circuit so one enjoy the lush ravines, tree lined hills and an extensive carpet of bright green in a tranquil environment. The drive itself from Kottayam to Vagamon is magnificent with pine trees amidst solid rock. Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram are the highlights of this place.

2. Pallam
Pallam is a great place to see some of the different art forms of Kerala in their natural settings rather than in air conditioned auditoriums, offering a more authentic experience. The Anjaneya Kalari Marma Chikilsalayam is based in the Pallom region of Kottayam and gives the visitors a guided walk through the popular Kalaripayatu performance. There are limited entries and no fees, which makes this a great place to get acquainted with the ancient art. The establishment is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments. Pallom is also known for the first power house in Cochin and Munroe Lighthouse. It is associated with famous names like Haley Mathew (a great patron of the famous snake boats).

3. Pallikathodu
Kerala is known for its natural beauty in backwaters, lush forests and plantations. Amongst these, there are some spectacular waterfalls in the Kottayam region to visit. Just 18 kms from Kottayam, Pallikathodu is famous for the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, best seen after the rainfall in August. Crashing down from the mountains from a height of 100 ft this is a fantastic spot for a relaxing picnic.

4. Ettumanoor
Just 15 km away, Ettumanoor is famous for an old Shiva shrine. It is believed to be thousands of years old and houses ancient paintings and seven statues of half golden elephants. This is largely a historical destination with its lineage attributed to the times of Mahabharata, as the Pandavas are said to have established a temple here.

5. Poonjar Palace
Poonjar Palace has a royal connection to the history of Kottayam. Prince G.V Raja’s home is now a museum where antiques, rock-cut lamps, sculptures and other artefacts are displayed for public viewing. The palace stands as a testimony to an opulent time for the Prince, reflected in the richly carved furniture, chandeliers, jewel boxed, paintings and sculptures. Not far from the palace, is an extraordinary replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, with intricate sculptures depicting stories from the Puranas. Poonjar Palace makes for a good off beat trip from Kottayam town.

6. Kumarakom
The pretty backwater village of Kumarakom is located just 16 kilometres from Kottayam. An ideal place for setting off on a backwater cruise, the village is set to the backdrop of Vembanad Lake where numerous traditional houseboats can be found plying the waterways.

Popular Places in Alleppey, Kerala

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:00:32 +0000

Alleppey defines the quintessential Kerala experience in several ways. The placid backwaters which flow into narrow canals are the lifeblood of the small town which lies 60 kms south of Cochin. Life revolves around the water and most visitors will be here to explore the backwaters by boat, from the large elegant houseboats to small fishing canoes.

Also known as Alappuzha, the town has a rich history, a burgeoning home-stay culture for travellers and also serves as the venue for some of the most exciting festivals of the state.

Here are our five favourite places in Alleppey to visit.

1. Punnamada Jetty

You don’t need to take an entire house-boat to get the experience of the backwaters. Walk to the Punnamada Jetty point and watch the elaborate and well equipped house-boats dock on the banks. You can walk into some of them and have a look around. The jetty point is also a good spot to sight some rowers from a local sports school in the middle of the lake. Children from the school often whiz past the banks in canoes or hold swimming practices close by.

2. Alappuzha Beach

Though Alleppey is better known for its network of canals, it has a great stretch of sandy beach, often overlooked by visitors. There is 140 years old wharf which extends into the sea. Take some time to explore the sandy, palm-fringed shore line lapped by the Arabian Sea. Marari beach just before the town is a hot-spot for resort oriented holiday.

3. Kuttanad

Further towards the South, the Kuttanad region unfolds just after Alleppey. A fascinating area, this is well below the sea level and is known for its lush paddy fields. The topography is different from the backwaters and makes for an idyllic day out. You can see the locals at work in the fields as you cross vast patches of cultivation.

