Kodianthara Heritage Home

Kodianthara Heritage Home is located in the heart of Kumarakom on the banks of one of the many backwater canals that criss-cross this scenic village. This property, which is more than 154 years old, has been passed down over five generations to the present occupant - Crispin Kodianthara.

Built in the traditional Kerala style with a lot of carved woodwork, beams and stone, the house is set in a sprawling two acres of lush greenery with fish ponds, narrow meandering canals, ayurvedic and vegetable gardens, rubber plantations and coconut groves.

The abode is reminiscent of a typical Kerala home with all its traditional trappings. A calm and serene environment prevails with little disturbance from the outside world. A pleasant walk under the deep shading rubber trees and the gentle swaying coconut trees is a refreshing experience for both body and soul.

And Kodianthara today offers the ultimate in homestay experience. So if you are looking for a quiet, homely retreat far from the madding crowd, Kodiathara is the place you should be headed for!

Accommodation:
Accommodation at Kodianthara Heritage Home has a traditional Syrian Catholic touch to it. The house has a Nadumuttom - an open courtyard in the center of the house- a place to enjoy both the rain and the fresh, scented air.
There are 6 A/C and Non A/C bedrooms with modern amenities.

House boats:
The houseboat is a double - decker, with the upper deck having conference facilities and a capacity to cater to 40 people. It also has a cosy double bedroom with attached bath, a living area with a TV and music system, and a sundeck. An ideal space for hosting parties and other events.
The lower deck has 2 double rooms with AC's and attached baths, with each room capable of accommodating 2 adults and two or three children. The deck has its own dining area with TV and music system, and a sit-out.

Dining:
A traditional Syrian Catholic cooking demo will be conducted by the Host. National and international choice of food is cooked and served. Home made grape wine , pickles, traditional sweets, dried quality beef, dried fish etc.

Other facilities

• Internet facility
• Candle light dinner (can be arrange on Island House)
• Library
• Collection of stamps and coins
• Meals available as per guest's choice (home-made as per orders)
• Ayurveda massage treatment
• Learn Toddy tapping from 50 acres of coconut farm
• Kathakali and Martial Arts performance

Backwater ride in the Valavara Vallam
The Valavara Vallam is a covered canoe used by landlords in olden days to travel through the backwaters. In those days, there were oarsmen to take them about their leisurely journeys, sometimes extending to three and four days. In keeping with today's more impatient times, the oarsmen have been replaced by outboard engines. Take the canoe out for an exclusive spin on the lake. And if you are in no hurry, they can discard the outboard engine and get you a couple of oarsmen.

Fishing, Kerala style
There are fish ponds around the Kodianthara Heritage Home. Carry your indigenously made hook, line and sinker - along with some tapioca bait - and relax by the pond while waiting for a bite. Bring home your catch - and they will cook it for you.

Cook & Eat
Kodianthara Heritage Home promises you a great culinary experience. The Heritage home invites you to their special "Cook and Eat" culinary demonstrations. After providing you brief overview of Syrian Christian cuisine, they will take you through the process of preparing typical dishes of the community. Once prepared, you can share the sumptuous meal at a sit-down lunch or dinner, accompanied by the best Kodianthara home-made wines. Cost per head: Rs. 200/-

Other Activities

• Farm Tour (Rubber, Vegetable, Fruits, Ayurvedic plants)
• Study of Kerala culture and architecture
• Bird watching
• Pilgrim center & Famous temples & churches visit in & around Kottayam (15 km from Kumarakom)
• Study of Kerala Architecture & Culture
  

By Air:
The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Kochi., the erstwhile Cochin. It's just over two hours by road from there, a distance of about 90 kms.
If you are landing at the international airport in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram, it will take a little under four hours to cover the 180 kms distance.

By Rail:
The nearest rail head is at Kottayam, 14 kms from Kumarakom.

By Water:
There is a totally unique way of arriving in Kumarakom - lazily cruising through the backwater network. From Thiruvananthapuram, travel by road to Kollam (the erstwhile Quilon) and take the ferry to Alleppey. And from there, it is 40 minutes across the Vembanad to Kumarakom. If you have landed in Kochi, take a boat again to Alleppey.