Amaya: 5BR 300-yr-old heritage villa, Kannur

5-bedroom Kerala-style heritage villa with 300 years of history in Kannur, famous for resisting Tipu Sultan's subjugation. Stepped pond, traditional courtyard, exclusive farm-to-table experience, Kerala-style ayurvedic spa with kalari massage, and whatnot, just 15 minutes from Kannur International Airport. The space About the Stay: Featured by Architectural Digest, Zee Zest, Femina ,News18,Financial Express, NIKKEI Asia and Curly Tales, Amaya is a 300-year-old heritage villa in Kannur. Meticulously restored to its original glory, this 5-bedroom heritage homestay is nestled amidst the calming greenery of Kerala. The historic estate with a stepped pond and a traditional Kerala-style spa has witnessed numerous historic events, including an attack by Tipu Sultan. This villa is located 15 minutes (7 km) away from Kannur International Airport, 3 hours (92 km) from Kozhikode and 4.5 hours (180 km) from Mysore. The best time to visit Kannur is throughout the year, especially during Navratri when the Kallur Illam Temple (next to the estate) holds the annual Theyyam, a folk dance performance festival. Guests get fresh farm-to-fork meals, thanks to an exhaustive list of vegetables and spices like Malabari pepper and turmeric grown on-site, eggs provided by the on-site ducks and chickens and fresh organic milk from the cows on the estate. It's the only petting zoo within a private estate in South India Another must-do when at Amaya is visiting the Sarpa Kavu, the abode of snakes at twilight. This sacred snake cove is where the deity of the estate resides (sans any snakes, don’t worry!). Challenge your friends to a game of volleyball or badminton on the spacious court in the exterior of the home. Guests can explore local tourist attractions like the next-door rubber plantation (5 mins) Velliyamparamba Waterfalls 10 mins (5.5 km), Palukachippara View Point 20 mins (11 km) and Pazhassi Dam just 20 mins (10 km). What can you do here: Enjoy a quiet read in one of the many quaint spots in the home. Have a games night with your family and friends in one of the many centres of gravity or communal lounge areas of the home. Indulge in a relaxing traditional-style Kalari Ayurveda massage at an additional cost. Enjoy a candlelight al fresco dinner with your loved ones on the patio by the sparkling pond and gorge on lip-smacking meals prepared by our in-house chef. Huddle around the warm bonfire and cherish the feeling of togetherness with your loved ones. Challenge your friends to a game of volleyball or badminton on the spacious Kalari court. Explore local attractions like Velliyamparamba Waterfalls 10 mins (5.5 km), Palukachippara View Point 20 mins (11 km) and Pazhassi Dam just 20 mins (10 km) away from the home. Homestay Layout: Enter this unique heritage homestay through a traditional Kerala-style entrance with short steps. As you enter, you are welcomed by a ‘Nadukuttam’ or inner courtyard, one of 3 within the home. To the left, you will find the ‘Mandapam’ or the sitting area with a mini library. The Illam also has a Pooja Room and a ‘Yajana Shala’ or shrine as an ode to the Gods. 2 of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor to the left and right of the courtyard. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. The ground floor also has a Massage Room where guests can avail of a Kalari Ayurveda massage at an additional cost. A flight of stairs (15 steps) leads you to the first floor. 3 bedrooms are located on this floor. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. The first floor of the home also has a balcony and an extra room for additional guests. The pond is on the left side of the home and the ‘Kalari’ court for outdoor games is on the right side of the home. Guest access Guests have access to the entire villa and premises except the kitchen. We have a cook to handle all meal requirements and hence guests do not have kitchen access. Parents of infants can access the kitchen for baby meals with prior approval Other things to note The caretaker will overlook all your needs throughout the stay. The housekeeping and cleaning staff are available to maintain hygiene. Guests can book 1 or more rooms. Room amenities include an extra mattress, fan, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Up to 7 cars can be parked on the property free of additional charges. The available villa amenities include a TV, WiFi, extra mattresses, indoor games, outdoor games, kerala-style spa, a barbecue and a bonfire.