A traditional homestay with wonderfully welcoming hosts Staying at Thani Illam is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. The hosts are a Brahmin family and, unlike other 'homestays' which are more like little hotels/ B&Bs, you really do stay in the family home (we had a large room with ensuite shower … Continue reading Review in TripAdvisor
Author: ThaniIllam
Review in HolidayIQ
This was an extraordinary experience for me. the hosts are Brahmin Hindus. The home itself is about 300 years old and belonged to a very famous Malayalam cartoonist until it was bought by the current owners. I felt as though I was part of the family and these highly intelligent people were more than willing … Continue reading Review in HolidayIQ
Music Therapy
Dr. Lucanne Magill, a music therapy enthusiast visited Thani Illam with her daughter. During her stay, we invited Kaithapuram Damodaran Namboothiri (poet and music composer) and ad a wonderful interaction on the subject. Here is a news which appeared in the local newspaper.
British Chevening Scholarship 2005
Santhosh got the scholarship in 2005 to go to University of Wales, Bangor. The programme was Environmental Management and Sustainable Development for 12 young Indians. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a post graduate programme at any UK university. The scholarship programme provides a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and … Continue reading British Chevening Scholarship 2005
China trip 2003
Santhosh had an opportunity to go to China (Hangzhou) in 2003 for Green Globe Lead Auditor Training. After the training he travelled to Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Xining, Langzhou and Kunming. Most of the 30 days trip was in trains. Objective of the travel was also to learn more about Sage Nagarjuna - Buddhist monk and … Continue reading China trip 2003
LeapLocal Award 2009
Leap Local puts travellers in touch with recommended local guides, helping local communities benefit from socially responsible tourism. In 2009, Santhosh / Thani Illam was the winner of of the Year's Competition.
Most Innovative Project Award 2002
The coveted award for the Most Innovative Project was bagged by Thani Illam Grihasthali Heritage Project. The reasons for the ad judgement was: first grihasthali project offers authentic cultural experience of Kerala only vegetarian (and vegan) cuisine is available, sans menu consumption of alcohol of any form not allowed no smoking rooms no room service … Continue reading Most Innovative Project Award 2002
Grihasthali Tourism Project
If you have a heritage home more than 50 years old that can be turned into a profitable hospitality centre, then you can send in your application for approval. An expert committee will approve the project after meticulous appraisal of the authenticity and feasibility of the venture. Grihasthali is a well thought out scheme to … Continue reading Grihasthali Tourism Project
It Started with AIESEC
We started inviting foreign guests from 1993-94 onward when Santhosh joined AIESEC India and the interns (exchange students) were the first ones to visit Thottuva. Stefan Fischer, the first intern came from Germany and after 20 years visited us again!
Thani Illam 