To wake up to the sounds of peacocks outside your door, certainly promises a pretty novel holiday if you stay in Vrindavanam Eco Village. Most definitely one of the most deserving but un-highlighted destinations of Kerala, Palakkad offers a variety of experiences for a unique holiday. Dr. Nair and his wife, Prof. Latha have opened up their 5 acres farm house for guests to get a glimpse into this hub of festivals. A good blend of a traditional style Kerala house with modern facilities and alterations makes it a comfortable stay. The typical elevated verandah and the wide covered courtyard make the house well ventilated and pleasant even during the summer months. The paddy fields and countless fruit bearing trees surround the house, giving it an idyllic setting.

Both revered writers and educationalists, the hosts are great company for conversations over a cup of tea. Well travelled and conversant in English and Hindi apart from Malayalam, they have numerous stories from their vast experiences. Having authored many books, they highly recommend their house to people who just want a peaceful ambience to pen their thoughts. Dr. Latha also recommends planting a tree which corresponds to the star you have been born under to bring prosperity and luck. One can consult her before arriving with your birth date details for her to keep a plant for you.

An old traditional arm chair, an archaic lamp in the verandah and the swing outside the house are some of the charming things that catch one’s eye when you visit Vrindavanam.

Pets: Pets are welcome in the house and have ample place to run around in the fields.

Activities:

1. With a number of places to see around, one can easily spend many days in the region, making Palakkad the base. The most alluring of them is Silent Valley, virgin forest, about 70 kms from the house. The hosts can arrange for permission and a special vehicle as the forest department only allows personal vehicles to go upto a certain point.
2. Another interesting stop for wildlife enthusiasts is the Parambikulam sanctuary almost 100 kms away from Palakkad city. Living in tree houses and mingling with tribals is some of the experiences that this destination promises. A 350 year old Teak tree, presumably the oldest in the world, is also its claim to fame.
3. Kerala is known for its coffee and cardamom plantations owing to its cool climate in some parts. Nelliyampathy are one such range of hills, which are a must in the non- monsoon season. The drive from Palakkad is only about 54 kms.
4. Siruvani, Pothundi, Meenavallam and the Dhoni waterfalls are some tourist spots, which are good to carry a picnic basket along.
5. The Tippu Kotta, a fort built by the King Hyder Ali in 1766, still stands in the heart of the city and is great to venture out on an evening.
6. Palakkad, can safely be called the festival hub of Kerala. Even though the town has not found a prominent spot on the tourist itineraries, its’ great to get a flavour of multiple festivals of the region. A number of music and temple festivals like Kalpathy, Chinakkathur Pooram, Chittur Kongapada and Puthur Vela along with a host of others can keep you engaged over a long season of culture. Dr. Nair and Prof. Latha are well versed with the cultural topography of Palakkad and can suggest you the most interesting ones to attend.
7. Palakkad still boasts of villages which have not got unadulterated by urbanisation. Such landscape in India is fast wiping out. To dive into real villages with bullock carts, fields of paddy and the local way of living, Palakkad is a must see place.
8. Outdoor and Indoor games to keep the children engaged can be found in the common area. A good game of carom or cards on the front balcony will be great over a cup of evening tea.
9. With a plethora of books to read from Dr. Nair’s library, one can be sure that you will not be intellectually deprived.
10. Craftsmen like bamboo, curtains and pottery makers still thrive on their age old professions in Palakkad. To get a glimpse of their life, get a route map from the hosts and witness select village industries.
11. Art forms like Kathakali, Koodiyattom & Souparnika are still performed on a specific day in the week. It is a must-do to get upclose with these world famous dance styles.
12. Take a plunge into the pond to take a dip in the farm life. It’s pretty robust during the monsoons.

Facilities:

1. Pick Up and Drop can be arranged with prior notice and an extra cost by the hosts.
2. The Internet is available for those who want a quick check on e-mails.
3. With hospital & health facilities close at hand, one can be sure that you are in a safe place.
4. TV is present in the common area.
5. Both rooms have A/C as the region gets pretty warm in the first quarter of the year.
6. Everyday newspaper to keep you abreast is provided in the mornings.
7. One can also use the landline facility of phone for local and STD calls.
8. Ample parking place