Magic moments - at the edge of the backwaters, three gorgeous traditional Kerala cottages stand among coconut groves and frangipani. Hidden away from chaos and (literally) off the beaten track, the cottages offer a slice of heaven. Come here to soak in the profound early morning silences or the wild croaking of frogs in the evenings. Come here for great conversations over ‘Mummy’s’ yummy food and languid boat rides into the lagoon.

The cottages themselves are an aesthetic delight, filled with antiques, beautifully carved doors and windows. The floor is laid with rustic clay tiles and the ceiling is all wood. There is also a small verandah around each villa, done in traditional red-oxide. There are no air conditioners to distract you from the pleasant breeze that wafts from the backwaters and no telephones or TVs to shatter the tranquility.

USP: Kerala’a splendour personified. Home stay/farm-stay, ecotourism, nature and solitude.

Philipkutty will arrange for airport/railway station transfers on request, at an additional cost.

Air: Nearest airport is in Cochin, 75 km away, a distance covered in about an hour and a half.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Alleppey, 25 km away.

Road: Kumarakom is well connected with destinations such as Cochin, Kottayam (20 km) and Alleppey by regular bus services and taxis.

Boat: Philipkutty can be accessed by a boat as well.

A beautiful thatched pavilion propped on stilts, overlooking the farm with views of the backwaters. The pavilion opens on to a small, neat courtyard under an old mango tree. Just the right place to tuck in the lavish home cooked meals. Enjoy sunset cruises down the backwaters or canal cruises through narrow canals on a ‘vallam’ or motor boat and get a glimpse of backwater villages.

Indulge in some bird watching, take cookery lessons from ‘mummy’, the hosts’ mother, go on a farm walk with the hosts, check out toddy tapping. You can also explore the region on a bicycle covering coconut groves, paddy fields, canals and villages. Swim in the backwaters, relax with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, try fishing. There is just so much do at Philipkutty’s farm. And also to not-do – simply sit under the trees and watch life passing by on the backwaters.