In 2016, Mustafa P A purchased a barren land (once a mining site) to transform it into a green oasis with trees, tropical forests, and water bodies.

A businessman by profession, his work trips to countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand inspired him to create a private jungle. The Greenara Homestay is a part of that vision.

Located amidst the tropical forest that Mustafa planted in Kerala’s Karipur, the homestay is surrounded by seven water bodies and built using natural materials like mud, straw, and wood. No cement has been used.

Born and raised on a farm, Mustafa always missed living in the lush, green area. The inspiration behind the project was partly because he wanted to relive his childhood.

“I started by creating a huge pond and then divided it into streams throughout the property. This water became the main source of water for life to flourish here,” he explains.

He created six more ponds interconnecting them with the main one. This was followed by planting saplings and varieties of tropical plants.

The 5.5 acres of once-barren land now houses over 2,000 trees, bamboo, a Miyawaki forest, and hundreds of fruit trees.

It also has thousands of tropical plants seen in evergreen rainforests, and other ornamental as well as medicinal plants.

The property has three stay options — Mud House, Community Stay, and Residency. There are two mud houses and a dorm-like community hall where 12 guests can stay. The residency is for people who like to stay longer — ideal for artists, writers and musicians.

“We do not have any air conditioning in the property as the greenery around the homestay and the natural materials keep it cool throughout the summers,” says Haneena, Mustafa’s daughter.

Guests can also take a landscaping class and understand its nuances from Mustafa himself. Another highlight is the food, which is primarily Malabari cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients.

“Greenara is the kind of place specifically designed for people who want to simply coexist with nature. Our philosophy revolves around respecting nature and it reflects in our homestay,” says Haneena.