Sundara Mahal - Homestay
A home in the wilderness, close to the heart of nature itself. Located in Kalpetta, the headquarters of Wayanad, is Sundara Mahal. It is a century-old home set amid lush greenery, spice plantations, and verdant reserves close by.
There are a number of activities you can engage in, at Sundara Mahal. The beautiful orchards, playground and gardens are open for you. Go for a walk or a jog early in the morning or relax with your family and friends, watching the setting sun. A trek in the Nilgiris, spice plantation tours, elephant rides and boating are things you can do during your stay here. The homestay also has indoor board games, dartboards, badminton courts and cricket nets. There’s a comfy library with lot of books and comics.
Having wonderful hosts is a must for a good holiday at a homestay. Sundara Mahal has the perfect hosts any tourist can wish for. A.V. Narayanaswami, alias Murali, 49, is an economics graduate and a self -taught programmer and was a farmer till 41. He has received accolades for his work and research in agriculture and related fields. The lady of the house, Prabha, 42, is a commerce graduate. She gave up her post as General Manager (Advertising) of an MNC and is a homemaker, accountant, office manager and cook now!
Veda is their 20-year-old daughter. She’s a final year B.Com merit student at All Saints College. Trivandrum. She loves to write and read, and is into public speaking and modeling. Vishnu, their son, is a fourth year MBBS merit student in Trivandrum. He’s a fitness and music freak.
The accommodation is lavish – there are two large rooms with king-size cots and spring beds. There’s a writer’s corner in each room, comprising a writing table, lamp, designer chairs and an earthed power socket. The rooms have Belgian mirrors, comfortable recliners, coffee tables, cupboards, adequate and tasteful lighting, fan, insect-proof netting, fresh linen and blankets. Energy is provided by solar panels.
The food served is pure vegetarian. The home-cooked dishes, without artificial preservatives and food colours are absolutely tasty. You have a choice of North Indian, South Indian and Chinese dishes.
Don’t be surprised to find squirrels, monkeys, butterflies and birds such as parrots, mynahs, doves, eagles and hornbills around. They make themselves at home in the trees and shrubs on the premises.
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