Being an environmentalist and an avid traveller can be tough. Where on one hand sustainable travel brings a feeling of satisfaction, poor management of resources at some accommodations instills a certain kind of sadness, which is hard to overcome. The waste produced by many hotels and hostels is common knowledge and a huge problem that has only escalated with time. Then again, once in a while, there comes a stay that makes conscious efforts to help build a better tomorrow without compromising on the comfort, ambience or the amenities provided.
I lost my heart to one such beautiful escapade nestled amidst lush landscapes, pineapple gardens and spice fields in Kerala. A comfortable accommodation set in a peaceful location with excellent food aptly defines Oor Experience Stays.
A tale to remember
When asked about the name of the homestay, Piyush, an operations manager for a leading food-tech company, said, “Oor means ‘hometown’ in Tamil. In the Bible, Oor is also the name of Abraham’s home. There couldn’t have been a better name for my father’s dream.”
Abraham P Kurien, Piyush’s father and the owner of Oor village retreat built this place as an attempt to find a suitable home for his own parents and then turned it into a community based system, serving the elderly. However, time had different plans and the place could never become a home for his parents. Nonetheless, with the help of his son, Abraham was dedicated to creating a sustainable architecture using only reused or recycled material.
With a lot of hard work and luck, Abraham who has been working with the social sector for over 25 years now, found his answers in Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD), a nonprofit organisation founded in 1985 by Mr. C. Achutha Menon, Kerala’s former Chief Minister. The agency helped Abraham construct the unique structure with material obtained from the dismantling of close to 28 buildings across Kerala. After two years of strenuous construction, Mallappally had received its first 100% sustainable homestay that hosted its first guest in 2018!
Interestingly, not a single tree was cut during the construction of this homestay. Earlier, the ancestral land had been used for terrace farming that was suitably cut into different levels later, to be made accessible by people of all ages. Some parts used in the building are as old as 950 years, making this construction a marvel in its own league.
Oor Village Retreat: More than just a homestay
As if going completely sustainable was not enough, Oor village retreat decided to take it a step further by offering employment to homemakers from the nearby villages. The warm, hospitable staff comprises three nurses and multiple staff members on payroll, all of whom were homemakers from the neighbouring areas. The staff was rigorously trained for one year before the stay was opened to the public. Abraham also religiously believes in ‘one wage for everyone’. This means everyone gets paid equally, irrespective of their position or work. Boss, are you listening?
The homestay also offers subsidiary services in the vicinity like delivering paid meals, day care facilities, and more. A weekend buffet organised every week here serves traditional Malayali food and is quite popular among the locals. Piyush is currently aiming to shift the mantle towards a luxury homestay.
‘Suites’ everyone’s taste
Located in the heart of Kerala, Oor village retreat is a home for assisted retirement living that is built entirely out of recycled material. The terrain has been suitably altered to make it accessible for the elderly. However, it has gained popularity among researchers and travellers of all age groups. Solo travellers, students, families and couples often show up here for an unmatched eco-friendly stay. The in-house library and open garden spaces make this a paradise for readers and nature lovers.
Started as an attempt to build a community-based elderly support system, the Oor Village Retreat stays true to its roots with a serene vibe ruling over the infrastructure. From the colourful themes to the calm surroundings, every element aims at providing a peaceful experience to the guests. The property runs across 1,400 square metres.
Rooms and facilities
Oor village retreat possesses 14 double rooms and two single rooms. The use of hand-made eco-friendly Athangudi tiles keeps the rooms cool without any ACs. Notably, the same tiles are used in many ancient buildings in India, including the Mysore palace. All the rooms are equipped with separate private balconies.
Clay, lime, mussel shells and husk were used as adhesive during the construction instead of cement. This mixture was used in ancient times, making the structure environment-friendly and more reliable. The floors are designed using special colour themes, which helps people with colour blindness or poor eyesight to navigate easily. The rooms have wooden flooring, nine-inch mattresses like big hotels, the best quality toilet fittings, pantry tables and traditional wooden roofings. The wood work is done using waste wood. Piyush insists that all of it is in line with minimal maintenance.
The stay also has free wi-fi, a library, an amphitheatre with a capacity of 400 people, a rainwater harvesting tank with a capacity of 50,000 litres, a biodegradable gas plant, outdoor dining area and more world-class facilities. Wheelchair accessibility and a strict ‘no smoking at site’ rule make the entire experience worth every buck.
Earlier, only two out of the three levels in the property were open to guests. Soon, the third level was made available. This one boasts of bedrooms designed with three-side windows for stunning views of the lush green surroundings, and an open sitting area.
From the kitchen to your plate
Abraham, Piyush’s father is an avid cook and tends to handle all things food. The stay excels at delivering a delectable Malayali dining experience, yet it is not the only highlight of the menu. Piyush could barely stop drooling while talking about the seafood his dad cooks here occasionally. This adds to the authenticity of the family-like culture that the property wishes to promote. North Indian, Chinese and dishes from other parts of the world are also prepared on request.
What to do here and around the property
Oor village retreat is 1 km from Thirumalida Mahadeva Temple, 29 km from Kottayam and 40 km from Allepy beach. The close proximity to various tourist favourites makes this place an ideal choice for those wishing to explore Kerala without booking multiple stays around the state. The stay itself sits peacefully amid the green hilly neighbourhoods of Mallappally and offers unhindered evening walks with surreal views.
Cost
Rooms start at Rs 2,000 per night (taxes extra) and include breakfast and dinner.
Best time to go
While Mallappally has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, the best time to explore the rest of Kerala is between September and March.
How to get here
By air: The nearest airport is the Kochi airport, about 98 km from the city. Direct flights from Delhi as well as other metropolitans fly frequently to Kochi.
By train: Tiruvalla railway station is the nearest railway station from Mallappally. The distance from Mallappally to Tiruvalla railway station is around 6 kilometer.
Now you know where to head for your next trip without feeling bad about leaving a trace on the environment.To know more about what the place has to offer, click here.
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