Kerala Homestay

The style of architecture in Kerala is very distinctive from the rest of India, especially the Tharavadu house. The overall structure is based around one or many inner courtyards and wells, and the buildings often have sloping red tiled roofs, verandas and decoratively carved gables; the interiors of the houses are often of carved teak wood. All Tharavadu houses also had a freshwater pond for bathing and religious purposes. They were built with specific locations for prayer, cooking, grain storage and separate quarters for men and women. Tharavadu houses were often owned by wealthy farmers and set in the midst of their agricultural land.

Colonial bungalows are another type of architecture reflecting external influences, mainly that of the British and the French around 100 years ago. The Indian bungalow is typically a one story building and is still seen as an important status symbol. They expressed colonial power in the form of Neo-Classical and Gothic Revival architecture but many also incorporate elements from indigenous Hindu and Islamic styles.

Many houses in India follow the principle of ‘vaastu’. This Hindu tradition dictates the directions the house should be facing and that there should be a central area in the house, such as a courtyard, which represents the abode of the creator or god. Vaastu has many other aspects which aim to keep out bad luck and bring good fortune upon the inhabitants. These are just a few of the different types of houses in India which can now be visited through Nandanam Homestays. Staying in these houses will give you an insight into the traditions and culture which have defined their unique qualities and the different types of families who live in them.