The palm-fringed Kerala enchants you with its lush greeneries and blue waters. No wonder it is famous as God’s own country
History speaks of Kerala to be among the most pristine spots on the planet. The culture and traditions of this part of the map enrich the Indian civilisation. And for that luxe traveller in you, who is either travelling across the blue seas to reach India or flying from within the country to this lovely state, the place is sure to offer you a sense of tranquility unlike any other. To take that sense of bliss another notch higher, we at the Luxe Café handpicked some properties to offer you that warm and cozy, home away from home experience!
Evergreen Estate Bungalow
Totally living up to its name, the Evergreen Estate Bungalow is perhaps the most picturesque on the list. The owners (and your potential hosts) are George, Anju, Rose and Little Abraham. They belong to Pottamkulam Family, who are associated with the pioneers of the Rubber plantations from 1910 who started off as farmers and forged into the plantations. Today their family’s diverse interests have come to include Cardamom, Rubber and Coffee.
In fact, being located at the foothills of the Periyar, the very place, Mundakayam, is the one where commercial rubber plantation was born in 1903. The bungalow is at Koottickal, at the midland slopes of gateway to the high ranges of Kerala. The bungalow enjoys that sumptuous art deco-style architecture, reminiscent of the period from 1940-60 in South India. The two massive rooms offered to guests are aesthetically furnished and appointed with modern facilities.
Food is served from the routine Kitchens of Kerala and North Indian. The menu is set between the guest and the host with controlled use of spices, with homegrown and organic fruits, vegetables and spices finding a place in the cuisines.
Plus, whats more lovely is the fact that the homestay is recognized by Kerala’s Department of Tourism and is even classified as a Diamond House, the highest rating prevailing under classification scheme.
Go ahead, shine bright like a diamond, we say!
Tariff per night: INR 10,000 for the AC heritage Rooms.
The Kayal Villa
If the size of a property is the first thing on your vacationing mind, then this might just be ‘the’ place for you. The Kayal villa is a sprawling 2-bedroom villa that sits on 6.5 acres of private estate, surrounded on all sides by Kerala’s backwaters.
A large yard between the villa and the water is used for relaxation, recreation, or banqueting functions. A lovely aspect their management is their effortless effort of striking a balance between nature’s elements. How, you ask? The three ponds are used for aquaculture and the remaining lands for agriculture that supply guests at Kayal Villa as well as their other properties with a farm-to-table dining experience.
And for that adventurous luxe traveller, the Villa’s hospitality team shall be more than happy to assist you with activities including fishing, kayaking, bicycling or exploration of the nearby Fort Cochin.
Tariff per night: INR 10,000–15,000.
The Anthraper Gardens
One look and you’re hooked! This beautiful heritage home in Cherthala, at a 45 minute drive from Cochin) is among a few rare properties that are surrounded by water on three sides with a private boat-jetty and a sprawling garden.
The homestay building is 75 years old, well maintained in a 2 acre plot surrounded by backwaters on three sides. A verandah runs around the building with a view of the backwaters. The property is well landscaped with 6000sq ft of lawn, varieties of fruit trees and coconut palms.
On the offering are two air conditioned suites with twin beds, attached dressing rooms and modern bathrooms with 24 hours hot water facility. What’s more, all rooms have a view of the backwaters and decorated in old world style. Vibrant and elegant, with a dramatic view of Vembanad Lake the Anthraper Gardens Home Stay is a vantage point from where you can explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you.
The present house Anthraper Gardens with waterfront on three sides is a very quiet and picturesque place with a spacious and well-manicured garden. Away from the hustle & bustle of the city, it is an idyllic place to unwind and rediscover oneself.
Anthraper Gardens offers you that memorable as well as exotic experience of elegant traditional living in an atmosphere of age old charm.
Tariff per night: INR 5,000–6,000.
