Kodianthara Heritage Farm House

Kodianthara History

Located in the heart of Kumarakom on the bank of one of the many backwater canals that criss-cross this scenic village, dates back to 1850. Under the supervision of a traditional knanaya catholic Mr.Uthup Ittiyavirah, a magnificent house was built which was to become the Tharavadu -- or ancestral home -- for later generations of the Kodianthara family. Since then, this property, which is more than 165 years old now, has been passed down over five generations to the present occupant --Crispin Kodianthara and his family. A Hotel Management graduate, Crispin has worked in the Merchant Navy as a Catering Officer for over 25 years. And now he brings his immense experience in the hospitality industry and environmental protection.

Kodianthara @ Present

Kodianthara Heritage Farm House is an approved heritage building by Government of Kerala Tourism under Grihasthali Scheme. Despite being over 165 years old, Kodianthara is still in impeccable condition, retaining its ancient glory. Built in the traditional Kerala architecture, the house is set in a sprawling three acres of lush greenery with fish ponds, narrow meandering canals, ayurveda , fruits, vegetable garden, rubber plantations and coconut groves.

The abode is reminiscent of a typical Kerala home with all its traditional trappings. A calm and serene environment prevails with little disturbance from the outside world. A pleasant walk under the deep shading rubber trees and the gentle swaying coconut trees is a refreshing experience for both body and soul. And Kodianthara today offers the ultimate in homestay experience. So if you are looking for a quiet, homely retreat far from the madding crowd, Kodiathara is the place you should be headed for.

Kodianthara - How to get?

The first thing to do is to get to Kumarakom Junction, Jose Bakery and then simply ask for Kodianthara Crispin.

And how do you get to Kumarakom?

If you are coming by air, the nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport(Nedumbassery). It’s just over two and half hours by road from the airport, a distance of about 90 kms. If you are landing at the international airport in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, it will take a little under five hours to cover the 180 kms distance by road.

If you are coming by rail, the nearest railhead is at Kottayam, 14 kms from Kumarakom. Thirty minutes drive from Kottayam to reach Kodianthara Heritage Farm House. From Thiruvananthapuram to Kottayam railway station is around three and half hours.

Kodianthara - Cook & Eat

Kodianthara Heritage Farm House promises you a great culinary experience. K.U. Crispin and his wife Sony specialise in the mouth-watering cuisine of the Syrian Christian community of central Kerala. They are adept at dishing out soft appams and stew or puttu for breakfast. For the elaborate lunches and dinners there are an array of fish and meat preparations -- fish moily, meen pattichathu, meen vaivichathu, duck roast, erachi ulathiyathu, to name but a few. Pure Vegetarian dishes also cooked and served.

All these special dishes of kerala can be learned from the Crispies kitchen if you have time and interest.

Kodianthara - Facilities

We provide the following facilities:

• Accommodation at our 165 years old Heritage Farm House in a traditional Syrian Catholic atmosphere. A\C and Non A\C bedrooms with modern amenities.
• Backwater Ride on our country canoe @ Kumarakom and around the Kodianthara Heritage Farm House
• Farm Tour in our 3 acres of rubber, vegetable, fruits and Ayurveda plantation.
• Fishing from our fishing pond
• Study of Kerala Architecture & Culture

Apart from these you can enjoy the main attractions of Kumarakom such as:

• Explore Vemabanad lake, Kumarakom ,Alleppy canals & Backwaters in House Boats, motor boats, and country boats. Ayurveda massage treatment
• Fishing at Vembanad Lake with locale fisher man
• Learn Toddy tapping from 50 acres of coconut farm
• Birds Sanctuary visit
• Pilgrim center & Famous temples & churches visit in & around Kottayam (15 km from Kumarakom)

Kodianthara - Attractions

Backwater ride in the Valavara Vallam
The Valavara vallaom is a covered canoe used by landlords in olden days to travel through the backwaters. In those days, there were oarsmen to take them about their leisurely journeys, sometimes extending to three and four days.

Fishing, Kerala style
There are fish ponds around the Kodianthara Heritage Farm House. Carry your indigenously made hook, like and sinker -- along with some tapioca bait -- and relax by the pond while waiting for a bite. Bring home your catch - and we will cook it for you.

Traditional Accommodation
Accommodation at Kodianthara Heritage Farm House has a traditional Syrian Catholic touch to it. The house has a Nadumuttom -- an open courtyard in the centre of the house -- a place to enjoy both the rain and the fresh, scented air and many open varandhas.

From the Kodianthara kitchen
Enjoy verities of kerala cuisine, Sea( vambanadu Lake) food, Continental, Chinese, North Indian and mouth watering Vegetarian food.

Cooking, Syrian Catholic style
Tantalising Syrian Catholic cuisine is our strength. Hot appams with vegetable or chicken stew in the morning. Or, alternatively, puttu (steamed rice powder) with a curry accompaniment. Duck roast, beef fry, fish preparations like the moilly and pattichathu, shell fish to accompany your drinks as well as shrimp and prawn in mouth-watering variations. We also serve Continental, Chinese and North Indian food on request.

Commune and Communicate
Access the world even from distant Kumarakom using our Internet Facilities. Or, sit under a tree and commune with nature even as you read a book from our library.

Kodianthara - Packages

Two nights and Three Days Package
Spent one night or cruise in St.Crispin Heritage House Boat and one night in Kodianthara Heritage Farm House with full board meals makes you a unforgettable back water experience

Kodianthara's Heritage Houseboat
Enjoy the Kodianthara Heritage House Boat Cruise & Stay. Explore Kumarakom Alleppy Canals & Vembandu Lake. Can do activities such as fishing, swimming, paddy field walk etc