Visitors' Comments
Olappamanna Mana
Vellinezhi, Kerala, 679504, India
Type of Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
- Rooms:
- 3: 1 double, 2 family rooms.
- Price:
- Full-board Rs4,500. Family room Rs6,000. Peak season: November-May.
- Meals:
- Full-board only. Packed lunches available.
- Closed:
- Rarely.
- Directions:
- From Palghat, 43km, take Kozhikode Rd (Cherepalchery route). Airport: Kozhikode (50km, 1.5 hours). Train: Palakkad Jn, Shoranur (25km).
We have published a selection of the positive feedback received via our website since February 2007. We do receive negative feedback on some of our properties but we discuss that individually with owners. We appreciate all feedback - for it helps us keep our entries fresh and accurate.
- I recently had the pleasure to visit the wonderful Region of Kerala.
During my stay, by pure chance, I spent three days at OLAPPAMANNA MANA in the village of Vellinezhi, guest of Sri O.M. Damodaran and his wife Smt. Sreedevi.
As soon as I reached Olappamanna Mana I immediately became aware of the prestige surrounding such destination (totally unknown to me ... as a novice to Kerala!) for its cultural and religious heritage.
This is not just a heritage home stay, it is a really magical place, set amongst an incredible natural backdrop: the property comprises various buildings in traditional Kerala style (beautiful wood structures, mainly in rosewood and teak ... fast disappearing from this Region’s woodland), the main one is formed by two joined quadrangular structures, with internal courtyards, home of the main family temple.
While at this magical home stay – thanks to the much appreciated availability of my host – I had the great honour to be the spectator of two religious ceremonies (experiences which took my thoughts to a complete new level, especially having had the great honour to have further discussions on religion with my host and one of his sister); the pleasure to learn about the great importance of this place and of Sri O.M. Damodaran’s ancestors (Brahmins, poets, philosophers, reformers, Sanskrit scholars) and last - ... but definitely not least – the opportunity to sample the most wonderful Kerala vegetarian cuisine mastered by the very skilful Smt. Sreedevi.
My holiday in Kerala was definitely a memorable one, but it is thanks to Olappamanna Mana that my image of this great Region shall always have a much deeper meaning.
I also thank Mr. Damodaran for awakening in me the love I always had for Sanskrit.
I really hope that in the future I shall have the opportunity to return to Kerala and the honour to spend more time in Olappamanna Mana.
Stayed: 03/2010
- The highlight of my recent trip to my home state Kerala was an opportunity to visit and spend some quality time with Sri O.M. Damodaran and his lovely wife Smt. Sreedevi at the famous Olappamanna Mana. This ancient Namboothiri Illam (Kerala Brahmin home) is located at Vellinezhi, a small village tucked along the valley of Western Ghats mountain range in central Kerala.
The main building in the complex is a spacious ettukettu, two adjacent quadrangular buildings with open to sky central courtyards and open verandas constructed of bricks and teak and rosewood in traditional Kerala architectural style. The beauty of the ettukettu lies in its lack of ostentation, emanating an air of peacefulness and tranquility. It is infused with great architectural details and authenticity, and an atmosphere that takes you back hundreds of years in time.
For those who want to explore the Kerala countryside and cultural heritage, Olappamanna Mana offers heritage home-stay at a home with modern conveniences just across from the ancient house. Home stay guests also get a chance to dine on simple, wholesome, and delicious vegetarian cuisine that only a traditional Namboothiri household can offer.
Traditional religious ceremonies are still offered at the private temple of family deity at Olappamanna Mana. We were invited to a kalam paattu, an offering that takes place every day for an entire month in mid January through mid- February. It was an amazing experience.
The authentic Namboothiri vegetarian food served on these days was simply sumptuous and delicious. The time spent at Olappamana Mana was a fabulous treat for all senses – eloquent speeches, fabulous cultural performances, religious offering that that take your mind to another level, and above all the unforgettable delicious food.
Stayed: 02/2010
- Having had the opportunity to stay and learn at Olappamanna Mana was a wonderful and unique experience. We were a group of 10 persons, professors and students from Humboldt University Berlin, who participated in a seminar at O.M. in February.
Stayed: 02/2010
- I visited with my daughter in law after exhausting 2 weeks travelling and it was the most memorable stay we had in India. Our rooms were simple but lovely, very clean including bathroom, with a wonderfull terrasse. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, the very kind owners, the extremely good and authentic vegetarian food. We visited 2 authentic KAthakali perfomances and one was arranged specially for us in the old house. Mr. Damodaran told us lots about Hinduism, history and art. Its a remarkable place which I can highly recommend.
Stayed: 01/2008
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