January 2, 2025
Nirvriti is nestled in the heart of Kozhinjampara, Kerala, an hour and a half drive from Coimbatore airport. A meticulously restored heritage home built in 1865, it blends colonial elegance with rustic functionality. Featuring prominent pillars, arches, and a sloping tile roof, its original design catered to the agrarian lifestyle of the Gounder family. Constructed with advanced techniques of its time, including the use of egg white as a moisture-resistant primer, the house required minimal repairs over three generations.
After changing hands in 1982, the house fell into neglect until acquired in 2004 by Thomas Chakola and later gifted to his brother Joseph. Restoration, led by architects Anita Chauduri and Vinod Cyriac, retained the original materials while integrating modern elements. A new adjoining block built as a residence for its hosts, designed by Khalid Rahman of the Centre for Vernacular Architecture Trust, harmonizes with the restored main house.
Set in Kulukkapara, a serene village near Kozhinjampara in Kerala, Nirvriti now serves as Joseph and Ria's home and a homely getaway. The two storeyed house features one suite on each floor with verandas, living areas, and en-suite bathrooms, alongside tranquil spaces like a courtyard with a lily pond. With accommodations for up to four adults, Nirvriti offers an immersive experience in heritage and rural charm.
Ria and Joseph are the heart and soul of Nirvriti, embodying elegance, warm hospitality, and a worldly openness shaped by years of international travel and meaningful experiences. Their vision for Nirvriti reflects the best of their travel experiences: gracious hosts, exceptional food, and welcoming surroundings. Supporting this vision are Saravanan and his wife Suganthi the two unseen pillars of Nirvriti, complementing the efforts and carrying out the agenda of Ria and Joseph with charm and dedication. Their two beautiful dogs - Cara and Mufasa are endearing and great company.
The menu at Nirvriti is thoughtfully crafted and customizable to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Many ingredients are home-made, including fresh cream, cheeses, butter, ghee, and coconut oil, as well as a variety of breads. Vegetables and herbs are sourced from their garden and trusted local suppliers, while farm-fresh meat from Kanjirapally and fresh seafood from Thrissur and Kochi ensure exceptional quality for non-vegetarian dishes. The coffee experience is a highlight, featuring unique blends from Kumbakonam and Coorg’s renowned Sidhapur estates. Kerala’s legendary spices—pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and more—are harvested from their farm and nearby family-owned estates. Seasonal tropical fruits and wild honey add fresh, authentic flavors, while local and basmati rice varieties complete the table.
Meals at Nirvriti are a delightful culinary journey. Ria alongwith Suganthi masterfully combine local ingredients with recipes passed down through generations. Lunch is a feast featuring crisp poppadoms, bitter gourd chips, flavorful fish fry, and baby jackfruit cooked with spices, complemented by beans thoran, dal, and Kerala red rice. Signature dishes like mutton biryani with mutton curry, idiyappam with chicken curry, and puttu with kadala curry showcase authentic local flavors.
Ria’s creativity shines in desserts, with tender coconut payasam and a refreshing fruit bowl with tapioca pearls offering the perfect finish. Tea-time treats include banana fritters (Pazhampori) and freshly baked orange tea cake paired with tea or coffee.
For a change of pace, Joseph often crafts European-inspired meals using ingredients from his travels. Our spread featured pumpkin soup with sundried mushrooms and truffle oil, grilled prawns, spaghetti aglio e olio with his unique twist, and banana pudding with ice cream—a truly global dining experience.
Things to Do at Nirvriti
Mornings begin with a pot of tea or coffee on the patio or in the open air dining area attached to Joseph and Ria’s abode. Afternoons are for indulgence—a leisurely home cooked Malyali lunch, followed by siesta in the cool living area attached to the room. Evening walks through the village paths revealed the serenity of rural life alongwith explorations of local treasures like Chittur or the agraharam enclave at Tattamangalam. A visit to the handloom weaving community at Thenari is a must. They also have a small store where you can buy woven fabrics.
For nature lovers, day trips to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Silent Valley National Park, or Nelliyampathy Hills offer stunning ecologies. On select evenings, experience intimate Kerala performances, including classical music and traditional dance like Kathakali or Mohiniattam.
Private Dining Experience at Nirvriti
Designed for 12–15 guests, this experience offers a choice of elegant sit-down meals (3-5-7 courses) or buffet/barbecue-style dining, tailored to your preferences. Private dining is available for lunch or dinner when the house is not hosting overnight guests. Advance inquiries and confirmations are required at least 10 days prior to the event.
The Store at Nirvriti
Their online store serves as a platform to showcase products crafted by women entrepreneurs, celebrating their journeys and the community they create. From artisanal ready-to-wear clothes, bath linen, and home furnishings to gourmet food like handmade pasta, seasonal fruit cakes, spices, coffee, and tea from select plantations, the products are curated with care and creativity.
Nirvriti isn’t just a stay; it’s a heartfelt embrace of simplicity and joy. It’s where heritage whispers through the walls, where food becomes art, and where life slows to let you breathe deeply. For anyone seeking peace wrapped in culture and community, Nirvriti is the perfect sanctuary.
Double rooms start at Rs 18,750 plus tax.
Book www.nirvriti.com
