While a day-cruise or overnight houseboat experience lists top on the Alleppey itinerary, there’s more to this coastal gem. To immerse into the culture and cuisine of the place, a slightly extended sightseeing is recommended. When looking for accommodation, we chanced upon Rain Homestay, a unique combination of hotel-like comfort, lovely landscaping and warm hospitality. It is owned and personally maintained by a truly adorable couple, Ahmed Najeeb and Noorjehan Najeeb, who make for very gracious hosts. Asrashaheen.in brings you first-hand glimpses of what it feels like to stay at this home away from home.
Alleppey, a Coastal Gem – Backwaters & Beyond
A still photograph or video of houseboats streaming through the calm backwaters and the lush coconut trees and mangroves is enough to guess the name of this place in Kerala. Nicknamed “Venice of the East”, Alleppey (aka Alappuzha), needs no further introduction. The very mention of Alleppey brings to your mind its topographical splendor in all its glory. The serene landscape of canals and brackish lagoons running parallel to the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea is a picture perfect postcard beauty that has fascinated Indian and international tourists alike.
While a houseboat experience indeed rates the topmost on the list of itinerary when visiting the city, there are several other interesting things to whip up an exciting mix. For instance, the 19 Century Alappuzha Lighthouse gives you a spectacular panoramic view of this coastal gem of a city. You can also explore the traditional architecture of the region through its numerous temples and churches that boast of marvelous structures. Checking out the well-maintained world-famous Revi Karunakaran Museum is worthwhile too. On display are 3000+ assorted artifacts, including paintings, antique furniture, ivory works, a noteworthy Swarovski crystal collection, and various other traditional items curated by late Revi Karunakaran and his family.
So if you want to enjoy the pristine vibes of Alleppey, boating in the backwaters is only one of the several attractions. To completely soak in the culture and cuisine of the place, a 2 – 3-day sightseeing that includes the above-mentioned activities is recommended. When looking for accommodation, homestays are the best viable options. They are comfy, customized to bespoke needs and feel like a home away from home.
Rain Homestay – Inviting Landscaping & Welcoming Hospitality
When this writer chanced upon Rain Homestay, one was pleasantly surprised to find a rare combination of hotel-like comfort and hygiene, lovely landscaping and warm hospitality. Personally maintained by Ahmed Najeeb and Noorjehan Najeeb, a senior couple, who converted their ancestral property into a lovely accommodation, Rain Homestay has something truly endearing about it. Designed as a three-level structure, it is nestled amidst lush greenery, which is the hallmark of God’s Own Country. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities and the common areas are spacious with a brightly-lit space for dining. The inviting accommodation allows the guests to immerse themselves in nature and spend quality time outside of their rooms with their families.
The attentive hosts make every possible effort to ensure you are at ease and well taken care of. Right from the arrival through check out, Mr Najeeb pays attention to every little detail so the guests enjoy a sumptuous experience during their stay. “From the moment you arrive, you’re treated like a valuable member of our extended family, with genuine warmth and care. We take pride in creating a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where you feel at home,” says Mr Najeeb.
Smartly-designed Attractions – Lovely Sitout & Sprinkler Rain
The surroundings are skillfully landscaped and the interiors are smartly designed. One particularly unique attraction is a sprinkler system for watering plants that doubles up as artificial rain. It reconstructs the effect of a soothing light shower. With an enchanting canopy of grooves, you can indulge in the natural beauty. They have a beautiful sitout arrangement that gives you an elevated view of the greenery around. The tiny tots will love to have fun in the pitter-patter of the artificial rain. While the sprinkler rain provides relief from the humid climate of the region, what adds on to the experience is the marvellous sight of a rainbow!
Aromatic Homemade Delicacies
Their delectable homemade culinary offerings primarily consist of delicious dishes that present the diverse cuisine of the region. You can indulge in a variety of South Indian options, including traditional picks like dosa, idli, sambar, and chutney. Aromatic puri and potato curry combination is another all-time favorite. For those who like to get authentic taste of the state should try the combination of puttu (made with steamed rice powder infused with coconut), served with kadala (chickpea) curry. The unique taste of appam, a lacy rice pancake, served with a scrumptious egg curry is another must try.
Gracious Hosts Najeeb & Noorjehan Make Your Stay Delightful and Memorable
An absolutely adorable couple, Najeeb (70 yrs) and Noorjehan (60 yrs) make for very gracious hosts. Thanks to their soft-spoken mannerisms and warm hospitality, light-hearted conversations flow effortlessly. We get up-close with the couple, who tell us they embarked on their labour of love, Rain Homestay in 2022. Having stood by each other through thick and thin, the two always cherished a vision to lead their golden years by embracing a purposeful, healthy, and joyful lifestyle. After Mr Najeeb retired from his years of service overseas in a government-owned oil company in Abu Dhabi, it was time to materialize this dream. “We find fulfilment in fostering connections and creating memorable experiences for guests hailing from different parts of the world. Our passion lies in engaging with people from diverse cultures, age groups and backgrounds. The enriching interaction brings us immense happiness and contributes to our overall wellbeing,” says the duo in unison.
“Our homestay takes great pride in its inclusive approach to welcoming and accommodating guests. Whether you’re a couple, traveling with your family, a solo adventurer, or senior citizens, our doors are open for all to create a memorable experience for you. It brings a delightful blend of cultures, experiences, and stories under our roof,” says Mr Najeeb. He further adds, “Our attentive and caring hospitality extends to every guest. We strive to provide a comfortable and enriching stay that exceeds your expectations.