4. Vembanad Lake

Alleppey is sandwiched between Vembanad lake and the Arabian sea. The longest lake in India, Vembanad spans several districts in Kerala. The lake is stunning, covered in water hyacinth and home to a vast variety of bird life. Houseboats travel along the lake giving visitors the opportunity to see the many fishing villages clustered along its shores.

5. Pathiramanal

A small island on the backwaters, Pathiramanal is a bird watchers paradise as it is home to over 90 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. About 13 km from Alleppey it can be reached in about 30 minutes by speed boat from the town.

Things to do in Mahe

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:00:27 +0000

The unassuming coastal destination, Mahe, was once known for its colonial lineage and economical liquor alone. The small town, which part of Pondicherry but sits on the West Coast locked between Kerala and the western Arabian Sea is now slowly gaining popularity with travellers.

Its proximity from destinations in Kerala and also larger cities like Bangalore is making people come here to discover its rich heritage, relaxing beach scene and cuisine which still reflects its French lineage.

Mahe is largely a walking town. It is small enough to meander leisurely and take in the relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of things to do in Mahe to fill your days. Here are some of our ideas.

1. The Puthalam Temple
Believed to have been built 1000s of years ago, this temple has had many esteemed visitors, including Gandhi, whose visit is marked by a marble stone at the entrance. A simplistic temple built for 3 gods it houses a holy grove behind it. This feature, specific and prevalent to all Malabar temples, signifies the respect for nature. The legend goes that during the French and Indian army conflict, the French got an advantageous position behind the temple on top of a hill. The Indians who were attacking from below ran out of water and dug some wells for the soldiers. These open wells are still present and you can peep through the thick foliage to see Mangosteins growing in this area. An annual temple festival is held here in March every year.

2. Sri Krishna Temple
An interesting temple which was built only 50 years ago is famous for hosting low cost marriages. Drop in for a wedding if you are sauntering around.

3. The Mansion of the Administrative Officer of Mahe
Even though this is an administrative building, it lies in a picturesque spot at the confluence of the Mahe River with the Arabian Sea. Though you need permission to go inside, it is worth your while to get to the back of the building to see the fishermen’s boats coming into the bay and making a beautiful backdrop to the small town.

4. Tagore Park
Well manicured, the park stands at the edge of the sea and has a tombstone in memory of soldiers, a statue of Marianne and several other statues.

5. Malaya Kalagramam
Even though this is not a part of Mahe and technically falls under Kerala, you can walk across the bridge to this art school, inspired by the eminent painter K.C Panicker. Funded by the AVK trust from Chennai, the building is a serene haven for students of art, sculpturing, music and dance. This is a residential school, so you can see students at work if you go on a week day.

6. Mahe Beach
One of the most serene and truly untouched destinations on the west coast Mahe beach is a good place to relax and watch the local fishermen bring in their catch. Read more about Mahe beach.

7. Admire the French architecture
With its French lineage the town of Mahe features plenty of buildings with distinct French architectural features. There is also a French school which remains in the town.

8. St. Theresa’s church
The Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church is a simple church but is well known in the region and popular with visitors during its annual festival between the 5th and 22 October every year.

Getting to Mahe: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport 85 km from Mahe.There is a railway station in Mahe where a few local and express trains stop and nearest major railway stations, where several long distance trains stop, are Thalassery, Kannur and Badagara.

Related links and articles
Mahe Beach
Mahe destination guide
Mahe homestay collection

Popular Places in Cochin

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:00:35 +0000

Cochin, the busy and bustling commercial centre of Kerala, is the gateway to one of the most popular destinations of India.

Cochin’s international airport is a popular entry point for many travellers arriving in south India, offering easy access to the famous backwaters and onward travel to the beautiful southern beaches. It is recommended to include a few days in here exploring the sights and places in Cochin to understand the exciting blend of modern culture and traditional values of the region.

Here are some popular places in Cochin to visit or base yourself.

