Private Beach House in Mararikulam, Alleppey

This beach villa is a nalukettu tharavadu that traces its history to 1829. Records indicate that in 1829, upon his ascension to the ivory throne, His Highness Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore ordered for the construction of this nalukettu at Kollengode in present-day Tamilnadu state. It was to be a way-stop for the royal family and their entourage as they toured that part of the kingdom. Built using the best timber to exacting standards by the best of local craftsmen, you are staying at one of the finest examples of early 19th-century architecture of Travancore.

In early 2008, Keith and Sonia Baker were completing a two-month long trip through the length and breadth of India. During their drive through Kanyakumari with Tushar Shah and Raju, they came upon this nalukettu. Whilst enjoying the hospitality of the then owner, Mr. Mithravila Thankakumar, a seemingly casual conversation took unexpected turns resulting in the Baker’s purchasing the nalukettu. Mr Thankakumar reflected that he was a direct descendant of the family to whom the nalukettu was donated by the royal household in 1949 when the princely states were disbanded in the newly independent India.

This is not just any other heritage beach house or beach villa; this nalukettu is a living witness to our history.

The Bakers have always had an ongoing love affair with India, its culture and its people. Seasoned by numerous visits, they had developed a deep-rooted bond with Kerala and its people. The plan was to transplant the nalukettu in its entirety to this piece of property at Mararikulam on Marari Beach, its present-day location. They had acquired the beachside property during one of their previous visits.

The next few years would prove to be filled with numerous challenges. Through it all the Bakers, Raju, Tushar and the people of the village persevered. The nalukettu was painstakingly disassembled from Kanyakumari. Each individual piece was numbered, photographed, catalogued and stored whilst the application to rebuild made its way through the bureaucracy. After 5 years of emotionally taxing and painstakingly laborious process, the nalukettu hosted the Bakers on their holiday for the first time in 2013. Mr Bakers recalled that the entire population of Mararikulam celebrated the rebirth of this truly magnificent piece of history.

The Bakers’ are particularly proud of the contribution made by Tushar Shah and Raju. Their steadfastness and strong resolve helped the Bakers navigate through the maze of bureaucracy and cultural sensitivities. Raju has been a part of this nalukettu from its beginning. Through the negotiation to purchase, the disassembly, numbering, cataloguing, storage transport and reassembly his contribution is immeasurable. This nalukettu standing proudly on Marari Beach is the strongest recognition of their hard-work and dedication.

From the moment you arrive, till the moment you leave, you are living within the walls, floors and ceilings that have two centuries of heritage. The intricate carvings and the magnificent wood work incorporate floral and animal motifs local to our land. This is not just any other heritage beach house or beach villa; this nalukettu is a living witness to our history. We are showcasing it to the world. We welcome people from across the world to come and experience our hospitality, whilst relaxing in the settings of a beach outside.

His Highness Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore, a Sanskrit scholar, was also a legend in the world of classical Indian music. The musician monarch, has, to his credit, over 400 classical compositions in both the Carnatic and Hindustani genres.

We dedicate this nalukettu to the world as “Veena – by the beach”.

History