Olappamanna Mana
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Main Road, Vellinezhi 679504 India
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Olappamanna Mana is a 300year old home. It has unique architectureIt contributed to the development of the most popular form of Kathakali. It also gave birth to a lot of literary people, vedic scholars and snaskrit scholars.Finally it is a well known Cultural Center in Kerala
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The stay experience at Olappamanna Mana during January 2020; was an unforgettable experience, as I could never imagine in my life that I could stay in such a Mana which is a symbol of feudalism of Kerala. Manas are the residence of Namboodiri joint families in Kerala. Namboodiries are Kerala Brahmins, who occupy the topmost slot in the ‘Chatur Varnya’ system (Caste hierarchy) in Kerala and they were mostly feudal landlords, who possess hundreds of acres of agricultural land and administration of many temples. The Kerala land reform act brought by the democratically elected Governments had put an end to the feudal system in Kerala during late nineteen fifties and sixties. Olappamanna Mana occupies a coveted position in cultural landscape of Kerala due its immense contribution to the art and literature of Kerala. Mahakavi Vallathol established the ‘Kerala Kalamandalam’ by replicating the Kathakali School run by the Olappamanna Mana. The famous ‘Kalluvazhi Chitta’ of Kathakali was originated in this Mana. The monumental contribution to literature was made by Shri OMC Narayanan Namboodiripad who translated Rigveda from Sanskrit to Malayalam (Bhasha Bhashyam also known as Deviprasadam). OMC’s work was a revolutionary step to bring the Rigveda which was confined only to Brahmins to the common people, who are interested to access the treasure of Vedic literature. Other prominent literary figures from this Mana are famous poet and former Chairman of Kerala Kalamandalam Shri Olappamanna Subramanian Namboodiripad, Smt. Sumangala, children’s story writer and Dr.OM Anujan, poet and scholar. Me and my wife drove down from Kochi via Shornur, Ottapalam, Cherpulassery route. The 130 Km journey to Vellinezhi took three and half hours. We started post lunch and reached Vellinezhi in the evening. Our host Mr.Navaneeth kept on guiding us to take the best route to his Mana. On arrival Mr.Navneeth was waiting in front of the Mana to receive us. Since it was getting dark he gave us a quick orientation of the 20 acres of the lush green campus of the Mana. Olappamanna Mana is a three hundred year old grand heritage complex which represents the typical Kerala architecture. The Mana located in Vellinezhi Village in Palakkad District is about 22 Km from Ottapalam. The sprawling campus of the Mana houses an ‘Ettukettu’ (Eight halled house with two central courtyards), three ‘Pathayapuras’ (Granary), a temple complex, a large Pond and many annex buildings. Now no one lives at the Ettukettu, which houses the ‘Bhagavathi Temple’, ‘Sastha Temple’, a large hall where ‘Kalamezhuthu Pattu’ is performed. One of the Pathaya Puras is converted into a homestay by Shri. O N Damodaran Namboodiripad son of OMC in 2006. The Pathayapura has three rooms on the first floor, One Double Room to accommodate two persons, One Family Room for three persons and One Large Room, which can accommodate five persons. They also have thoughtfully kept one room in the ground floor to accommodate the driver or guide who escorts the guests. The Pathaya pura was transformed to a ‘home stay’ without disturbing the original characteristics of that heritage building. The building is constructed lavishly with teak and jackfruit tree wood. From the traditional locking system (Similar to ‘Manichitra Thazhu’) at the main entrance door at the ground floor to the spiral wooden staircase to the first floor then the long veranda in front of the sleeping rooms and the décor inside the bedrooms, everywhere you feel the original characteristic of a heritage building. The rooms are well appointed with western toilets and shower area, beds are provided with comfortable mattress, pillows and fresh linen. Due to the woodworks and specialty of architecture the rooms are very cool even during hot summers, but ceiling fans and air conditioners are provided for the comfort of the guests. There is a small pantry at the staircase landing, where tea/coffee making facility and mini refrigerator are provided. The veranda is decorated with many antique items those were the status symbols of Namboodiri aristocracy. The walls are decorated with modern oil paintings drawn by Ms.Vani wife of Mr.Navaneeth son of ON Damodaran Namboodiripad and our host. We were lucky to witness the 41 days ‘Kalamezhuthu Pattu’ Festival (happens every year during January/February months) which was in progress at the Ettukettu building. Mr.Navaneet invited us to witness this unique ritual in the evening. We both had a quick shower and got ready fast to witness the festival. We first had a good darshan at the Bhagavathy (Goddess) Temple inside the Mana complex during deeparadhana (evening Pooja with lamps). The Goddess is their family deity, Sri Thirumandham Kunnu Bhagavathy. Thirumandham Kunnu is a famous Goddess temple in Kerala located in Angadippuram, Malappuram District. The legend says, being the family deity of Olappamanna Mana, one of the ‘Karanavars’ (Head of the family) was a regular visitor to Thirumandham Kunnu Temple. The Karanavar became very old and during one of his visits, he told the Goddess during his prayer at Thirumandam Kunnu with tears that this may be his last visit to see the Goddess, as he was too old to travel all the way from Mana. When the Karanavar returned to Mana he felt some special grace inside the Mana. When conducted ‘Devaprashnam’ (an astrological reasoning to find out certain things that happen in a temple or place) it was revealed that the Goddess from Thirumandham Kunnu had travelled along with the Karanavar and sat inside a room near the central courtyard of the Mana. There onwards the regular poojas to the temple were administered in that room for the Goddess. Kalamezhuthu Pattu was a retreat to our eyes and ears. A large kalam (Similar to a Rangoli) of Goddess with colors were made at the large hall near to the main door to the Mana. Natural colors, flowers and