1. Ernakulum City
More popularly known as just Cochin, Ernakulum is the modern representation of the region. The main M.G Road is a chaotic busting place with malls and shopping arcades springing up in every corner. This also means, that is the place to shop for saris and other memorabilia. This is the business district of the area, a hub of activity with plenty going on from morning till night.

2. Fort Kochi
A ferry ride away from Ernakulum, the atmosphere is completely different in Fort Kochi. Cobble stoned streets are breezy and relaxed compared to the city. Visit Kashi Cafe, the Teapot Cafe or just dig into some sumptuous sea food in the local restaurants. Fort Kochi is walking and cycling paradise with low traffic and an easy pace. There are plenty of things to see here like the Chinese fishing nets, ancient churches, traditional dance forms or the nearby Muzuri Islands. Fort Kochi (or Fort Cochin) is one of the most popular places for visitors to base themselves.

3. Mattancherry
Mattancherry is about 9 km from Ernakulum by road but you can also get an easy ferry to the island. When you arrive you are instantly transported into the era of a bustling trade hub here. Some of the attractions for tourists are the Mattancherry palace, the last working synagogue, the palace Museum and the local markets where you can get spices and artefacts and more. There is never a dull moment here. Many travellers tend to stay in the Fort Kochi area a little longer to allow plenty of time to discover Mattancherry as well.

4. Thripunithura
A small town outside Kochi is known for its palaces, museums and temples. It was the earlier Kingdom of Kochi and the Hill Palace was the home of the Maharaja of Cochin, the ruler of Kingdom of Cochin. It is a great destination for the arts and makes for an interesting day trip.

5. The Bolgatty Island
The name Bolgatty now resonates with an upmarket hotel which is the point of attraction for many. It is here that the British established a Royal Residency, which has now taken shape into amenities like a golf course and horse riding tracks. The Bolgatty Palace can be visited as a day trip from Ernakulum.

6. Vypin Island
Experience the local way of fishing in the villages of Vypin Island. The island is has many small hamlets where fishing and agriculture are the main occupations. It is also the closest island to the Cherai beach, a popular tourist destination.

Beaches of India: Mahe Beach

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:00:06 +0000

Locked between the state of Kerala and the Arabian sea, the 9sq km stretch of Mahe is one of the most unassuming beach destinations of India. In fact, hardly featuring on the travel map for the majority of visitors, it’s quite a find.

Previously a French colony, Mahe has a unique status of being part of the east coast established Pondicherry. While the administration is largely from Pondicherry, Mahe is a popular destination to stock up alcohol due to low taxation base. That apart, it is one of the most serene and truly untouched destinations on the west coast!

Being right at the edge of the Arabian Sea, Mahe is not as popular as better known places such in Goa and Kerala, but the experience of the beach is very different.

Mahe beach is a fishing hub and early mornings you can see fishermen bringing in their catches the backdrop of the commercial activity created around this. There is a small jetty that runs into the sea which makes for a great vantage spot to see the boats coming in offering an enthralling view.

Mahe beach has a small patch where one can relax under the palms. There are no shops or shacks like parts of Goa so bring supplies and a large towel to rest upon. You can enjoy a magnificent view of the Mahe coastline from the Tagore Park and the Government House.

If you drive up towards Thalassery, one can see the more popular Muzhapilangad Beach. One will often hear the term, ‘Drive-In’ beach as the road leads up straight to it. Its flat surface allows even auto rickshaws to get here. There is a small sports school which remains closed during the monsoons. Basic water sports are offered here but the best experience is to enjoy a walk across the beautiful sands.

The next best thing that to do is take a trip to the Dharmadham Island, off the coast from Thalasserry. With no motor boats available, you will need to negotiate and venture out with fishermen. Their fee for taking you can be a priceyamount such as Rs 1500/- per trip from the Muzhapilangad Beach.

