Cranganor History Cafe and Riverside Chateau
Elenthikkara, Puthenvelikara, Kerala, India
A retreat by the riverside called Cranganor History Café & Riverside Château is located in Elenthikkara, Puthenvelikara, Kerala, India.
The Venue
Cranganor is a charming and peaceful riverside resort situated in a serene village close to the Muziris Heritage Project in Kerala, India. The Château is located on the banks of the Periyar River, offering breathtaking views of the longest river in Kerala. The property spans 1.5 acres of land, with 150 meters of riverfront, allowing every room to have stunning views. The Periyar River is located just a few kilometers from the sea, and its banks are adorned with picturesque backwater canals, lagoons, and rural landscapes. Guests can wake up to the sounds of chirping birds and watch fishermen glide past in their vallams (country boats).
The infinity pool and balconies are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the serene surroundings. The resort offers delicious local cuisine, including fresh catches of the day from local fishermen. Guests can explore the local markets, ancient synagogues, church fetes, temple festivals, boat races, and cycle through the vast paddy fields. A stay at Cranganor promises a tranquil and rejuvenating experience by the river.
Who is hosting?
Vineeth and Rasmi have poured their hearts into Cranganor, which they consider a passion project. As soon as they arrived at the riverside location, they felt a profound connection to the area. The breathtaking views of the river, the verdant surroundings, the tranquil village, and the genuine and sincere villagers all contributed to this feeling. Although they started as strangers, they now consider this place their home, and the village has become a part of them.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
Cranganor History Café & Riverside Château is a boutique riverside resort located on the river Periyar in the region of the old port city of Muziris (near Kochi, Kerala) offering authentic experiences dedicated to local heritage, riverside culture, religion, art, village life, fishing, food and more. The architectural style is inspired by the Indo - Dutch language of Kerala Architecture that is seen all over Kochi region - notably the historic Paliyam Palace linked to the ancient kingdom of Kochi, one the famous buildings in the vicinity. This allows a double storeyed structure with luxuriant colonnaded verandahs all around.
Accommodation
Cranganor is a charming double-storied structure with exquisite colonnaded verandahs surrounding it. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed to provide stunning views of the river.
The River Meadow rooms are located on the riverside lawns, with king-sized beds and bathrooms featuring tubs/courtyards. The rooms are adorned with colonial furniture, and the burnished oxide floor highlights the majestic four-poster bed and antique dresser. The sliding doors lead to the balcony, providing a picturesque view of the river and lawns. The open-air bathroom adds to the charm of your stay.
The River Panorama rooms, located on the first floor, offer a magnificent 360-degree view of the river. These rooms feature queen-sized beds and a loo-with-a-view. The cool blue and warm mustard oxide floor complement the antique furniture. The old-style colored glass doors allow warm sunlight to stream in, while the sliding doors lead to the balcony, framing the river and lawns like a postcard. The spacious bathroom offers stunning views of the sky, providing a unique experience.
The Poolside Rooms offer a unique experience, allowing guests to walk right into the 20-meter infinity pool. These rooms overlook the infinity edge of the pool and the river beyond. The rooms feature queen/double beds and provide a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Kerala's cuisine has been influenced by various cultures for over 3000 years, including Greece, Rome, China, Arabia, Portugal, Holland, and Britain. The River Periyar is not just a source of water, power, and inspiration but also provides an abundance of river catch. The river, located just a few kilometers from the sea, mingles with backwater canals and lagoons, forming an estuary rich in prawn, pearl spot, snapper, mullet, barramundi, and clam. Cranganor specializes in seafood and local vegetarian cuisine, providing a unique culinary experience.
Experiences
Enjoy a leisurely swim in our opulent infinity pool that offers stunning views of the river, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at our spa, or explore the river by kayaking. Being situated in the heart of the Muziris heritage project, we are within walking distance of some exquisitely restored historical sites. Embark on a cycling expedition to the nearby fields, or discover the life on the water with a boat excursion.
Conscious Travel
Cranganor focuses on mindful and responsible approach to traveling, which takes into consideration the social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism. It involves making informed choices about the destinations we visit, the activities we engage in, and the products and services we consume during our travels. Conscious travel also involves respecting the local culture and customs, supporting local businesses, minimizing our carbon footprint, and contributing to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. The aim of conscious travel is to promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the travelers and the destinations they visit.