Homestay in the Keralan backwaters

There are a number of excellent homestays in the backwaters around Kumarakom and Allepey. Accommodation standard ranges from very simple and really quite upmarket (somewhere like Philip Kutty’s for instance, is perhaps closer to a small boutique guesthouse) but the welcome is always extremely friendly and your stay will be highly personalised. All homestays will offer a range of activities, including walks and tours of surrounding villages, farms, and markets. The local area can be ably tackled on foot or by bike, and your hosts will be more than happy to help map out a day with you. A demonstration of toddy tapping - the process of drawing palm wine from surrounding trees - can also be demonstrated and, should you wish, sampled! We would also strongly recommend joining your hosts for a cooking demonstration if they are available - a fine way to learn more about local cuisine, and take some skills home with you!