POOTHALI HOMESTAY, Bekal

Poothali is a traditional Kerala-style homestay in Kasaragod, set in a quiet locale overlooking green paddy fields. Balmy winds move through the house, settling you into reclining chairs along the corridor, where you savour both the sound of the breeze and the sight of winged visitors, along with the comfort of lovingly prepared local food.

Over the past five years, Poothali has become one of the region’s most admired stays, earning several accolades, including the Sustainable Leadership (BnBs & Guesthouses) award at the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 by Outlook Traveller magazine. Nestled in the serene village of Padannakkad, near Nileshwar in Kasaragod, North Kerala, it continues to embody a spirit of calm and rooted Malabar hospitality.

The decor of Poothali is inspired by the timeless charm of Kerala’s architectural heritage – details we honor and celebrate. Of local artisan craftsmanship, changing seasons, and an unhurried way of life. Elements that speak of contentment found in simplicity.

At Poothali, the emerald paddy fields become your canvas. The home looks out over the lush green rice paddies that change color with the seasons – vibrant green during planting, golden during harvest, and reflective silver pools during the monsoons. Here, you wake to the sounds of birds and the rustle of grain in morning breezes.

Many moments here unfold without agenda. A cup of tea on the veranda watching farmers tend their fields. The distant sound of temple songs carried by the wind. The satisfaction of watching sunset paint the paddies in shades of amber. At Poothali, tranquility isn’t sought – it simply surrounds you.

The homestay draws its name from ‘poothali’ – the Malayalam word for water lily. These flowers bloom abundantly in the paddy fields that stretch before the property, creating natural carpets of beauty that change with the agricultural seasons. The water lilies serve as a gentle reminder of the harmony between cultivation and nature’s own artistry.

Poothali feels like coming home to a place that has been waiting for you. There’s an authenticity here that welcomes without pretense, where hospitality flows naturally from the heart.