Category: Homestay Fort Cochin

Good restaurants in Fort Kochi Homestay Services – Nathan’s Holiday Home

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We try our best to provide all your tour and hotel related services and help you with your stay in Fort Cochin. We can help you with your taxi / train /air ticket booking, etc. sightseeing in Fort Cochin and its surrounding areas.  With the help of travel experts, tour guides and tour planners we help to plan your vacation in and around Kerala and India.

We help you find good restaurants in Fort Kochi. You can enjoy pizza at the Upstairs Italian Restaurant near the Basilica Church, Fort Kochi and the Dal Roti at 1/293 Lilly Street, Fort Cochin, a highly recommended evening restaurant for tasty North Indian food near Parade Ground, which is a few minutes walk from Nathans Holiday Home, we also tell you which ones to avoid.

We can help you with foreign exchange (money changing) and get you the best exchange rates possible in town.

We help you in finding good dental care, health care both in western medicine and traditional Ayurveda and massage treatments, both for short and long term.

We provide free bicycles or you can rent a scooter on a daily or monthly basis.

If you are interested in local food and culture, we can help you get the best of culinary tourism. Watch and learn while the chef prepares tasty traditional dishes right in front of your eyes. Help you explore local cultural centers and events, music and dance shows like Kathakali and Sitar and Tabala music nights and local temple festivals, in and around Fort Cochin and Kerala.

Helps in planning your wildlife and adventure tours like visiting Wayanad and also planning a pilgrimage tour to see the various traditional and historical temples in Kerala and South India.

Most of all, we are here to help in the best way we can with all your needs while you are staying at Nathans Holiday Home and also throughout your travel in India. Feel free to get in touch with us any time. We are only glad to help.

 

ayurvedic body massage in fort kochi, cochin, kerala

Ayurvedic whole body massage in Kochi India

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Ayurvedic body massage in Kochi India.

You can enjoy Ayurvedic body massage in Kochi India at our homestay in Fort Cochin. Ayurveda, in Sanskrit language it means ‘life-knowledge’ and Ayurvedic medicine is a system of Hindu traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent. Practices derived from Ayurvedic traditions are a type of alternative medicine. Ayurveda is a discipline of the upaveda or “auxiliary knowledge” in Vedic tradition. The origins of Ayurveda are also found in the Atharvaveda, which contains 114 hymns and incantations described as magical cures for disease. There are also various legendary accounts of the origin of Ayurveda, e.g., that it was received by Dhanvantari (or Divodasa) from Brahma. Ayurvedic practices include the use of herbal medicines, mineral or metal supplementation (rasa shastra), surgical techniques, opium, and application of oil by massages.

Originated in prehistoric times, some of the concepts of Ayurveda have been discovered since the times of Indus Valley Civilization and earlier. Ayurveda significantly developed during the Vedic period and later some of the non-Vedic systems such as Buddhism and Jainism also incorporated in the system. Balance is emphasized, and suppressing natural urges is considered unhealthy and claimed to lead to illness. Ayurveda names three elemental substances, the doshas (called Vata, Pitta and Kapha), and states that a balance of the doshas results in health, while imbalance results in disease. Ayurveda has eight canonical components, which are derived from classical Sanskrit literature. Some of the oldest known Ayurvedic texts include the Suśrutha Saṃhita and Charaka Saṃhita, which are written in Sanskrit. Ayurvedic practitioners had developed various medicinal preparations and surgical procedures by the medieval period.

An Ayurvedic whole body massage with specific herbal oils nourishes and revitalize the body tissues and allow the toxins to be expelled from the cells. It costs around Rs.1000/- a person and takes couple hours.

Benefits:

  • Improves blood circulation.
  • Rejuvenates the whole body.
  • Beautifies the skin.
  • Delays aging.
  • Induces sound sleep, promotes vitality and reduces stress.

Ayurvedic massage involving tapping, kneading, squeezing and traditional massage strokes is done by using essential oils to suit individual doshas. The style and intensity of massage depends on the individual’s need for balance and well being at the time.

An Ayurvedic therapist focuses on the “marma points”, which are similar to the pressure points in reflexology, acupuncture and acupressure.

 

chinese fishing nets in fort kochi, cochin, kerala

Chinese fishing nets in Fort Cochin, Kerala

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Chinese fishing nets and Holiday homes in Cochin

Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) a few minutes walk from our Fort Kochi Homestay, are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. In India they are mostly found in Fort Kochi and Kollam and its a great tourist attraction. These days the fishermen catch more tourist than fish 🙂

The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans — these may be sold to passers by within minutes, alive! Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance.

