http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34659 If you turn right off the ferry follow the chessboard of tiny roads through the village. Catch the flash of a kingfisher, butterflies the size of your hand and egrets daintily perching on buffalo under the shady tropical trees. You may feel like you are walking through people's gardens, but no-one will mind and they'll probably invite you in for a tea if you stop and chat. Under the bridge on the eastern shore of the island lives an extended family of Harijans (Untouchables) from Mysore. They make their meagre living by fishing from saucer-shaped woven coracles.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34659 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33345
The food was quite simply the best we've had in Kerala, and that includes posh hotels like the Taj, smart places in Cochin and down and gutsy quick eateries in Ernakalum (we've been here for 18 months, so I feel I can write with some authority).

The room was prettily and simply decorated in white and terracotta. There were fresh flowers on the dressing table and a pristine bathroom. We fell asleep to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach right opposite us.

If you want to get away from it all, in a quiet area with no hotels around, stay here. Eat the best food in Kerala, go for walks on the beach, chat to the locals, visit the fish market and pick out your local catch for dinner, play games on the extensive roof terrace while being served endless fresh cold drinks and tea.

It's an excellent place for tired, burnt out workers looking for tranquility in genuine Keralan surroundings.

My one quibble is that because this is not a family home - the family lives elsewhere - it is not a true homestay. But what's in a label?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26152 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26152 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17696
They were always prompt and efficient in all our communications as well as helpful and authoritative. I would wholeheartedly recommend them. Using them and an internet airfare can provide an excellent, reasonably priced holiday in this beautiful state.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17696 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16990 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16990 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10542
The Kuruvillas are always pleased to welcome guests to their family beach-house tucked in the coconut groves of a unique Kerala village, Kuzhupilly.

Overlooking the Arabian sea with a fabulous view of uninterrupted coastline and serene backwaters, Kuzhupilly Beach House is the place to live in, for people who would love to experience nature, backwaters, beaches, ample seafood, traditional Kerala village life, and friendly local people.

An ideal place to compose your music, write poetry, spend your honeymoon or just relax while you rejuvenate yourself with a desired treatment or just chill!

A rooftop which gives a 360˚ angelic view. Hidden in the brow of coconut trees this place is gifted to give you a very unique view of the beautiful beach and backwaters form the same point – Divine!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10542