Our Heritage House
The air full of promise, fragrant with the myriad scents of fruit and flowering trees accompanied by the soothing choir of the morning birds. A river flows slowly past as the rays of the morning sun pierces through the teak trees and shimmers of the water. A peace and stillness all around the property.
This is Maya, a place to DISCOVER yourself.
This 100-year-old heritage home is situated amidst a lush green canopy of teak, mangosteen, nutmeg, jackfruit and rambutan (lychee) trees in the picturesque village of Ayemanam. Yes—the very Ayemanam that spun the magic of the Booker Prize winning novel ‘The God of Small Things’
This is Maya, a haven away from clocks and calendars, a place where time is in no hurry.
DARE
DREAM
DISCOVER
About the property
Maya Heritage is owned by an ancient Syrian Christian family from Kottayam in Central Travancore – Kerala. The St Thomas Christians of Kerala, also called the Syrian Christians or Malankara Orthodox Christians, represent a single ethnic group and trace their origins to St Thomas the Apostle who is said to have come to India at the start of this century.
The house is situated on a 2.9-acre farm beside a tributary of the Meenachil River that leads to Cheepunkal jetty at Kumarakom. The farm boasts of a variety of fruit trees and the star attraction are those ancient 70-year-old Mangosteen trees that provide a perfect canopy to hide yourself. The house has been painstakingly restored and maintained as it was built. The walls retain the secrets and adventures of several generations and have been a partner with many of them as they coursed through their lives.
DARE to get away from your busy lives.
Architecture
Built in the year 1901, the house adopts the classical Kerala Architecture. The house sits on a raised plinth with ample space for you and your family to sit around and enjoy a steaming Cuppa. The high steeped tiled roof stretches down low keeping the interiors cool and ventilated - a work of art –a true marvel in wood and stone that is a celebration of the environment.A hidden alcove completes the sense of mystery for children.
The period furniture makes the DREAM complete…
Accommodation
This heritage house has three tastefully restored bedrooms of which two are air-conditioned. Spacious living room and a standalonecovered patio among the trees complete the lounging area. Period furniture and accessories create an ambience that is unique to Kerala.
A fully functional kitchen is available at your disposal. Feel free to experiment with locally sourced farm produce. You can also taste the variety of cuisines available in Kottayam as most of the restaurants offer delivery services to this humble abode.
Activites To Do
- Soak in the solitude, romance the rain, or just curl up with a book in the shadow of the 70-year-old mangosteen trees
- Angling in the river that runs past the property
- Explore the waterways all the way uptoKumarakom in country canoes*
- Discover the life on the riverbanks
- Long walks on the village roads cutting through lush paddy fields and rubber trees
- Take a long boat ride to see the 400-acre field of lotus bloom* and enjoy the sunset
- Visit nearby tourist destinations – Periyar Wild life sanctuary, Bird sanctuary at Kumarakom,participate in the Heritage Walk and experience the boat races*
- Syrian cooking classes for food lovers
- And if you feel the need to catch back with the digital world, you can avail free Wifi services.
The list is endless, so come over to find out more
Arranged on request and additional to the stay *Events can be dependent on seasons
Clothing: Cotton summer wear year-round and an optional sweater or a woolen shawl thrown in during December nights.
Languages: The people are versatile linguists here.
Money Changers: All Scheduled Banks
Getting Here
The closest airport from the property is Cochin International Airport which is approx. 2.5 hours away. Pick-up and Drop-off can be arranged on request. Kottayam Railway/Bus Stationis 10 minutes away.
Location:
MLA Road P.O, Illamkavu Road,
Aymanam, Olassa, Kottayam, Kerala 686015
Email:
Call:
Get in Touch
For more information and further details, please feel free to write to us.
