This absolutely beautiful farmhouse and working farm (populated by an eclectic group of cows, goats, hens, ducks and geese and a pond teeming with fish some of whom may land up on the dinner table) is set in the idyllic Kongrapally village, near the famed Cherai beach and easily accessible from Nedumbassery (Kochi) Airport. The main property belongs to a locally prominent family and is a blend of traditional architecture with very modern and comfy interiors (inspired, I understand, by the owner's other homes in Dubai and Melbourne). The gazebo amidst the nutmeg trees is a great place to breakfast in and the patio is a wonderful place to have the mouth-watering dinners for which this farmstay came highly recommended; remember to ask for the house specials: karimeen moilee (as well as karimeen fry and karimeen baked in banana leaves), pepper duck curry, sautéed prawns and farm-style appams... as well as varied Kerala delicacies. Be shameless, hog. Remember to do some night fishing by the stream that runs along the back boundary of the farmhouse, which also has a quaint Chinese fishing net. Cycling along the winding bylines of the village is a wonderful experience, as is dropping by some of the wayside eateries on the fringes of Cherai beach. Highly recommended. Be shameless and ask the hosts for all the food specialities on offer. You can't get these gourmet delights anywhere else.

- T K Harshan