Jaadooghar Annapara Homestay, Sustainably Luxurious

Many thanks to Zafar Salim (host & owner) and his team (including Shibu & Praveen - two of the most efficient, able and most amicable hosts) for the lovely stay! My friends and I stayed here for 2 nights this week (November 2022). In many ways, this was the most rejuvenating and enjoyable experience till date. ACCOMMODATION: The quality of the accommodation was truly excellent. The rooms are very clean and comfortable. We also loved the fact that each room is clearly customised and tastefully decorated giving it a rustic and truly vintage effect that reflect a unique style that is quintessentially Zafar. The quality of the bed/mattress is also very good, ensuring a comfortable, good night's sleep. Each room comes with its own bathroom and hot shower including basic toiletries, towels and bathmats. Excellent location of the cottages promise you spectacular views while you sip on your tea or coffee in the verandah. FOOD: The homecooked food has always been EXCELLENT and more so this time. The hosts are very receptive and ensure that your wishes are accepted in terms of food choice and preferences cooked with a very refined, delicate and balanced diet of Pure Vegetarian, seafood and poultry. HOSPITALITY: Zafar (owner- happen to be there) and his trusted and friendly lieutenants - Shibu & Praveen's hospitality made a huge difference: welcoming, warm, generous and very real. Their knowedge of their place, the habitat and surroundings relaxes you more and that's when you know that you are in good hands. LOCATION: tucked into the wilderness of Wayanad and perched on top of a hillock is Anapara, this place is a little haven devoid of the constant hooting and tooting of any traffic. Awesome views all around with plenty of greenery, chirping of birds and beautifully lit night sky. Outdoors and we were thrilled both because of the pleasant weather and the greenery stretching as far as the eye can see with a view of the hills nearby and the vast stretch of tea gardens, waterfalls and scenic beauty. Absolute delight for both the relaxed and the adventurer (with an abundance of activities close by) If we ever return to Waynad (we intend to), we will most definitely return to ANNAPARA HOME STAY!

If you're someone who is longing for a digital detox Annapara should be your pick. This beautiful abode is a perfect example of sustainable tourism in every sense. They got the most beautiful natural swimming pool in a dreamy location. The water coming from the natural forest spring is collected in the pool and you get to swim in fresh water like you get to do it in a natural steam.. There are two types of rooms the heritage room and family suite (ideal for big families) and we stayed in the heritage room which is an old labour quarter built in early 1950's. 100% authentic Kerala cuisine is served here that too freshly cooked delicious meals. The caretakers Shibu chettan and Praveen chettan is always available at your service. They'll take you around for short-long walks where you get to see wildlife roaming freely. They know the place, geography and animal movement so well. The most interesting point is Annapara did not take an electricity connection yet. So if you're a tech freak be prepared for some days without power. They do provide generator facility from 6 pm 6 am with single charging point in the room. :D Annapara is pet friendly and we travelled with our 2 dogs and both of them had a gala time exploring the greenery around. Also, they provided cooked food for Bruce and Tintin (Please be responsible that your pets are well behaved and make sure they do not destroy or spoil the property). The cherry on top about our stay was various wildlife spotting including elephants just in front of the property. Overall Annapara is a perfect option for those who want a complete detox from the hush city life and likes to experience a close to local life. Our recommendations: Star gazing at night, Nature walks, Spend max time at Swimming pool and the Gazebo (best network coverage for phones ;)), local cuisine, wildlife spotting.