Friday, June 18, 2021
When Stalin Benny, an entrepreneur, started Greenix Village — miniature of a grand Kerala village in place of two godowns close to Aspinwall — one-and-a-half decades ago, many considered it a unique idea. It’s a venue where Kerala’s rich cultural tradition and performing arts get life. You can get the feel the moment you enter the village, with Kerala’s traditional art forms in statues and antique items welcoming you.
In a nutshell, Geenix Village has everything that a first time visitor wants to know about Kerala. The village though started in 2006, got its much anticipated footfall in 2018 only. Stalin gives the entire recognition to his partner, Sarita Babu for the beauty and perfection of the whole concept.
Also, the village offers Kerala-specific cuisine. There is also an Ayurvedic spa and theatre. Here tourists can explore the art forms of the state like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and martial arts Kalaripayattu. The visitors can cruise to locations like Willingdon Island, Mulavukad, Vypeen, Vallarpadam, Bolgatty and Pepper Island.
To quote Stalin, “We are encouraging activity tourism, where the ‘villagers’ take the tourists along, with storytelling, weaving, bamboo basket making, live cooking sessions, teaching, etc. The tourists are given the opportunity to spend a day with a Brahmin (to know the special customs and vegetarian food), a policeman, etc. During dinner, if there are small children, they will be babysat by specially trained teachers from Kudumbasree, who are well-versed in English.”
Tags: kerala
