We recently spent 2 nights at Ayanat House, towards the end of a 2 week tour through southern India. The warmth and hospitality shown us by John and Rani, were beyond all our expectations. They make all efforts to accommodate your individual interests, which for us included a visit to the local school and a cooking lesson at their home (including written recipes of special dishes). This is a very exceptional place if you want to experience a peaceful rural community, and a get a sense of real life in the backwaters of Kerala.

My wife and I spent over a month in India on our first trip. We stayed in a number of hotels, home stays, bed and breakfasts. Ayanat House by far exceeded anything we experienced on our trip. The location, food and hospitality which we were fortunate to experience in Johny and Rani's house was most memorable. The location was very remote. We even saw an elephant nesr the house. I will never forget as Johny told us before we went to bed: "If you need anything during the night, just wake me up." The complimentary boat trip, visit to the coconut factory and even to the little island that Jonny owns were magical. We even had local children swim across to the island to give us fresh coconuts.
As an owner of rental properties in Hawaii, USA , I speak from experience when I say Ayanat House and it's owners are absolutely the best we had seen in our travel around the world.

John and Rani are charming, the accommodations quiet, spacious and homey, the food delicious and the surrounding area beautiful--their home is right on the backwaters of Cochin. Staying at Ayanat House was also a great way to learn the local history and the current state of affairs of Kerala as well as India since our hosts knowledgeably answered all of our many questions and made sure we got to see the surrounding villages (they have bicycles and a boat to loan you, which are great ways to get around). They made sure we got to participate in a celebration of St. Sabastian's Day at the local church, which was an extra treat. John comes from an influential family that has lived in the area since the second half of the 18th century so he has many tales to tell for history buffs. If you want to have a real Indian experience in luxurious and historical surrounds, don't miss Ayanat House.

My wife and I travel in Asia each winter and in all honesty I can say that of all places we have visited and all the hotels and guesthouses we have stayed in, Ayanat House has to be the best.
For comfort,excellent food,beautiful surroundings with the attention and kindness of Rani, Johnny and their staff you have to make sure you stay here when in Kerala.
Our only regret was in leaving this paradise it's the only place we've shed a tear when we had to say goodbye.