Pranavam Homestay for a home away from home

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Rathina Sankari

The red fiery ball had set and we were still on the narrow roads of Wayanad or vayal nad (meaning land of paddy). The day had been long with few stops at Edakkal caves and the Soochipara Falls. Edakkal had challenged me physically but nevertheless it turned out to be an interesting walk climbing 350 steps.

Now it was time to head back to the sanctity of a home. I desperately needed a shower, good home made food and some sleep. As our Santro rambled on we looked out for navigation to Vythiri a town in Wayanad with tea plantations all across. A short drive from Vythiri towards Pozhuthana took me to Pranavam Homestay.

ACCOMODATION

A stone driveway of 200 m took us inside the property. As I walked into the room I noticed the unique design and interiors of the room.

Pranavam Homestay Entrance notice the tiled roof

It was a house with steps taking me down to the main area. A large bed lay in the center and a beautiful sit out with a view of the coffee plantations beckoned me. A pebbled path took me to the bathroom. Travel Books placed near the bed were my reads for the night.

Pranavam Homestay Bedroom

After a quick shower I visited our hosts Mr. Ravindran and his wife at their home which is a stone’s throw away.

Pranavam Homestay notice the unique design

A Gandhian family the couple are gracious hosts who ensured our needs were taken care of. We were treated to a variety of Kerala dishes on a daily basis for breakfast and dinner. They indeed make you feel at home away from home. My kids got along very well with Mr. Ravindran’s wife and it was one big riot session.

Pranavam Homestay Host

FOOD

Food in Pranavam is delicious and you have the feeling of having tucked in home made delicacies. There was boiled tapioca and chutney which is the typical local food at Wayanad, string hoppers, dosa, a big fat Kerala Sadya and the Puttu with kadala curry. You name it and the dish finds its way on to the dinning table with four hungry souls feeding on to it. Flowers, wild grasses, berries and fruits ends up in the kitchen as a spice or herb. The kitchen is more or less self sustained with the products of the garden in the property being used.

Food at pranavam Homestay

NETWORK

Most mobile service providers work in and around Wayanad. WIFI is also available in the homestay. This homestay doesn’t have a television and the thought behind this unique idea is to keep you out of the daily grind and make you relax in the beautiful surroundings with nature to give you company. Air conditioner isn’t available in any of the rooms and is not required when you visit during the winters.

ACTIVITIES

Pranavam has loads to keep you engaged. As you walk through the vast area with coffee plantations, paddy fields, betel nut trees, spices and catch the early morning sunrise you wonder if you have entered a spice haven. Hornbills and many other birds are found in the plantation. When my kids were fast asleep I would wake up early morning and walk around the homestay to get a view of these birds.

Anwar the caretaker at Pranavam is the person who would give you a tour of the property. A short walk away from the homestay takes you to the Kabini river and you could enjoy an hour long river rafting experience.

Wayanad has many hidden gems that can be explored by the travel hungry folks. Banasura Sagar Dam, the Jain temple at Sultan Bathery , Phantom’s rock, Thirunelli Temple. Do not forget to go on the village life experience which gives you an insight into the lives of the tribes in Wayanad.