Review – “Second Home 4 U”, Trivandrum

Hello Ghumakkars,

Lakhnawi Nawab is back. I got a good response to my first story about Trivandrum. In case you haven’t read it then do take a look, here http://bit.ly/pjoFcB. We went to Kerala in Dec’11, from the last week of December 2010 till the first week of January 2011. I searched online for hotels, and came across a homestay called “Second Home 4 U”, many of you were eager to know about it in my previous story. “Second home 4 U” is situated near Vedivechankovil, Trivandrum-695501, which is around 20 kms from the airport, 7-8 kms from the city & 7 kms from Kovalam Beach. It is run by Mr. James Kutty & his family.

Exterior-Second Home 4 U

As promised, he came to pick us up from the airport. He warmly greeted us & his family was very affectionate. As soon as you enter the area i.e. Vedivechakovil, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a small village   banana plantations and the only sound you’ll hear are the songs of birds or the music form a temple at some distance. There is the main house and a small villa – we were accommodated here -consisting of 3 rooms (one is upstairs sand has its own terrace). All have western-style attached bathrooms. The villa has a kitchenette and a lovely patio (very nicely arranged) which is also the dining room and TV is also there. The villa was big enough, approx. 2,ooo sq. ft.

Second Home 4 U

Cleanness is the first thing you will notice. And then the friendly, very helpful hosts Mrs. James Kutty will arrange a car for your sightseeing, even if you want to go to Kovalam. We stayed at Second home 4 u for seven days. What came across prominently was the warmth with which Mr. James Kutty and his son treated us – be it the breakfast, information about destinations or providing help with transportation.

Interiors of the Villa

This homestay comprises of two adjacent bungalows with a farm in the backyard. The host family stays in one of these bungalows. Rooms are available in the other bungalow if you require more privacy like a Hotel. You can stay with the Family if you are fully in for homestay. The family who stays there comprises of four people, Mr James Kutty, his wife, son and daughter- in -law. Family is nice and they speak Malayalam (local language) and English. They understand Hindi but aren’t fluent in Hindi.

Dining cum Lobby of the Villa

Bed coffee, Breakfast is part of the package. (Food was good) If informed one day prior, host told us that our choice of food may be made. If need be, Lunch, Dinner, etc would be available at extra cost on prior intimation. But we did not try as we were visiting places.

Mr. James had acres of land in the backyard. We were free to discover the place and trust me people it was very beautiful. I’ve attached some photos of the backyard. Hope you all like them. The sight of trees in the sprawling acres was a treat for me. The area is truly a Photographer’s Paradise. One must come and experience the unseen visual treat of the environment.

The lush green environment

Backyard of the villa

The rooms were spacious, tidy. (Locker facilities were not available, but a steel almirah with a lock was there.).
Room service was available on call, Laundry services was available. Refrigerator, washing machine, ironing facilities, bath tub, etc are available if you book the entire bungalow.Altogether, a very nice experience.

Scenic Views from the Backyard

Coconut Trees in the backyard

The place was damn good, but I would like to point out some drawbacks. Firstly, the villa had poor pest control. Second, they did not have facility to accept credit cards. I suggested these points to Mr. James and he assured that he’ll be working on the same.

Palms

Final Verdict:

All in all, one enjoys their stay in the Mr. Kutty’s Villa. The warmth extended by the owners to their guests can’t be written down.

At a price of Rs.750/= for a Normal room & Rs.1500/= for an A.C room per day, it’s definitely not bad. The full bungalow costs only Rs. 3500/- a day. They charge for Airport/Railway Station Pick up. Also, there are nominal charges for Lunch & Dinner, though Breakfast is included in the cost.

Contact Details:

It’s me in front of the Villa

Keeping in view the accommodation & hospitality, I’ll be giving it a 9/10. I’d like to recommend this place to each one of you. In one word, it is a very lovely and relaxing place. Finally, I’d thank Mr. James for everything.

Hope you all enjoyed a journey to Second Home 4 U. Do leave behind a comment. It’s Naman, signing off for now. :)