Philipkutty's Farm, Kottayam [India]

Philipkutty’s farm is an independent, homely, waterfront villas run by a family,on a beautiful farm island, in the backwaters of Kerala. The farm stay is set on a beautiful farm island, which was reclaimed from the backwaters of Lake Vembanad in the early 1950’s. The working farm, which practices sustainable/organic methods of farming, is accessible by road up to the bank opposite the farm and villas and a small stretch is covered by a scenic 5-minute boat ride across the lake.

The host family resides on the property full time, and are fully involved in caring for the guests. The family takes a lot of interest in personalising your stay, depending upon your interests.

Accommodation

Phillipkutty’s farm has 6 independent cottages facing the peaceful backwaters. The villas are named after popular local flowering plants, trees and birds.

One of the villa designed by Swiss architect Karl Damscen, is open plan. The other villas, designed by Thomas Dominic from Kochi, have a separate living room, bedroom and ‘sit-out’. The villas are air conditioned and well furnished with two large single beds, wardrobe, cupboard, writing table, and chair, settees, and chairs in the ‘sit-out’

the villas are furnished with antiques, including some beautifully carved and crafted doors and windows, TV, a land-line telephone, wi-fi, refrigerator and an electric kettle with tea and coffee making provisions.

Dining

Food is an important part of experience at Philipkutty’s farm. The cuisine is mostly local and predominantly Syrian Christian with a strong backwater influence. Most of the dishes served are centred around fish, farm vegetables and fruits, duck, chicken and occasionally other meats, supplemented with rice and rice based local breads like appam, string hoppers etc.

Meals are served communally, either in the family dining room or outdoors in the thatched pavilion. The hotel caters for any special diets if needed and also provide vegetarian options. Occasionally the host family also join the guests around the communal table.

Experiences

The Phillipkutty’s farm offers many experiences to the guests including:

A sunset cruise every evening on a country boat on the backwaters
Bird watching around the backwaters and the farm to spot kingfishers, woodpeckers, egrets, cormorants, herons, coucals, snakebirds (darter), teal, and a wide range of both wetland, woodland and garden species as well as birds of prey like the magnificent Brahminy eagle.
A trip to the local Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary can also be arranged on request.
Cooking classes to learn the nuances of the local cuisine.
Walking tour of the farm with one of the family member or staff to learn about farming below lake level as well as the different crops cultivated.
Cycling around the countryside to experience the life of the locals. A sketch of the region will be provided and the guests get to enjoy the coconut groves, vast paddy fields, canals and villages that blend into each other. The guests can also walk to the nearby village and the market, across on the mainland. Most of the roads in the mainland are flat with little or no gradient, but be prepared for some potholes!
The farm stay has an Ayurvedic Centre nearby that offers rejuvenating massages and Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments during a short or longer term course of treatment.
Fishing in the backwaters The resort has its own Chinese fishing net and guests may enjoy watching and participating in hauling up the catch in the evenings. This is a seasonal activity, depending on water flow, weather and time of year.
Visit of St. Mary’s parish church at Vechoor. This is an old Syrian Catholic church with a history dating back to over 500 years. Services, including mass, are held once or twice daily.
Visit the local temples in the village. A little further afield, the Vaikom Siva temple is the biggest and most famous, which can be visited by bicycle, taxi or the colourful local tuk-tuks.
An experienced Yoga master is available for sessions both for the beginner and more experienced practitioners.
Sari or Dhoti tying sessions.