Discover the essence of true hospitality with homestays in Kerala, aptly known as God’s Own Country. Nestled amidst lush greenery, these accommodations offer an authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in Kerala’s rich culture and warm traditions. From serene backwaters to mist-covered hills, each homestay is a gateway to the state’s natural beauty. Enjoy personalized attention, local cuisine, and a genuine connection with your hosts, making your stay in Kerala a truly memorable and immersive experience.
Pathiramanal Villa, Alappuzha – amã Stays & Trails
Nestled in a traditional Alleppey village in Kerala, overlooking the Vembanad Lake, this stunning villa displays a convergence of traditional as well as modern aspects of Kerala architecture .The villa is designed like a quest for the perfect sky, all the paths leads to the backwaters. The rooms have large windows and transparent blinds to give you a stunning view in the comfort of your bed. The villa offers one Heritage Suite with two bedrooms and private sit out for each. Deluxe category welcomes you with impressive traditional Athangudi Chettinad tiles and beautifully draped Kerala four poster bed. The room has natural light in abundance. The Premium rooms invite you to soak the view of the stunning Vembanad lake from the room with black oxide floors and eclectic furniture. This is the perfect room for you to experience the beauty of the backwater, Kerala has to offer. Each room is equipped with en suite bathrooms. The villa also has a swimming pool, a lotus pond, a lounge, a Gazebo and stunning views of the Vembanad lake.
Sherlys Ente Kumbalanghi, Kochi – amã Stays & Trails
Situated on a secluded island that is surrounded by the famed and calming backwaters of Kerala is Sherly’s Ente Kumbalangi, a beautiful 6-bedroom bungalow that boasts of everything a picture-perfect stay can offer. With a vast garden that houses a pond, and a swimming pool, it offers as much to do outdoors, as indoors. The unending views of the backwaters and the sound of wind and trees rustling make for one’s companion as they take a dip in the pool or a stroll in the garden. The interiors are beautifully yet minimally furnished, and offer a peek into the outside world through the many windows that also allow ample sunshine and breeze to pour in.
Kanniamallay Bungalow, Munnar – amã Stays & Trails
The Kanniamallay Bungalow, now over 90 years old, boasts of breathtaking views of pristine nature and allows you to immerse in tranquillity. Located in the Nyamakad Estate, it used to house the manager of the erstwhile Kanniamallay Estate (now Nyamakad Estate) who could always keep an eye on the lush tea plantations that surround it. Known to be one of the biggest bungalows in the district, it is also well identified for its unique construction style. Lovingly restored, this 3-bedroom bungalow is spacious and exudes the charm of old-world heritage.
amã Stays & Trails Ambika Vilas, Trivandrum
A living heritage, Ambika Vilas was built in 1911 by Dr. N K Krishna Pillai, a young aristocrat, who trained as a surgeon, and served the government and the armies of the king of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI.
The house was planned and constructed according to the principles of ‘Thatchusastra’, an ancient science of carpentry. At its core, Thatchusastra is based on the premise that every man-made structure has a life and personality of its own, which is derived from inputs and materials that go into constructing it. The bricks for the walls and the clay tiles for the ceiling and flooring, were locally sourced and prepared on the premises itself. It is to ensure that the building materials used, harmoniously blend into the environment of the house.
The rooms are cool even in the hot summer months, due to the application of a paste of lime-based mortar, vegetable extracts, and eggs, to coat the walls. The verandahs that encircle the house, brings in the cool sea breeze and the long sloping roofs supported by wooden rafters and plinths protect the house from the heavy monsoon rains. The thoomanam, protects the terracotta roof and directs the rain water straight down to the earth, to replenish the ground water.
As you walk into the house, you will find, small miniature gardens, open to the sky, at the center of the house. These courtyards, known as ‘anganam’ – are the heart of any Kerala house. It is here where family members gather for meals, celebrate festivals or socialise. It is also a perfect spot to watch the onset of the monsoon.
A unique feature of Ambika Vilas is the seamless way in which the interior of the house merges with the garden, to create one holistic living space. It is hard to tell where the house ends and where the garden begins.
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