We spent two nights with Neema and her family at the beginning of February 2012. The stay made a wonderful start to our tour of Kerala. We endorse everything written in earlier reviews and can recommend a stay in the Bungalow wholeheartedly.
What a great find The Bungalow was! Neema is such a helpful host and incredible cook. She helped us with our itinery and even found a local tailor for us. The house is full of character and we appreciated being in Vypeen too.
I had a very nice welcome from Neema and her family. The whole heritage property is beautifully kept and extremley clean. The food was delicious and fresh as Neema did go shopping on the day of my arrival for dinner in the evening. It's a very hospitable family and you will most likely meet all of them. The room was very big with also an attached, big bathroom with a European shower. If you are looking for a quality accomodation with very nice hosts at affordable prices you should stay here. It's ony a short ferry trip over to Fort Kochi. Neema is also very helpful in suggesting trips and places to vist. Many thanks to all of you for making my stay so wonderful - unfortunately I could not stay longer.
Myself and two friends travelled to Kochi in late January 2012. When organising our trip, we stumbled across the Bungalow Heritage Homestay on Tripadvisor, and with all its excellent reviews, we simply had to enquire. From our very first email, Neema organised our entire 5 day Kerelan adventure including accommodation, taxis and activities across Alleppey, Munnar and Kochi itself - we hardly had to lift a finger! It was great to have Neema's input with accommodation, as there are so many places to stay in Munnar and houseboat companies, it can be overwhelming. Neema only sends her guests to places she has personally inspected and hence, our accommodation in these places was fantastic.
Neema, Prasad and Olivia were more than hospitable hosts. We felt right at home when we arrived very late in the evening after a delayed flight, only to find dinner had been kept warm and waiting for us. With the copious amounts of delicious food, you will never go hungry at Neemas! Be sure to double check lunch/dinner prices at the Bungalow, as it can be more expensive than eating out. However, the quality of Neema's food is far superior to any other meal we had in India!
The rooms were fantastic; spacious, clean, airconditioned and with access to a large bathroom with constant hot water (after travelling in India for 5 weeks, you realise that this is a real treat!)
All in all, I would certainly recommend the Bungalow Heritage Homestay to all travellers looking for a relaxing, friendly and hospitable homestay. For those travellers on a budget, it might be good to know that improved living standards in Kerela (comparative to the rest of India) means things are generally more expensive. But in saying that, Neema was worth her weight in gold!
The Bungalow Heritage Homestay was a great experience and a perfect way to end our travels in India. Neema and her family were very welcoming to us and ensured we had an enjoyable stay.
Prior to our trip, Neema assisted us in organising a houseboat tour and a trip to the tea plantation which guaranteed our week would be well planned and stress free.
Neema's cooking is delicious and there are always plenty of options; your bound to be offered multiple serves. Neema was very accommodating with allergies and went out of her way to ensure she did not cook with anything that I could not eat. The dinner is somewhat expensive when compared with food prices in India but there is always plenty on offer!
The rooms were lovely and spacious with great AC, hot water and comfortable beds. The Bungalow is kept very clean and has a homey feel. I would definitely recommend the Bungalow Heritage Homestay if you are looking for a great place to relax and enjoy some South Indian Cuisine.
The place: A beautiful older home from the 1930s in immaculate condition is owned by a very gentle and hospitable couple - Neema and Frances and their lovely daughter Olivia. the ambience is quiet and welcoming.
The Bungalow in Vypeen is a pristine Kerala home from the 1930’s. The rooms are very clean. The decor is tasteful. The food is unbelievably good!
If you like great ethnic food, then this is the place to stay! Make sure you ask Neema ahead of time for meals.
Boat rides to Fort Kochi, Ernakulam by ferry is very convenient and literally a stone's throw away.
The amenities available include transportation choices, of auto rickshaws and cabs. And of course, the ferry. Note: Take the cabs arranged by Neema. They are clean and prompt. Airport pick up is a must use faci;ity.
The best reason to stay at the Bungalow is that you are part of the host family who are interesting and interested, caring people.
A very personally satisfying stay awaits you at the Bungalow.
If you are looking for something special in a Kerala holiday then this is the way to see Kochin and Ernakulam, far from the madding crowd in a serene village setting, and away from commercial hotels.
I would visit again and recommend anyone to stay with these great hosts.
Finally, as a returning Indian from the US, I travel a great deal for pleasure. This was a business trip and I hope to bring my family back to spend a few more days here next time!
