Kerala & India Connections

04/09/2024

Got to love an Indian Festival!!

31/08/2024

31/08/2024

India is blessed with many bountiful rivers, but Assam’s Brahmaputra River is undoubtedly the mightiest of them all. Presenting a variety of cultural and wildlife delights along its course, like tracking rhinos and tigers at Kaziranga National Park, and discovering the dancing monks of the neo-Vaishnavite sect at Majuli, there’s plenty to enthral travellers of all ages on a lahé (meaning ‘slow’ in Assamese) cruises.
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lahé cruises are designed for 1-5 persons. Itineraries reflect a sense of deliberate slowness, enabling guests to cruise gently, and keenly absorb the beauty of Assam.

Ask us for details on dates, itineraries and availability.

24/08/2024

Last week our colleague Amit and his family travelled to Ayodhya and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on a pilgrimage.

Varanasi is known for being the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus, and Ayodhya is said to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. It holds immense significance for millions of devotees. This ancient city witnessed the unfolding of the epic story Ramayana.

19/08/2024

Next stop on Jo’s India adventure, the iconic Taj Mahal!

18/08/2024

Morning view from the The Leela Palace New Delhi.

18/08/2024

My colleague Jo has woken up in Delhi today on a trip to explore some of the lovely Leela properties in North India. An early morning meeting with our fantastic agent Nilesh, before her trip begins.

16/08/2024

1. What year did you open Belhome.
2006.

2. How many rooms do you have?
4 Rooms (2 rooms in a cottage, 2 independent wooden cabins)

3. Describe your homestay in five words?
Serene, Cozy, Homely, Amidst Nature, Heritage

4. Please tell us about you and your family.
We are Ramolla & Vijai, and we manage Belhome which is located in the midst of our coffee estate. We are a family of 5 and have two adorable pet dogs that live with us on the property.

5. What professions did you have before you opened your homestay?
We come from a long line of coffee planters, now spanning three generations.

6. What experiences would you recommend that the clients can enjoy?
Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Experience the local cuisine and culture, Coffee estate tours, Picturesque Views, Beekeeping Tour, Drive into the Mountains, Visiting local tourist attractions such as Tibetian Monastery, Dubare Elephant Camp, River Rafting etc.

7. If clients eat at your homestay which culinary dish is your speciality?
We serve home cooked Coorg cuisine. Our speciality is pandi curry (pork curry) along with kadambuttu (steamed rice balls). We also serve other Coorg dishes such as otti (rice rotis), paaputtu (rice cakes), noolputtu (string hoppers) etc.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
Belhome Homestay is set amidst a coffee plantation, away from town. A perfect blend of wild outdoors, and nature trails in Madapura, 25km from Madikeri.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
We have always loved hosting people over at our ancestral home. It’s always been interesting to exchange cultural insights from around the world while also educating others about our rich Coorg heritage and coffee plantations.

10. How many staff do you have at the homestay?
We have a total of 4 assisting us in running the homestay. They help us out with the cooking, housekeeping and gardening.

15/08/2024

🇮🇳 Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳
Thursday, 15 Aug 2024

10/08/2024

Isles Beach - Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
(8-12 Guests) - 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms

Isles was built around the large swimming pool, which has been preserved for over 20 years. It takes inspiration from Moroccan designs, with rooms spread out so the pool is always just a step away.

Many skylights around the property open the space out even indoors. Isles welcomes couples keen to book individual poolside rooms or families who want to book the whole villa.

Only 15 minutes from Mamallapuram, a hub for delicious seafood and home to many UNESCO heritage sites like the Pancha Rathas and Krishna’s Butterball.

Ask for more details.

09/08/2024

1. What year did you open The Francis Residence?
2014

2. How many rooms do you have at the homestay?
6

3. Describe your homestay in five words?
Homely, peaceful, comfortable, friendly, hospitable

4. Please tell us about you and your family.
K.P. Francis, Rosy Francis (wife)
Richard Francis (son) Arya Mohan (daughter in law)
We are originally from Trichur district in Kerala.

5. What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
I possess a diploma in Hotel management. And had training in Taj group and worked with Taj group for 10 years.
Then I moved to The Malabar House as a General Manager and worked for 10 years with them.
Then I started a company and taken up hotels for management.
Finally I started my own homestay to follow my passion and love.

6. At your homestay what experience would you recommend?
My wife conducts an activity “Cook with Rosy” and guests can book it with prior notice.

7. If clients eat at your homestay which culinary dish is your speciality?
We do specialise in seafood being near the beach. Our popular dish is Tiger prawns
mango curry.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
We are just 10 minutes’ walk from the old Fort Cochin, very close to the bishop house.
And it’s away from the main road and very peaceful and quiet. There is no sound of any vehicles. Guests can have a very peaceful sleep at any time either day or night.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
My wife retired as a nurse in 2014 and I was passionate in meeting people and spending helpful time with them. I also wanted to work My love and passion towards my profession to start a homestay.

