Lonely Planet South India & Kerala (Travel Guide) by Planet Lonely & Singh Sarina & Brown Lindsay & Harding Paul & Holden Trent & Karafin Amy & Morgan Kate & Noble John

Author:Planet, Lonely & Singh, Sarina & Brown, Lindsay & Harding, Paul & Holden, Trent & Karafin, Amy & Morgan, Kate & Noble, John [Planet, Lonely]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Published: 2013-08-31T21:00:00+00:00

GREEN PALM HOMES

Kerala’s backwaters snake in all directions from Alleppey and, while touring on a houseboat is a great experience, taking time to slow down and stay in a village can be just as rewarding.

Just 12km from Alleppey on a backwater island, Green Palms Homes ( 9495557675, 0477-2724497; www.greenpalmhomes.com; Chennamkary; r without bathroom incl full board ₹2250, r ₹3250-4000) is a series of homestays that seem a universe away, set in a picturesque village, where you sleep in simple rooms in villagers’ homes among rice paddies (though ‘premium’ rooms with attached bathroom and air-con are available). It’s splendidly quiet, there are no roads in sight and you can take a guided walk, hire bicycles (₹50 per hour) and canoes (₹100 per hour) or take cooking classes with your hosts (₹150).

To get here, call ahead and catch one of the hourly ferries from Alleppey to Chennamkary (₹5, 1¼ hours). It’s also accessible by autorickshaw (around ₹150) then canoe across to the island. This is a traditional village; dress appropriately.