Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Rustic encounter

S. BINU RAJ discovers an Illam at Ottur that has opened its door to tourists

OLD-WORLD CHARM The serenity of Karavan Madom was an exquisite experience for tourists

Tourism in Kerala offers infinite opportunities, say pundits in this industry. One can sail through the backwaters of the State and enjoy the scenic beauty or get the real taste of Kerala at a home stay.

An ancient Namboothiri Illam at Ottur, near Varkala, has opened its door to tourists recently. Although the sprawling 14-acre compound has now been reduced to three acres, the charm of this old illam is still evident. The `16 kettu' is now only `nalukettu' with four bedrooms and a majestic hall with a `nadumuttam.'

250-year-old illam

This 250-year-old Illam, known as Karavan Madom, hosted tourists from Germany, the United Kingdom and other European countries thanks to the effort taken by Kerala Travels, a leading travel agency.

"We stumbled on this Illam by chance. What attracted us was the courtesy of the hosts and their eagerness to welcome tourists in their traditional way. They are not commercial-minded and are ready to share their way of life," says Chandrahasan, managing director of Kerala Travels.

Agreeing with is Sajan, the youngest member of the family, "It was a novel experience for us. The tourists included students and they were very inquisitive about our tradition and rituals." The tourists were welcomed with a Nilavilakku (traditional lamp) and Athapoo (floral carpet). After a sumptuous Kerala sadya along with members of the family, the visitors entered the kitchen to learn the recipes. It was an escape for the tourists from the four walls of a suite. The sleepy village, vast paddy fields and gurgling streams beckoned the visitors to explore the place.

"The tourists were overwhelmed by the natural beauty of their surroundings. As the ambience was not artificial as in a resort or a five-star suite, it was a different experience," says Chandrahasan.

According to local legend, Ottur was `Otta Oor,' which means the `single village.' Apparently it got its name so as it was the only village that had a temple where one can find idols of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Ayyappa in an upright position.

A drive to the nearby Mullarankode Thampuran Temple is a scenic one. The winding road runs through paddy fields and climbs up a hillock where a cashew factory functions.

S. BINU RAJ

(Sajan can be contacted at 9447428959)

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail