Feel at Home
Thekkanat is a home and not a hotel. It is very informal, welcoming and open.We hope your stay here helps you understand Kerala, its people and norms better.
Registration
Governmental rules require you to register on arrival.
Your Baggage
Your baggage will be sent to your room. Do confirm that all your baggage has been taken out before you send your transport away.
Housekeeping
When you need a change of bed linen, towels etc or want your room cleaned, do ask for it. The house staff has instructions not to enter your room during your stay unless specifically requested.
Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are around the family dining table and everyone eats together. The food served in the house is mostly traditional Kerala cuisine and includes non-vegetarian cooking at lunch and dinner. Let us know in advance if you have health or religious food restrictions. We can then let you know what is possible. The menu of the day depends on seasonal vegetables from the farm and village - and the catch of the day.
Meal Timing
Breakfast is normally ready by 8.30, lunch by 13.30 hrs and dinner by 20.00 hrs. These timings are flexible and can be advanced or delayed on request.
Morning Tea/ Coffee/snacks
There is a small pantry in the passage outside your room in the main house. It has the makings for tea/coffee. Kitchen is open from 6.30. The staff will be happy to brew either for you.
Water
The house has a water purification plant. Water in the taps is safe for use. But you will find sealed bottles of drinking water in your room. We recommend you drink only that.
Safety
Thekkanatt is built according to the ancient tenets and has all the trappings of an old house. It does not conform to modern day concepts of safety. Floor levels vary from room to room, each room has a thereshold and the staircase is steep. So you really have to watch your step. If you have any difficulty climbing upstairs, ask to book the one bedroom downstairs. The house has a lot of woodwork, which can be a fire hazard. Handy fire extinguishers are provided in each room.
Security
The village is a very friendly place and people are usually warm and welcoming. The house is safe – but we would still advise you to lock your room when you go out and to keep the key with you till the end of your stay. 

Electricity
Power supply in the area is mostly reliable. But we do have an occasional power failure. There are emergency lights in some points in the house which will light up if the power fails. The house has a back-up generator. It might take about 10 minutes for it to be turned on manually. So bear with us, if you find yourself in the dark unexpectedly
First Aid
We have basic first aid available at Olavipe. If you need a doctor, there is a small village hospital about 2 kms from the house. One of Cochin’s super-specialty hospitals is about an hour’s drive away

Out in the Farm
You are welcome to join the activities on the farm. But for anyone unaccustomed to the hot sun, it is advisable to stay indoors between 11am and 4 in the evening. Drink lots of water and stay in the shade to beat the heat. We recommend you wear covered walking shoes when you are out in the farm. Stick to the lanes and foot tracks. Avoid walking over dry leaf heaps and through overgrown areas - snakes have occasionally been spotted here. Avoid walking outside in the night. Carry a flashlight with you if you must walk out after dark.
Toddlers
There are ponds in the estate around the house. Toddlers and children need to be supervised.
Other guests
You could sometimes be the only people staying with us. But during the global holiday time, it is more likely that you will meet other guests also. There are enough nooks and corners in the house to find your own space if you choose to.
Loudspeakers
In India, there are many reasons to celebrate with loud firecrackers and music. It may be illegal in the country you come from, but in India this is in the natural way of things!

Staff at Olavipe
Besides your hosts, you will meet ‘Team Olavipe’. The chef in the kitchen is Velayudhan. He is over 70 years old. He is the third generation from his family at the house. His assistants are Reejo and Babychen. The young maid who keeps the house clean is Jiji. In the morning you will see Elsie and Usha sweeping the yard. Sujata helps in the kitchen – grinding spices and pastes for the cook. Benny is the chauffeur-cum-handyman and Kannan (our own Ronaldinho) rows the family boat. Mineesh helps with general administration. A few of “Team Olavipe” can speak some English and everyone can communicate in some way or the other!

Leaving Olavipe
When you are packed and ready to go, the house staff will bring your baggage down and load it into your vehicle. Do check that everything is in the car before you leave.
Guest Book
Olavipe has a guest book –add your comments in it. We welcome your feedback.
Tips
Please do not tip the staff for service. If you want to, you are welcome to drop it in the box provided for it in the office. The amount is divided among all the staff, each month.

Keeping in touch
Carry an Olavipe brochure when you leave. The brochure has our email ID and our contact details. Stay in touch – you are now part of the ‘Olavipe network’ worldwide! At Olavipe, we don’t like anyone leaving. In earlier generations, friends and family who made the trip across the lake were encouraged to stay far beyond their original plans! We accept that now times have changed. There are schedules to follow, flights to catch, offices to attend and lives to live far beyond this island. But when you go back, we hope you carry back, happy memories of your time with us!

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