Philipkutty's Farm

Homely waterfront cottages run by a charming family on a small farm-island in backwater Kerala - a truly personal insight into Keralan life and cuisine

Welcome home! This is how you'll be greeted after a day's boating or bird-watching on Kerala's beautiful backwaters - and it’s exactly how you’ll feel. Guests at Philipkutty's Farm are welcomed and cared for by several generations of the Mathew family (Anu, her mother-in-law Anlamma and son Philip). Even grandfather was involved: in the 1950s he reclaimed the private island on which the farm now sits (5ft below sea level) from beneath Vembanad Lake.

They call it a 'homestay' and are delighted to show you around the 45-acre working farm, where mango, nutmeg and coconut trees thrive alongside bean, pepper and banana plantations. But if you’re worried about privacy, rest assured that your waterfront cottage is completely independent (the family live in their own house nearby). Designed by Swiss architect Karl Damschen, the 3 original guest cottages are open-plan, furnished with antiques and set on the edge of a peaceful waterway. Three more, designed at later date by Keralan architect Thomas Dominic, have separate living areas and sit-outs. All have enough room to create a little family home of your own.

Highs

• You'll feel like you're living in Kerala rather than visiting it
• Philipkutty's provides a very personal insight into the way of life and fabulous cuisine of Kerala's backwaters
• There's a wonderful combination of solitude and safety
• Your cottage is surrounded by the sounds of nature
• Getting from the banks of Lake Vembanad to the island’s private jetty on a traditional vallam, or country boat, is great fun

Lows

• The isolation means that telephones and email are your only contact with the outside world
• There's no air conditioning other than the natural variety (a gentle evening breeze helps cool things down)
• Guests may bring their own beer, but other alcohol isn't welcome