Padanna in North Kerala is a village where land and water are at constant play—their borders merging and blurring. Here in the village, which is nestled among rivers and backwaters, is a unique resort that exemplifies this connection between land and sea. At Oyster Opera, set along the backwaters and fish farming ponds, the water is never far away.

The resort, 55km from Kasargod, is run by G.S Gul, who pioneered mussel farming on coir here and passed on this knowledge to local fish farmers so they could supplement their incomes. The same fish farmers joined hands to build Oyster Opera, which has been welcoming guests since 2007. The resort comprises of 10 cottages, all built right beside the backwaters and/or fish ponds or even right on the water! All the cottages are built of mostly natural and local materials, like laterite stone, bamboo cane, wood, thatch and local tiles.

These local farmers and their families are involved in the running of the resort, from cooking guests’ meals to taking them boating.

Expect delicious and local dishes like pola, a steamed cake made of rice and fermented coconut water, and kilaachipolichathu, a crêpe made of the foam from churned raw rice paste, that you won’t get in restaurants elsewhere. The meals also showcase the fruits of the fish ponds, the backwaters and the sea with dishes like prawn masala, squid fry, crab curry, matthi molagittathu, karimeen pollichathu and oyster in a ricepuff. Vegetarians needn’t worry and can expect good helpings of thorans along with Kerala specialities like aviyal during lunch and dinner.

There is lots to do here besides eat. The stunning Bekal Fort is nearby. Closer to the resort, guests can explore the village, go boating on the backwaters and visit a pristine and nameless beach. This region is also known for its ritual art form Theyyam and for guests visiting during the correct season witnessing a performance at the nearby Someswari temple is a must.

Price: Rs 7,000 per night for two people. 

Read more: oysteropera.in/