From all placed we slept during our trip through Kerala this is the only one we would never recommend to anybody! Compared with other homestays Arakal was the most expensive one, but we were shocked about the bad quality of food - nearly always cold, and neither fresh nor tasty - and about the missing service - one day the whole family was even out and there was nobody around that could care for us, they left us alone...We got so much used to the heartful atmosphere anywhere in Kerala, but at Arakal we had got to know the other side.....the only positive aspect is the beautiful beach nearby...so spend your money elsewhere, you will get more for it!

If you want a quiet, secluded place close to the beach you must try this homestay run by a very welcoming and hospitable family. The accommodation is delightful. We had a comfortable double room with an attached shower and wc. The setting is delightfully Keralan. Palm trees, miles of white sandy beach within 5 minutes walk and very pretty countryside nearby. The food is plentiful and stunning. Homecooking at its best.

Reading the reviews of this place I am unable to understand why they so positive. For the price of INR 6000 for a double room incl. meals I had expected a bit more (In Fort Cochin we paid INR 4800 for a very nice room at a good hotel where everything worked and INR 1000 for meals). There was absolutely nothing to do here except sit in a chair and relax. However in the evening there were a lot of moscitos and we had to go inside. The moscito net was too little
to cover the whole bed. The food was ok but nothing more. It did not have the touch of somebody who really cared (example: the honey was in an old pineapple jam jar, the rice was served in pots on the table). I am writing this because it says on the home page how fantastic Mini's kitchen was. It was not. The beach was very dirty (people had gone to the toilet in the sand). We left after one day because we could not stand it. The couple was nice enough but
at that price we felt cheated. It is realy far out. I think it is an ok place for young people and back packers but what do you do all day if there is nothing to do? I cannot recommend it.
In my opinion it should cost max. INR 5000 for everything, the kitchen should improve considerably and the beach should by cleaned up.

A last minute addition to our holiday plan and what a gem. We had a terrific 3 days at this wonderful homestay where our cottage was excelent and the hospitality was excelent. Nothing was too much trouble and the food was perfect. Our only complaint......we could not fit all the wonderful food in without bursting ! The beach is reached via a short walk through palm trees and past fishermens cottages, with happy children anxious to talk to you. You will find that apart from fishermen mending their nets and launching their boats, you will be the only ones there. Paradise.