Costa Malabari homestay: A secluded haven with charm

While travelling in Rajasthan, I met two people who independently recommended a small homestay, a bit off the beaten track in the north of Kerala, called Costa Malabari. Since I was feeling a bit tired after all the travelling and also suffering from impression–overload after all the magnificent sights and experiences from Rajasthan, I decided to make the trip north.

Hence, I jumped on the northbound train from Cochin to Kannur, a six-hour journey. After a 45 minute bumpy taxi ride on narrow dirt roads, I arrived at Costa Malabari, greeted by the owner Mr Kirian and directly seated at the lunch table with five other travelers from Switzerland, Germany and Australia. The food was delicious and home-cooked Keralan. There are only five, quite simple rooms and the house is situated on a cliff overlooking a beautiful, secluded beach. There is really nothing to do here, except for relaxing, spending time on the beach and enjoying the delicious food. Three times a day, I get a knock on my door accompanied with “the food is ready”. Wonderful!

It was a welcome break to have some time to absorb and internalize all of the experiences from the past three weeks. India is such an intense place, with so much to see, so much to experience. All the colors, unfamiliar sounds, smells and the constant chaos brings constant input to all of your senses, at all times. Being here with the tranquility of the ocean, sitting on the beach and just breath, think and feel was like cotton for the mind. It was also nice to turn the attention inwards for a bit, as there has been so much external focus. I got back in the swing of keeping a journal and reading, something that I haven’t done since I left Thailand.