Jan 162011
Emerald Isle is situated on an island on the banks of the backwaters, around 10 kilometres outside of Alleppey. From the moment you step onto the dug out canoe which transports you across the river to the homestay, you enter into a tranquil world of peace and harmony. Your hosts, Vinod and his Family will welcome you into their home which dates back 150 years. Emerald Isle is ideal for those wanting to relax, the extensive beautiful grounds and tempting hammocks are ideal to do just that. You might spot the local ‘Toddy Tapper’ climbing the coconut trees and taste some of the fresh toddy! Vinod can provide you with a number of walking routes where you can visit local temples, villages and schools.
Location
10 kms (20 minutes drive) from Alleppey, in the heart of the backwaters. Situated on the banks of a backwaters island and reached by a dug out canoe. Don’t worry, the staff will ensure that your luggage makes the crossing safely!
There are a number of walking trails departing from Emerald Isle to guide you in the exploration of this backwater island. We joined the local school run with the children, about a 30 minute walk away. There are schools, temples and villages to explore in the locality where you will gain a real insight into local life.
Further afield it is possible to visit a market by canoe or arrange a visit to Alleppey town for shopping.
Facilities
- 9 acre gardens with hammocks
- Ayurvedic Body Massage & Treatments
- Country boat cruise, Village tour
- Visit to historic-temple and 1400 years old church
- Fishing in the Family’s own Fish Farm
- Local walking route maps
- Cookery demonstrations
- Visit to Snake Boat and Pottery works
- Swimming; Fishing, Rowing, Birding
- Visit to Coir Marking units
- WiFi, Internet & Telephone Facilities
- Car Rentals
Accommodation
There are only 5 rooms (All Air-conditioned) for guests and each has its own en-suite ‘open to the sky’ shower bathroom with all modern facilities. To retain privacy, each room has its own entrance from the central courtyard.
The house itself dates back 150 years and retains its original architectural features, mostly in teak, with splendid wood carvings. There is also a fine Ara, the timber storeroom used in former times for the golden harvest of rice – golden because the island’s lush green paddy fields turn gold at the time of the harvest.
Dining
This is where the Homestay experience comes into its own. Meals are a communal affair with fellow guests and served in the main Family dining room. The ladies of the house prepare and serve the meals but do not eat with guests.
All meals are traditional Keralan specialities using locally-grown spices and herbs, local fish – Karimeen Pollichathu, Avoli Fry, Neimeen Curry – and chicken and duck dishes which are a specialty of the region, as well as dosa, appam-egg roast, puttu-kadala for vegetarian dishes. Expect lavish banquets, often impressively served on fresh banana leaves.
Food can prepared according to the level of spice that guests prefer.
For those that would like to continue the experience at home, free cookery demonstrations can be arranged with the Family. We did and I have even managed to source fresh banana leaves to serve a traditional Keralan feast back home!
