Description
Set on a private island in the heart of the backwaters, Philip Kutty’s is run by a local family who have opened their 750-acre estate to visitors wanting to experience the ways of local Indian life.
They have created 5 comfortable traditional style waterfront cottages. The real joy of Philip Kutty’s Farm is the delightful Keralan cooking, and the best way to do this is to try this for yourself.
There is a multitude of activities to keep you occupied at Philip Kutty’s Farm, from witnessing the organically sensitive farm methods growing coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation not to forget the jumbo prawn (scampi) and karimeen (pearlspot) found in some of the farm canals. Other activities include birdwatching to catch glimpses of kingfishers, woodpeckers, egrets, cormorants, herons, crow pheasants, snakebirds and teals to name a few.
What Philip Kutty’s does so well is a return to the basics – of getting off the beaten track and discovering a magical experience with excellent friendly service. It is the simplicity that is the attraction, and this homestay matches Scott Dunn’s flair for boutique and interesting properties and wonderful and abstract rustic experiences.
Accommodation
Philip Kuttys Farm offers 5 ensuite villas named ‘Chempakam’, ‘Mandharam’, ‘Ashokam’ , ’Ponmaan’ and ’Madatha’ after popular local flower plants, trees and birds. They are not air conditioned and don't have televisions but are very comfortable all the same. Villas feature small verandahs and afford lovely views of the backwaters surrounding the hotel.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Philip Kutty's Farm but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
The farm features a restaurant serving Syrian Christian cuisine with a backwater twist.
Activities
Activities offered by the hotel include sunset cruises on a vallam (country boat), canal cruises on a vallam or motor boat and catch a glimpse of the unique backwater villages. There is also fantastic birdwatching, farm walks, fishing, swimming, cycling, cooking classes and visits to the Ayurvedic centre opposite the hotel. Local attractions include the St. Mary’s parish church at Vechoor and local temples.
Services
Run by the local family - the wife Anu, mother Aniamma, son Philip and Vinod.
When to travel
Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical and as a result of the mountain ranges the area isn’t as dry as much of India. The best time to visit is from April through June. While there can be the occasional light showers these are just a prelude of the wet weather to come. The weather is generally hot and humid during this early summer. The monsoon season arrives in late June and thus can wash out July and August. September is much more humid as a result of the rainy season, and the fall can be dry but with the humidity this makes it feel quite the warm. The temperatures cool down and the humidity lets up as winter comes in around December, with this season lasting until February when the dry spring returns. Winter can be a pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re looking to head off the beach and explore this Indian land of mystery.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Backwaters, India
Set on a private island in the heart of the backwaters.
How to get there
11 hr flight to Cochin (via Dubai). 1 hour drive.
