Mountain Dew Homestay

The home of Mr. Sanjeev and 3 generations of his family is uniquely secluded among their 35 acres of rubber, pepper and coffee plantations, dramatically set at the foot of mountains which offer trekking routes starting from the house. Guests have privacy in the separate rooms upstairs, based around an outdoor terrace adorned with pot plants. A central seating area is furnished with antiques, such as a swing bed, and serves as a good place to read and relax, whilst a narrow “reading room” adds to the eclectic nature of the house. From the rooftop, reached via a spiral staircase, you can survey the surrounding plantations and the yard below is carpeted with coffee beans left to dry or rice harvested from the paddy field.The separate area downstairs where the traditional Hindu “joint family” live is the most appealing part of the house with its accumulated objects and decoration reflecting Indian heritage and culture, combined with a cozy “lived-in” feel. The traditional Keralan meals are usually served upstairs in the guests’ quarters, but you are equally welcome to eat with the family downstairs. On one side of the house is where Mr. Sanjeev keeps his cows and goats, and nearby is an old well fed by a natural spring from the mountains. The river nearby the plantation is a good spot for fishing, or maybe a camp fire and barbecue. The guests can experience temple festivals which happen throughout the year and the famous Pallikunnu church and convent is also nearby. However, perhaps the greatest insight into Keralan culture can be gleaned from the family itself whose knowledge of local traditions and long history make them fascinating hosts.

• Treks and safaris round Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Boat trips on the Banasura Sagar Dam
• Visits to the Pallikunnu Church
• Visits to Hindu and Jain temples
• Seeing the ancient rock paintings at the Edakkal Caves
• Visits to Pookkode Lake
• The Wayanad Heritage Museum at Ambalavayal
• Visiting the local plantation owned by the family and learning about cultivating processes
• Playing badminton
• River swimming
• Cooking lessons
• Treks in plantations, forests and mountains, such as the climb to Chembra Peak
• Visits to the Meenmuthy Waterfalls and the Kanthampara Waterfalls
• Rock Climbing at the Sentinal Rock Waterfall at Soojippara

• 4 double bedrooms with ensuite toilets
• Upstairs communal areas, plus the rooms of the family house downstairs
• Yard with badminton net
• Breakfast provided, lunch and dinner additional
• Laundry Service
• Internet Access
• Telephone connection
• Televisions in guests’ rooms/ in downstairs sitting room
• Pick up arranged