Case No. 8
Title : THARAVADU
Author(s) :
When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God’s own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. Tharavadu is situated at the centre of this paradise, Kumarakom.. THARAVADU is a unique family restaurant along with heritage toddy shop which is the centre of attraction of a large no of tourist. It has the unique characteristic of being one of the famous family restaurant along with a heritage toddy shop.
THARAVADU was initially started as an ordinary small toddy shop by Mr. Santhosh .P.R which catered to the needs of the local people in and around the place. Santhosh started the toddy shop in an asbestos roof small building. Noticing the tourism boom at Kumarakom Santhosh identified a business opportunity which resulted in the opening up of Tharavadu family restaurant. Near to his toddy shop he constructed five small cottages and started the restaurant business. It is located on the bank of Vembanad lake. In order to create a cozy environment to the guest he planted many trees to add to the beauty of the place. The surroundings gave an additional advantage. It was situated on the banks of Vembanad lake.
CONCEPT
Wine tourism refers to tourism whose purpose is or includes the tasting, consumption or purchase of wine, often at or near the source. Santhosh has the idea of wine tourism to promote toddy which could be considered as a drink special to Kerala. Wine tourism can consist of visits to wineries, vineyards, and restaurants known to offer unique vintages, as well as organized wine tours, wine festivals, or other special events. The concept of cuisine tourism is also came into his mind. And he served traditional Kerala style foods and marine foods for which Kumarakom is renown. The cuisine included traditional foods like kappa, appam, fish curry, duck, karimeen, shrimp …etc.
The food is being served in traditional wares. He gave special care to ensure a hygenic environment in his restaurant . Fresh toddy from the palm with no adulteration is served here in earthen pots in the restaurant.
In the initial period he had to face many set backs. He was able to mange all those problems because of the support from the local people. In spite of having many other toddy shops in and around Kumarakom, Tharavadu could create its own brand image among both domestic and foreign tourists. The food served here is well known for its taste and affordable price. Due to these reasons it is one of the toddy shops in Kerala which is visited by families with women.
THARAVADU provides ample security to people coming there. Special care is taken to protect families from the drunkards. And family cottages are separated from other cottages and due to this reason families are provided ample security. The promotion is purely word of mouth, no other promotional activities is done, which makes THARAVADU unique.
Now THARAVADU is considered as one of the most sought after tourism destinations. The main customers are domestic tourists even though foreign tourists are also visiting this place. More than a Toddy Shop Mr.Santhosh has been successfully promoted THARAVADU as a family restaurant with a traditional touch to it.
