Review of Vembanad House Homestay Alleppey

Harmony is the main word that comes to mind at Vembanad House. This premium homestay is a true retreat from the rest of the world, where silence and solitude soothe the soul. It's the perfect place to rejuvenate. Time really does seem to stand still there.

Vembanad House has a secluded location on the banks of Vembanad Lake near Alleppey, a 60 minute drive from Kochi airport in India's southern state of Kerala.

The homestay's motto is "Life Inspired by Nature", and there's certainly no shortage of either. Contentedly grazing cows and graceful white cranes blend with lush tropical foliage and tranquil waters.

However, what really makes this unique homestay so idyllic is its lengthy stretch of waterfront. It borders the property on three sides, and is visible from all bedrooms. Hammocks and an outdoor gazebo allow guests to really enjoy this asset. I visited during the monsoon season, and it was a treat to sit undercover in the gazebo by the water, while the rain poured down around me.

Vembanad House is actually an old ancestral home that has been lovingly restored by the hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Balakrishnan. The interior is filled with some beautiful pieces of traditional wood furniture and artifacts. The hosts are an extremely cheery couple, who go to great lengths to ensure that their guests are comfortable and satisfied. Reflecting the finest of Indian hospitality, nothing seems like too much trouble for them.

The couple have interesting backgrounds. Mr. Balakrishnan's experience is in seafood export, while his creative wife has a Masters in Kerala Art and Literature, and Business Administration. She loves to cook and write poetry, and also has an indepth knowledge of spiritual matters and Indian philosophy -- which many guests will no doubt appreciate.

There are four non-airconditioned bedrooms at Vembanad House, one of which is a family room that can accommodate four people. The bedrooms are all situated around a common living area, which is also used for dining. Each bedroom has a private balcony, and luxurious bathtub in the bathroom.

Room rates range from 5,000-6000 rupees ($110-132) per night, for a double.

The food at Vembanad House really is something to look forward to, especially if you love seafood like I do. The whole region is renowned for its fresh seafood. Along the backwaters around Alleppey, the specialty is karimeen (a type of fish), lightly fried. In addition to this, you'll be treated to fresh lobster, prawns, and clams -- all cooked according to traditional family recipes, handed down from generation to generation.

Vegetarians are also well catered for, with a range of delicious coconut flavored dishes.

What's really special about the food in Kerala is that people still grow their own vegetables, catch their own fish, prepare coconut oil from dried coconut, and grind their own sun-dried spices.

Cooking is an art form in Kerala, and one that you can interactively participate in. At Vembanad house, you'll have the opportunity to join the fishermen in their nighttime forays for seafood, and later take part in the cooking process and learn how it's done. It's an authentic experience that you and your taste buds will relish!

Even if you don't catch anything, an evening spent out on the lake is memorable in itself. Such absolute stillness and serenity are hard to come by. When shared with a loved one, it's even more meaningful. I found it hard to believe that a chaotic, hectic world full of people still existed.

A multitude of other appealing activities are offered by Vembanad House. Cruise around Vembanad Lake on a traditional houseboat, meditate, go on a village tour, visit local markets and temples, take a yoga class, ride an elephant, or pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment. It's enough to keep you occupied for days!

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.