There are several ways of getting acquainted with the culture of a land, and one of them is homestays. Staying in homestays in Kerala is the best way of experiencing Kerala’s rich culture, traditions, people and lifestyle, all that serves to make your trip a memorable one. Regardless of whether your trip lasts for a month, day or week, the authentic culture and incredible hospitality will win your heart. Through this blog, we bring you the 8 best homestays in Kerala.
1. Hari Vihar, Calicut
Hari Vihar, with a 170 years old history, is one of the most beautiful homestays in Kerala. An old heritage home and Ayurvedic resort, it was originally built as a manor house by the then ruling Kadathanad family before being bought by a practicing doctor, Mr. Nair. After living in this house for almost 40 years, the family relocated. After about two decades, the grandchildren finally restored this royal property.
At the homestay, one could try out various Ayurveda and Yoga courses, attend weekend performances on India and South Indian mythologies and enjoy the pleasures of canoeing.
What’s special: Spiritual connect Ayurvedic courses and spa treatments, and other recreational activities.
[Check-out 5 Best Ayurvedic Resorts in Kerala]
2. Vismaya Villa, Vembanad
Among the various homestays in Kerala, the oldest one is Vismaya Villa, which dates back almost 400 years. Spread across 6,000m square property, it has been looked after with the utmost care and love. This ancient retreat is believed to have been a gift by the king of Travancore to one of his chieftains who helped him.
The popularity of the house can be judged from the fact that it has found a mention in the famous Aithihyamala – an ancient Kerala legend. It also houses its private lake, along with two bedrooms which are designed and decorated with wood and personal bath gardens. It truly lives up to its name, Vismay, which means magical. Here, you can laze around the lake and experience nature closely. It’s all about searching for peace within, as the ambiance here is perfect for reading, writing, meditating and soul searching.
What’s special: Three side lake view, private bath gardens, wooden interiors and a lobby with a library.
3. Ayisha Manzil, Kannur
If you are desirous of witnessing the authentic culture of Kerala at close range, this is the place to do it. Originally built in 1862 by a trader belonging to the East India Company named Murdoch Brown, it serves as a one-stop destination to experience the music, food, spice, and other fascinating aspects of Indian culture. This homestay is presently looked after by the Moosa family and the interiors reflect a perfect amalgamation of colonial and South Indian décor styles. One of the highlights of the stay here is getting to watch the Theyyam – a ritual dance performed at Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple. You could also enjoy cycling on the beach.
What’s special: 300 acres of the spice plantation in the vicinity, fish and fruit market in the neighborhood, and Ayurvedic spa for complete rejuvenation.
4. Vembanad House Homestay, Vembanad
Vembanad House Homestay in Vembanad is a family heritage in the true sense. The retreat combines the pleasures of relaxation with several options for entertainment. Owned and established by the grandfather of Mr. Balakrishnan Mayithara, Vembanad House is where one experiences complete rejuvenation.
Established in the year 2000, it boasts an 800m waterfront with fishing options, vast farmland that caters to the needs of the residents and a range of other activities that provide numerous options for recreation. The best part about it is that there are rooms suitable for every budget. During your stay here, some of the activities which you could try out are night fishing in the Vembanad Lake, canoeing, swimming and cooking classes for Kerala cuisine.
What’s special: Home cooked food from organically produced vegetation, hammocks in the garden and village walks to absorb nuances of the local lifestyle.
[Check-out 12 Picturesque Backwater Resorts in Kerala]
5. Akkarakalam Memoirs, Alleppey
Akkarakalam Memoirs is where you can enjoy the beauty of the backwaters which makes Kerala one of the top tourist destinations in India. With 150 years of history and spread over 10 acres of land with a brook flowing by the door, this retreat looks like a perfectly painted portrait. It’s where you find ultimate bliss.
Composed of wood and bricks, it’s the ideal place to observe and absorb the beauty and serenity of the backwaters from closet quarters. Besides, everything about this retreat gives the feeling of belonging to time past – from the porcelain flick-switches, rocking chairs, wooden walls and red oxide floors. Some of the interesting activities to try out during the duration of your stay here are spearfishing, night fishing, cycling and canoeing.
What’s special: Farm full of guava, coconut, cinnamon, mangoes and other tropical trees. Homemade food from the organic produce from the farm. The river flowing by the door. AC rooms that are not so common in the locality, Ayurveda lessons and Yoga sessions.
[Here are 7 Most Beautiful Backwaters Destinations in Kerala]
6. Ashley Bungalow, Peerumedu
One of the most stunning things about Ashley Bungalow is its location. Perched at an altitude of 4,000ft, it provides exhilarating views and solitude which is treasurable. Once here, you get the feeling of having left the madness of the world behind you.
The architecture of the building is a beautiful fusion of colonial and local designs. The houses, with their peaked roofs, overlook the ghats and provide breathtaking views of the valley from their balconies. The house itself is pretty spacious, while the loft domes wood ceiling showcases the rustic history of the property. Exploring the surroundings through trekking and cycling are the top activities. Chilling out at the Valanjanganam waterfall is also popular with the tourists.
What’s special: Vicinity of Periyar Tiger Reserve, and breathtaking views of the suicide point.
7. Marari Dreamz Homestay, Marari Beach
Ever dreamt about living the life of a hipster by the beach? This is where you do it. At the Marari Dreamz Homestay at Marai Beach, one of the famous beaches of Kerala, you can live the ultimate hipster lifestyle.
What gives this homestay the cool factor is the casual palm style roofs for shelter, red stone brick villa to dine, authentic local cuisine prepared by the owners themselves and the Marari Beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing, fishing or just taking a leisurely stroll. Its nomadic setup is its greatest attraction. Other activities you could try out during your stay here include taking a tuk-tuk ride to the backwaters, trekking to a working coir factory and enjoying amazing massages.
What’s special: Authentic home-cooked local food, sunbathing on the beach, fishing and beach dinner on demand.
[Also check 15 Best Beach Resorts in Kerala]
8. Sui House, Cochin
Sui House, once an old colonial house, has now been converted into a beautiful antique home of four bedrooms. Its cozy and elegant interiors, various antiques, an extensive menu and the opportunities of hiking provided by it making it quite popular among the people.
Sui House also consists of a small courtyard that allows one to sip tea in pleasure and enjoy breakfast amid pure tranquility. A popular activity here is to go hiking in a beautiful neighborhood.
What’s special: Cozy interiors, antiques, an extensive menu, and an elaborate buffet dinner.
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