Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Kerala accommodation, homestay, independent reviews
 Reviewed 29 Nov 2008 by Susan Stevens |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of my holiday was being in such a calm, peaceful and gentle environment and experiencing the culture of a country that was completely different to that in the UK. Just as memorable was the kind and giving nature of the family who accommodated me. My host George was absolutely fantastic and went way beyond what I expected him to provide. George was willing to organise everything I needed and often accompanied me as I was travelling alone. He was generous and giving with all that he provided and helped me to understand the history of Southern India. One of the highlights of my holiday was the chance to see and spend time with elephants near Periyar Wildlife Park - it was a fantastic experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to be spoilt by the hosts and have a wonderful scenic holiday. Be prepared to see a very fascinating way of life if it is your first trip to Kerala. Make sure you take plenty of pens for the children as Kerala is a part of India that has almost 100% literacy rates and the children love receiving pens from visitors. Guests should be prepared to be given great meals mainly all home cooked by Dai (wife of George) who was extremely patient in explaining how the meals were cooked. Dai went to a lot of trouble to give guests great quality food.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The family hugely benefited local people as other services such as canoe rides, massages, rickshaw and taxi rides were all provided by very local people who were able to support their families as a result of the homestay business. A lot of natural products were used on the homestay and the hosts were very conscious about the environment and carried out great recycling and produced much of their own vegetables and other produce.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would have to describe my holiday overall as really fantastic. It way exceeded my expectations and because I chose to stay for a fairly long time (3 weeks) it enabled me to become totally relaxed and adjust to the way of life around the area. The main host George was a man with great integrity who took marvellous care of his guests and it felt a real privilege to be embraced by such a kind family.
| Reviewed 31 Oct 2008 by Helen Esplin | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in a real Keralan village in the backwaters with a lovely family. We had a room in a block built at the end of their garden so had a nice secluded spot overlooking the rice paddy. A lovely veranda to sit on all day and GK was fantastic at bringing us down tea and often fruit each morning and afternoon. The canoe trip round the narrow channels; the ride in the houseboat; the evening walks around the river bank talking to people; the garden full of fruits and spices; the deafening noise of the forest at night; the fantastic breakfasts....
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The accommodation is fairly basic: a reasonable-sized room with basic furniture and en suite. However as everything else was so interesting and colourful it didn’t matter that we weren't in luxury; we paid a fair price. Meals are served over at the family house and you eat what is served; however it was all wonderful. Bring a small torch as there can be (short) power cuts. We took our own mosquito nets but he can provide.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, yes, yes! GK employs local people (some of them who really need a wage) to provide services for his guests: male or female masseurs, a friendly rickshaw driver; a tribesman for canoe rides; and his partners in the houseboats. He grows his own fruits, spices and vegetables, makes his own rice and coffee; he has his own well and generator.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This homestay was the highlight of my trip to Kerala.
| Reviewed 15 Jan 2008 by Kieran McGrath | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The ferries around the backwaters.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Keep in mind that most tourist destinations are a long drive from the homestay.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - in addition to the homestay family, local boat guides, drivers, and masseurs were employed.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was relaxing and wonderful.
Read the operator's response here:
Kieran Mcgrath is right because the most tourist places as Varkala, Kochin, Periyar and Munnar are bit away from us as all those are in different districts as Trivandrum, Ernakulam and Idukki but not in Kottayam. But we are in Kottayam. Our maximum speed of transportation is not more than 50kms /hr so it will take more than 3 hrs to reach each spot. Our place is not very touristic. So I can say that our guests can enjoy the beauty and serenity of our green eco friendly village peacefully.| Reviewed 6 Jan 2008 by Robyn Wardill | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I was most impressed by the gracious attitude of both the host family and the locals. As I was travelling alone I expected to be hassled, but apart from kids nagging for free pens, it was hassle free. I went alone on public ferry to a town and was welcomed to a small tea shop filled with labourers. Not one bit of harassment - only kindness shown by feeding me up on home made cookies. On the ferry home a child shared sweets with me. On walk through village I was treated to a coconut picked and opened for me to drink. I was waved and smiled at each and every day. I was allowed to cuddle the baby goats in the village and escorted around a temple... all without anyone expecting any money in return.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Expect to come home a little fatter as 3 delicious meals a day cooked by Mrs Kutty are hard to resist. I learned a few Hindi words in preparation for this trip, but it was useless. Main language spoken was “Malayalam". Washable sandals or flip flops that can be easily taken on and off are more suitable than sneakers.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I could see my money going directly to local people e.g. host family, man who took me on canoe rides, auto rickshaw driver, driver who did transfers from airport, family who ran fish stall, massage lady. Host family supplied boiled filtered water, thus alleviating need for multiple purchases of water in plastic bottles. Scraps from table were fed to turtles. Linen napkins and china crockery were used, not paper and plastics. Rubbish from household was NOT put into waterways. Mattresses were made from breathable natural fibres, not man-made polyesters. Laundry is hung in sun to dry, not put in electric dryers. Power saving light bulbs in most sockets. Guests are asked to switch off fans when leaving room...overall a environmentally friendly household with money directly helping local families.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A most enjoyable short break. So much cleaner, nicer and friendlier than I ever expected. Even if female and travelling alone, it is a safe and fun adventure. Be assured that the Kutty family will look after you very well and put effort into making sure you enjoy your holiday.
| Reviewed 7 Jan 2007 by Parul Patel | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part about being at this accommodation was the company I met with and the canoe ride around the backwaters.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do go out and venture on your own it is safe!!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
4/5 (only the mosquitos bothered me a bit)
I have to say the trip was great and I am going back to India this December but going to the North and can't wait!!
| Reviewed 5 Mar 2007 by David Phillips | |
The homestay part of my trip was very enjoyable. George and his family were great hosts. It is a fantastic location far removed from any major tourist centres. I suppose it could benefit the local community if it will bring about the construction of a new improved road to the site as opposed to a difficult to access bumpy gravel track. All food we ate was locally produced and very nice.
My only criticisms would be maybe the $30 per night should include an evening meal as accommodation in Perriah, Kotayaman and other local towns would for similar standard would be only a few dollars, I know you don't get the personal service that George and his family provide but sometimes if you know you can have a holiday for a fraction of the price this can come into it.
The other thing sounds purile but try to get better mattresses on the bed, maybe more to Western tastes as if the weather is bad and you cant go outside you need to chill out indoors the bed was about as comfortable as sleeping on the floor. I am not suggesting turn it into a Trust House Forte Hotel but it would be a small expense for a big reward. Most beds I slept on in India were very poor and all travellers I met said the same thing.
But overall it was very enjoyable I would recommend it to friends, I may well go back there at some time or go to another place in another country on your website but I will keep in touch with George as he is a nice and GENUINE guy.
My only criticisms would be maybe the $30 per night should include an evening meal as accommodation in Perriah, Kotayaman and other local towns would for similar standard would be only a few dollars, I know you don't get the personal service that George and his family provide but sometimes if you know you can have a holiday for a fraction of the price this can come into it.
The other thing sounds purile but try to get better mattresses on the bed, maybe more to Western tastes as if the weather is bad and you cant go outside you need to chill out indoors the bed was about as comfortable as sleeping on the floor. I am not suggesting turn it into a Trust House Forte Hotel but it would be a small expense for a big reward. Most beds I slept on in India were very poor and all travellers I met said the same thing.
But overall it was very enjoyable I would recommend it to friends, I may well go back there at some time or go to another place in another country on your website but I will keep in touch with George as he is a nice and GENUINE guy.
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