Mahindra Homestays » Kottayam

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.

Travel Writer’s Kerala Trip In Photos

luke — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:16:42 +0000

Saree wrapping

About.com travel writer Sharell Cook took a trip Kerala recently to experience two Mahindra Homestays and everything they offer.

Sharell enjoyed the warm hospitality of Meenachil Enclave, Kottayam and Vembanad House, Alleppey.

Take a look at her photos below and see what she got up to.

As well as a backwaters journey, farm tour and spot of handicraft shopping, she enjoyed learning about saree wrapping and toddy tapping to name a few.

This wasn’t Sharell’s first time in a homestay – she’s written several reviews of our network accommodation and wrote a popular post 5 Benefits of Staying in a Homestay in India.

Wow! 5 Stunning New Homestays In Cochin, Munnar and Kottayam

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:36:03 +0000

Here are the latest exciting additions to the Mahindra Homestays network. Read about them below and make your booking through our main site.

Eden’s Garden

This is a homestay that lives up to its name. It’s 260 years-old, features a huge pond, a waterfall and a chorus of chirping birds. Lovingly maintained by the Cyprians, one of the oldest families in Fort Cochin, its guestbook is overflowing with rave reviews in countless languages. The homestay has three spacious guest rooms that are bathed in sunlight. Churches, mosques and temples are within walking distance.

Meenachil Enclave

This is a homestay in Kottayam for those who like to live in the lap of luxury. Sprawling over 20 acres of land, this opulent property has a large swimming pool, three aviaries, lavish interiors, gold-plated cutlery and a marble courtyard. The two spacious guest rooms are serene. Beautifully-designed en-suite bathrooms, small zen gardens and skylights. Tour the paddy fields and plantations.

Noah’s Ark

Jerry and Diana Kocherry are one of the warmest couples you will ever meet. Their beloved homestay mirrors their own personality – cheerful and warm. Jerry is retired captain from the merchant navy, and Diana used to be a teacher. Together they’ve sailed to all parts of the world. Their home has an intriguing, postmodern façade. The inside is drenched in sunlight and its three deluxe rooms are spacious. A charming roof garden is good for sunbathing. Easy access to all tourist destinations.

Orion

An enchanting homestay in the heart of Fort Cochin, run by a down-to-earth modern young Indian couple. The property is newly constructed but in a traditional Keralite architectural style. Four impeccable bedrooms, all with private balconies, look over the city. Lush green lawn, communal areas and efficient staff on hand to look after the needs of guests. Ayurvedic massages can be arranged.

Spice Garden

A charming homestay in Munnar made entirely from wood, with divine views of the majestic green mountains. Spice Garden was originally an award-winning pepper plantation, but five years ago owner George ventured into the hospitality industry and didn’t look back. He’s created a home for peace and inspiration; it’s no surprise that it attracts acclaimed writers and directors such as Bollywood’s Myshkin, who penned two of his latest works here. Surrounded by tea estates, flowering plants, spices and fruit trees.

To read more about these Cochin homestays and book now, visit our Cochin page.

Kottayam Things To Do: 9 Items You Must Add To Your Kerala Holiday Itinerary

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:51:03 +0000

Front image credit: Creative Commons

Besides being the perfect conduit between Kerala’s most interesting places and home to its famous backwaters, Kottayam is a region rich in history and culture. No wonder it is one of Kerala’s most alluring destinations for travellers.

Here are Mahindra Homestays’ top recommendations for your Kottayam trip:

1. Enjoy some religious sightseeing

Kottayam is speckled with centuries-old churches, temples, and mosques. The most notable amongst these are two churches known as Valiyapalli and Cheriyapalli, near Kottayam town. Built in the 16th century, these churches are distinct in character. While Valiyapalli has rare antique carvings, murals and West Asian architecture, Cheriyapalli depicts Biblical themes but also features temple architecture. On the banks of the river Meenachil, you’ll find the Thazhathangady Juma Masjid. This mosque is over 1000 years old and is richly embellished by carvings and murals. Two important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are the Vaikom Temple and Thirunakkara Shiva Temple. Besides their traditional architecture, these temples also attract people for their festival celebrations which are unique and moving.

2. See the backwaters

One of Kottayam’s most precious offerings is Kumarakom. Home of the backwaters, this area is famous for its serene cruises, divine landscapes and greenery. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Pathiramanal Island are true delights for bird-watching enthusiasts as they attract migratory birds from as far away as Siberia and the Himalayas. Here you can also find countless reliable centres that will treat you with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, a delightful way of starting your day.

3. Take a road trip

From languid backwaters to the majestic Western Ghats, Kottayam is a region which offers stunning natural beauty in a variety of forms. To experience Kottayam’s glory at its mesmerising best, rent a car. A drive on the stretch connecting Kottayam to the Periyar Sanctuary offers you Kottayam’s finest and most untouched landscapes. You’ll find yourself embraced by sky-high palm trees and plantations, convincing you that you’re in an artist’s masterpiece.

4. Visit the cave temple

Ayyappara is a cave-like temple, which is revered by people as a place of enormous historical and religious importance. This mythological place is believed to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile and it attracts thousands of believers from far and wide, all year round. Located 2000 feet above sea level, Ayyappara is also popular amongst tourists for its splendid sunsets.

