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"Waves lash against the shores, the wind murmurs as it rustles the bamboo clusters and caresses the rustic wooden walls of the houses which are a hundred or more years old.
Surya Samudra, the first heritage hotel in Kerala, stretches out across two beaches facing the Arabian Sea with a cliff anchored in between."
"Guests are accommodated, not in mere rooms or suites but a choice of modern or traditional houses, the former built of stone with soaring roofs…the others are traditional Kerala wooden residences, transplanted from their original sites."
Whole tharawads (traditional Kerala houses) have been purchased and reassembled here as cottages. They have been converted into elevated structures, keeping in mind the need for free flow of space to facilitate unhindered movement and natural ventilation. Windows serve as doors while writing desks face the sea. Bathroom-cum-toilets or 'bath gardens' are open air, protected by the slopes on all sides and each house has an open-air cafeteria. "More than 100 years old, with intricate carvings and heavy shutters…these cottages have outdoor garden showers, wide verandas and, like all the accommodation, are surrounded by terraced tropical gardens. Bliss
. Recommended: the Ibis or Myna rooms furnished with squatter chairs, bamboo beds and mind-blowing views of the ocean." | |||||||||
SURYA SAMUDRA BEACH GARDEN | |||||||||
An impressive line-up of 21 antique granite
sculptures of lions welcomes every visitor into the reception area of Surya Samudra. They are positioned against the backdrop of an unpolished granite wall. A pathway laid with rectangular granite slabs, reminiscent of the outer courtyard of traditional Kerala temples, ends in front of a pair of carved granite pillars. From there, steps lead towards houses so positioned, that each house offers an unrestricted view of the sea and the beaches. Further, sand paths couched in rich
foliage, link the houses. The land is terraced to prevent erosion and the cottages are placed at different levels hidden from each other by vegetation.