A drive through maze of curvaceous streets off the main highway leaves you in eager anticipation of the arrival of your destination. If the roads get narrower and the vicinity, greener, you should know that you are heading close. Just before the local boat jetty point on the Ashtamudi Backwater, a narrow path on the right leads you to the tip of the water, where the majestic but weathered gate of ‘Valiyavila Family Estate’, announces its presence. Scenically locked between backwaters on three sides, the house, an ancient property belonging to the Royal family of Kollam Now gracefully aging in this serene surrounding, it is home to Mr. Prabhat Joseph and his family.
The gate opens up to a small driveway onto the villa with wide verandahs interspersed with old lounge chairs to absorb the marvelous environs. A rather dilapidated, though usable basketball court witnesses an occasional game between guests. A collection of travel and modern literature books welcomes you in the living room. 6 rooms (AC & Non AC) are spacious and well ventilated. There is often no need for an air conditioner as the breeze from the backwaters is refreshing enough. Though all the rooms have a personal sit out with a view of the water, the 2 rooms on the first floor have an added advantage of a wide terrace. The garden at the back of the house is home to whimsical muse of a local artist; the tallest statue of Kerala. A lady with a body of a tree, holding a torch stands 55 feet, rather eerily, from the ground, but soon grows on you. She is said to be the Goddess of Light. Previously a lighthouse, the statue replaced the ill-maintained structure and provided the service of a lighthouse with a torch in her hand. Another noticeable structure, the boat deck on the right of the house, also has large murals of Jesus which are visible to the crossing fishing or transportation boats.
A regular on widely acclaimed travel books and websites, the Villa is visited by travelers who want to submerge themselves in the silence of the nature. Mr. Joseph and his staff enjoy extremely encouraging testimonials from guests from all over the world. His experience in the hospitality industry for over ten years is evident from his inclusive demeanor. A variety of food can be served wherever one pleases; it could be the terrace one day and your own sit out the other. A definite respite from a hectic itinerary of Kerala, Valiyavila is perfect to refresh yours senses before you hop onto the next destination.
Activities:
- Though there are numerous things to do in an around the village, a strong spokesperson for responsible travel, Mr. Joseph encourages his guests to get up close and personal with fishing techniques with the local fishermen. The house shares a symbiotic relationship with the local fishermen; they come and rest by the boat deck and often take guests fishing with them.
- Coconut husk painting, coir artifacts and wood carvings by villagers.
- Trip to the local cashew plantations.
- Trip to the nearby ashrams in an around Kollam
Facilities:
- Internet
- Mini library – Has selected books on travel and modern literature
- Pick up and drop facilities on request