Let's help you plan

Joanna - Travel Consultant
Johnny - Travel Consultant
Eve - Travel Consultant
HeartHeartHeartHeartHeart
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Feefo

4.9/5 (1008 reviews)

Philipkutty’s Farm, Kerala backwaters | Timbuktu Travel
Kerala backwaters

Philipkutty’s Farm

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Philipkutty’s Farm

Tranquil lake views await at this private island, just the place for a little R&R.
Named after the man who raised Puthankayal island from the lake, Phillipkutty's Farm is an idyllic spot surrounded by lines of coconut, banana and cocoa trees. As you approach Phillipkutty's by a vallam (boat), the traditional, pointed villas peek out from behind the greenery. The homestay farm has a distinct personal touch and the family gladly shares their piece of paradise with you on a tour of the watery fields and local favourites. Explore this world of canals on boating trips where there are plenty of birds to see and village life plays out on their banks.
Kerala backwaters , India
From $370 per person/per night
None
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

On the edge of tranquil Lake Vembanad, enjoy the view from the jetty as you watch the occasional houseboat go by. Tuck into home-cooked meals made by Phillipkutty's wife, these are served in the family dining room or out in the courtyard, under an ancient mango tree. Don't miss out on specialties like hot Kerala fish curry or the duck roast, and for breakfast, enjoy homemade jams and yoghurt plus local classics. Although there's no pool, yoga is available in the courtyard and you can head out on a stroll amongst the fruit trees

The rooms

Phillipkutty's villas are built in a traditional style but with a separate bedroom, living area and wrap-around veranda in red oxide. Each villa has a view over the lake and are aptly named after the local flora and fauna. Decorated in dark wooden furnishings, crafted doors and shades of yellow and orange, the villas have a homely feel. Their amenities include a desk, air con, wardrobe, tea/coffee facilities and netted windows. Although there's no TV, you can make use of the one in the main house.

Activities

From Phillipkutty's private island, set out on a canal cruise with lush forests and little villages alongside. On scenic walks across the farm, keep your eyes peeled for the likes of kingfishers, herons and eagles. Enjoy a bicycle tour of the countryside where coconut groves and paddy fields unfold in front of you. Enjoy a treatment at the Ayurvedic Centre, visit local temples like the Vaikom Siva and watch as local fishermen haul up their catch - then return for a sunset boat ride.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The sunset cruise on a traditional boat, which takes place every evening if you fancy it. You might even catch the moon as it rises!
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

If you'd like to upgrade your skills in the kitchen, book a three or four-day cookery holiday in the art of Keralan cuisine.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Being distinctly off the beaten track (it can't even be reached by road), wi-fi tends to be spotty but you can get signal on the porch and jetty or in the communal sitting room.
Trips

Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu
India

Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu

14 nights from $6.1K per person

Kerala and the Maldives
India + Maldives

Kerala and the Maldives

14 nights from $4.9K per person

India: Eat, Pray Love style
India

India: Eat, Pray Love style

11 nights from $4.8K per person

Create custom trip icon
Design a Custom Trip
Plan your stay

How to book Philipkutty’s Farm

How do I book Philipkutty’s Farm?

Philipkutty’s Farm can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made India trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended India trips featuring Philipkutty’s Farm or get advice and suggestions from one of our India specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Philipkutty’s Farm?

Stays at Philipkutty’s Farm start from around $370 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Philipkutty’s Farm

India

Kerala backwaters

Pick a rice boat and cruise languidly around the bohemian backwaters, watching the world go by.