10. How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay and are they from the local area?
We , my wife, son and daughter in law work here. When we require additional help we take help from local.

07/08/2024

Who else could do with a few days at the beach!?

Location: Chera Rock Beach Resort, Kannur. North Kerala.

04/08/2024

1. What year did you open Royal Mist?
2007

2. How many rooms do you have at Royal Mist?
3 rooms

3. Describe your homestay in five words?
Cozy, scenic, comfortable, rustic, welcoming

4. Please tell us about you and your family.
I am Anil, my wife is Jeeva. We have a son & daughter- Nithin & Neha. My ancestors originated from central Kerala and settled in Munnar. Jeeva is from Kottayam, close to the Backwaters of Kerala.

5. What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
We were involved in travel and tourism business in Munnar.

6. At your homestay what experiences would you recommend?
Guided treks to the mountain tops or plantations, a trip to “Top Station”, vist tea factory, tuk-tuk ride to explore our village, cultural shows and experience the local life.

7. At your homestay which culinary dishes are your speciality?
Guests love the delicious homemade meals which features authentic Kerala cuisine. Some stand out dishes are chicken curry, pickles, juices etc.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
We are located in Chithirapuram, which is 10 kilometres before Munnar town. Overlooking lush greenery, offers stunning views of valley & hills and away from the bustling town.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
We loved to meet people. We were involved in the travel business for many years and wanted to create a place that blends the warmth of a home, with local food & culture. A unique experience.

10. How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay and are they from the local area?
Two women, they’re from the local area.

03/08/2024

The countdown begins to my next work trip in September to Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Wayanad, North Kerala and Cochin!! Can’t wait to get back to India…

26/07/2024

1. What year did you open Vanilla County Heritage Plantation Bungalow?
1997

2. How many rooms do you have at the homestay?
6

3. Describe your homestay in five words?
Heritage, Serene, Authentic, Cozy & Welcoming.

4. Please tell us about you and your family.
We are Mathew and Sili and our family hail from Meenachil in Kerala.

5. What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
Our families are planters; Mathew was a graduate in hospitality and culinary arts from New Zealand. Silu was involved in community and family traditions. Our combined backgrounds in hospitality and culinary arts have allowed us to create a unique and welcoming environment for our guests.

6. At your homestay what experiences would you recommend?
Homely Kerala Cuisine, Infinity Pool, Rock Pool & Monastery visit, Bird and Butterfly watching and guided treks.

7. What are your culinary specialities?
We recommend trying:
Naadan Kozhi Varutharachathu: Traditional Kerala-style chicken curry with roasted coconut and spices.
Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry.
Chicken Stew with Appam: Chicken in coconut milk gravy with soft appam.
Our sweet, homemade Banana Jam.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
Our homestay is nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Located in the tranquil village of Mavady, our property offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
Our homestay has been a cherished family endeavour for the past 27 years, originally started by my parents. Their vision was to create a welcoming haven that blends the warmth of home with the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. Over the years, we’ve continued to uphold their legacy, offering guests a unique and personal experience that highlights the charm and serenity of our region. Our commitment remains to provide exceptional hospitality and a truly memorable stay, just as my parents envisioned.

23/07/2024

Conde Nast Traveller has recognised Palace On Wheels as the second best train trip in the world.

It has been operating since 1982 and offers 42 regal suites, personalised service and destinations such as New Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and of course the Taj Mahal.

Ask us for more details of this unforgettable journey!

17/07/2024

Amrit Bhawan is a stylish 8 room property by the Ganga in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. With its private garden and ghat, massage room, rooftop whirlpool bath and vegetarian restaurant.

Take part in morning yoga classes, sunset Ganga Aarti and cookery classes at the property or explore the area with its markets, villages and various hiking trails.

13/07/2024

Stay at the unique Hotel Malji ka kamra and witness artisans in action, explore the streets with its architecture and frescoes and try a chai in the market. Also take excursions into the desert for sundowners or dining experiences.

Ask us for more details on how to include Churu in your Rajasthan itinerary.

12/07/2024

Just outside of Kovalam in Southern Kerala is a gorgeous Relais & Châteaux property called Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra. Positioned on a cliff overlooking a secluded cove and the Arabian Sea, this resort is the ideal getaway experience. Choose from Rock Garden rooms, various heritage cottages or treat yourself to a stay at the Banyan Tree Bungalow or Octagon. Relax by the stunning pool, try some yoga, indulge in a massage or savour a cocktail watching the sun set!!

