Good For You

The backwaters of Kerala are, without doubt, one of India's more romantic destinations. Vibrant emerald waterways and freshwater rivers leisurely criss-cross the region occasionally making way for an island or a village.

Within these dreamy backwaters, just 10 kilometres from Alleppey Town, stands Emerald Island, a haven of tropical tranquillity that's home to the Emerald Isle Heritage Villa.

This ancestral country house is set in seven acres of secluded grounds and offers just five double bedrooms. Surrounded by fragrant flowers, colourful butterflies and a myriad of exotic birds, it offers the perfect antidote to city life.

The house, a stretched wooden bungalow, dates back 150 years and retains many of its original features including beautifully carved teak doors and heavy wooden furniture. A generous veranda spills out from the main building and is littered with comfy wicker chairs and generous hammocks.

Quiet, peaceful and with more than just a hint of romance, this lovely hideaway is the perfect place to just get away from it all.

Good For India

The villa is owned by Vinod Job, a local whose great-grandfather first renovated the property years ago (the property deeds hang in the living room; they were etched into 250-year-old palm leaves). Vinod is passionate about both the villa and the area and will happily share the history of both.

Many of the villa's original features remain intact today; even the wooden door hinges still function. The Ara, the timber storeroom once used for the rice harvest, is also still in one piece.

Vinod will happily arrange tours of the local area or if you prefer to amble around the villa's estates, he can point out the various flora and fauna.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Ayurvedic massages
• Air Conditioning in bedrooms
• Restaurant3
• ]Boat Tours
• Ancient Temple Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Massage

Local Info & Activities

Emerald Isle is ideal for those wanting to relax, sun themselves or simply get away from it all. Read a book, enjoy a freshly harvested 'toddy' from the coconut trees or simply kick back in a hammock.

If you feel like being a bit more active then the Manimala River offers a range of activities from fishing and swimming to boat tours through the waterways. Watch the fishermen at work, wander the local villages and drop in on local pottery shops or visit ancient temples such as the Bhagawati Temple or the 1000-year-old St. Mary's Church.

Emerald Isle also offers cooking classes and ayurvedic massages.

Other places of interest in the area are:

Kuttanad Known as the rice bowl of Kerala, this is the region where farming is carried out below sea level. Its beautiful backwaters are a popular spot for rice boats and houseboat cruises.

Alappuzha (Alleppey) Beach The adjoining park is perfect for picnics and also houses a swimming pool for those not keen on the ocean.

Pathiramanal Ornithologists make waves for the Pathiramanal, an island that is home to a huge number of exotic birds.

Ancient Shrines Important Hindu Shrines in the region include Mullackal Temple, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja temple and the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple. The oldest temples are the Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and the Devi Temple.

INSIDER TIP/S

The annual Snake Boat Races are held in August in the Alleppey backwaters. Gigantic snake boats ('Chundanvalloms') race against each other to win the prestigious Neru Trophy. It's an exciting, colourful event that draws big crowds.

Sustainability

Emerald Isle Heritage Villa promotes architectural conservation. The villa is owned by Vinod Job, a local whose great-grandfather first renovated the property years ago (the property deeds hang in the living room, they were etched into 250-year-old palm leaves). Vinod is passionate about both the villa and the area and will happily share the history of both.

The villa has been carefully restored and maintained. Much of the original features from the teak doors (complete with wooden hinges), heavy wood furniture and carved frames remain almost entirely intact. This careful preservation not only ensures that villa will remain standing for years to come but it will also help to keep Keralan history alive.

Getting There

Emerald Isle is eight kilometres from Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha), the old commercial capital of the former kingdom of Travencore. Alleppey is 65kms from Kochi, the new bustling port city of Kerala. Alleppey can also be reached via Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, approximately 150km to the south.

Access to Emerald Isle is possible only by boat. Staff will meet you at "Chathurthyakary Kadav' dock and paddle you across the waters.

By Train The rail network connects Alleppey with Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.

By Air The closest airport is at Kochi, 95km away. Thiruvananthapuram Airport is 159km away.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

Prices are in US Dollars ($) per double room and are based on two people sharing.Rates include accommodation, all meals and taxes.

• Heritage Room $100.00
• Air-Conditioned Heritage Room $120.00

-Tariffs are based on a maximum of 2 people sharing a room.

-Rates include accommodation, all meals and taxes.

-Rates do not include drinks including mineral water, soft drinks and other beverages (excluding tea and coffee which is complimentary)

. - For meals, seafood items such as prawns and lobster will be charged at an additional cost.

-Rates do not include activities and excursions

- An extra bed will be charged at $25.00

- Children under the age of 5 are free, children aged 5-10 charged at $9 per night.

-An additional $12.00 per room will be added between December 15th and January 15th.

booking & cancellation policy

A 15% deposit is required within to confirm the reservation. This deposit is non-refundable.

The remaining amount is paid directly to the hotel during your stay.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.