A hideout is not just a physical space, its a whole philosophy of retreat. It is the opposite of macho jingoism. Its a place to discover delicate sensibilities. Its a place where one re-adjusts to the pace of life. The Hideaway in Kerala is just the place. Its about 28 km from Kottayam on the road to Thekkady. Its an ideal place to rest and rejuvenate. Be warned, there is no Ayurvedic Massages, no five star cuisine, no air-conditioning.

 

 

 

(Click here to see another hideaway)

If that's what it doesn't have, then what DOES it have? For one a breathtaking view with the hills on the horizon. Not one building, one road, one electric wire in sight. Just the sound of the birds and the crickets (but this is one that EVERYONE wins).

There are perhaps a tree or two that you might want to talk with, if you are bored. If you prefer laughter, then the place to go to is the laughing, gurgling brook that marks the boundary of the property

The stream marks the boundary of the property that spans about 22 acres. 

With no cable TV, no news paper, what do you do? Here is one suggestion. In bygone days people actually used to read things where black marks were made on wood pulp, its called a BOOK! Of course you aren't limited to reading a book...you can WRITE one too.

  Here's a hint. I love sleeping outdoors on that balcony, watching shooting stars above. This used to be a favourite hobby of mine. Ofcourse if it gets cold/damp one can always drag oneself inside.  With no buildings or urban centres creating ambient light, on a clear night the stars are just at arms length.

How about learning how to make rubber? The whole property is a an active rubber plantation. If you wake up early enough you can go with the workers as they go to "TAP" rubber. Watch the whole process and even be a part of it. Be careful though a wrong slip of the knife you might end up injuring yourself...or worse, injuring the tree!


The house itself was built about  50 years ago by my grandfather. It was modified a bit later by my father. It has one suite upstairs and two bedrooms on the ground floor, along with dining table, etc. The place also has running water, some minimum pots and pans, a working gas stove, fridge, toaster, etc.  The caretaker will be happy to make some meals for you, provided you will eat what THEY eat. Remember, no special menus.

My father, Dr. Baker Fenn, who owns the property and has offered the property for this rather unique experiment. You have to contact us to make a booking before you go.  You will have the entire house at your disposal. Absolute privacy. How much does it cost? Well that is up to you. WE have decided NOT to fix a rent for the house and, true to the tradition of Indian Hospitality, to open it up for you to stay. You are required to make SOME contribution, but the amount is not fixed. I know this sounds kind of funny and people ask me to name a figure. Much as I hate to name a figure, I think Rs. 1000 per day is about the average I expect. But it all depends on you. Don't let money be the limiting factor to retreat back from urban life.

Every application is carefully screened. Since we are not a mainstream commercial organization, please do write a bit about yourself when you write to us.



View Quiet Hideaways in a larger map

Mathai Baker Fenn