Mahindra Homestays » Alleppey

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.

Falling in love with Alleppey at Taamara Homestay

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:00:02 +0000

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

Waking up in one of the luxurious rooms at the premium homestay, Taamara, is a holiday highlight all on its own. Lazily pulling back the curtains I returned to my comfortable bed and curl up to watch the morning activity on the lake. Fishermen paddle by in their wooden canoes to haul in their nets to provide the fresh fish for local markets, luxurious houseboats designed like kettuvallams (rice barges) drift by and exotic birds perch on the cantilevered fishing nets just off shore. In a flash of blue a kingfisher plucks his breakfast from amongst the carpet of green lily pads, punctuated by soft hyacinth purple blooms.

Located in Alleppey, sitting on the shores of Vembernand Lake this beautiful homestay offers affordable luxury in a very special location.

Considered to be one of the highlight destinations of Kerala, it’s the perfect spot for exploring the vast network of backwaters the region is so famous for. Traversing through some of the 900km network of canals and palm-fringed lakes is undoubtedly one of India’s most enchanting experiences. Alleppey isn’t just about the backwaters, as we soon discovered its other offerings; golden sandy beaches, delicious Keralan cuisine and Aurevadic spa treatments.

Arriving at Taamara we received a warm welcome, a beautiful lotus flower was placed around my neck and a refreshing glass of coconut milk in my hand. With just four rooms guests are assured a complete VIP experience as soon as they arrive and it is easy to imagine this place as a secret hideaway for the rich and famous.

The guest rooms are located in a separate building which was designed by a local architect to make full use of the stunning views over the lake, while offering complete privacy. The air-conditioned rooms are comfortably furnished with large beds, crisp linen and modern bathrooms. Most importantly huge windows running the length of the room fill them with light and make the most of that all-important lakeside view.

It wasn’t long before we had the opportunity to get out onto the lake ourselves. Our homestay host, Nirmala, arranged for one of their fisherman neighbours to take us out onto the lake in his wooden canoe, just as dusk was falling. We drifted slowly along the shoreline, the silence punctuated by the gentle splash of the paddle and the sound of singing from a church on the bank of the lake.

The following morning we were out on the water again, this time exploring the canals that make up the famous Kerala backwaters. As our boat traversed through lagoons and small waterways we caught a glimpse of village life on the water, passing people washing clothes, scrubbing dishes and bathing in the canals. Chickens scurried along the banks, chased by children who stopped to wave as we passed by, all set to a tropical green backdrop of palms and waterlillies.

Our homestay hosts, Mr. V. V. Babu, an award-winning filmmaker and his wife, Nirmala were extremely attentive, from arranging our backwater trip to lending binoculars so that we could get a better glimpse of the varied bird life on the lake.

A real highlight at Taamara is the delicious home cooked Keralan cuisine, without doubt some of the best Indian food we have ever tasted. A special lunch served on a plantain leaf was a particular highlight as Nirmala took the time to explain the significance of each item to us, all beautifully presented and packed full of flavour.

Having discovered our love of South Indian cuisine we were invited into the kitchen for the chance to help prepare a meal, learning several techniques and filling my journal with delicious recipes, hurriedly scribbled down between mouthfuls of the delicious fare on offer.

Taamara is the perfect homestay for anybody wanting a bit of luxury, ideal for a romantic break. You are sure to fall in love with the peaceful surroundings of this special property that will stay in the memory for a long time.

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

Top five lakes of India

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:56:17 +0000

The diverse topography of India is often spoken about in reference to mighty mountains or the large coastline owing to its peninsular geography. Visitors also find that India has some beautiful lakeside locations, perfect for relaxing, wildlife spotting and exploring charming towns and villages. We highlight our top five lakes of India.

1. Vembanad in Kerala – Vembanad Lake of Kerala does not represent the quintessential lake which is surrounded by mountains, but instead offers visitors a unique backwater experience. The Vembanad Lake can safely be called the ‘harbour of houseboats’ and stretches for 14 kms at its widest point. It is the largest lake in India. The Punnamada part of the lake is also the annual destination for the famous Snake Boat Race in Kerala.