Related links and articles
Beaches of India
Mahe destination guide
Mahe homestay collection

Shopping in Trivandrum

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:00:50 +0000

Apart from its famous backwaters, cultural insights and great food, Kerala also represents a unique and colourful part of the country, which is depicted in many of the trinkets and fabrics from the state. If you are looking to buy some souvenirs or just to treat yourself then make sure you go shopping in Trivandrum, the capital city. There is a great selection of goods to fill your bags with!

Here are our five favourite places to go shopping in Trivandrum.

1. D.C Books
You always need books for company while travelling. The Kerala bred book store brand D.C Books has a decent stock of western and Indian English literature. The brand also focuses on Malayalam (local) literature. Saunter in and spend time browsing through the easy ambience and choose books at your own pace. You will find it in Statue Road.Visit their website for more details.

2. Sanker’s Coffee and Tea Shop

Hot beverages like tea and coffee are deep rooted in Kerala culture. With many varieties produced in the state some tea or coffee makes a great souvenir to take home. A good place to head is the one stop Sanker’s Coffee and Tea Shop for both tea and coffee from the Nilgiris region of Western Ghats. Since there are many varieties, a little advice on what to choose will not hurt. The folks at Sanker’s can help you out, keeping in mind your budget. You will find it in MG Road, open 9am – 9pm Mon – Sat.

3. SMSM Institute
Coir, bamboo and coconut based handicrafts are very popular in Kerala. You can get a reasonably priced selection of curious from this government owned emporium in YMCA Road. It has plenty of choice to browse though and some unusual selections you won’t find elsewhere.

4. Kasuva Kada for Saris

Known for its traditional hand woven saris, Kasavu Kada is your best bet for some sari shopping. The owners belong to a small weaving village called Balaramapuram, which has now emerged as an important weaving centre in the state. The creations in this shop are going to be quite unique and not run of the mill like some other south Indian sari shops.

5. Connemara Market

This may not be a predictable shopping haunt for travellers, but certainly a great one for those looking for photo-opportunities. The market in MG Road is abuzz with clothes, spices, vegetables, fruits and enthusiastic ladies. Stroll around the market to get a taste of a local experience.

Places in Wayanad

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:00:39 +0000

Located on the North-east of edge of Kerala, the thick forest topography and numerous coffee and spice plantations transports visitors to a different ambience of Kerala from it’s famous backwaters.

Wayanad is known for its rich bio-diversity with two prominent national parks and a vast stretch of coffee plantations.

The main towns and regions in Wayanad are Kalpetta in the south, Sulthan Bathery in the east and Mananthavadi in the northwest. All the main sights and attractions are accessible wherever you decide to stay and all three of these towns have good facilities such as ATMs and are connected by buses.

Here are some popular places in Wayanad to explore during your trip:

1. Wildlife Sanctuaries

There are two popular wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad; Muthanga and Tholpetty. Both managed by the forest department, vehicles are allowed to enter the park for animal spotting according to specific timings. Elephants, langurs, wild hogs, deer and bisons are easily spotted. The parks are also known for their tiger population. Muthanga (also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary) is larger of the two and was founded in 1973. Tholpetty is closed during the monsoon season although Muthanga remains open year round.

2. Lakkidi

Another interesting place to explore is the ridge of the highest pass in the region, all of 700 meters above the sea level. This lies above Thamaraserry and has a wonderful view of the ghats section that follows towards the boundary of the district.

3. Banasura

This area derives its name from the namesake, Banasura Dam. Located only 21km away from the Kalpetta town, the dam is the largest earthen dam in India and second largest in Asia. The reservoir is dotted with small islands, home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The fringes of Banasura reservoir are lined with small settlements with wonderful views. The reservoir is equally wonderful to see whether it’s full after the rains or in the thick of summer with low water levels. You can often see herds of elephants on the banks.