The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, Vasco da Gama Square, located in the Kochi city of Kerala, make up a very popular tourist attraction. They are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Operated from the shore, these nets are set up on bamboo and teak poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea. They look somewhat like hammocks and are counter-weighed by large stones tied to ropes. These nets have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on the tourist map. Once just a fishing accessory, it is a now a great attraction for tourists.

History of the Chinese fishing nets – Cheenavala in Malayalam – is believed to have been introduced in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court of the Kubla Khan. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD.

The Chinese nets, made of teak wood and bamboo poles, work on the principle of balance. Each structure, about 10m high, is fixed on the beach and has a cantilever with an attached net that is spread over an area of about 20 meters. Counterweights, usually stones about 30 cm in diameter, tied to ropes of different lengths, facilitate the working of the nets. Often, lights, attached to the teak posts. are suspended above the net to attract fish.

Each fishing net is operated by more than four fishermen and is made in such a way that the weight of a man walking on the main plank is enough to cause the equipment to be pulled down into the sea. Fishing is usually done in the morning and early evening. The net is descended into the water for a short time and then raised delicately by pulling on the ropes. The slow rhythm and balancing of the net is spellbinding to a first-time viewer.

It is lovely to see Chinese fishing nets with the sun setting in the back ground. It is very interesting to see how they catching fish with these wonderful nets. In Adhakaranazhi, Kumbalanghi and vypeen you can also see the smaller vertion of these fishing nets.

village tour through vaikkom canals and kerala village life

Picturesque country boat ride and village tour Kerala

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This is as close as it gets to experiencing raw nature. Village tour Kerala and the Picturesque country boat ride through the lagoons and canals of the villages of Kerala is mesmerising. Experience this village tour and take back unforgettable exclusive memories with you. See the simple lives of the villagers in Kerala – a symphony composed in the strings of beauty and a land endowed with myriad of boons and bounties that bestowed it the glory of being god’s own country. At our Fort Kochi homestay, we arrange village tours in Fort Kochi, boat cruises, day trips, overnight houseboat cruise, etc. for our guests.

The rural life in Kerala, untouched by the mighty hands of industrialization and much of the repulsive transformation of urban sophistication, offers a paradisal experience to the traveller. The serene backwaters, swaying coconut farms, soothing paddy fields everything makes the village life of Kerala a memorable experience. Far from the tumult and turmoil of the cities these villages usher us into a world where contentment and peace prevail.

Life in the villages of Kerala moves at an amazingly slow rate and you will be amazed to find that the people in these villages lead simple lives in the pattern that was prevalent in the olden days. In fact nothing much seems to have changed. Here time remains idle and travellers seem to lose their sense of time strolling in these peaceful places. These villages offer you an ideal getaway from your everyday tensions. You can spend a perfectly relaxed holiday at one of these villages in the lap of greenery and an atmosphere of complete tranquility.

The villages in Kerala offer a feast to the eyes of the travellers by way of its panoramic view of the fields,farms,hillsides,rivers and lakes. The locals engage in fishing,farming,pottery,jute making and handicrafts.The visitors are taken on a tour around the village, where you can see many artisans at work. Stone cutting, carpentry, inlay work, textile block printing, potters at their wheels – such rare sights offer joy and relief to the travellers. Some of Kerala’s most interesting features can be seen during these tours. These tours can also be combined with visits to tribal villages and to major places of tourist interest. Such village tours are not only informative but also enjoyable and relaxing.

 

nelliampathy hill station, palakkad, kerala

Nelliyampathy hills, Palakkad, Kerala

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Nelliyampathy hills, also spelled Nelliampathi is a hill station 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Palakkad, state of Kerala, India. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations. Pothundy dam, built in the 19th century, is the entrance to Nelliyampathy. Seethargund, according to beliefs is the place where Lord Rama, Laxmana and Seetha rested during their exile. Another attraction of Nelliyampathy is Kesavam para viewpoint. A viewpoint called Seethargund is situated 8 km away from Nelliyampathy.

The tropical evergreen forest called ‘Sholas’ are a dream destination for any nature lover especially to the Wildlife enthusiast and the Botanist. Nelliyampathy once famous for its Oranges is now betting its fortunes on Tea, Coffee and even Horticulture. Other traditional spices are also grown and the breeze has an irresistable fragrance that can rejuvenate you. The cool breeze and the lingering mist provide a congenial climate throughout the year.

From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.

On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu.

Hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the period of the British rule in India, and has now been converted into a private owned resort. At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is usually used as a base by those interested in trekking.

