Col & Mrs John Abraham - your local connection in Kerala will ensure you have a memorable KERALA EXPERIENCE. Kerala - "God's Own Country" - a land bestowed with beauty so enchanting that visitors and warriors alike have been attracted to its shores since ages - the warmth and hospitality of its people, the exotic produces of this Spice Garden and the inviting coconut groves that Mother Nature has gifted to its people have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.
When the phrase 'God's Own Country' was coined, it must have been with this particular location in mind. The history of the Parayil Tharakans has been traced back to almost 250 years with many of our illustrious forefathers playing important roles in the socio-economic development of this lovely State of Kerala. [read more] Amongst these were one Marquis four grand Chevaliers, members of the Kerala Legislatative Assembly and various senior government officials and social leaders. Chevalier Parayil Kujuavira Tharkan, my late grand father, was one among the four Parayees to be decorated by Pope Pius XII for his contributions and services to the church.
Ayanat House is the Home of Parayil Tharakans, one of the oldest Syrian Christian families in Kerala. Built in the early part of the last century, the house played host to a large family of 14 children, 35 grand children and 37 great grand children. Ayanat House is witness to numerous occasions - joyful or otherwise where the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have gathered to celebrate and enjoy the luxury of this six-bedroom home. With time this huge clan has moved out into the different corners of the world and eventually the responsibility of preserving the culture and traditions of this ancient family home is on the young shoulders of Johnny and Rani, the current links of this huge chain. Traditionally being landlords and farmers, the Parayil Tharakans' love for agriculture and nature is seen on the farmland surrounding the home, which boasts of tall swaying coconut palms, lush green fruit trees, pepper and vanilla vines, plants of herbal and medicinal value and an intercropping of delicious banana, which are grown using only organic farming methods.
Rani, Shreya, Sneha and Johnny (the Tharakan family) invite you to Ayanat House to experience and share the culture, warmth, and hospitality of this ancient family. Traditional Parayil cuisine from the Parayil Kitchen is a specialty of our exclusive home on the backwaters. The perfect blend of nature, the backwaters and the ambience of Ayanat House assures that you have a complete relaxed trouble free holiday.
Preserving nature is the focus of Ayanat House, and trees of various types can be seen on the estate, adding to the greenery of the place. The unspoilt village ambience adds spice to make your holiday complete.
The Kaithapuzha River flows along the western side of the house. Guests have their own private marina to relax. Try your luck at fishing with the traditional choonda (fishing rod) or learn to cast the fishing net the Keralite way. Arrangements can be made to accompany the local fisherman to learn the practices and various methods of fishing. A visit to the prawn farms during the season and fishing with the local fisherman will be a new experience.
Other facilities for our valued guests are indoor games like carom and scrabble (with Rani your Hostess). Badmington is also a popular outdoor game within the household.
In house, we have 2 canoes, and the family's country boat which are available to the guests for your private cruise on the picturesque serene backwaters. The best time for the cruise is in the evenings when the sun is setting on the western horizon as seen from the marina.
Internet and other communication facilities are available at Ayanat House that allows guests keep in touch with loved ones back home.
For guests with a flair to cook, learn to cook the traditional Parayil recipes with the family cook, Shivan. The farm still adopts manual and primitive methods of farming. Guests who want to experience various farming methods first hand can work with the farm hands thus experiencing a working holiday as part of the bargain.
For the adventurous - try your hand at climbing the coconut tree during the harvest (every 50 days) or learn the skills of toddy tapping.
Cycle around the village and experience life first hand in this sleepy little village. Traditional coir making could have originated from villages like this. See the traditional rope making facilities around. A visit to the host's Rubber Plantation (2 hours' drive) can also be arranged. Just walk around the lush green farm and experience nature in all its glory. Sip on a tender coconut on the marina, laze on a hammock and basically do nothing.
Close encounters with the local temple elephant can be arranged if the mammals are in town. A visit to the 2 churches built by the family, which are over 200 years old, and other ancient places of worship are most interesting.
Col & Mrs John Abraham - your local connection in Kerala will ensure you have a memorable KERALA EXPERIENCE. Kerala - "God's Own Country" - a land bestowed with beauty so enchanting that visitors and warriors alike have been attracted to its shores since ages - the warmth and hospitality of its people, the exotic produces of this Spice Garden and the inviting coconut groves that Mother Nature has gifted to its people have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.
