Akkara Homestay and Ayurveda

**Listing is for a Private Room** Welcome to Akkara! Here at the riverside of the Meenachil, come experience a walk down memory lane by living in a 200 year old mansion with unique rooms housing period designs and furniture. Take a walk in pristine nature to he chirping of birds and insects and enjoy the warm hospitality of your host, Mrs. Shanta Kurien. Explore the homestay experience, so different from a cold hotel room, and dig in to the delicious local Travancore Syrian Chistian cuisine. Welcome to Akkara, a 200-year-old mansion that offers a luxurious stay with a touch of history. Our exquisite property features six lavish AC rooms and one non-AC room that showcase the charm of period architecture and furniture. The rooms have beautiful terracotta and mosaic floors and come with attached baths. The large open courtyard with steps leading to the river is the highlight of our property. Nestled along the serene banks of the Meenachil River, we invite you to embark on a captivating journey into the past. Step into a living testament to history, a 205-year-old mansion that stands as a true marvel. Each room exudes the charm of a bygone era, adorned with period designs and furnishings that transport you to another time. Amidst this tranquil oasis of nature, where the symphony of birds and insects serenades your senses, the Kuriens family extends their warm hospitality to envelop you in comfort. This isn't just a place to stay; it's an invitation to embrace the essence of home, far removed from the impersonal confines of a conventional hotel room. Delight in the tantalizing flavors of local Travancore Syrian Christian cuisine, a culinary journey that brings forth the richness of the region. The expansive property spans four acres, adorned with indigenous fruits, vegetables, and a tapestry of local spices, tropical fruits, and Nutmeg trees, offering a feast for the eyes and soul alike. Enveloped by water on three sides, this retreat stands as a sanctuary far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. A sanctuary tailored to your yearning for unspoiled natural beauty, steeped in the embrace of history and culture. The architectural splendor of the house, the allure of its historically adorned rooms, and the legacy of its furnishings extend a heartfelt welcome, inviting you to step back into a time of unhurried bliss. Inscribe yourself into the annals of this storied home, allowing your presence to infuse its walls with the energy of a life well-lived and cherished. As an added indulgence, partake in traditional Ayurvedic massages, skillfully administered by trained practitioners, or partake in a serene private yoga session amidst the verdant greens of the property. At this riverside haven, you'll uncover the embodiment of a past era, seamlessly interwoven with the luxuries of the present. This is more than accommodation; it's an immersion. At Akkara, we offer a range of activities for our guests to indulge in. You can go fishing, stay on a houseboat, cycle through the pristine locales of Kottayam, and relish some authentic Syrian Christian cuisine. Our hostess in residence personally attends to each guest to ensure a comfortable stay. Akkara is the perfect place to spend some quiet moments and explore the myriad rivulets, backwaters, and lakes in Kettuvallams - houseboats. You can also experience the traditions and healing of Ayurveda and Yoga, which are the science of life and the body, respectively. Our Ayurveda center offers a host of rejuvenation therapies, including Panchakarma, weight loss treatments, stress management, and treatments for individual health issues. We also offer individual and group Yoga sessions that can be tailored to suit your requirements. In the evenings, you can spend some time with your hosts over a drink and sample authentic Syrian Christian food. We also offer a range of services at an extra cost, including houseboat rides and stays, Ayurvedic massages, personal Yoga sessions, country boat rides, country-style fishing, airport/railway station pick-up and drop, local market visits and sightseeing, and curated events. At Akkara, we value our guests and understand that each one is unique. We try our best to tailor-make programs that suit their requirements. While breakfast is included in your package, dinner is available only on pre-order at least 24 hours in advance and subject to availability. We also offer laundry assistance to our guests. Experience a life-changing wellness vacation at Akkara, where you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Book your stay now! The guest will have access to all common areas such as the Lounge, Library ,Gardens, Dinning and Drawing room. The hostess and the manager is always there to attend to your needs or just simply chat . Kottayam is a city of letters and churches and waterways and plantations. It is the first 100% literate Municipal City in India and publishes several newspapers and magazines in Malayalam and English . It is the stronghold of the Syrian Christian community, with over 200 churches. One of which - ‘Cheriapally’ - is over 300 years old and is a fine example of period architecture. Kottayam is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is close to several plantations and has become a trading centre for plantation crops: rubber, tea, pepper and cardamom. Getting to Kottayam Kottayam is connected by rail and road to all the major cities in South India . The nearest airport is at Kochi , 91 Km. from here. The main ferry station at Kottayam operates ferry services to various places through scenic backwaters. Closest Airport: Cochin International – 91 km Closest Railway Station: Kottayam – 4 km Closest Bus Station: Kottayam – 5 km Closest Ferry : Kottayam – 6 km We can arrange private Taxi's or Tuk Tuk to go into the town or local areas. Airport pick up and drop can also be arranged . This is our family home and we welcome all our guests like family .We want you to sit back and enjoy the slow quite pace of the property .If there is anything we can do to make your experience at Akkara better please do not hesitate to ask we will do our best to fulfil your request . Kindly note that as a homestay we do not have a 24-hr kitchen or room service. While breakfast is included in your package, we do not serve lunch and dinner is available only on pre order basis and subject to availability of the kitchen staff. The cuisine served at the homestay is traditional Syrian Christian only, we will try our best to accomodate your dietray requirements if any. All meals will be served only in the main dining room at the following fixed times only: Breakfast - 8.30 am to 9.30 am Dinner - 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm