Kantharikkadavu Aqua Tourism Village: Kottayam's beautiful little secret

Kantharikkadavu is Kottayam's beautiful little Aqua tourism village. From Kaduthuruthy it's a mere 4-kilometre drive. We think it’s a perfect weekend getaway with the family. Fenced by ponds, fields, rivers, and coconut trees, Aqua Tourism village is a sight for sour eyes.

Shikharas in Kottayam

Aqua tourism village is a private initiative which runs with the aid of District Tourism Promotion Council. Abraham who is a nature lover is the founder of this village. Boating is the main attraction. Pedal Boats, Shikara, and basket boats are available for a ride. Their Shikara is large enough to accommodate four passengers. The Shikara service is from Kantharikkadavu to the Kothavara spillway. You can catch migratory birds and paddy fields in this 18 km long ride.

A guest at the Mana

Another highlight of the Aqua tourism village is Ullale’s, Maramedu Mana. If you love nature, this is the place for you. This Mana built according to the Vaastu Shastra will be a delightful experience.

Watch and catch the fishes

There is a modern fish pond which breeds various varieties of fishes here. It is with the help of the Kottayam Fish farmers association that they could create this fish pond stretched over 60 cents. Through the walkway constructed over the pond, the visitors can feed the fish. You can also hand over the catch of the day to be cooked the way you want it. The tower which is built in the middle of the lake can be used for parties. Near the tourism village, a motor placed by the State water authority is also functioning. The water that overflows into the fields is being taken out through this facility. It will be a new experience for young people. The authorities have made sure the tourists are nicely taken care of. You can take a walk through the bunt road and enjoy the scenery around.

Best heritage homes in Kerala

If your idea of a holiday is to relax, enjoy the pristine scenery, indulge in a local home-cooked meal, long solitary walks around nature, and some warm conversations, then staying at homestays can be a fabulous idea. Not only do they provide privacy of a hotel but also the warmth of a home. In Kerala, you can take your pick from cottages, country homes, tree houses, offbeat stays, or coastal hideaways. We have a tiny list.

Varikatt Heritage, Trivandrum: Located in the heart of the capital city, this 150-year-old Indo-Gothic villa is stylishly refurbished to hark back to the times of the Raj. The villa comprises one deluxe suite and three deluxe double bedrooms. It also includes a huge verandah, an orchid garden, a badminton court, and a hammock to laze on. Since it is in the heart of the city, there is plenty to do within walking distance, you could explore the temples close by such as the Padmanabhaswamy temple and the Shree Krishna Swami Temple or visit the zoological gardens. There are festivals throughout the year, as well as demonstrations of Kathakali (the traditional dance of Kerala) and Carnatic Music. Excursions can be arranged to the local beach at Veli Tourist Village, Kovalam, and to exotic Varkala beach, as well as to the picturesque backwaters, cruising on an authentic thatched houseboat. or homestay on the banks of river Pampa. Trip can be arranged to Neyyar dam, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Munnar Tea country.

Pal Kadavu Warium Villa Homestay, Wayanad: This 1964 property in Wayanad is surrounded by tropical plants and overlooks lush green fields. The villa is equipped with a warmly lit attic, a lawn that can be used for bonfires or barbecues, and a bamboo hut. There is also an organic greenhouse nearby where you can pick your own produce. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuruvadweep Island, and Muneeswaran Temple are some of the scenic locations close by.

Kannur Beach House, Kannur: It is a private beach house with an exclusive coastal waterfront and offers authentic Malabar cuisine and hospitality. The fully furnished rooms offer optimal views of the Malabar coast. The small river that runs along the side of the house nourishes an ecological system consisting of mangroves and birds. Swimming, boating, bird watching, and walking are recommended. They also arrange Theyyam and Kalari performances, Kalari, a visit to the Handloom Weaving Center, Beedi Production Center, and St Angelo's Fort.

 

Villa Akasa, Varkala: If you are dying to spend some alone time by a pristine beach away from tourists, Villa Akasa is perfect for you. Situated in Varkala, this guest house comprises five spacious rooms with private verandahs and washrooms. The villa is at the heart of a quaint coastal village, which means you can truly be alone with nature. The centuries-old Janardhana Swami Temple is within walking distance from the villa.

Sea Hut Homestay, Kochi: Located on the beachfront this Kochi-based homestay is your perfect vacation home. The interiors are warm and rustic, giving you that quintessential coastal vacation experience. The home comprises four independent double bedrooms with a common verandah. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins from the property's windows. The facility provides their guests with fresh meals only, so if you plan to dine there, you will need to inform the staff in advance.

Casa Evelyn, Alappuzha: Located in Alappuzha, this cozy inn by the sea is the perfect combination of luxury and vintage aesthetic. The space features ambient lighting and a spacious balcony, where guests can soak in the sea breeze. They also offer various Ayurvedic treatments upon request. You could also book houseboat rides or go canoeing and kayaking. Pooches are welcome too; Casa Evelyn is pet-friendly.

Dewalokam Homestay, Thodupuzha: This is an ancestral farmhouse of a Keralite Syrian Christian Family. As the name suggests this homestay in Kochi is a real ‘Paradise’! It provides an amazing option to unwind and relax in rejuvenating surroundings. Guests can walk around the homestay through the farms – filled with a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and spices. The homestay produces organic vegetables in their garden that is used to cook traditional Kerala cuisines in the kitchen.

Kandathu Tharavadu, Palakkad: It is the ancestral home of the Kandathu family and is set in a rustic village outside Palakkad town, amidst the lush rice paddies. Tharavadu helps you experience the calm village life of Kerala and is one of the most popular heritage homestays in Palakkad. Try morning walks, or a visit to the corner tea shop, or even an evening walk through the green paddy fields to watch the sunset.

Maranat Mana, Calicut: This heritage homestay is a 160-year-old ancestral house, previously owned by a Namboothiri family. It’s a large Pathinaarukettu fully furnished 3-storey house with a Pathaayappura (granary and guest house). But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Guests have to follow the century-old Vedic customs and traditions followed by the family and also partake in their traditional vegetarian fare. We think it’s a great option for foreign tourists who are interested in studying Kerala architecture, Hindu culture, and religious studies. Maranat Manas has a heritage charm making it one of the best homestays in Kerala in terms of its Kerala architecture.