As you sail down the meandering River Pamba to reach this 109 year old villa, amid birdcalls and sweeping greenery, you begin to suspect this experience is going to be like none other. You spot trees laden with jackfruits, lemons, pomegranates and mulberries as you make your way through the villa grounds. Cocoa and coffee plants abound here and the villa is itself set in a coconut and banana plantation. Breathe easy and deep – you are in the abode of tranquility. As you wake up in the morning and open the blinds of your windows rolling paddy fields greet you and the river rushes by. The villa itself is charming with ‘thara odu’ (mud tile) flooring which has healing properties. The roof is terracotta and the walls are wood with a verandah running around every room.

USP: Out and out traditional Kerala retreat. Peace and tranquility. Culture tourism.

The Pamba Heritage Villa is located 8 km from Alleppey.

Air: Nearest airports are Cochin, 85 km to the north, and Thiruvananthapuram, 105 km to the south.

Rail: Nearest railheads are Alleppey (8 km) and Changanassery (18km).

Road: Alleppey is easily accessible by regular buses that ply from Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. You can also hire a taxi from these places and the drive would take about an hour and a half.

Laze in a hammock, take moonlit walks along the river or go in for a dip. Rejuvenated? Go ahead and get an insight into the Kerala way of life – see traditional paddy harvesting, go on a fishing trip and interact with the local fishermen, watch toddy tapping and taste it nascent, or simply stroll around the plantain and coconut groves, local landmarks, temples and markets. Indulge yourself – fish at the pond in the compound and the kitchen will cook your catch for you! On request, the villa will also arrange for a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.