Kerala homestay earns international acclaim, offers a magical monsoon escape

What is it like to relax in a Kerala farmstay, blanketed by the aroma of fresh mangoes in summer and the relaxing petrichor in the following monsoons? That too, surrounded by some majestic hills? If interested in experiencing the same, head to Pannadikkadu homestay in Kerala's Muthalamada, often dubbed as the state's 'mango city.' The stay, located in Chemmannampathy, Palakkad district, has been attracting tourists from all over the world since its launch last year. It even found a mention on the renowned travel publication Condé Nast Traveler, recently and has been bringing in North Indian and international travellers alike. 

Located just about 20 km from Anand Mahindra's favourite Kollengode village, 15 km from the Seetharkund Waterfalls, and a one hour from the Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Pannadikkadu can be a monsoon lover's delight. From cycling in a rain-drenched village, trekking in the adjacent forests, to just watching rains from the comfort of one's bedroom, it offers a complete monsoon experience. Here's everything you need to know. 

What Mango City offers
The farmstay has two cottages (a three-bedroom and a two-bedroom), which together can accommodate five guests. It's a quiet getaway, not a party venue, according to Thumpacheril George Thomas and his family, who run the farmstay. Regardless, the stay has been attracting visitors from across the globe. Those who wish to enjoy nature and farming alone or with their family, away from the crowds and noise, have a lot in store here. Looking out from one room, you see a vast mango grove. There are various varieties of mangoes like Banganapalli, Sindhooram, and Totapuri here. Neelam, Nadusalai, Kalapadi, Himapasanth, Mallika, and Moovandan are also present in moderate quantities. Even though there are no mangoes in the off-season, these drooping mango trees beckon tourists into their shade.

Looking out from the second room, visitors can take in the serene mountain ranges of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve! If you want to see the forest just beyond the farm, you can do that too. A rare opportunity to see the tiger reserve up close from inside a room! At times, one can even hear the roar of elephants from the forest at night. The thrill of living safely inside the house while seeing and hearing the forest can be quite riveting.

All who have experienced these have returned with full hearts, as evidenced by social media reactions, the owner says. George said that following the recent feature of Pannadikadu in 'Condé Nast Traveller' as the best farmstay in the Western Ghats, especially in the Palakkad pass, foreign inquiries on the stay have increased. 

What tourists love
Many tourists come after reading the reviews in detail, and they often express satisfaction with the facilities, too, says George. His father, a former journalist, Thomas George, explains in detail to visitors eager to learn about the Western Ghats, its climate, agriculture, topography, and culture. Thomas George says that most visitors are eager to know about life in tropical villages, the history of the Western Ghats, farming methods, the history of colonialism in this region, and food traditions. Most travellers enjoy cycling around the village and observing toddy tapping.

The initial days
Pannadikadu was once the farmland of a landlord named Pannadi Naikkan. It came into Thomas George's possession in 2012 after changing hands several times. Thomas and his wife Neena left their jobs and ancestral home in Kottayam and moved to the Palakkad pass to lead a slow life of sustainable farming in the lap of nature. Their elder son, George George, who graduated from the London School of Economics, also preferred the tranquillity of the mango grove to the hustle of a corporate job. Having completed his studies at Pallikkoodam School in Kottayam and Blue Mountain School in Nilgiris, George already had a love for nature, hospitality, and heritage.

This interest led George to the concept of a farmstay. He is providing an opportunity for others to enjoy the unique lifestyle his parents have created through a dairy farm and organic farming on 15 acres. By the time he returned from studying abroad, his parents and his brother, Thommy, a student at PSG College, Coimbatore, had laid the foundation for the farmstay, room, garden, and kitchen to support George's interest.

Not a hotel
The 'Kalappura' at Pannadikadu was designed as a living space, embodying simplicity with luxury. It was constructed in a minimalist style, preserving its antiquity while incorporating all modern amenities. Since the atmosphere of a home is maintained, there are no arrangements like room service. Guests dine at the hosts' dining table. Many who arrived from big cities described it as a return to their ancestral home. After returning, many brought their children back to gift them their own rural life experiences from the past. Pannadikadu, which began welcoming guests only a year ago, hosts guests year-round, except for a few days when it is inconvenient for the hosts.

In the first year itself, over a hundred groups visited, more than half of them foreigners, especially from France, Germany, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and Israel. Most of them were solo travellers who liked to walk alone. There were also women who liked to stay longer, read, and go trekking through the plantation. Some stayed for three to ten days, while groups of 2-5 people also visited. Pannadikadu is registered as a homestay with Kerala Tourism. Guests are found through their own website and travel sites such as booking.com, Airbnb, and MakeMyTrip. This farm introduces the true beauty of the Western Ghats without artificial ingredients.

Homely atmosphere and food
They offer a garden with birds chirping, mango groves where peacocks and jungle fowl roam, delicious food prepared by the hostess, and excellent accommodation. The property also has a gorgeous stream that comes alive during the monsoon season. As a border village, the area features local cuisine from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which is also popular with foreign travellers.
Email: pannadikadu@gmail.com