We arrived at Alleppey train station on the day of a strike, and with the absence of rickshaws and taxis, we were slightly flustered to say the least. No one knew where Arunima Heritage Home was. As we sat down and wondered what to do, a rogue taxi driver appeared. He took our reservation and called the phone number. 100 rupees it would cost to bring us there.
The journey took all of 2 minutes, and needless to say we were disgusted at being ripped off like this. India is wonderful, but we seemed to have been more magnetic than most when it came to attracting scammers like this.
So, we arrived at Arunima, aggrieved and suspicious. What followed over the next 2 days however, reignited our faith in India being an incredible,unique and invigorating country. Our 2 hosts and their homestay were simply beautiful.
First the homestay. It is simply furnished and has basic facilities, but that is reflected on the rock bottom price. However, the character of the place is extraordinary. It would remind you of an old monastery, with large windows, dark wood ,high ceilings etc. The open air atrium is also quite spectacular. I only wish we were there when it rained as the sight of the monsoon falling inside a home as you look over a balcony would be quite special.
Our 2 endearing hosts welcomed us down from our room and brought us into their lounge for some refreshments. Although not blessed with the most fluent of English, between the 2 of them, they more than made themselves understood. This is a genuine, caring couple who treat their guests like they treat their own children.
They made us beautiful meals and organised a houseboat for us. This is the reason why most people would come to Alleppey. And this is also a reason to come to Arunima as your hosts can get you a beautiful houseboat for the minimum price. 4000 rupees as opposed to the usual 5,6,7 and even 8,000 rupees you'll be quoted on the canals.
We could only stay one night in Arunima, and we asked if a taxi could be arranged to pick us up after the houseboat to take us to the airport (3 hour drive). Our hosts made the arrangement for us.We asked if we could check our emails to send an update home. Their computer was our computer.
The following morning we left Arunima, feeling priviliged to have met such an honest and warm couple. We made our way to the houseboat (which was completely independent of Arunima) and had a wonderful experience.
The following morning, we arrived back at the dock , hoping the taxi would be there. It was there alright, with an old friend in the passenger seat. Despite the fact that we were no longer a guest of Arunima, our host came to meet us personally to make sure the houseboat experience was good. And to make clear in no uncertain terms to the taxi driver that we be charged a fair rate to the airport. "1400, no more" Now that's service.
Homestays like this one, run by people like this need to be supported. So, All the way from Ireland, I urge visitors to seriously consider Arunima as their first stop in Alleppey.