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Mundackal
Plantation
Homestay
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Stretches
of greenery as far as the eyes can see, where angles and gods
prefer to dwell.
A placid relaxing ambience. Quietude broken only
by the chirping of birds, rustling of leaves and chipping of
crickets.
The cool and gentle breeze refreshes your mind and
body at the lap of this heavenly picnic spot, a tranquil
pleasure dome.
Rejuvenate your mind and body by being one with the
nature here. That is the Plantation Home Stay for you.
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You approach along a
bumpy farm track that winds through a rubber plantation on the edge of
the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Seeing no official boundaries, birds of
every description come to sing over breakfast - the only disturbance in
this lush oasis.
Daisy and Jose, whose father was a leading Keralan
politician, are a warm and generous pair, perhaps a little too eager to
make you leave feeling more circular than when you arrived. This is a
genuine Indian homestay.
The décor is unremarkable with splashes of
kitsch, you sleep in bare but adequate bedrooms, and feast on mountains
of food!
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Served
is the traditional Kerala Christian food the one and only service
of this kind in and around – that could conquer the hearts of
all with its lip smacking experience. To add splendour to the
plates we impart the basics and methods of preparing the cuisine
to our guest through live demonstration by veteran specialist in
Kerala style Christian dishes, even the hostess, Mrs. Daisy Jose herself. The
style of cooking she has inherited from her parents who hailed from an
aristocratic Christian family adds to the thrilling taste of the items.
The classes cost the guest only a nominal fee. (Daisy
can certainly teach you a few culinary tricks.)
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Ernakulam,
is also known as the cosmopolitan city of Kerala. There are number of
islands around Erankulam. Kochi -the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of
the most interesting island and has one of finest natural harbours in
the world.
Tall mountains, a calm lake, the river Periyar and an
all-encompassing forest meet at Bhoothathan Kettu to make it a tribute
to nature. Bhoothathan Kettu is 100 mtr. above sea level and has a very
moderate climate.
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The setting -
secluded, green and with birds to excite twitchers, is wonderful, and
don’t miss out on Jose’s plantation walk: you’ll learn how rubber
is tapped and turned into sheets, and spot eastern spices growing wild.
An engagingly Indian experience, particularly for anyone with
ornithological or gastronomic leanings - and a rare chance to dip your
toes into the lives of a working plantation family.
At
Bhoothathan Kettu a nature loving tourist can enjoy a cruise through a
tranquil fresh water lake, trek through deep green reverie forest in
search of remnants of bygone civilizations, go for an adventure
expedition down the turbulent Periyar re-enacting the old route, take a
cool dip in fresh clean water coming down a mountain where the ‘Neelakoduveli’
(a
life-giving herb) is said to grow and much more.
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Jose G Mundackal who hails from ancient
and aristocratic ‘Mundackal’ family Kothamangalam is a
god fearing enthusiastic who believes in obliging all. Mr. Jose was born
to the great States man and Politician who represented Muvattupuzha
Parliament constituency for 10 long years without a speck of corruption
or any related stigma.
Jose who is graduate from the renowned Christ College, Bangalore, and
was a member of the university basketball team and athletics team, is a
well-spoken, vibrant and hospitable young man.
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Local Sightseeing:
1. The main attraction is watching birds at
Dr. Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary, which is one of the
best in Asia. More than 80% of birds
found in
Kerala can be seen here.
2. Elephant training camp at Kodanadu
3. Visit churches, temples and mosque
4. Boating at Bhoothathan Kettu Dam
5. Conveyance arranged at minimal charge.
6. Guides can also be arranged at an extra cost.
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Daisy Jose hails form the renowned and
aristocratic ‘Chamachaparambil’ family from Ramangiri, Kuttanadu, A
graduate from St. Therisan College Mysore, Mrs Daisy known for her
lip smacking Kerala Christian cuisine, is in very sense the strength
behind Mr. Jose G Mundackal. She also offers cookery demonstrations to
guests.
George completes a BTech and is working for an
American company in Chennai, and Joseph is at Indiana Predue University in USA.
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Other activities:
1. Cycling with or without guide .
2. Rubber tapping and processing at our estate.
3. Cooking Class.
4. See fruit and vegetable gardens.
5. Cycling.
6. Hiking.
7. Campfires.
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[click HERE to return to our Southern
Journeys Page]
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