2. Nainital and the lakes around – Nainital and the towns around it draw a parallel where the lakes of the cities are concerned. While Nainital is built around the Naini Lake, places like Bhimtal, Sattal and Nachiketa Tal form a similar pattern. This cluster of lakes in the region make for an interesting place for camping, boating, fishing and other water based activities. Moreover they provide a beautiful backdrop to these already charming destinations.

3. Periyar Lake – The 26 sq kms of the Periyar Lake compliments the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in the southern district of Idukki in Kerala. The lake also serves as great view point to watch the elephants and other wildlife come for a drink of water. The best way to experience the lake is to take a raft ride for the day to watch the thriving eco system of the Periyar National Park.

4. Lake Pichola – The artificial fresh water lake situated in Udaipur is one of the distinct features historical Rajasthan. The Aravalli Range of mountains stand in the backdrop while the famous heritage hotel stands in the middle of the lake, making it a coveted tourist spot. This was a former summer palace built by the legendary Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 A.D. The other lakes in Udaipur are Udai Sagar Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Rajsamand Lake and Jaisamand Lake.

5. Dal Lake in Kashmir –A constant companion to the Bollywood movies of yester years, the Dal Lake is of monumental importance in the lives of the Kashmiris. A whole community exists around the lake with vegetable vendors drifting in small boats, school children using the boats to get to school and of course the plenty of houseboats that are still sprinkled on the calm waters. Kashmir has inimitable natural beauty and the Dal Lake has always demanded a prime spot on the list of things to do here.

If you would like to visit India contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

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

Best places to take a boat trip in India

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:11:25 +0000

The oceans, numerous lakes and rivers offer plenty of opportunities to take a boat ride in India. Just watch life go by as you lazily float along or take a raft to enjoy wildlife spotting, snorkelling or even to discover submerged temples. Here are our top five interesting boat trips you can do in India.

1. Shikara on the ‘Dal’ Lake – The Bollywood endorsed ‘Dal’ Lake in Kashmir has been a legendary spot for travellers. The thin Shikaras (boats) traverse through the water carrying tourists, vegetables, supplies and locals. The whole life system on the lake is supported by these unassuming boats, whether it’s supporting full-fledged markets or serving as a school bus for children. The rides on shikaras are extremely fascinating and help understand the local life better.

2. From the Himalayan foothills, it’s down to the tropical weather of Kerala. Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is by far one of the best destinations to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Well equipped houseboats add to the charm of getting to know the vast network of backwater in and around the town. Recently, the house boats had come under the scanner for lack of a proper system to dispose waste from the boats. Now there are mandatory treatment methods without which these boats do not get permissions. Watch the local life pass on the banks of the waters, while you glide past in luxury. Off season rates for fully furnished house boats are quite affordable. Between October and March, it can cost anywhere between Rs 7500 to Rs 20,000/- depending on the number of hours on the boat.

3. There are some very unique experiences with respect to boats in India. The famous rock temples of Mahabalipuram near Chennai have always garnered the interest of travellers. Two of the seven temples are said to be submerged in the sea. Few know that some fishermen take eager visitors out to sea, where one you have a look at the submerged temples. An experience which comes with serious caution, as there are no life jackets on these boats, it’s not for the faint hearted. A mere Rs. 100-200 for an adventure of a life time – try it!

4. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in the Idduki District of Kerala is one of the most unassuming wildlife destinations of India. Without fanfare but with plenty of exciting experiences in store, there are a number of ways to see the jungle. One unique way, is wildlife watching on a huge bamboo raft, with a forest guide and copious amount of sunscreen. The Periyar Lake is flanked by thick forests and animals often come for a drink of water. The raft ride starts early in the morning and goes on till about 4.00 p.m with breakfast and lunch by the edge of the jungle. This trip needs to be booked in advance. You can also take a more conventional wildlife spotting boat trip here.

