Stay by the sugar cane farm at Masivayal in Idukki

Walking around freely under the open blue sky is a luxury these days. Most travel plans are getting cancelled due to fears of overcrowding, concerns of curbs, or threats of the dreadful infection. But if all you want is to breathe in some fresh air and be amidst nature, then think hyperlocal.

Choose an area that is not normally frequented by people. You can opt for a farm stay at M R Nature Treat at Masivayal near Marayoor in Kerala's Idukki district.

It is a relatively safe place for you to spend some quality time while adhering to the COVID-19 protocols. It not just frees you from the worries of the pandemic but offers the promise of a refreshing stay at a house that is surrounded by sugarcane farms.

It is a picturesque ride from Kochi. You will pass small streams and the vibrant waterfall at Cheeyappara. You will have to take the Munnar-Marayoor path and the roads are likely to be deserted during this time of the year.

You will be riding right through sandalwood forests of Marayoor before finally reaching the quaint village of Masivayal. But you would need to drive further into the interiors through narrow roads to reach the farm.

Here, you will find a two-storeyed house in blue that offers two quarters. Each of the quarters will have a hall, two bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom with modern amenities. You can cook your own food. You can park your vehicle out at the front. There is still space left for you to start a campfire. Also, no need to worry about any sudden showers as Marayoor is a rain-shadow region.

Wake up to the beautiful sight of the house surrounded by green hills with narrow strips of waterfalls crisscrossing the greenery.

The chirping of birds and cries of peacocks fill the air. The eight acres of farmland is for you to roam free. As it would be really quiet, you can even hear the sound of the jaggery factories working faraway. Walk further away from the house, you would come across the cornfields with wildflowers on the sides.

Stroll down the muddy village paths, and you come to the gurgling streams. You can safely splash around in this stream with knee-deep water, the locals vouch. These streams are on their way east to join the Pamba river.

Once back after your stroll, you can get yourself a cup of piping hot tea and sit outside, watching nature at its pristine best.

The house is owned by Muthulachiyamma.

For more information on the place, contact 7907067647.