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Welcome to Our Land. Relax and enjoy the tranquillity, join us in some of the activities we offer, or set-off on your own adventures and explore our surroundings by yourselves.
Our Land is the dream child of Chalukya Grace Tours. We bought the first part of Our Land in 1995 with the vision of developing an island retreat that nurtures the environment and is embedded in the local community. With it we aim to bring people together, connect cultures, and share our passion for Kerala with tourists from all over the world.
The information here is based on questions frequently asked by our guests, but things can change with the seasons, and you might have a question that is not covered below, so please feel free to talk to us and ask questions at any time. We chose the name Our Land because we aim to create a feeling of belonging within the people who live and work around us, and within our guests. We hope you will feel part of Our Land during your stay.
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Drinking Water
At Our Land we use a UV-based water purification system to provide drinking water and avoid creating plastic waste. The water provided in metal jugs is safe to drink. Please ask if you need a re-fill or need us to fill your own water bottle.
If you do want sealed bottles of water during your stay, we will ask you to pay for these yourselves but we will be able to buy them for you and bring them to the island.
Meals
All meals, tea and coffee and an afternoon snack are included in your stay. Let us know if you are a vegetarian or have any other dietary requirements when you arrive. Each meal is freshly prepared with local ingredients and served home-style in our dining area – please eat to your heart’s content! Meal times may vary slightly depending on the day’s activities, so ask us if you are unsure. Usually the times are: Breakfast 8:30, Lunch 13:00, Dinner 20:00. At breakfast we provide south Indian dishes along with eggs, toast and jam. For lunch and dinner we prepare south Indian dishes including fish caught that day and local free-range chicken. Ask if you would like us to adjust the spice level!
Snacks
A simple snack such as fried banana, onion pakkoda or ada will be provided with tea or coffee at about 16:00 each day, in the dining area or on your balcony. Please feel free to ask us for a tea or coffee at any other time – including before breakfast. And let us know if you would like to try a fresh coconut straight from a local tree!
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Our Land is a perfect place to just be and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Ask us to tie up a hammock, or sit back on your balcony, watch the boats pass by, and snooze or read all day long. Feel free to wander around the island, smell the flowers and leaves of plants, listen to the frogs and the bird song, and be with our staff as they go about their daily work.
Please click here to visit our Activities List.
All the activities above are part of your stay. There will be no extra charge.
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We offer full Ayurvedic assessment and treatment at Our Land with a qualified doctor. However, if you would simply like to pamper yourself with one or two Ayurvedic massages or facials you are very welcome to. Please aim to book a day in advance. Click here for Ayurveda at Ourland. |
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| OUR HOUSEBOAT |
Our Houseboat will be moored along-side Our Land when it’s not in use. It is available for hire for day and over-night cruises but gets booked-up well in advance during the high season. Ask if you are interested in arranging a last minute excursion and we will see what we can do!. Click here to view images and reviews of Our Houseboat. |
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| DAY TRIPS |
There are plenty of places to visit within a day from Our Land – below are just a few examples. We can provide advice, book transport and arrange small tours.
Take the local ferry to bustling Alleppey and explore its network of canals and the Mullackal and Kidangaparambu Temples. Stop in a cafe, choose from hundreds of styles of umbrella at the famous Jones or Poppy umbrella marts, then take an auto to the beach and lighthouse about 2km out of town.
For a wilder, more remote stretch of coast, take a taxi and spend the day at Marari Beach.
Visit the churches, lake and rubber plantations near Kottayam – we can book a tour for you where you learn about plantation activities. |
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| OTHER PRACTICALITIES |
Air conditioning
If you are using the air-conditioner in your room, please keep the windows closed to save energy. If you need any assistance, let us know.
Alcohol and soft drinks
We don’t have a permit to keep alcohol at Our Land. However, you are welcome to bring your own, along with soft drinks (sodas, tonic water etc).
Bathrooms and hot water
The hot water taps are on the left-hand side. You will need to let the tap run for a few minutes before the hot water becomes available. The water from the taps at Our Land has passed through our own sand and carbon filtration system, but please only drink the water provided in metal jugs.
Soap, shampoo and toilet paper are provided in the bathroom. We will check supplies when we clean your room, but please ask if you need refills or replacements in between these times.
Bell
If you need to speak to one of us and can’t find us, please ring the bell by the door through to the staff room and kitchen behind the dining area. At least one of us is available from 6:00 to 10:00, but please ring the bell at any time for urgent issues.
Cleaning, towels and bedding
We will clean your room and change your towels and bedding every second day. If you would prefer us to change your towels and bedding more or less frequently let us know.
Check-in and check-out
Check-in is usually from 13:00. Please provide your passport at check-in so we can complete the required government form. Our standard check-out time is 11:00. If you would like to stay in your room beyond this time, please let us know at least one day in advance and we will try to accommodate your request.
Electricity
The standard current is 220 to 240 volts. Because of our location please expect that there will be voltage fluctuations and there may be power cuts at any time of day or night. We provide a candle and matches and torch for your room. Please leave these in your room for the guests that follow you.
Internet and WiFi
WiFi is available in the reception/dining area but the speed is variable. Several cafes in Alleppey including Cream Corner provide free WiFi for customers.
Laundry
A laundry service is available at an extra charge. Because of the high humidity it can take up to 24 hours to return your laundry and it may not be completely dry. Please avoid giving us delicate items to wash - we cannot accept responsibility for any damage to them. We don’t provide an ironing service but you may borrow an iron and ironing board from us.
Telephone
Mobile phones work on the island. If you do not have a personal mobile phone and need to make an urgent call, please ask. Calls within Kerala will be free of charge.
Transport
Airport or local transfers are available on request. A minimum of three hours advance notice is required to arrange for a car and driver. Longer trips can also be planned with a days notice. Information on local public transport and train timings can be provided. Train tickets can be booked at a nominal service charge.
Tips
All the staff of Our Land contribute to making your experience enjoyable – some are less visible than others but all are important. If you are completely happy with our service and would like to leave a tip, we ask that you do this in the terracotta tip box in reception. Please be assured that it will be distributed equally among the staff and very gratefully received.
Wake up call
Please ask if you need one!
Wildlife
As a result of the hot climate and dense vegetation you will come across insects and reptiles during your stay. Most of these are not harmful but please use a torch when you are walking around the island at night and feel free to ask us if you have any concerns. Your room should be free of mosquitoes so we do not provide nets in general – please keep your door and windows closed especially in the evening when you have the lights on.
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