5. While Goa has always been on top of the list for many, its Southern neighbour Karwar in Karnataka is fairly unknown. Serene and relatively untouched by tourism, Karwar has several water based activities. One of them includes snorkelling off the quiet coastline. Trips go out on speed boats with trained instructors to help novices.

If you would like your next trip to include some great boating activities then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

For accommodation in India take a look at our homestay collection. Your hosts will be happy to help you find the best places locally for a good night out!

Video – Taamara homestay in Alleppey

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:05:35 +0000

Named after its signature symbol, Taamara (the lotus) this mesmerising homestay in Alleppey is situated in an idyllic location perched upon the Vembanad Lake. Take a look around and meet the hosts Mr. V. V. Babu, an award-winning film maker and his gracious wife, Nirmala in our video.

Check rates and availability at this homestay

Taamara, is located in the old trading port of Alleppey, midway between Kollam and Kochi. The home has two uber-chic cottages that overlook Vembanad Lake and share a dazzling deck. At Taamara, whether you’re relaxing in your room, reading on the balcony or dinning on the deck, the lake is always in sight.

Sitting on the deck, you can see fishermen caste their nets at dusk and return at the crack of dawn to collect their catch. Watch houseboats drift by and experience the scenic beauty in the heart of the Kerala Backwaters.

Find out more about Taamara, view photos and check availability.

Perfect hosts: Falling in love with one of our Homestays

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:27:28 +0000

It is always nice to hear from our guests, especially when they have had a great stay and fallen in love with one of our Homestays.

Kalsen from Singapore wasn’t sure what to expect, but found that homestay accommodation offered the perfect holiday experience.

“As I lay in bed writing this feedback, I must tell you that me and my partner are so touched by our hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias, that we feel disheartened that we have to leave tomorrow morning.

“I was very sceptical about Homestays as I wondered whether it would be an intrusion into each others life. However, all this changed when I stepped into the beautiful Tharavadu homestay. The wonderful host couple greeted us with warm smiles and love in their hearts. Their house is so very spacious and our room had a comfortable bed that gave us a well deserved rest. The bathroom was also large and very neat.

“The couple were so sweet to us, offering us a good Keralan lunch. I had the pleasure of tasting Mrs. Zacharias date balls and had to take note of the recipe. Trust me, they are delicious and of course her own creation!

“Mr. Zacharias guided us in getting the right spa experience and boating experience. Besides the beautiful place of Alleppey, we really enjoyed our good conversations with our hosts. We felt so comfortable with them that we felt we were almost at home. We are going to miss them and of course Alleppey too! We will definitely come back.

“Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias Tharavadu Homestay is a definite must! Thank you Mahindra Homestays!”

Further information about the hosts:

The hosts of this recently opened homestay have a flair for entertaining and a history in the hospitality industry. Mr. Zacharia is the director of a luxury resort on Lake Vembanad and Mrs. Maria Zacharia is the author of a bestselling cookbook on Keralian cuisine. Together, they ensure guests receive a friendly service and unforgettable feasts.

Further information about the homestay:

Tharavadu Homestay located in Alleppey, Kerala is warm and inviting. Rooms are generously sized, sunny and well equipped with large wardrobes, writing desks and stylish furniture. A sunny lawn with a cascading waterfall descending into a cheery lotus pond is a perfect place to sit and relax. The beach is just a ten minute away and you can find plenty of cosy cafes, restaurants, and public parks.

Meet the hosts yourself and stay at Tharavadu Homestay.

Beaches of India: Alleppey Beach

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:46:03 +0000

Alleppey beach in Alleppey, Kerala is one of the most popular spots in Alleppy. Old, colonial buildings line the shore and the towering waves sometimes appear as walls of water. Also known as Alappuzha beach there are good facilities and interesting sights.

