tanu_2004
5
May 2022
"Lovely homestay in a heritage property"
Stayed here after a recent business trip to the city. If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful sojourn in an aesthetically furnished traditional Kerala home, then Govindamangalam is the right place for you. This is the carefully preserved ancestral home of Mr. Suresh, an extremely thoughtful and kind hearted gentleman. My conversations with him were truly the highlight of my stay there. Thanks also to Deepa, Boshi and Raju for their hospitality. They all went out of their way to ensure that I had a comfortable stay. Already hoping to be back there soon - this time for a longer stay!
Tejas Krishna
5
Apr 2022
"Govindamangalam"
My wife and myself had a very pleasant stay at Govindamangalam Home. The hospitality was top notch with cultural touch. Right from word go, the host Boshi was very accommodative and very approachable . The 100+ years home is very well furnished and beautifully maintained . It's much more than just a place to stay. Apart from carrying the glory of traditional Kerala heritage home , it's a house full of positive vibes. We must mention about Mr. Raju, the caretaker of the house for almost 40 years who impressed us with his dedication and amazing culinary skills. When we requested for a ginger chai, he immediately made one of the excellent ginger chai we ever had (he said he was an amateur). His kadala curry was one more of its kind and he was very nice enough to tell us the recipe. The place is owned by a very special personality Mr Suresh. We heard a lot about him but missed to meet him since he was at his native place. Overall, Govindamangalam home made our trip to Kochi worthwhile.tanu_2004 Our sincere thanks to Boshi for finest hospitality , Raju for amazing food and Suresh sir for Govindamangalam.
Sreejith S
5
Feb 2021
"Genuine proof of excellent hospitality!"
This was my second visit to this property located in a fishing village close to Cochin, where you will sense that you are instantly transported to a different time period. A place where you can still enjoy the historical architecture and cultural remainings of the Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial eras while sipping a coffee from a modern café. With regards to this property, it matches with the place where it belongs with its architecture and other alignments. Deepa and other staff ensure that you are always at ease once you are there with their warm nature and a carefully well-maintained ambience. The passion for what they are doing is evident in their efforts, especially at a pandemic where tourism and tourists are not around much. Their local connections, knowledge, and storytelling way of explaining things make you feel like you are on a pleasant and peaceful journey. As an extension of that comfort, you are also spoiled with yummy home-cooked food and spacious and well-maintained rooms. If you are a person who loves a vacation to collect some beautiful moments over things, who wants to slow down for a few days, I highly recommend this place. Thank you, Deepa and crew, for your time and efforts. We will come back again. All the very best.
Rajesh G
5
Feb 2022
"Humble, Comfortable and a Beautiful Experience at a homestay in Kochi"
I wanted to experience Kochi as was on a business trip to Kochi. The best way to do so I feel is a homestay.
I chose Govindmagalam honestly because of the reviews online a 5 on 5 both on Booking.com and Tripadvisor.
As my taxi neared into the bungalow pathway, I saw an elderly gentleman ( my age :) ) smiling and picking my bags and helping me take them in ... They were really heavy and I insisted I carry them but he did not listen to me and before I knew it we were in the entry room of Govindamangalam.
It was already late evening and the sun had set, I was led into my room which was attached to the foyer.
The two things that are very important to me is the mattress and the cleanliness of the bathroom. I am a simple man and as both the aspects are more than met I am good.
The rooms look more lavish in the pictures but what truly is amazing about the place are the people who make the Soul of GovindaMangalam. Suresh Kumar Balaraman opens his ancestral home like he opens his heart to the guests, but the true soul of this home is Deepa Mathew, who goes that extra mile and aces at hospitality, just to see that you are comfortable.
The small entrance foyer opens out into 3 doors, an area right in front where you see a beautiful Mandir ( picture attached ), the room on the right is a living room open to all and a room on the left where I was staying.
Once you enter the passage in the front to the Mandir, there is a staircase going up to 2 more big rooms and on the right is the office and the Dining room which is really big and can accommodate at least 15 guests with 2 tables.