Not far away from Palagapandy is Seetharkundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100 m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

Nelliyampathy is well connected to the nearby towns and the winding road uphill gives a fantastic view of Pothundy Dam below. The numerous small waterfalls and little brooks enroute complete the green landscape.

houseboat cruise in kerala backwaters

The Houseboat Cruises in Kerala, Aleppey – Truly magical!

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Have you ever gone cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala? If you haven’t, make sure you do. Guaranteed of a wonderful and unforgettable experience! Enjoy the truly magical houseboat cruises in Kerala. A houseboat cruise through the backwater stretches of Kerala is an exclusive experience filled with everlasting beautiful memories.

Kerala offers the opportunity of a lifetime to view the scenic beauty of Kerala by traversing the backwaters. Alapuzha (Venice of the East) or Alleppey as it is popularly known is the most prominent township in the backwaters. House boating can be the most relaxing experience for any age of people. The Boat races held on the 2nd Saturday of August attracts the visitors to Alleppey.

Houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The original kettuvallams were used to carry tons of rice and spices. A standard kettuvallam can hold up to 30 tons from Kuttanad to the port of Kochi to be exported to the various parts of the world.

The kettuvallam is held together with coir knots. Not even a single nail is used during the construction of the boat. The boat is made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a kettuvallam can last for generations.

A portion of the kettuvallam is covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a restroom and kitchen for the crew. Meals would be cooked onboard and supplemented with freshly cooked fish from the backwaters.

When the modern trucks replaced this system of transport, some one found a new way that would keep these boats, almost all of which were more than 100 years old, in the market. By constructing special rooms to accommodate travelers, these boats cruised forward from near-extinction to enjoy their present great popularity.

What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers, while you float!

Kumarakom, Kochi, Alleppey backwaters of Kerala

Amazing backwaters of Kerala, Alleppey & Kumarakom

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The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey is a must do in your travel itinerary.

In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises. National Waterway 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram, covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the coastline of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

The important rivers from north to south are; Valapattanam river (110 km.), Chaliar (69 km.), Kadalundipuzha (130 km.), Bharathapuzha (209 km.), Chalakudy river (130 km.), Periyar (244 km), Pamba (176 km), Achancoil (128 km.) and Kalladayar (121 km.). Other than these, there are 35 more small rivers and rivulets flowing down from the Ghats. Most of these rivers are navigable up to the midland region, in country boats.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Tiger Reserve in Thekkady

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Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is one of the best protected national parks in India. If the season is right, you are home to see natures amazing animals with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 925 Sq .km., Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Zealously guarded and efficiently managed reserve is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and Pamba.

Periyar Tiger Reserve is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The vast protected area covers an area of 925 km2 (357 sq mi). 350 km2 (140 sq mi) and was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The terrain towards the west, merges into an extensive tableland Mount Plateau of average elevation 1200 meters. rom the edge of this plateau the land falls steeply to the thickly forested tracts of Sabarimala hills in the Pamba River basin.

The park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. It is located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats. People oriented and park centered community based ecotourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programmes are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. People who once made a living by illegal operations in the forests have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood through these programmes. Hence, as a visitor, when you join them in any of these programmes, you are directly contributing towards forest conservation and community welfare.

Yoga Classes at Fort Cochin Homestay – Nathan’s Holiday Home

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Yoga helps improve the various functions of the human body like respiration, blood circulation, digestion, hormonal functions, etc. By practicing Yoga you can achieve more emotional stability and mind control.

yoga sessions at fort cochin homestay

Yoga sessions in Fort Kochi

You can practice Yoga in Fort Cochin at Nathans Holiday Home. Yoga Asanas, Yoga workouts, Sun Salute, etc. The practice of Yoga makes our body flexible and strong. We have yoga classes in Fort Cochin at our homestay in Fort Kochi.

Yoga practices bring you closer to self realization. You come to a deeper understanding that you are part of that totality. This truth helps you to realize that all beings around you are one with you. Then you feel love and peace for all beings. Whole Hinduism is based on Sanathana Dharmas – Eternal righteousness.

Yoga gurus from India later introduced yoga to the west, following the success of Swami Vivekananda in the late 19th and early 20th century. In the 1980s, yoga became popular as a system of physical exercise across the Western world. Yoga in Indian traditions, however, is more than physical exercise, it has a meditative and spiritual core. One of the six major orthodox schools of Hinduism is also called Yoga, which has its own epistemology and metaphysics, and is closely related to Hindu Samkhya philosophy.

Daily yoga classes according to your convenience. Pranayama, yoga homestay with nice rooms, daily fresh and healthy breakfast, garden/lawn.