The pier is more than 140 years old and date backs to 1862 when it was built to provide protection to the boats and ships that came in. It is not in a good condition but this makes an even more interesting feature for photographers.

There are two parks which children will especially enjoy and the children’s park is a popular family picnic spot. At the Vijaya Beach Park activities like boating, a toy train for children and bicycles are available. It is open from 1500 – 2000 hours.

When exploring Alleppey town it is a good idea to rent a bicycle for visiting places such as the old side-streets with colonial era factories, backwater canals and the long white sand beach

In late December each year, Alleppey holds a beach festival involving various cultural events and even a procession of 50 elephants.

Practical information about Alleppey Beach:

The climate in Alleppey is generally quite humid, and is at its most pleasant during winter, when it is not too hot. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C in winter, with monsoon season between late May and September.
The railway station is on the far side of Alleppey’s Commercial Canal, in the southwest of the city; Alleppey station is on the main Ernakulam- Thiruvanantahpuram line.
Homestays in Alleppey offer great accommodation options and the hosts will be able to help advise you when exploring the area on the best places to visit depending on your interests.
Find out more about Alleppey

Getting Married In 2010? Do Not Miss This India Honeymoon Offer

luke — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:39:04 +0000

Kerala honeymoon accommodation

Share a hot cup of coffee with your beloved on a private terrace overlooking the endless tea plantations or wake up in the serene atmosphere with the first view of the sunlight spreading over the Kerala backwaters. Your honeymoon can become more memorable with Mahindra Homestays.

This is the perfect time to visit Kerala and our gift to newlyweds is an irresistible 30% discount on our normal tariff, available on two select Mahindra Homestays properties that make for an ideal honeymoon accommodation and a romantic getaway.

You can now experience the privacy and peace as well as a home-like stay on your special holiday. The Kerala honeymoon package is a room for two guests, for four nights, including breakfast and dinner during the entire length of stay. It’s INR 14,000 and applicable to stays before 31^st March 2010.

Ranger Woods

In Munnar, we have Ranger Woods Homestay. Surrounded by spice trees, this private homestay gives over its first floor to guests who’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing space with en-suite bathroom and terrace balcony. There is a lot the two of you can do. You can take a tranquil walk or go fishing, enjoy a refreshing swim in fresh waters or cycle through the tea plantations. If you need more action, treks, paragliding, visits to tribal colonies can be arranged on request. If you are a foodie, you can come back to an authentic home-cooked Kerala meal.

Vembanad House

In Alleppey, we have Vembanad House. This idyllic homestay is set in 10 acres of beautiful surrounds and features four beautiful guest rooms, which are serene, spacious and each come with their own open air seating area. You can go on cruises on boats and canoes and go fishing with the locals. You can then come back to the home’s divine meals prepared with Ayurvedic touches by Sandhya, a former yoga trainer. Spend the evenings visiting temples and watching the Mohiniattam (the traditional Kerala dance). This homestay has featured in publications like Vogue and Brunch.

Bookings for the Kerala honeymoon package can only be made through our call centre.

Our telephone number in India is 18004252737. Our UK number is (020) 31408422.

Conditions apply.

Front page image used under Creative Commons with credit to JOVIKA

Kerala Honeymoon Package: India Homestay Special For Newlyweds

luke — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:49:52 +0000

Kerala honeymoon - Photo: mckaysavage

Wedding season is coming in India, and to mark the start of it we’re offering an attractive new Kerala honeymoon package.

Our gift to newlyweds is an irresistible 30% discount on our normal tariff, available on two fine Mahindra Homestays properties that make ideal honeymoon accommodation.

The Kerala honeymoon package is a room for two guests, for four nights, including breakfast and dinner during the entire length of stay. It’s INR 14,000 and applicable to stays before 31 March 2010.

Guests can enjoy the plantations and exhilarating mountain lands of Munnar and the lazy backwaters and paddy fields of Alleppey.

