Ethical Accommodation Kerala - Responsible tourism, ecoaccomodation, sustainable holidays/places to stay

gramam

property description: 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.

Gramam offers two en-suite rooms which are tastefully furnished and with private entry. The bathrooms have modern plumbing and Western style toilets.

Our Eco Practices:

Various methods of fishing are the main village activity. Participation of local fishermen is thus involved in the eco-tourism programmes and the fishermen also enjoy the benefits.
The fish, prawn, crab, coconuts, oil, eggs, many fruits and vegetables are produced and collected locally benefiting the villagers.
The house and the garden are maintained by local organic manure.
Use of plastics are minimised and eco friendly materials are promoted. We strongly encourage recycling of old materials.
We never use chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the farm.
We use bio-gas cooking system
Mechanised boats or speed boats are not supported in the backwater, only locally made traditional country boats are promoted with the help of local men.
Locally produced lime is used for white washing the house.
Home made wine and toddy, the local brew from coconut tree are encouraged.
Making efforts to create awareness among villagers to protect natural ecology and fragile environment especially the backwaters
Gramam Homestay offers two twin bed rooms for guests. So the carrying capacity is kept at the bottom level to preserve the host family, local people, environment and guests.
Income generated from Gramam is used to maintain the 65 years old heritage house and improvement of three acres coconut garden.
Gramam gives an opportunity to experience a backwater destination not in normal tourism run but very near to heritage zone of Fort Cochin

From former guests:

"...Byju and his family made me feel at home. He has a very strong intuition on what I could have needed and thanks to him I never felt like a foreigner in India..." - Anne Daligault, Cucuron, France"...

"...One of the nicest rooms we stayed in throughout our month in India, fantastic home cooking, all set right on the backwaters in a coconut grove. My partner spent the day in a hammock which our host had erected for him on the edge of the water - a truly relaxing place in a country village..." - Helen Bailey, UK

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

We will arrange transfers to all places if we have prior intimation about your travel plans.

pricing:

(For 2 PAX Bed & Breakfast)

£ 40.00 per day

Single Supplement

£ 16.00 per day

50 % on confirmation of booking.

contact details: please contact owner for further details:

Jos Byju
Neduveli House
North Kumbalangi
Cochin - 682 007
Kerala - India

Tel: ++91-484-2240278
Hp: ++91-94471-77312

e-mail: info@keralagramam.com

www.keralagramam.com

if you are traveling somewhere remote, or to a country with an unstable political climate, please check the travel advice section first