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Palamoottil Pandakasala is a place to experience village life upfront.
Slow travelers have a great opportunity to just seep into the place; work in the kitchen garden; watch the cattle and poultry in the backyard; take a cycle or bike to ride through the village by lanes, across paddy fields and tiny shops. Get invited in the neighbourood for a tea or attend the evening ritual at the nearby temple or church.
Get to cook with the mother of the house, learn the use of spices and pick up a few recipes. Get to take home premium spices, coconut oil, cashews, home-made masalas, chutneys and pickles.
While this Home Stay offers a great natural setting and village atmosphere, there are a host of local and major tourist destinations located within 2 hours of travel time, these include; Sasthamco...Palamoottil Pandakasala is a place to experience village life upfront.
Slow travelers have a great opportunity to just seep into the place; work in the kitchen garden; watch the cattle and poultry in the backyard; take a cycle or bike to ride through the village by lanes, across paddy fields and tiny shops. Get invited in the neighbourood for a tea or attend the evening ritual at the nearby temple or church.
Get to cook with the mother of the house, learn the use of spices and pick up a few recipes. Get to take home premium spices, coconut oil, cashews, home-made masalas, chutneys and pickles.
While this Home Stay offers a great natural setting and village atmosphere, there are a host of local and major tourist destinations located within 2 hours of travel time, these include; Sasthamcottah Temple & Lake, Munroe Islands, Kollam, Jatayu's Earth Center, Thenmala Adventure Sports & Waterfalls, Varkala Beach and Alleppey.
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
No smoking inside the house, however you can some outside.
No guests other than those registered will be allowed to stay
All guests should be retire to their rooms by 10:00 pm
Order for Lunch or Dinner should be made a day in advance
I had known we would be spending a night in a home stay during our Chef-led tour with The Spice Circuit, but had not imagined such a wonderful experience!
The house was beautiful and sumptuous; the beds were super comfortable and each room had it's own private en suite. All 3 guestrooms led to a large welcoming sitting room furnished with beautiful local furniture and made a perfect gathering place in the house.
Wilson and his lovely mother run the house together and ensure every element is traditional and authentic - especially the cooking! We were invited to participate with the preparations of the evening meal which turned out to be a fabulous informal lesson in the Keralan way of life. We watched as the fresh tapioca tree was pulled up to reveal the fleshy root that would be supper; watched the freshly caught local "pearlspot" fish being prepared for dinner and awed at the Parathas being expertly and speedily prepared. Chicken ran free in the garden, under lines of recently harvested rubber drying in the sun, whilst in a new out building fresh banana chips were being fried in fresh coconut oil.
Now that's a home stay experience!...utterly unforgettable.
We were treated to a mesmerising performance of traditional dancers and drummers after dinner - upstairs on their a roof garden/patio - a wonderful space to also gaze at the stars at night.
This was such a highlight of our trip not only for the totally genuine experience but for the gracious hospitality we enjoyed from Wilson (and his great big smile) and Mama Wilson. It was unbeatable!
Visited February 2019
Written March 13, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson Rajan
Thanks so much Carla and apologies for my late response.
Me and my mother are humbled with the words you have put-together from the experience you had at our 'Home in a Village'.
We thoroughly enjoyed your presence and wish the stay could have been extended for a night or two more, but there is always the next time and we look forward to your return and to hosting you some more unique experiences that our village and its neighborhood has to offer...till such time we will cherish the memories you left behind for us.
God bless & Lots of Love!
Ponnamma, Wilson & Chris
Written March 20, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Experience560731
1 contribution
Wonderfully intimate home experience - can't say enough!
The stay at Palamoottil Pandakasala surpassed all my expectations. We were greeted with fresh coconut and a home-cooked meal that was the best curry meen I'd tasted. Mrs. Rajan is the mother I wish I had (we cried when leaving her) - and it was lovely to be able to learn and cook with her in the amazing kitchen at the house. The neighborhood is equally friendly and several neighbors came to greet us. We also got to visit the nearby temple (where I saw my first elephant!), toured the local cashew factory (and brought some home), and experienced many other wonderful surprises. The house itself is charming and beautifully furnished. You will not be disappointed!
Visited January 2018
Written June 25, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson Rajan
Thank you so much for your touching words and appreciation...we wish you had stayed longer with us and hope you get the India calling soon again.
Till such time we will cherish the memories you have left behind.
Regards!
Ponnamma Rajan & Team The Spice Circuit
Written June 26, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Manish Sinha
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India22 contributions
Perfect Haven in Kollam ( Sooranad North village)
This is undoubtedly the BEST Homestay experience I have ever had. And I have been to quite a few of them in my travels.
Host Wilson and her mother - Ponnamma Rajan treated us like family. Wilson went to the local fish market at the crack of dawn to get us the fresh water fish- Karimeen ( Pearl Spot) through an auction; I generally don't eat fish but the Rajans made me a fan of Karimeen!!
