Jiji and his family were wonderful hosts and went out of their way to make my wife and I feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Their garden was a paradise, the place was quiet and restful, the home-cooked food was exceptional, the room was simple but clean and had lots of character. This was one of our favorites in our trip through southern India, was a great value, and we would definitely go back.
Wow, were we glad we chose to stay at the Riverside Retreat than going on the overnight houseboats. If you stay at this place on land, you see less but with way more quality because you get to walk around the fields and towns. The Riverside Retreat is a very relaxing place. It is good for people who like to take it slowly and let a place sink into you over a couple days. The hotel itself is well-situated along one of the main canals. You can watch everything go by, including tens of loud riverboats carrying your tourist compatriots. The hotel has a canoe you can borrow but it was mysteriously missing when we went to use it. They have three bungalows and three rooms. We started off in one of the more expensive bungalows. It was charming and more private, but the staff…
We arrived late night to the Riverside retreat and the owner Jiji directed our taxi driver on the phone to find the homestay and was there to welcome us with dinner ready on our arrival - exactly what we needed after a long day travelling. The cottage was large with a huge bed not much other furniture but what else do you need? Bathroom was outside but was private and the cold showers were no problem at all and were actually a god send in the heat of Kerela! Breakfast was great and a wide range of indian food was served but also toast, jam and eggs for the not so adventureous. Dinners were amazing and there were always lots of fresh regional dishes served up - better than restaurants we went to, Jiji and his family could not have done more for us and helped us with our…
We were very disappointed with our stay here. The cottage room was barely furnished, the screens on the windows were ripped so we were bitten by mosquitos all night, the outdoor bathroom had no screens at all so it was covered with bugs and we were bitten while showering. There was such minimal light inside the room that we couldn't read in the room without a flashlight. The paint or laminate on the floor peeled off onto the bottom of our feet. The food was quite average and expensive. 350 R for the dinner they serve is unfair, particularly because there are no other options. Not including breakfast is also disappointing. I feel badly to write this review because the owners are nice people, but other travelers should know that there are great homestays in the region and…
We travelled to Kerala in August 2011 with our two girls, ages 6 & 8. On a recommendation from a friend we began our trip at Riverside Retreat. It is a fantastic place to rest and enjoy the beauty of Kerala--green everywhere, lilies, coconut and banana trees, and rich red earth. To watch the river flow by. To eat well and relax. And also to experience life in the Keralan backwaters. The rooms are simple and clean and lovely. Sitting under the eaves as the monsoon rain poured down, looking out on the magical garden, made us feel like the luckiest people in the world. Jiji and Jisha are kind and helpful. I have already prepared the sambar dal Jisha taught me to cook. Jisha kept track of what she served us, and at every breakfast and dinner she thus shared with us different…
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