Kerala Holidays, India

This delightful guest house nestles on the banks of the Karuvannur River, just 13km from Thrissur in in the village of Arattupuzha. It is in every sense a backwater location, and the perfect place to get to grips with local life and culture. Hosts Sreeni and Meera can arrange trips to nearby villages to see potters, goldsmiths, wood carvers and drum makers in action, while the river itself may be explored by kayak or boat. The property itself is a grand, modern building designed in authentic Keralan style around a traditional performance area (‘koothambalam’) and ‘nalukettu’ courtyard, where recitals of ritual theatre, mime and dance are regularly staged. A true labour of love, Neelamburi is somewhere we recommend for clients wishing to explore the region’s deep cultural roots in comfort, and in a friendly, family setting.