Help us run a friendly guesthouse in Varkala, Kerala, India

  • Favourited 405 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Ello folks. I’m Keegan; recently moved here from the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh) with my mountain dog, Momo. She has since passed on to brighter days, but made sure she left me with 7 other doggos (Taco, Salsa, Peanut, Momo Junior, Maggie, Banana & Coconut ) who live here on the property with me.

    We’re currently running a little guesthouse in the magical seaside town of Varkala in Kerala (South India) and could most definitely use a hand or two as we roll along.

    Also run an adventure sports company where we take groups of 12 to domestic hideaways & overseas locations for primarily Ocean sports & Mountaineering.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Hospitality/Tourism
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    As a culture steeply embedded in folklore, ritual & myth – you can learn all about Kerala’s traditional art forms (i.e Kalaripayattu, theyyam, padayani, mohiniyattam) at the new Centre for Performing Arts, among others, here in Varkala.

    Whether its popping into a cooking class (traditional cuisine), a Yoga retreat on our terrace area or in the neighbourhood , surfing/ kayaking sessions or moments with self on secluded stretches of coastline – there’s a little something for everyone.

    Since there’s been such a constant influx of international and domestic travellers to this coastal haven over the years - it has resulted in Varkala turning into a beautiful melting pot with a diverse bunch from all walks of life . Think Yoga shalas, sea side bungalows, cocktails & conversation, live music, continental sea food platters to cheap local delicacies, traditional fishing, temples & meditation centres.

  • Help

    Help

    Animal love & care
    We, (Me & my 7 doggos (Taco, Salsa, Peanut, Momo, Maggie, Banana & Coconut ) live here - along with some ducks, kittens, chickens, rabbits & goats. We're making room for guinea pigs, geese etc as I type. So some help in building shelters for them; feeding & caring for the animals in general would be nice. Taking the doggos out for beach strolls etc.

    Yoga Teacher
    Preference will be given here with the possibility for longer stays.

    House Sitters
    As low/monsoon season kicks in, I usually travel elsewhere for 4-5 weeks or longer. Dates aren't written in stone but if house sitting is of interest while I'm away, then lets have chat and see what works.

    Musicians
    Kicking off with some live music for small groups for an intimate candle lit experience on the roof top.. so if you're comfortable with some sing song and maybe play the banjo/ ukulele/ guitar ..please do write in.

    General Household & garden chores
    Help in checking in guests & ensuring the living/common areas & rooms are spick and span. There’s tons of green space around so would love some help with gardening, watering the plants, weeding, composting, recycling plastic waste etc.

    Wall Art/ Interior Decor
    Some of the freshly painted walls of the cottage could use some artwork in keeping with the overall theme. Happy to discuss and bounce off ideas with those traveling with their brushes (have a few to spare anyway)
    Be it artwork on the walls, lamp shade designs from local materials, bed made of pallets or pot making for indoor plants – I’m all ears!

    Event planners
    If you’re out there! Looking to tie up with the local community and gear up for Sunday markets, pop up kitchens, live music gigs, yoga retreats etc.
    Please feel free to give me a shout if you think you could help with something that hasn’t been mentioned, and we can discuss options on working this out together.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Hindi: Intermediate
    Kannada: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    Thoroughly enjoy Spanish and would love to have some basic proficiency in the language before I eventually find my way to Argentina.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You will have shared accommodation (2 single beds in a room) with a detached shared wash room. Hot water for your showers whenever needed. Happy to provide simple homemade vegetarian meals during your stay here. You will also have access to the common fridge to stock your own groceries and the kitchen of course, to cook your meals.

    The rooms are clean, bright and cheerful. Plenty of space to lounge around and do your own thing. Wi-fi included.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Being a former Yogashala, the space is strategically tucked away in a quiet corner yet close enough to all the action on the cliff (about 1.5 kilometres away) Maybe renting a bicycle or a scooter for the duration of your stay would work best. If not, a tuk tuk/auto stand is right around the corner. Besides, I have my car and travel to town every now and then so happy to drop off and pick you up whenever possible.

    The International airport in Thiruvanthapuram is just over 1hr & 10 minutes away (42kilometres). The train station is down the road so quick getaways now & then is definitely a possibility.

    The Houseboat experience on Munroe Island is quite special, but the famous backwaters, snake boat races & traditional folk dances; even more so. And if you miss the aura of the hills a bit much – there is always the Agasthyamalai peak which has been added to UNESCO’s network of Top worldwide Biosphere reserves.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Can accomodate pets on a case to case basis . Just so long as the other animals on the premises are safe and can roam around freely without a threat :)

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 993647859567

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Accuracy of profile: (5.0)

Cultural exchange: (4.9)

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