Unique Farm Stay Experience in Kerala is for slow living

For ten years, Mustafa PA looked for a location that would bring back the verdant memories of his home hamlet in the Keralan district of Calicut. In the vicinity of Calicut International Airport, he acquired six acres of a degraded laterite mining property in 2016. Many questioned his choice, but because there was a body of water, Mustafa saw possibilities in the otherwise barren terrain. He saw this area being revived and reforested, becoming a haven for both humans and wildlife.

“Walking in nature provided me with the only comfort I needed to cope with the terrible reality that followed the death of my parents. Mustafa, who lost both of his parents at a young age, says, “Just as I believed that this dry land would similarly revive through this project, I also maintained hope in my life.”

The Journey of Reforestation

The land, once a barren mining site, is now a thriving wilderness with over 2000 trees and tall ferns. Ponds and streams crisscross the property, sustaining a variety of medicinal, and ornamental plants, and vegetables. This transformation has led to the growth of a lush tropical food forest, attracting birds, butterflies, and visitors seeking a serene farm life experience.

In 2023, Mustafa opened Greenara as an experiential farm stay. The name ‘Greenara’ combines ‘green’ with ‘ara’—a Malayalam word meaning a four-walled chamber found in Kerala’s ancestral homes.

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A Unique Stay Experience

Greenara offers a distinct stay experience across its three levels. A bamboo gate welcomes guests to fern-lined paths leading to a pond, a 95-seat amphitheater, a foliage-filled dining area, and a community living dorm on the top level. The middle level features two independent mud cottages, reminiscent of old village homes, constructed with bamboo frames, mud plaster, and grass-topped roofs to keep the rooms cool. The minimal interiors are in natural earthy tones with open-to-the-sky bathrooms.

Community Stay Space

The Community Stay Space, designed as a dorm with bunk beds for 12 guests, is built with rammed earth walls and rolling jute curtains. Communal bathrooms made using concrete (waste cloth finished with ferro-cement and gray oxide), are separate from the main living area.

Water Features and Accessibility

The property boasts eight flowing water sources, two open for guests to swim in, while the others remain undisturbed ecosystems. The minimal cement construction limits wheelchair access to the top level, where the community living space and dining hall are located. Greenara closes for two months during the summer to allow the land to rest and rejuvenate.

About the Hosts

Mustafa runs a tropical landscaping firm called Greenara Life, inspired by his experience in developing the farm stay. His wife, Shabja EK, orchestrates the farm-to-table feasts at Greenara, while their daughter Haneena curates events and workshops, ranging from tropical landscaping to food studies and bamboo product design. Haneena’s documentary, “And I Call Him My Father,” chronicles Mustafa’s journey in building Greenara and was screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala in 2023.

Culinary Delights

Meals at Greenara are served in a greenhouse-like common dining space. Shabja and her team prepare homely Malabari-style meals, with ingredients sourced 60-70% from the farm. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring dishes like avial, Kerala-style fish fry, and vegetables like spinach and banana blossoms. Breakfast includes idli, dosa, and traditional Kerala specialties like puttu and idiyappam. Guests can also enjoy fresh, pesticide-free fruits like guava, rose apple, and banana, provided they don’t waste any.

Activities and Experiences

Greenara offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers. Guests can start their day with a tropical walk led by Mustafa, who points out century-old trees, various bamboo species, and rare plants. Quick lessons on landscaping and permaculture are available. Two crystal-clear ponds are perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely bamboo raft ride, with safety jackets provided for non-swimmers. Board games, books, hammocks, and free participation in ongoing workshops add to the enriching experience.

Getting There

Greenara is conveniently located just 2.8 km from Calicut International Airport, with Cochin International Airport about 3 hours and 45 minutes away. Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station is a half-hour drive from the property.

Booking Information

• Rates: Doubles from Rs 7,500* inclusive of breakfast.
• Booking: Available on their website or Airbnb.
• Note: Prices are subject to change.
• Website: Here
• Airbnb: Here

For those seeking a rejuvenating holiday surrounded by nature, Greenara offers an unforgettable experience. Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family, this farm stay promises a deep connection with nature and a taste of slow-paced farm life.

Stay tuned to Travel Beloved for more unique travel experiences and tips on sustainable tourism. Safe travels!