We had a very memorable stay at Poopally’s. The location of this house is at the meandering corner of the river, and one could spend the whole day sitting in the courtyard or in the balcony, either looking at the changing moods of the river from the morning when children take the boat to their schools, during the afternoon when traders on the river will give you a warm smile, or in the evenings, just to enjoy the lights around the river. It was wonderful, and we will always have fond memories of the house. We enjoyed chatting with Professor Poopally, who reminded me of my grandfather, and always had the feeling as if we were visiting someone very close, someone whom we have known for a long time! The food was excellent: all homemade and cooked by Mrs. Poopally. The breakfast was ready even at 5 in the morning on the day we left.

In the evenings, we enjoyed the view of the rain from the house. When it stopped raining, I sat at the bank of the river to read a book, but the picturesque view did not let me read more than a few pages!

Being close to the town, we also got our work done comfortably.

I also look forward to visiting again.

This heritage home was built 114 years ago by Joseph's grandfather, and Joseph has run this as a homestay for more than 20 years following his retirement - and pioneered the homestay concept in the backwaters. Joseph is such a warm host, and together with Lisa (his daughter, who topped her class with a Masters in Food Science and an excellent cook) and granddaughter, Achsah (very well groomed and a most delightful hostess) made our stay extremely pleasant and comfortable. Their home is situated on the banks of one of the main canals about 10 kms from Alleppey. If you do plan a trip to Alleppey town center, I highly recommend taking the leisurely public ferry (at least for one way, takes just over an hour) and costs all of Rs7 (vs Rs 200 in a tuk-tuk, 15 min ride).

The house is located at an idyllic spot on the banks of one of the rivers, with the property extending to his rice fields (which provide for our meals) - we wake up each morning to the songs of the birds, the beautiful river views, and clothes beaten against stone as the women start their day with the morning laundry.

What we loved: Joseph's tour of his spice garden, the excellent food cooked with organic fruit and vegetables from their garden (beware -- you have to fight off Joseph and Lisa as they keep piling on food on your plate... and it is so difficult to resist!), the wonderful hospitality (they obviously enjoy hosting guests in their home, and go out of their way to ensure our every need is taken care of), enjoying Joseph's stories over breakfast and dinner, sampling Joseph's homebrew: nutmeg wine, the motorboat tour of the rivers and canals with Anthony, and the peaceful walk along the riverbank.

We visited just before the monsoon came, and it was stifling hot with very little breeze; and there are giant mozzies, which I fed well. Do arm yourself with mosquito repellant - it worked very well in keeping them at bay!

My husband and I and a friend of ours arrived very late in the evening by car from the Cochin aiport (arranged by Mrs Paul). She contacted the driver to find out if we wanted something to eat on arrival. At 10.30 pm she welcomed us and served a very good soup.

We stayed at Pooppallys for three nights. It was a very relaxing and comfortable stay. In the mornings, before breakfast, we were sitting on the veranda looking at the sunrise over the canal.

At Mrs Paul's advice, we took a three hour ride with a motorboat which is able to enter the small canals, which the big boats cannot do. It was very interesting to see life on the banks of the canals. A couple of times we took a took a tuctuc to the beach.

Mrs Paul and her mother in law are wonderful people and perfect hosts. We can highly recommend their homestay.

We booked 2 nights after a backwater tour; and it was perfect. The family is so very nice, and helpful, the location is beautiful, with a grand view on a river. And they cook so very good! We have loved staying with them: walking the riverside and the rice paddy, doing a personal water taxi tour. Our best trip was doing a visit to the Alleppey Beach and seeing the sun going down. The room we've stayed in was large and simple. A/C works only during night, which is normal in this area. When we asked for a juice they made a freshly made pineapple one, straight from the garden. It was the place where I relaxed most: sitting on the high bench, looking out on the river, watching the boats go by.