Sourabham
in Malayalam translates as 'fragrance'. The name of our 55-year-old
home is only apt, as here you will not only encounter the scent
of rain-wet earth, exotic flowers and luscious fruit, but also
get a whiff of hearty Indian hospitality.
The house has a delightful garden with swaying coconut palms,
banana plants, breadfruit and mango trees, which have entwining
pepper vines. Oil is milled from the coconut kernels and the
pepper is sold locally. There are herbs used in traditional
medicine and water lilies, hibiscus and anthurium.
|
|
Fragrant
jasmine blooms like white stars against its dark green leaves
in the hot months. Sourabham is truly an oasis
in the heat of the Indian summer as the lush foliage surrounding
the house pushes down temperatures within it.But the garden
really springs to life after the Indian monsoon - the rainy
season which stretches from mid-June to September. The nearly
100-year-old well at the back of the house is full almost to
overflowing. The fish in their tank are flashes of colour. For
those who love rain, this period is not to be missed. All you
need is a hot cup of tea, and the rain song and a good book
for company.
|