tender coconut leaves were used for making the Kalam. Pattu (Songs) praising Thirumandham Kunnu Bhagavathy was recited by a folklorist who also play a string instrument called ‘Nanthuni’ as an accompanying music. The songs are written in pure Malayalam unlike many folksongs those are mixed with local dialects. The percussionists with Chenda, Maddalam and Edakka were there to create the perfect ambience for the ritual festival. A few inmates of the Mana, less than ten persons, were there to witness this unique ritual. It took around 45 minutes to complete Kalamezhuthu Pattu. At the end of the pattu the priest gave ‘prasadam’ first to Mr.Navaneeth, subsequently to all those who gathered there including us. Mr.Navaneeth took us to his home, which is another independent building in the Mana Complex for dinner. We were welcomed by Ms.Sridevi his mother, Ms. Vani his wife and their two children. They were so humble and genuinely hospitable. Ms.Sridevi played the role of the host so gracefully, we could really feel the ‘Tharavaditham’ (Unfortunately there is no equivalent word for the same in English language, may be because this may be a unique characteristic only belongs Keralite) in every single action and spoken words of that mother. Namboodiri Brahmins are strict vegetarians so you would get only vegetarian here. Food is a major highlight of our experience at Mana. We had dinner on arrival day and breakfast on the departure day. It is a fixed menu but whatever they serve on the plantain leaf have a divine taste, which you don’t find elsewhere. We had Appam, Crispy Ghee Dosa, Ultrasoft Idli, Pulao Rice, Sambar, Four different varieties of chutneys, Veg Curry, Payasam and Filter Coffee during this two meals. On our departure day, we took a morning walk in the Mana Campus, there is a cultivating paddy field close to the Pond area and rest of the campus is devoted for mainly for coconut and rubber cultivation. We saw young children below the age of 12 years practicing Kathakali Music at the Kathakali School functioning at one part of the Ettukettu. Mr.Navaneeth was there in the early morning hours to give us a further detailed tour of the estate. Mr.Navaneeth is a Computer Engineer in his thirties who had taken over this mantle accidently due to the untimely demise of his father in 2017. He and his wife Ms.Vani an alumnus of College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum are now supporting Ms.Sridevi to manage the activities at the Mana. While checking out the Mana, we never felt like leaving a hotel, but like a home, that was the unique mix of rich heritage, unique experiences and warm hospitality that we had received from the Olappamanna Mana.…
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Date of stay: January 2020
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I feel so very lucky to have stayed at Olappamanna Mana, such a joy to have found this amazing place. I had the privilege of seeing the family Hindu ceremony which took place in the most beautiful ancient building which was once their family home. Navaneeth was an excellent host with a wealth of knowledge and information. His mother is an exceptional cook and host as is his lovely wife and cute sons. The rooms were ideal, sympathetically renovated to a high standard while keeping that special feel of the old home. I very much look forward to returning in the future.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 30 Mar 2020
Thank you.
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We had good family time during the two day stay at the mana. The food was delicious and homely. You wouldn't be able to experience this kind of food from any restaurant outside. Bear in mind that the food is vegetarian.. That actually worked out in our favor.. The essence of the stay is the quiet village living itself.. Please do not expect additional activities that you would expect in a resort. Also no tv , wifi...The number of activities in the nearby areas are also limited.. The place itself is beautiful and peaceful. A great opportunity to unplug and unwind. I would truly recommend this place of stay for that purpose. We loved bathing in the pond. That was the highlight of the stay for us. Also, the owner gave a great tour of the historic house with a lot of anecdotes and stories of the days gone by. We really enjoyed that. The stay is on the more expensive side compared a regular resort stay. Lowering the prices may attract local tourists more..…
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Date of stay: February 2020
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Room Tip: great view from the balcony room above
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 19 Mar 2020
Thank you for your comments
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We feel privileged to have stayed at Olappamanna mana and revelled in the hospitality of Shri.Naveen and his mother Smt.Sreedevi on December 23rd, 2019.The heritage mana retains its 300-odd years' feel despite some essential and tastefully-done renovation.It overwhelms you with its presence. The ambience, the comfort and the delightful vegetarian cuisine linger in your mind long after you (reluctantly) check out. Shri.Naveen took us around the property, taking care to explain the nuances of the temple rituals of the family deity in the premises. He also eagerly explained the remarkable collection of books in the library, which houses the Malayalam translation of the Rig Veda, made by a doyen of the Olappamanna family, besides other books. We had the good fortune to witness a kathakali performance late in the night, at Vellinezhi village which has the reputation of being at the centre of the revival Kerala's ancient performing arts. For a genuine feel of central kerala's old-world charm, without letting go of certain urban comforts, Olappamanna mana is unmatched. A trip to cherish in every respect.…
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 19 Mar 2020
Thank you
