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.
Something you immediately notice as you stroll through their expansive grounds is the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere provided by the faint melody of singing birds in the lush foliage, combined with the whisper of the breeze blowing in from the backwaters. After a few minutes walking, you reach the waters edge - where you can see the local villagers farming the land, setting out on their traditional fishing boats, and young children running around freely, enjoying this small piece of paradise.
This is a true home stay experience, and not a resort or hotel. The guests stay as part of the family and experience Kerala in a very personal way. Being a family home, you will enjoy memorable mealtimes with your hosts around the family dining table, which has been a family tradition for more than 100 years (there is no room service). Two of the suites are also wheelchair friendly and easily accessible.
There is an abundance of things to do at Olavipe, including visiting some of the historical churches, taking a bicycle tour of the estate, enjoying a sunset boat cruise, or even taking part in some traditional fishing with the locals. Or you can just lie back and listen to the sounds of nature while relaxing in one of the hammocks - the choice is yours.
The locals living on the surrounding land are assisted in many ways by the owners. Due to its relatively recent role as a homestay, sustainable jobs have been created for the villagers looking after the building and guests. But the commitment continues to various other projects that involve the surrounding local communities, in order to help to create a more sustainable future for them.
Olavipe, meaning 'gift of the waves', set in the southern quarter of an isle off Kochi, is one of the five handsome heritage homes owned by the Parayil Tharakan clan, a very large Syrian Christian family. The manor house is built in the Indo-Portuguese style which has been home to generations for 102 summers.
The building is still rock solid, due to the love and care that goes into maintaining the building and its historical contents. This sprawling manor represents some of the traditional colonial architecture combined with the true old Keralan style - including naalukettu, tiled rooftops, fretted gables, stone lions, gleaming woodwork, and shining stone floors.
Olavipe is the ideal place to just simply relax. There is a ‘kulir kallu' (or cooling stone) at one end of the house, which is a perfect spot to sit and relax on a warm summer's day. Wander out the back, and you laze about or read a book in one of the hammocks under the shady trees.
The family has a small museum dedicated to relics and memories from their forefathers, dating back over 250 years, with interesting little pieces of local history as well. Although small in size, your hosts are happy to talk you through the importance of some of these items. Old documents and farm tools are still preserved in the family archives. Rest assured that these anecdotes all add to the historical charm of this building, the property, and its inhabitants.
For those wishing to pray, or simply relax in a spiritual setting, the house also has a small chapel, with a mobile bar from a houseboat serving as the altar. Candles, pictures and flowers all create the perfect atmosphere to appreciate the Christian heritage of the host family.
For keen anglers, you can wander down to the waters edge for a spot of fishing. Or even better yet, take a trip out with some of the local fisherman - and learn about the traditional Keralan way to catch fish! Prawn farming is active in season in the larger ponds and canals. These canals are also used for rearing the local delicacy - the pearl spot fish ‘karimeen'. There is also the 'Serenity Cruise' at sunset, where you will be taken on a slow boat ride through the Kaithappuzha's backwaters and through the lagoons surrounding the island. With the lights off the coast slowly coming on, it is a truly unforgettable experience.
There is a healing garden on the family farm, where a plethora of herbs is cultivated. Vanilla, pepper, arecanut, coconut, mulberry and cassava are also grown on the estate, not to mention the gallons of tender coconut water on offer for all guests. There is a magnificent turkey and some gaggle of the geese in the yard at the back, and those hailing from Australia will recognise the strange birds known as ‘emus' that are also bred on the estate. Guests can also take part in various local farming activities throughout the 40 acre organic farm, where you can learn about some of the traditional ways of village farming.
But, alas, Olavipe is not just a place to relax and do nothing - there are plenty of lively activities to keep you busy! The best way to take in the surrounds is to enjoy a long walk through the estate. A walk through the village takes you past three churches built by the family, reflecting unique architectural styles, the oldest of which is almost 200 years old. On this walking journey, you will also witness a lovely old temple, a typical ‘chai kada' or tea house, and finally down to the rippling water's edge, where a boatman awaits to take you back to the family jetty.
As well as walking, there is also table tennis, basketball, football, cricket, boating, tree climbing, fishing, canoe rides, wind-surfing, and bicycles available.
Finally, and by no means least, is the amazing sumptuous food you will enjoy during your stay. With a cook who has been with the family for decades, you will experience the spices and flavours that can only be found in Kerala. However, very few places will offer you the opportunity to also enjoy your meals with a local family as you will at Olavipe.
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.