The main statue in the Mandir is Govinda ( Krishna ) and the Mandir is like a painting of stark bright colors and the ancestral paintings that adorn the wall outside the Mandir to me is the crown that makeup GovandaMangalam.
Unfortunately, I never attended an aarti ... as was mostly out in the mornings and back late evenings.
Another small aspect that makes my day is my early morning coffee. Sorry just hate making it myself. Here too I was pampered without asking. Raju comes in very early and I never had to repeat the way I liked it. I think the experience of a place is the beverage and here too the coffee, similar to a south filter coffee with a distinct taste of South Indian Coffee.
Did not get an opportunity to do a Tea tasting with Suresh who is a connoisseur of Tea as not only does he have a heritage tea business but does a special tea tasting session that i missed. but am surely coming back so next time.
The Breakfast was simple, traditional, delicious and different on all 4 mornings ... Dont miss the Puttu Kadala , a rice cake traditional breakfast dish with chickpea which I had on the last day was the best.
It tastes even better if Deepa is serving you ... her smile is genuine and she actually listens to you. I gave a few suggestions and it was done before I realized.
My business couriers, laundry , suggestions to eateries , suggestions to other activities around the place ( leave your itinerary for them to curate ) were not a challenge at all , infact the couple I bumped into came back for a few days extra as the experience was supreme. They even arranged an authentic ayurvedic treatment ( massage ) at my request.
Boshi was awesome and I even saw a cleaning lady there ... A team of 5 for just 3 rooms ... Humble, Comfortable and hospitality top class .....
So glad I chose GovindaMagalam and it stood up to its name, Blessed by God and truly auspicious .....
Abhinav
4
Jul 2021
"Family, Food, Music and Fun fun fun.."
This would be one of the most memorable trips in the shortest time ever. Deepa chechi and Suresh uncle were extremely welcoming and made everyone feel at home almost instantly. The rooms were all neat & clean maintaining the essence of this century old heritage home. Absolutely delicious, mouth watering food and fun conversations.
Nandita N
5
Jul 2021
"Home away from home"
We had a wonderful stay at govindamangalam. From the minute I spoke to Deepa, I knew I had made the right choice. This is an old ancestral property, very beautifully maintained. A lot of thought has gone into setting up the house to preserve its aesthetic beauty. Each piece of furniture has a story to tell. From the tape recorder that plays old hindi songs to suresh uncles ( the owner) stories, to rajan chettans traditional kerala food ,we enjoyed our stay to the very last minute. Deepa and boshin were excellent hosts and took care of us like their own . We traveled with an infant and two kids below 5 , this place is extremely safe and the staff follow all covid restrictions and protocol. If you looking for a homestay in cochin, which reflects the essence of kerala , this is the right place . Excellent service, excellent food , excellent property. 5/5
Neethu
4
Nov 2019
"Govindamangalam"
A beautiful traditional home that offers serene atmosphere surrounded by trees and garden. We really enjoyed our stay with kids. Rooms were spacious and stylish with contemporary furnishing. We experienced great hospitality and service by the staff. The traditional home made kerala breakfast served was awesome. Would love to be back again to experience Govindamangalam.
Suman D
5
Jun 2023
"Perfect Homestay in Kochi"
We booked the homestay for one night initially but extended it after experiencing amazing hospitality from the host. We booked a room with a balcony, the room was spacious with all basic amenities, bathroom was clean with attached powder room. Bed was comfortable, AC worked fine, and storage was ample. The property also has a garden with seating space and a swing. There is a pond with water lilies that looks beautiful. There is parking space too. The best thing was the hospitality, Deepa, Boshy and Raju chettan took good care of us. They were always available to give us advice and recommendations. On their recommendation we booked an ayurvedic massage and it was wonderful. Breakfast was served on time as per our request. This 100 year old property is well maintained, they have vintage furniture pieces and antique decorations all over the house. It had a great time at Govindamangalam homestay. Highly recommended.