Their sister who was visiting the family from Bangalore - extended her stay just to give us company. While the place is in a small village of Sooranad North in Kollam - this is a destination in itself with village walks, boat ride on the largest fresh water
lake of Kerala - the Sasthamkotta Lake that takes its name from the Sasthamkotta temple.
Wilson arranged walks to the paddy field, took us to the cashew processing unit where we saw the full step from roasting to peeling to grading of the cashews.
We did a trip to the local market and also had a demo of rubber collection. All in all this was a perfect village homestay for me and our family ( includes our gadget obsessed son of 14 years)
For those looking for a meaning holiday, I would strongly recommend this homestay.
Visited May 2018
Written May 28, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson Rajan
Thanks a lot Manish, it was such a pleasure to have you and your family with us...we thoroughly enjoyed serving you all and look forward to having you visit us soon again.
Regards to Shilpi and love to Neo.
Thanks again!
Ponnamma Rajan & Wilson
Team The Spice Circuit
Written May 29, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ayngelina B
31 contributions
One of The Most Incredible Food Experiences in India
Of all the food I had in India nothing compares to eating Ponnamma's food at my homestay with The Spice Circuit
She grows and produces all her own organic spices, has chickens that call to her when they've laid an egg, and is one of the sweetest women I've ever met.
The homestay started when Ponnamma's husband died and her son wanted to create a way for her mother to be able to stay in the family house and flourish. She welcomes people with such warmth and says they light up her house.
Each day we went out on an incredible excursion that I could have never found on my own. Whether it be to a cashew factory where they process it all by hand or the canoe ride in the Monroe Islands - I've traveled al over the world and it's rare to experience something like this. If you are a foodie you have to come here.
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Visited February 2018
Written April 1, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson Rajan
Dear Ayngelina...it was indeed our privilege to have you stay with us and we are delighted to know that you liked the homestay and the Keralan food served to you. I really felt proud in taking you around our tiny village to showcase its culture, lifestyle and other local attractions and am happy to note that these experiences did touch you.
Me and my mother thoroughly enjoyed your company and look forward to your next visit.
Warm Regards!
Ponnamma & Wilson
The Spice Circuit
Written April 2, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
martha475
Baltimore, MD10 contributions
Foodies paradise
My experience at Palamootil Pandakasala was so very worth the detour from the west coast. The family was so welcoming and glad to immerse us in the area. We ended up at a nearby temple, called Anyadi Temple. The festival was great and i was invited in and shown what we are permitted to do! Super cool!
At the homestay I discovered several things I wasn’t expecting: Their backyard is an organic garden, and they went to a market to get fish for dinner. The pearl fish was from the largest lake in Kerala. They are working on making the homestay as sustainable and low tech as possible, yet really comfortable to westerners!
It’s easier to organize meals here with Wilson and his sweet mother, than to figure out where to get a meal nearby. Sitting outside with the family, for a cup of tea was wonderful—felt like I was living daily life with Wilson’s family.
I’m thinking about going back to Kerala, next January, I’ll stay here!!!
Visited January 2018
Written February 17, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson Rajan
Thanks Martha...it was a delight to have you with us and though we wish you could have stayed longer, we eagerly look forward to your visit in Jan...my Mom would be happy to have you cook with her again...and will also get to see of the small initiatives that we are taking to provide a true village life experience... much regards and good wishes!
Ponnamma Rajan & Wilson
Written February 18, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lanvale135
New York City, NY16 contributions
Authentic Gracious Transformative Homestay
The property is centrally located within the village and has all the amenities you could desire. Comfortable sleeping quarters with luxe baths. Wilson the owner and his mother embody the meaning of hospitality! Not only did we enjoy unique and locally sourced foods but we visited off the beaten path sites (temples, rice paddies, locals homes) which allowed me to see India through the interactions with locals something I highly value when travelling. During our visit we were treated to motorcycle rides, a local drumming group which was astounding, tours of local pottery-metal working-silk weaving studios. I couldn't recommend this homestay more highly. I have been fortunate to travel to many countries and this visit was special and transformative. With gratitude to Wilson for his care and wonderful ability to meet his guests needs!
Visited January 2018
Written February 13, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson Rajan
Thanks a lot David... This means a lot to me and my mother and it's such a satisfying feeling to understand of the good times and experiences you had while staying with us.
We look forward to your next visit and wish many more of such touching journeys...stay blessed always!
Warm Regards!
Ponnamma Rajan & Wilson
Written February 15, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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What this rental offers
Location info
Kid friendly
City getaway
Wi-fi and internet
Wi-fi
Indoor amenities
Air conditioning
Internet access
Cable television
Bathroom and laundry
Iron
Linens provided
Towels provided
Washer
Kitchen and dining
Grill
Dishwasher
Freezer
Refrigerator
Kettle
Microwave
Stove
Toaster
Things to do
Fishing spots available
Watersports
Cycling areas
Entertainment
DVD player
Game Room
Television
Nearby
Countryside area
Parking
Secure parking available
Services
Housekeeping included
Property features
Ceiling Fans
Staff on property
Outdoor amenities
Balcony
Patio
Private yard
Terrace
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Map
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 11 AM • Check out by 12 PM
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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