Around India In 80 Trains

Don't be put off that this guesthouse isn't a stone's throw from the station in Trivandrum - if you're fed up of staying in manky bed and breakfasts with itchy woollen blankets, then it's well worth the little trek out of the town to this tranquil little spot tucked away from the noise and busyness of Trivandrum.

Run by a gentle brother and sister couple, Giles and Sylvia, their old family home is now a peaceful guesthouse, while the family still lives next door. Ten minutes walk from the main road, the guesthouse is at the end of a winding road that opens up onto a beautiful stretch of lawn shaded with jackfruit trees, palms, and giant floral bushes. There are four bedrooms - two large and two medium - and if you can nab an upstairs room then do, as the view is breathtaking. The top bedroom has a comfy double bed that can be split into two singles, a fridge, a colour T.V and an attached bathroom with a temperamental shower. The highlight is the balcony that stretches the length of the room and overlooks a vista of greenery that extends right to the Arabian sea, with not another building in sight.

Breakfast is complimentary and cooked by Giles’s wife who does excellent egg curry and chapatis and leaves hunks of fresh pineapple out too.

Above all the rooms are cool, quiet and extremely clean and you'll benefit from the respite.

Room Rates: Rs.1300-2500