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We as a family stayed on the 9th & 10th of March 2019. We had a warm welcome when we arrived at Olappamanna Mana. Mr. Navaneeth and family we there to welcome us. As it was almost lunch time, they had already prepared a variety of vegetarian food. Such a delicious spread of vegetarian food. They made us all feel so much at home. His mother and wife we Serving us all the time. His mother is and excellent cook and his wife is a painter. She was humble enough to show us all the art works and explaining it is detail. This homestay, is must do for travellers. Rich culture and history. Mr Navaneeth took us around the herithage building explaining to us in detail on all the events and history of the place. His forefathers are highly educated and are experts in various fields of arts and culture, history and sanskrit. We were facinated by the books and reading materials that are still kept with great care and stored well. As for the homestay rooms that we occupied, it is stiuated in a another heritage building. The rooms are spacious, with attached bathroom. We occupied two rooms as we were 5 persons (family). We occupied the top floor. Outside the room is the veranda. The whole area is surrounded with greenary, Its so beautiful to be surrounded by nature. Its and escape from urban life. We had a wonderful stay and experience. I would highly recommend family and friends to make a trip to Olappamanna Mana. Thank you to Mr. Navaneeth, his mother and wife for being a great host. Preama Nair & Family (Malaysia)…
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 13 Jul 2019
Thank you so much!
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I have the great pleasure to pen these few words with regard to our stay in Olappamanna Mana. We were three persons to stay in the place in last February 2019. We were very honoured to be the guests of Mr. Navaneeth and his family. This was a very fine welcome: after a warm tea reception, we were enjoyed in visiting an very interesting studio: Navaneeth's wife is a painter, and this allowed interesting contacts between herself and my daughter. In the evening, we enjoyed the flavour of the meal. Before this, we had the great privilege to be integrated in the private Hindu ceremony of the family. This ceremony took place in the most ancient dwelling house of Navaneeth's family: we visited it with a great interest. Our rooms themselves were located in some other beautiful building. The entire property is situated in a very beautiful nature, with woods, ponds and plantations: the place is quiet and very beautiful. Thank you for these precious moments, which will long be remembered for us.…
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 30 Mar 2019
Thank you so much.
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We began a 2 week Kerala tour based on local homestays with 2 nights at Olappamanna. Relaxing in this peaceful place was such a good way to recover from a long flight and a wonderful introduction to Kerala. We were welcomed as part of their family and treated to delicious local vegetarian food three times a day. We learned so much from our meal time discussions and visited some local crafts people including a man nearby creating Kathakali masks and other wooden costume apparel. We also felt honoured to be welcomed to witness an intimate Hindu/Brahmin religious ceremony which was fascinating and awesome in the way the priest created the intricate design of the deity on the floor with just his hands and coloured powders. We had our very own separate accommodation away in the trees with views of the forest and it's fauna from the balcony and met with many local residents including nimble coconut collectors and smiling ladies insisting on us sampling their own style of jaggery. Thoroughly recommended.…
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 1 Mar 2019
Thank you . Happy to hear you enjoyed the stay
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Very nice place to stay : full of history and beautiful people. A guest house where you feel at home. Host very attentive. A good place to feel the south Indian brahman way of life. View from large balconies of bedrooms is soothing
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled
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Brilliant place to stay if you want authenticity, the peace and quietness, pictures rich in nature, food full of taste and flavour, grown in that area all made by themselves. Definitely worth a visit.
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled
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Response from NavaneethO, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 6 Nov 2018
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our food. Thank you.
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We spent three nights at Olappamanna Mana with Navaneeth and his family at this amazing home stay. We were welcomed as part of the family during our stay and enjoyed wonderful vegetarian food - three meals a day plus afternoon tea. The environment is glorious! We were there during heavy rain periods and as a consequence the surrounds were lush and green and full of birdlife. Navaneeth is keen to share in the fascinating history of the Mana and his family. We had an informative tour of the main building and family temple. The great thing is the temple and buildings are still regularly used and we met many friendly people coming to practice together. Vani (Navaneeth's wife) is an excellent artist and we enjoyed viewing and discussing her work. The accomodation is in a 300 year old building and the facilities are adequate but not luxurious. The views from the verandah are amazing. Altogether a very special experience. Highly recommended.…
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled
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Room Tip: There are stairs to negotiate. Just a heads-up for those less mobile.
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Response from Navaneeth O, Manager at Olappamanna Mana
Responded 5 Aug 2018
Thank you so much.
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LOCATION
IndiaKeralaPalakkad DistrictVellinezhi
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Olappamanna Mana
Which popular attractions are close to Olappamanna Mana?
Nearby attractions include Olappamanna Mana (4.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Olappamanna Mana?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, free parking, and internet access.
What food & drink options are available at Olappamanna Mana?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.