The exact spot intended to be developed is
the Manthuruthil island situated in Kuttanad. This name is derived
from a small plot of land which was covered with mango groves
in the past - Maav & Thurthu ie. an island of mango-trees.
In the middle of the island is a typical Syrian Christian "Tharavadu"
which goes back to three generations.
Kerala is more than a sliver of green on the tip of India. It
is the land where the season never ends. It is a heaven of peace.
Ted's Home Stay is situated in a village called Kaipuzha. Kaipuzha
is a low-lying village in Northern Kuttanad.
It is known as a "Rice Bowl" as the occupation of
villagers is the traditional paddy cultivation. The green
structure of paddy fields, fringed by the coconut palms offers
scenic beauty. The sunrise and the orange sunset over these
vast stretches is a greenish feast for the eye.
Mr. Mathew Simon, 42 of Manthuruthil is a
man of great energy. He was born and brought up in Kaipuzha
and has enjoyed the outdoor life of an agriculturist from his
adolescence. He is professionally trained in Hotel Management
and Catering technology and also worked a stint as Instructor
at the Poona Catering College. He has ten years experience,
sailing all over the world and has much personal contact among
people in foreign countries and is desirous of exploiting the
openings in his own village for tourism.
Having ten years experience overseas, Mr. Simon knows what a
foreigner expects in matters like Hygiene, sanitation and Transport
Facilities. He has confidence about meeting such requirements
and has taken up this venture as a personal challenge. The promoter
hails from a family which can trace its ancestors back to many
generations. They are a close-knit Syrian Christian family having
a large number of members who are mostly middle class and settled
in the village as agriculturists. In the present generation,
howsoever, a good number from this family have settled in the
US, Europe and the Middle-East as NRI's.
The power behind Mr Mathew Simon is his wife Mrs. Mathew (Kunjumol),
a graduate in arts leading a peaceful life as a house wife with
her three children. The eldest one Master. Teddy Mathew, is
now studying in 10th grade .His younger sister Irene Mathew
in Sixth grade and the youngest Terin Mathew is 7 months. Teddy
and Irene are fond of music and dance.