Ayesha Manzil is a lovely, old imposing colonial style mansion .On arriving here we were met by the owner who took us to our spacious room overlooking the sea. From that moment we were cosseted and so well looked after throughout our stay . Mrs Faiza Moosa is an excellent cook and she prepared us some super local dishes which we ate outside under the trees overlooking the sea below us. We were even fortunate enough to have a cookery lesson with Faiza on our second day there. Mr Moosa had taken us to the market early that morning to buy the fish and vegetables for our class and then a member of his staff took us sightseeing during the day which included going to a couple of festivals . This was all provided to us at no extra cost . We loved our stay here and all this home had to offer including its lovely owners .

We enjoyed our two-night stay at the Ayesha Manzil. As other reviews indicate, this homestay is quirky, interesting and gives a good insight into the historic past of colonial Thalessary. Mr Moosa was away attending a family wedding, so it was left to Mrs Moosa and Alan, the house guide to welcome us.
The welcome was genuine and warm but it is fair to say we were a little overwhelmed by the list of ‘optional’ tours that the house provides whilst we drank our welcome lime soda drink at the house. Be ready to ask for some time to contemplate what you want to do in the time available to you.
The interior of the house is dark with huge wooden furniture dating from the time the house was home to British tea-traders. The rooms are large with once-grand bathrooms (down tiled steps – be warned). In our room two single beds had been pushed together, both draped with mosquito netting. It had good AC and a ceiling fan. The Bakelite electric controls reveal a time gone by!
Alan stepped up in the absence of Mr Moosa. His tour of the fish and vegetable market before breakfast was an experience not to be missed if you want to experience real India. Alan also arranged for us to attend the Hindu Theyyam festival in a local village. Wow, what a treat. We were warmly welcomed by the villagers and the whole experience was unforgettable. Alan had arranged for a very reasonably priced private taxi to take us to the village and Alan was our expert to explain what was taking place.
Another first for us was the Tuk Tuk trip to purchase local spices and teas from a reputable supplier in the city. The Tuk Tuk then took us onto a wonderful deserted beach for a swim in the Arabian Sea. Again, the incredibly cheap fee (for the TUK Tuk) was agreed in advance. If you have limited opportunity to experience a Tuk Tuk trip in a bustling city, take this opportunity. It will live long in the memory.
The evening meals at the house were prepared by Mrs Moosa. If you enjoy a reasonably priced Indian Lager with your meal (or a more expensive bottle of wine), just ask, the house is happy to provide them.

We stayed here for 2 nights as part of our tour of Kerala. We were late arriving due to the train delays but we received a warm welcome.The accommodation is quirky as described in others reviews but we had a spacious bedroom,dressing area and bathroom.All of the staff were helpful and the food was delicious. Alan the house guide gave us a full itinerary of the local area and this was really helpful meaning we saw much more than we could have arranged ourselves.He also helped my friend locate suitable shops.
We decided against using the pool but enjoyed sitting beside it.