All this is set on a beautiful small farm island which was actually reclaimed from the backwaters (Vembanad Lake) in the early 1950’s by my grandfather. The working farm, which practices sustainable / organic methods of farming, is two metres below the lake level and has coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation not to forget the jumbo prawn (scampi) and karimeen (pearlspot) found in some of the farm canals. Though accessible by road (up to the opposite bank), it is the ‘vallam’ (countryboat) that will finally take you across.

All said, this is an excellent opportunity to reside with a family and share a Keralan way of life in serene and peaceful surroundings; complemented with warm hospitality and traditional homecooked food; excellent comfort and hygiene standards; a village and rural life experience; and, above all, an interaction to cherish and enhance your holiday experience.

Surely, one among the great places to stay.

Farm
The farm is located on a small farm island (approx-750 acres) in the backwaters / Vembanad Lake next to Kumarakom within the Vechoor village limits. The farm is about 50 acres (owned by the family and some relatives) and is the largest farm on the island. The island is a reclaimed property which was made in the early 1950’s by my grandfather. It was my father, the late Philipkutty, who undertook further development on the farm by bringing in a system of inter-crop farming. The island is called Puthankayal (‘Puthan’ means new) as it was the last island to have been reclaimed in the backwater region for agriculture.

Being a reclaimed property typical of the Kuttanad or backwater region, the farm is approx 2 mts. below the lake level. The retaining dyke around the perimeter of the island keeps the lake water from entering the farm. Being below the lake level, all the rain water is pumped out especially during the monsoon season by using an electric motor and pump. This is critical to the existence of the farm.

The farm is made up of ridges and canals, with all the planting done on the ridges. The canals are used for natural fish culture. Karimeen (Pearl spot) and fresh water jumbo prawns (scampi) are grown naturally in some of the canals. The major crops on the farm are coconut, toddy tapping, nutmeg, cocoa, banana, pepper and many other fruits, vegetables and spices. The farm also has a few cows, geese, ducks and hens. We are members of the Vechoor Cow Trust and are doing our small part in the conservation of Vechoor cows by having one on the farm. We hope to take up a few more. Currently we have started planting vanilla also. The reclaimed island has also helped Vechoor Village to develop. It has given land to the people, plenty of employment, free grass for cows and plenty of free fuel.

The farm was a ‘modern’ farm when it started, but in the last 10 years we have been systematically cutting down on chemicals and relying more on organic and natural farming methods. Today we have successfully cut down by 75 to 80% all chemical inputs.At present the farm employs sustainable and organic methods of farming and we believe that in the coming years we will be a 100% organic farm..

The three villas are filled with antiques, including some beautifully carved and crafted doors and windows, which were meticulously collected over a period of time. There is no air-conditioning, no telephone and no TV in any of the villas. TV and telephones are available at our residence, should the need arise.

There is a well stocked refrigerated mini bar and an electric kettle in each room. The three villas are well furnished with two large single beds, wardrobe, cupboard, writing table and chair, settees and chairs in the ‘sit-out’. Not to forget the clean, dry and spacious modern bathroom in each villa. Extra beds are available if needed, and there is also a generator to backup the electricity in case of any power failure. All windows are netted to check the entry of insects.

There are plenty of doors and windows in each villa (18 windows and 8 doors) which open on to the farm, garden and backwaters, allowing for excellent circulation of fresh breeze and fascinating views from within. This is in keeping with the tradition of typical backwater bungalows. The idea was to make each villa an integral part of the surroundings so that by living in one you are not cut off.

The floor is finished in rustic clay tiles and the ceiling in wood. There is also a small verandah finished in traditional red-oxide which runs around each villa.

To complement the villas, there is a beautiful thatched pavilion on stilts, overlooking the farm with views of the backwaters. The pavilion opens on to a small, neat courtyard under an old mango tree. Just the kind of setting for the lavish home cooked meals and interaction.

In designing the villas, we kept in mind all the traditional features, and also the fact that we were designing a house and not a ‘hotel’ room.

When all this is combined with the traditional, homely hospitality, you cannot be faulted if you think that it is your second home.

ACTIVITIES

• Enjoy a sunset cruise every evening on a vallam (country boat) out in the open backwaters. The sights, breeze, sounds and smell of the late evenings are indeed very soothing. If you are lucky you can also catch the moonrise.

• Take a canal cruise through the narrow and winding canals on a vallam or motor boat and catch a glimpse of the unique backwater villages.

• For bird watchers the backwaters and the farm offer ample opportunities for sighting kingfishers, woodpeckers, egrets, cormorants, herons, crowpheasants, snakebirds, teals, etc.

• Ask for a cooking class from mum and learn the nuances of the local cuisine.

• Do a farm walk with any of us and learn about farming below lake level as well as the different crops cultivated. Do check out toddy tapping.

• Walk around the island along the outer dyke. This may take a little under 3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 8 kms. You could also walk in the village and the market, across in the mainland.

• Do a wider sightseeing and exploration trip of the countryside on a bicycle. A sketch of the region can be provided and you get to enjoy the coconut groves, paddy fields, canals and villages that blend into each other. Most of the roads in the mainland are flat with little or no gradient.

• For the adventurous try swimming in the backwaters in front of the villas.

• Visit the Ayurvedic Centre opposite the property for consultation. Try out rejuvenating massages to proper Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments spread over weeks if need be.

• Try fishing (rods available), or, if you are lucky, check out if you can spike scampi at night.

• Visit the St. Mary’s parish church at Vechoor. This is an old church with a history dating back to over 500 yrs.

• Visit the local temples which are in plenty, the Vaikom Siva temple being the biggest and most famous of the lot.

• Visit a very old Nair Tharavad (household) - ‘The Kaimals’. The household has a history of over 400 yrs- their old wooden house being a testimony of this. The family temple, the old palm leaf manuscripts, the temple art of ‘kalam’ drawing (for which only natural and organic pigments are used) and the tallest Snake God statue are the other attractions there.

• Watch the hundreds of fireflies in the farm at night. You might just mistake them for the stars.

• The property also offers an ideal setting and is inspiring for serious writers and artists.

• But, if you are the kind who wants to just relax and cool off, sit on the verandah or under the trees and dream or observe the passing backwater life or catch up with your reading. You could also star gaze into the clear pollution free night sky.

• Finally you could engage the family members and just chat about anything and everything.

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