Ranger Woods

In Munnar, we have Ranger Woods Homestay. Surrounded by spice trees, this private homestay gives over its first floor to guests who’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing space with en-suite bathroom and terrace balcony. Trekking, tribe visits and the incredible Attukadu waterfalls are among the things-to-do here – and there’s plenty more on offer if that’s not enough.

Vembanad House

In Alleppey, we have Vembanad House. This idyllic homestay is set in 10 acres of beautiful surrounds and features four beautiful guest rooms, which are serene, spacious and each come with their own open air seating area. Lie back under the gazebo and listen to India’s most diverse birds. The home’s divine meals are prepared with Ayurvedic touches by Sandhya, a former yoga trainer, who has years of experience in the field of spirituality. This homestay has featured in publications like Vogue and Brunch.

Bookings for the Kerala honeymoon package can only be made through our call centre.

Our telephone number in India 18004252737. Our UK number is (020) 31408422.

Conditions apply.

Food Of Kerala: India Cuisine Series

luke — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:52:13 +0000

Eat off the banana leaf

The food of Kerala is yet another attraction to this wonderful part of India.

In God’s Own Country the simple way of life, undisturbed by the passage of time, is still a reality – and that extends to the food of Kerala which is prepared in homes according to traditional family recipes, often handed down from generation to generation.

People still grow their own vegetables, catch their own fish, prepare coconut oil from dried coconut, and grind masala from sun-dried spices.

Stay in a Kerala homestay and you’ll, quite literally, get a flavour.

You’ll be able to experience night fishing and can even receive Kerala cookery lessons from your host.

Different tastes and specialties

Homestay food of Kerala

The cuisine of Kerala is distinctive and delicious. Tamarind heightens its pungency, while coconut adds richness and absorbs some of the spice.

Each region of Kerala has its own specialty. Along the backwaters of the Alleppey region, it’s karimeen, a type of fish which is fried lightly. The whole region is renowned for its fresh seafood, caught daily in time-honoured style by fishermen with nets in rickety narrow wooden canoes, called vallams.

Night fishing – catch your dinner

Night fishing in Kerala

Choose an Alleppey homestay and you’ll get the opportunity to join the fishermen in their forays for seafood, and later take part in the cooking process and learn how it’s done. If you love Indian food, it’s an authentic experience that you and your taste buds will relish.

Night fishing brings the chance to catch lobster, prawns and green clams. From the banks of Vembanad Lake, fishermen can be seen gliding by in their boats, ghost-like in the moonlight. The eager chattering of crickets, the warm glow of the men’s kerosene lamps, and the gentle swish of the boat’s oars set the scene for adventure.

Setting off fishing in Kerala

Fishing nets, Kerala

Out on the lake, the peacefulness is pervading. The fishermen’s muscles ripple as bait and nets are cast into the lake. If you’re patient, and willing to stay out late into the night, you just might be successful in catching an elusive lobster. It could take until after midnight though. Green clams are a much more prevalent bounty. Fishermen pass by with canoes piled full with small shells.

The climax of night fishing is seeing what’s inside the net when it’s hauled in. However, even if it’s empty, an evening spent out on the lake is memorable enough. Such absolute stillness and serenity are hard to come by. When shared with a loved one, it’s even more special. You’ll find yourself forgetting that a chaotic, hectic world full of people exists.

Learn to cook the food of Kerala

Table of food, Kerala style

A cooking class the day after your night fishing experience will round off an enjoyable culinary exploration.

Half an hour is all it takes to whip up one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian dish, guided by your friendly host. Fresh curry leaves, chillies, spices, chopped onion and coconut oil will create a tantalising aroma. Fish curry is a popular choice to learn how to prepare. Many people also enjoy cooking green clams around a fire, under palm trees by the lake.

Sitting down to dine on these delicacies, complemented with wide variety of other homemade Kerala dishes that your host will tell you all about, is a delight.

Why not get a taste? Take a look at our Kerala Homestays and make your booking easily, online or by telephone.