12/07/2024

Peace & bird song in the centre of Fort Cochin!
Garden at Walton's Homestay Fortcochin.

10/07/2024

1. What year did you open Walton's Homestay?
2002

2. How many rooms do you have at the homestay?
6 rooms

3. Describe your homestay in a few words?
Catholic family run 200-year-old Dutch Building.

4. Please tell us about your family.
Our family is based in Fort Cochin, coming from an Anglo-Indian background. Mr Christopher Walton and Mrs Ambika Walton are the backbone and soul of the homestay, with two daughters Charlotte & Christina.

5. What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
Christopher worked for American President Lines a shipping-based company in US looking into the legal and documentation for their local Cochin office.
Ambika worked for GSA in Kuwait Airlines and took VRS as manager from a Tours and Travels company.
Charlotte did her MBA in finance and HR, currently pursuing her law graduation. She has been working at the homestay since 2003.
Christina graduated in Physics, currently runs Walton’s Boutique with clothes for men and women in hand block printed style.

6. At your homestay what experience would you recommend?
Explore this little town that got its name Fort Cochin from the forts built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. We provide detailed maps of the area.

7. If clients eat at your homestay which culinary dish is your speciality?
We provide a communal breakfast for our guests, but lunch & dinner not served at the property. We provide a map with recommended restaurants, cafes, shops - all around 3-5 minutes’ walk from our home.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
Situated on Princess Street, one of the oldest streets in Fort Cochin, walking distance from Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. 15-20 minutes by rickshaw to Jew Town and walking distance from Kochi Water Metro.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
After our retirement, we utilised our time and space to work for ourselves as a family. This made way for opening our rooms in 2002 for travellers.

10. How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay?
2 ladies for housekeeping and a male staff as watchman, all from the local area.

09/07/2024

ARAMNESS GIR in the Gir National Park in Gujarat is a stunning wildlife lodge, with 18 kothis (bungalows) with their own courtyard, private pool and forest views. Blending traditional Gujarat village inspired design with elegance and high quality. It really showcases the essence of Gujarat with authenticity and luxury in equal measure while focusing on insightful wildlife experiences that celebrate all the diverse aspects of the national park.

As well as a pool, gym and spa you have the option to take game drives into the park to hopefully spot Asiatic lions and leopards, jungle walks in the teak forest, visit a Maldhari family in their home and sample delicious Gujarati food.

Please ask us how to include this unique wildlife experience in your Gujarat adventure.

06/07/2024

1. What year did you open Talking Trees Riverside Farmstay?
We constructed the rooms in 2016, and opened in 2017.

2. How many rooms do you have at the homestay?
4 rooms and a Chettinad-style unit on the first floor with beautiful views of the surrounding arecanut plantation.

3. Describe your homestay in a few words?
A quiet, riverside farmstay in Wayanad - get away from the rush of modern life, and enjoy a relaxed and rustic atmosphere.

4. Please tell us about you and your family.
I’m Nitish from Kochi, and my wife Prema is from Wayanad.

5. What professions did you have before the homestay?
I used to be a motoring journalist in Dubai while my wife worked in HR.

6. At your homestay what experiences would you recommend?
A visit to the local tribe community, fishing, coracle rides, cycling, plantation tour, yoga and massages.

7. Which culinary dish is your speciality?
Home-cooked South Indian cuisine and seasonal delicacies made from the freshest ingredients. Our chicken curry, fish fry and Kerala meals are a must try. Also home-made banana fritters, banana and jackfruit chips, pickles, juices and more.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
Located in Cherukattoor village, almost in the centre of Wayanad district, about 12 km from Panamaram town.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
Wayanad has a lot of commercial resorts catering to the typical tourist, but we believe travelling is much more than having a beer and lounging by the pool in a soulless steel concrete jungle. We wanted to offer guests an experience which includes warm hospitality, local food, great conversations and the quirks that come with living on a farm. We pride ourselves on the simplicity and sincerity with which we look after our guests.

10. How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay and are they from the local area?�3 people who live nearby and a super-friendly couple from Assam.

05/07/2024

“The iconic brand Taj has been honoured as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand across sectors yet again, in its milestone 120th year. This recognition, thrice as number one in the world, and four times as India’s best, is testament to the brand’s century old legacy of pioneering destinations, setting global benchmarks and showcasing Indian hospitality to the world.

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, Taj continues to be a legendary symbol of timeless hospitality. What sets Taj apart is not just its world-class hotels, but the emotional connection it fosters with both our guests and colleagues. It has become more than just a hotel brand; it is anemotion that resides in the hearts and minds of all who experience it. This achievement underscores the trust and affection of our guests and the steadfast dedication and commitment of our colleagues in delivering warm and sincere service, a true hallmark of Taj.”

