Gramam Homestay

Kasa Marina

Tranquils Plantation Hideaway

Kadavu

Green Gates

Location

Gramam is situated at Kumbalangi, a village 10 Kms from Fort Kochi - the heritage zone. The backwater lagoons surround this area. Large numbers of Chinese Fishing Nets which abound here greet the visitors. This idyllic place is just 45 Kms from the main International airport at Kochi - an hour's drive away. The nearest railway station at Ernakulam is only 14 Kms away. The buses ply regularly on the National Highway 47 passing through Thoppumpady - a stone's throw from Gramam.  Indeed Gramam also is a cheap and healthy alternative to living in the city!  

The approximate distances to other tourism destinations in Kerala:

• Kochi International Airport - 45 Kms

• Alleppey - 55 Kms

• Kottayam - 60 Kms

• Kumarakom - 50 Kms

• Munnar - 140 Kms

• Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve) - 200 Kms

• Trivandrum - 210 Kms

Activities

• Boating on the backwaters in a country boat & fishing with the local fishermen

• Cycling through the surrounding countryside

• Visit the Chinese fishing nets (maybe try your hand also at fishing along with the local fisher men)

• Watch the toddy-tappers at work (maybe try out the toddy)

• Visit to Fort Cochin and Mattancheri heritage site

• Learn about crab farming and prawns farming 

• Birding

• Visit the 350 year old Nalukettu house( ancient Keralan architectural style) where a traditional Kerala Hindu family resides and visit the kavu (sacred grove) with its snake god

• Visit a prawn farm and local family, try some catch and cooking 

• Day visit to Marari beach and swim at the non touristy sandy beach

• Go for evening shows of kerala dance, kathakali and martial art, kalaripayattu

• Hand-made cloth weaving using the traditional 'Charka'.

• Keralan Cuisine Cooking programmes conducted on special request.

Gramam, the beautiful home of Byju and Lyma is located on the banks of the backwaters, in Kumbalangi village about 10 Kms on the outskirts of  Kochi (Cochin). Set in rustic, sylvan surroundings, the house is well connected to the heritage zone of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.  This is the ideal home for someone looking for a quite retreat near Kochi - not too far from the city but away from the noise and pollution. The food is cooked in  true Keralan style by Lyma and there  is a wide selection to choose from in case you decide to eat with the family. The house itself is tiled and constructed in the Keralan style. The small garden slopes gently away into the backwaters. The farmland around the house has coconuts, areca nuts, mangoes in profusion - 12 varieties in all - pepper, pineapple and mangroves, besides various medicinal plants. But the most prized possession is a 200 year -old mango tree called "Chandanakaran" locally, which incidentally is the biggest tree in the village. The rustic charm of this village ambience is sure to leave an indelible impression as you say goodbye to Kochi - the queen of the Arabian Sea. 

The Gramam homestay is situated in three acres of coconut garden and we have TWO accommodations which are tastefully furnished: 

The Lake View Room is in a wing of the main house where host family resides.You get your own veranda (perfect for afternoon tea), mosquito-netted twin beds, and a fan but no airconditioning. There are old wooden shutters, patterned wall hangings and some lovely touches: antique furniture, luggage racks made of bamboo,old mango pots converted to bed lamps, walk in showers.

The Cottage on Backwaters is a renovated coconut farm house used by Neduveli family for processing coconuts and coir making. It is more spacious, pristinely clean and is quiet and relaxing. The large room has twin beds (two extra beds on request),fans but no air-conditioning, a veranda all around, walk in toilet, roof open shower area with solar water heater and kitchenette with a fridge. It is independant of the main house, just 50 meters away from your host family. Easy to handicapped and less moveable persons. Self catering option available.

...Room View...