4. Uravu and neighbouring villages

The Thrikkaipetta village has been working closely with the Wayanad based NGO, Uravu, towards using the local bamboo resource to enrich the environment and the lives of the locals. Products made out of dead bamboo are made by local communities, which in turn gives them sustainable business as well as uses the natural resource of the tree. This is a great place to visit to see how bamboo is brought to use in the form of woven mats, bangles, lamp shades and paintings.

Onam Festival in Kerala

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:57:21 +0000

Being primarily an agricultural country for decades, the harvest festivals of India are celebrated with much vigour. Regional variations make the festivals of South and North very distinct, giving a traveller good reason to visit both parts of the country and see the cultural differences.

One of the most popular festivals of South India, Onam, is celebrated in the state of Kerala. It is one of the major Hindu festivals and is celebrated all over the state with tremendous zeal.

History
The story goes that during the reign of demon King Mahabali, Kerala was its peak of a golden era. The region was prosperous and people were happy. The King, though very generous, had a debilitating shortcoming of being over egoistical. The knowledge of his weakness made the Gods end his rule on earth. Given his popularity with his subjects, the Gods allowed him to return annually for a visit to the region. The festival celebrates the homecoming of the beloved King each year and allows people to wish him well.

When is it celebrated?
The Malayam month of Chingam is auspicious for celebrating Onam. This falls in August or September each year, during the monsoon season.

How is it celebrated?
Elaborate preparations are made before the festival starts. Houses are given a thorough cleaning, kollams are made outside homes and the grand feast Onasadya is made. The nine course meal entails 11-13 essential dishes which are laid out on banana leaves.

Another important way to mark the month of Onam is by the season of boat races. Starting from Champakulum to the Nehru Boat Race trophy, the serene backwaters go through a turbulent battle between the villages with strains of ‘Vallamkali’ songs in the background, as over 100 oarsmen row long snake boat races.

People also participate in sports like Talappanthukali (ball), Ambeyyal (archery), Kutukutu and combat forms like Kayyankali and Attakalam.

Pookalam or flower mats are put outside houses to welcome King Mahabali.

Cultural activities in the form of dance and music fill the air. Women, especially perform Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal, two local dances.

Highlights
If you want to arrive only for the highlights, don’t miss:

Nehru Snake Boat Race – Amongst 8 other races, this one is the most popular and held on a grand scale.
Onasadya – This food is prepared only once a year, if you can get an invitation into a home where it is being prepared you will be be able to enjoy the feast at its best.
Attend a folk performance like Kummatti kali and Pulikali to feel the cultural vibe of the festival.

Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

Why you should visit Kerala in monsoon season

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 23:20:42 +0000

There is never a disappointing season in Kerala. While some months are more popular than others with visitors there is plenty to see and do throughout the year.

While visitors used to avoid the monsoons of the state, more and more people are discovering that it is a viable season to travel in and are rewarded with lush greenery, waterfalls at their best, local events and festivals and reduced prices.

Here are a few great opportunities that Kerala in monsoon season offers to travellers:

Onam
August marks the time of the year when Kerala is in the midst of festival frenzy. Onam, the most important festival of the state is celebrated in the end of the month. The streets are a hive of activity and colour with celebrations. Markets are abuzz with the annual rush of buying new clothes while houses are cleaned out and decorated for the auspicious occasion.

This is a great time to understand the culture and social fabric of the state. The date for Onam celebrations in 2012 is 29th August. Photographers in particular will find plenty to point their lens at during the vibrant and enthusiastic celebrations!

Snake Boat Race
The second most important festival of the season is the Nehru Snake Boat Race. This is held on the second Saturday of every August and is the most eminent battle on the Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.

About 110 oarsmen take to battle it out for the most prestigious sports trophy in the state. Teams for villages vie for the trophy amidst stands of cheering crowds. This is another great photo opportunity for visitors.

Watching the rain
By the time monsoon is midway through its annual tirade, the state transforms into a large lush copse. The greens emerge even more beautiful on the banks of the backwaters and the higher regions of tea and coffee estates. Protected from the elements from your canopy covered boat drift along the backwaters without the high season traffic jams and see the jungle come alive around you.