04/07/2024

What year did you open your homestay?
2000

How many rooms do you have at the homestay?
7

Describe your homestay in a few words?
Heritage Homestay in the centre of Alappuzha Backwaters

Please tell us about you and your family.
Vinod Job & Vijo Job. Emerald Isle is our Ancestral property which is 175 years old. Our family name is Kanjooparambil – Manimalathara and we are from Alleppey Backwaters.

What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
Vinod Job – Business Management Degree from Bangalore.
Vijo Job – Hotel Management from Mangalore & MBA from London.

At your homestay what experience would you recommend that the clients can enjoy – either in the region or at the property itself?
Ayurvedic massage, cooking class, tuk tuk ride, Shikkara cruise, country boat cruise, kayaking, cycling, yoga and fishing.

If clients eat at your homestay which culinary dish is your speciality, what would you recommend?
Traditional Kerala Cuisine.

Describe the location of your homestay?
The location is at Pulincunnoo Village in the Kuttanad Taluk which is the centre of Backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey) in Kerala.

What made you decide to open a homestay?
Our property was used as a farmhouse in the olden days, so we have some extra rooms to convert as guest rooms, we have around 4 acres of land with fish ponds and 5 acres of rice fields behind the property and Manimala river in front. So, we thought of making it a Homestay.

How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay?
We have 5 staff and all from the local area.

03/07/2024

💚 Kerala 💙

01/07/2024

1. What year did you open your homestay?
We opened the homestay in 2020.

2. How many rooms do you have at the homestay?
We have 3 bedrooms, all twin-bedded A/C rooms.

3. Describe your homestay in a few words?Historic, Serene, Farmland, Village life, Nature

4. Please tell us about you and your family.
I am James Philip. My wife is Honey and three children Merin, Aleen and Philip who are pursuing their studies.
My ancestors originated from Kanjirapally, a town in Kottayam and settled in Angamaly for more than 100 years.

5. What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
I am a planter by profession and continue to be.

6. At your homestay what experience would you recommend that the clients can enjoy?
Our homestay is located amidst 42 acres of land with plantations, including rubber, nutmeg, coconut and fruits such as rambutan and mangosteen. Exclusive farm tour is given to guests. We can also provide trekking and a trip to the Athirapally Waterfalls. Also, the quietness and calmness provide a relaxing environment for our guests away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

7. If clients eat at your homestay which culinary dish is your speciality, what would you recommend?
We recommend pork vindaloo with toasted garlic bread and appam with fish molee.

8. Describe the location of your homestay?
Our homestay is located near Angamaly in the Ernakulam district. It is only 18 km away the Cochin International Airport which it makes it convenient for guests.

9. What made you decide to open a homestay?
We have always found treating people to meals and entertaining them to be interesting. I have dreamed of running a homestay where people can truly enjoy the nature and where I can learn new things and explore people from different diversities.

10. How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay and are they from the local area?
We employ 2 men for managing our land and 3 women to help in the kitchen. All other activities like farm tour etc is carried out by me.

28/06/2024

On our tours get off the beaten track and experience local life, farming and rural locations.

27/06/2024

1. What year did you open your homestay?
2021

2. Describe your homestay in a few words?
3 room premium homestay offering eco-friendly living and sustainable tourism.

3. Please tell us about you.
My name is Manoj Kumar. I hail from Nileshwar in Kasaragod, Kerala.

4. What professions did you have before you decided to open your homestay?
I am involved in the travel and tourism business in Mangalore, Bekal and Kannur.

5. At your homestay what experience would you recommend? Tailor-made village life experiences and activities, such as pottery villages, farming trails and loom visits. Traditional village cottage industries, such as beedi (local cigarette), coir and screw pine mats - all managed by women. Experience a Theyyam (ritualistic dance form), during the season (Oct-May).

6. At your homestay which culinary dish is your specialty?
Neypathal, crafted from a blend of rice, onions, grated coconut and cumin seeds, shaping the mixture into flatbreads before deep-frying.
Varutharacha Kozhi Curry is a culinary gem. A robust chicken curry cooked with roasted coconut and spices, resulting in a luscious and aromatic sauce.

7. Describe the location of your homestay?
Situated in Nileshwar in North Kerala. Poothali is a traditional Kerala-style house relocated to overlook lush green paddy fields, in a rural area with farmlands and a secluded beach is just 2-3 minutes’ drive.

8. What made you decide to open a homestay?
I recognized the need to promote local culture and traditions, to pave the way for travellers to enjoy this undiscovered part of God’s Own Country.

9. How many staff do you employ to help at the homestay?
We have 4 full time staff who are local women. A few senior citizens (grandmothers) working part time in our kitchen and working in our farms, supplying products for use in Poothali.

26/06/2024

The magical Backwaters!