Experience a different side to India in the serene and peaceful backwaters, whilst arriving in style by boat
Location: Philip Kutty’s Farm sits on a small reclaimed island in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters, near the village of Vechoor on Vembanad Lake. Reached only by a short boat ride, it feels peaceful and secluded, surrounded by coconut palms and quiet waterways. Life here moves at an easy pace, with fishermen passing by and birdlife all around. It’s an authentic base for exploring nearby Kumarakom and Alleppey, while offering a genuine taste of rural Kerala in the south of India.
Rooms: The farm’s villas are independent and spacious, blending traditional Kerala design with modern comfort. The first villa, designed by Swiss architect Karl Damscen, is an open-plan bungalow, while others, designed by Thomas Dominic, feature separate bedrooms, living rooms, and sit-out areas overlooking the water. Interiors include antique furnishings, carved doors and windows, clay-tile floors, and wooden ceilings. Large windows and doors allow natural breezes and views of the surrounding farm and backwaters. Air-conditioning and WiFi provide modern convenience, and each villa has a private verandah, terrace, or garden for uninterrupted relaxation.
Amenities: The heart of Philip Kutty’s Farm is its hospitality. Guests can enjoy home-cooked Keralan meals in the family dining room or in the thatched pavilion overlooking the water, with vegetarian and special dietary options available. Cooking classes provide a hands-on experience of local cuisine. An Ayurvedic spa offers rejuvenating treatments, and bicycles are available to explore the island. A covered jetty pavilion provides a quiet spot to admire the views, watch houseboats pass by, or simply relax with the cooling backwater breezes.
Activities: At Philip Kutty’s Farm, days flow gently with the rhythm of the backwaters. Join a sunset cruise each evening on a traditional vallam (country boat), or glide through narrow canals to observe daily life along the water’s edge. Birdwatchers can spot kingfishers, egrets, herons, cormorants, and Brahminy kites, while farm walks reveal the island’s sustainable farming methods. Cooking classes with the family offer a deeper look at the flavours of Kerala, and bicycles are available for rides through local villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Guests can also try their hand at fishing using traditional Chinese-style fishing nets, visit nearby churches and temples, or simply sit on their veranda, watching fireflies flicker over the farm at night.
Sustainability: Sustainability is central to life at Philip Kutty’s Farm. The reclaimed island operates as an organic farm, reducing chemical use by up to 80 percent and producing much of its own food. The family supports local employment and agricultural traditions, while guests are invited to learn about backwater farming below lake level—a rare and fascinating practice. Staying here directly supports a local enterprise that honours Kerala’s ecology, culture, and community.
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Best places to stay in Kerala and South India
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When to visit India
Find out the best time to visit India with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
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- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
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January
January is a great option for sightseeing in the north, days are clear and warm with minimal fog in the mornings. During this month, southern India provides a warm, sunny escape - properties in Kerala can fill quickly. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can experience some of the best mountain views in the Himalaya's - but you'll need to wrap up warm!
- Kite Festival in Gujarat
- Bikanar Camel Festival in Rajasthan
- Republic Day 26th January
February
February sees all the fog clearing in Northern states and it is regarded as one of the best months to travel as the whole country is warm and sunny. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle are amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
March
One of the more popular months to travel, March is great for both weather conditions and cultural experiences, including Holi celebrating the victory of good over evil. If you're looking to go hiking, March is perfect in the Western Ghats. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Holi Festival - world famous paint throwing celebration.
April
April sees temperatures sore country-wide, making it one of the driest and best months to go elephant and tiger spotting. As daytime temperatures can reach over 40 degrees we recommend excursions based in the mornings and evenings.
May
Temperatures and humidity continue to rise in May, reaching 45 degrees, which can make it uncomfortable. But wildlife viewings continue to be at their best as animals search for water sources.
June
From June, Ladakh is accessible offering incredible scenery and a complete contrast to the rest of India. Days are warm and bright, but you will need to pack layers for added warmth.
We recommend not travelling to Southern India and the Himalayas as humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent as the country awaits the monsoon season.
July
Much like June, July offers incredible views across Ladakh whilst elsewhere monsoon season rains are imminent.
August
August is the perfect time to cruise along the Ganges thanks to the monsoon and its increased water levels.
September
September marks the end of the monsoon season and weather can still be unsettled across the country. If you're looking for good value travel, there can be some good deals in Rajasthan. Travel to Ladakh comes to a close as the season ends.
October
October is peak travel season, the rains end and the north of the country is warm. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Mahatma Ghandi's birthday is celebrated on the 2nd October and is a national holiday.
- Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival of lights dazzles and illuminates the sky.
November
November is one of the best months to travel anywhere in India. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing in November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
December
Southern India is sunny and warm in December, making it a popular option for yuletide celebrations. If you want to delve into northern culture, daytime temperatures as beautiful, however mornings and evenings can be cold and sometimes foggy.
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