This is a great time to relax in homestays based in coffee or tea estates. While Wayanad makes for a great monsoon getaway with it’s vibrant greens and thundering waterfalls, tea is abundant in Munnar. Watch the rains descend while you sip a warm beverage from the confines of your balcony.

Ayurvedic Treatments
During the off-peak season elaborate Ayurvedic treatments can be booked with great discounts. If you planning on taking an extensive stay over treatments or courses, this is the best time. The cooler weather aids in the opening of skin pores which will give you further benefits from your treatments.

Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

Wonderful Wayanad

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 04:53:26 +0000

Guest post: Kate Waite from Eastbourne in the UK visited South India in November 2011. She shares her experiences of Wayanad.

Waking up in Wayanad at the beautiful Glenora Homestay, light streams through the bamboo blinds while a chorus of tropical birds greets the rising sun.

Wandering onto my private balcony which looks out over the verdant jungle, the fresh hill station air carries the scent of tropical spices into the room. A knock at the door brings freshly brewed coffee, grown on the homestay’s own plantation. The perfect start to the day.

Wayanad, a hill station in Kerala, is jaw droppingly beautiful. As Lonely Planet perfectly coins, “If Kerala is ‘God’s Country’, this must be his garden of Eden”. Coffee and spice plantations, immaculate tea gardens, wild teak forests and green valleys are punctuated with crashing waterfalls, spectacular view points and a wildlife sanctuary where you have a great chance of spotting elephants and even the occasional tiger.

Such a spectacular location deserves equally good accommodation. Travelling along winding narrow roads, climbing up the hills of the Western Ghats we finally reached the huge coffee plantation that is the setting for Glenora Homestay. After a warm welcome from our host Mr Rajagopal we were shown to our home for the next few days: A luxury cottage built on stilts rising above the jungle below.

Our immaculate room was well furnished but we were instantly drawn back outside to the balcony, with green views as far as the eye could see, and not a single sign of human habitation blotting the perfect vista.

Mr Rajagopal was keen to show us around the local area and we were soon bumping along dirt tracks in his 4×4 as he introduced us to the wonders of Wayanad.

Close to Glenora is sunrise valley, a viewpoint over some very dramatic scenery. Low lying clouds hug the valleys, distant waterfalls rumble like thunder and the cries of wildlife echo through the teak forests which stretch as far as the eye could see.

In sharp contrast to the wild valleys, perfect tea gardens line the narrow roads. We stopped to take a walk with Mr Rajagopal who talked us through the tea picking process, showing us the green shoots that would soon be plucked.

Our education continued early the following morning with a plantation walk around Glenora. Mr Rajagopal has been running the plantation here for over 40 years and alongside the crops of coffee, pepper and betal nuts are 20 varieties of fruit trees. His enthusiasm was infectious, crushing leaves and digging up roots for us to smell and taste as we worked up an appetite for breakfast.

Back at the house we indulged in a variety of mouth wateringly fresh fruit, washed down with delicious coffee (all grown on the plantation of course) and made plans to visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary that afternoon.

Once again finding ourselves ensconced in a 4×4 traversing rutted dirt paths, our park guide skilfully navigated the rough tracks while keeping an eye out for wildlife. Plenty of deer and peacocks watched as we passed by and a large snake crossing in front of us momentarily halted our progress through the sanctuary. Despite being one of the best places in India to spot wild elephants we weren’t lucky on this occasion, but it didn’t detract from the experience.

If you are visiting Kerala then Wayanad definitely deserves a place on your itinerary and you need look no further than Glenora Homestay for a place to call home during your visit. The beautiful surroundings, friendly knowledgeable host and delicious home cooked cuisine flavoured with fruits and spices grown on the property itself were a highlight of our trip and we can’t wait to return again.

Find out more about Glenora homestay, see the video or book a room with Mahindra Homestays.