I was here for a full 4 days and I must say this is one of my most satisfying holidays. Right from the time I reached out to make bookings till my return, I am extremely satisfied with Team Linger. Let me elaborate.
1. Bookings and follow ups - Sameer is very prompt in providing you with the details and in answering your queries. In addition, I must specifically acknowledge Vijay (the ops manager) who followed up with me about my family's dietary preferences and logistics (i had missed filling out a Google doc created for this). In addition, he gave very useful details about what to expect, how to get there and what to see. He was in constant touch to see that I was comfortable till I got into Palathra.
2. Getting there - I traveled by train upto Ernakulam. Vijay had helped arrange for someone to come and pick us up. Of course, you can choose the option of negotiating separately with the taxi guys outside the station. Palathra is approximately an hour's ride from Ernakulam Junction.
3. Palathra itself - Lovely quiet property which will give you the traditional Kerala feel. We stayed in Maavu. Anthony, the caretaker and his staff are WONDERFUL folks who strive to ensure that all your needs are met. They are available whenever you need them - just a phone call away! There's a swan, a pond, a hammock, a library with some nice thrillers (I found the Red Dragon by Thomas Harris) and lip smacking delicious food - so put away those phones and choose your activity :-). There's also an Ayurvedic massage center if you need.
4. Places to see - I'm sure lots of material is available on the net on this. So just to add some specifics (a) if you want to go boating, make sure you are specific whether its the Alleppey backwaters/Vembanad lake that you want to see. They are 2 different excursions; I went for the backwaters (a 2 hour ride) and it was nice (b) The beach is around 4 kms away and if you have a kid with you, I suggest you request Anthony to help arrange an auto to take you there, wait and bring you back. There are a couple of cycles available if you need.
To conclude, I'll come again for sure sometime. And, if you want to own some property anywhere remotely, make sure you have someone like Anthony to help take care of it :-)