5. Get close to wildlife

An eternal favourite amongst travellers is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located a couple of hours from Kottayam. This expansive sanctuary is the home of many enchanting animals. Here, herds of elephants are often seen strolling by, and creatures including exotic birds, bison and wild boar are found. A cruise takes you along the divinely beautiful Periyar River as it bisects the sanctuary’s majestic mountains. A heavenly way of taking in the sights is by bamboo rafts, and camps can be set for the outdoorsy travellers. Owing to its idyllic beauty, it has long been a favourite amongst both amateur and accomplished photographers.

6. Trek through ‘God’s own country’

Love walking? Wagamon and Peermed are the ultimate hiking destinations in Kottayam. While Peermed is a popular hill station perched at an altitude of 1066 meters, Wagamon is 60 kms from Kottayam and offers delightful landscapes that can be scaled with ease.

7. Feast with a local family

Like most other parts of India, Kerala has its unique cuisine. The truly authentic way of experiencing the real local flavours is by staying with a friendly Kerala family in a Kottayam homestay. They will serve dishes from recipes perfected over time by past generations. The best part is, if you are lucky, you will be served vegetables that you helped pick or seafood that you caught with your own hands.

8. Marvel at the toddy tappers

Toddy is Kerala’s potent and locally produced alcohol. It has a very unique taste and is the perfect accompaniment to an authentic, local meal. The drink’s basic ingredient is actually collected by firm-footed men who effortlessly climb up towering trees and tap them. The process is as dangerous as it looks and very unique to the state. These nimble toddy tappers have become increasingly hard to find in the recent years, but with some inside information from your Kerala homestay host you should discover where to find them.

9. Join the festivities of Changanassery

During the festival of Deepam, people flock in large numbers to the beautiful town of Changanassery. The festival of lamps, named after the town’s old moniker ‘Town of five fire lamps’, is celebrated here every year between November and December. It’s less than 25 kms from Kottayam and also famous for the Thrikkodithanam temple, which is embellished with intriguing 18th century inscriptions.

See Kottayam the best way – by staying in a Kottayam homestay. Mahindra Homestays have beautiful homestays and friendly hosts waiting to welcome you to God’s Own Country. Book now for a wonderful Kottayam holiday.

8 Stunning New Homestays In India

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:47:31 +0000

We’ve got eight more beautiful India homestays to tell you about, all recently added to our network and available to book on our main site now.

Here they are:

New Munnar Homestays
Cedar Woods

Wow – what a view. That’s what you’ll get when you stay on this cardamom plantation in Munnar, with Jean Philips and his wife Anita. Cedar Woods is a comfortable home with large rooms, full-size windows and cozy beds. The popular travellers’ attraction Kallar Water Falls is nearby – it’s always worth exploring, especially during the monsoons.

Mushroom Valley

Johney Cheruthanniyil and his wife Binni are the gracious hosts of this attractive homestay in Anachal, 11 kms outside Munnar, Kerala. Johney runs a business in finance, Binni is a housewife who enjoys cooking traditional Kerala cuisine. The food prepared in the house is a mix of North Indian, South Indian, Western and traditional Kerala dishes. Staying with their three daughters, the family are ever ready to help their guests explore the scenic beauty, culture and history of Munnar.

Pavithram

This homestay is set in an idyllic hill station, 1800 metres above sea level. Hosts Rajesh and Maya believe that the opportunity to welcome travellers from across the world is an enriching experience for them as well as the guests. Trekking, plantation visits and cooking classes are all available.

New Thekkady Homestays
Koshys

Eco tourism practitioners, the Koshys are keen to spend time with guests and explain local culture and traditions. They keep a vegetable garden which brings organic food to the kitchen table, and the surroundings of this Kumily homestay are best described as serene. Periyar Tiger Reserve is nearby.

Chitrashala

At this homestay, also in Kumily, the family stays on the ground floor and guests have the first floor of the house. There are four double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Tribe visits, bamboo rafting and jungle safari can all be arranged from here.

New Kottayam Homestays
The Bungalow

Located 100 kms from Kochi and 75 kms from Thekaddy by road, this 1927 Kottayam homestay is pitched on a hillock. The architecture is a mix of early Syrian Christian home architecture with the traditional spacious Keralite style of numerous cross ventilated doors and windows. There’s a swimming pool, built in ancient style with a ‘Kulippura’ (bathing ghat), and you can enjoy the local coconut drink in either the open courtyard or on the verandah.

New Cochin Homestays
Thomas Inn

This beautiful house has a well maintained garden and verandah under the shade of a mango tree. The hosts stay on ground floor and the guests stay on first floor. A separate entrance through stairs take guests to their accommodation, which includes a balcony, communal area and huge kitchen with all amenities.

New Srinagar Homestays
Almond Villa

This colonial era mansion offers a perfect view of famous Dal Lake, surrounded by lush green mountains. There are five spacious double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Host Viv, an avid traveller, has experience in the Indian wildlife tourism industry and loves to chat about the flora and fauna of this outstanding Indian region.

See more of our unique range of India homestay accommodation and book your stay online through our main site.