How VaylArik Began

I never imagined that one day I would build something outside the world of technology. Technology has always been a big part of my life. My father was actually the person who first introduced me to it and encouraged my curiosity. Over the years, that curiosity became something I continued to develop on my own. But Vayl Arik began somewhere completely different. It began with my family, a small piece of land in Kollad, and a cottage overlooking a paddy field.

It started with My father

My father, Ravi George, was born in Kollad in Kottayam district. As a civil engineer, his career took him to different parts of the world, and our family travelled with him. When the time eventually came to settle in India, we first made Chennai our home. It was there that my father started his own civil engineering consultancy. A few years later, my parents decided to move back to Kerala. We settled in Kochi, and the company moved with us. But there was always one small problem. Whenever we travelled to Kollad for family gatherings, functions or special occasions, we didn’t really have a place of our own where we could stay.My father eventually decided to change that.

A Little Place Near the Fields

My parents found a peaceful 15-cent property in Kollad beside almost an acre of paddy field. They weren’t trying to build a resort or a commercial property. They simply wanted a place where our family could stay, spend time together and get away from the noise and traffic of city life. My father used his experience as a civil engineer to plan the cottage, while my mother, Leena George, brought her eye for interiors and helped turn the structure into a warm and comfortable home. Together, they created a one-bedroom cottage on stilts overlooking the surrounding greenery and paddy fields. The cottage has a balcony facing the fields, large sliding doors that open the living space towards the view, a sofa-cum-bed, a dining area and a small kitchenette. Around the property, my parents planted different fruit trees. It became our little escape in Kollad. A place to stay, gather and unwind.

A Place Waiting for a New Beginning

As the years passed and my parents grew older, they began spending less time at the cottage. Eventually, the place remained mostly unused. A caretaker continued looking after the property. The trees kept producing fruit, which would be sent to my parents or sold locally. But the cottage itself was waiting for another purpose. Then, in 2026, my parents suggested something simple:

Why don’t we open the place for guests? That conversation became the beginning of Vayl Arik.

More Than Just a Place to Sleep

From the beginning, I didn’t want Vayl Arik to become just another accommodation listing. The idea was much simpler. I wanted to share the feeling our family originally enjoyed there — leaving the city behind, staying close to nature, spending time with people who matter and giving your mind a little space to slow down. Over time, I also see Vayl Arik becoming a place for small and meaningful gatherings. When the cottage isn’t occupied by staying guests, the space could host intimate workshops, conversations, family gatherings and small events for around 5–10 people. Guests staying with us are welcome to prepare their own meals in the kitchenette, while outside catering can be arranged for suitable gatherings and events.

Why We Chose a Different Direction

While developing the idea, I spoke to many people. Some suggested turning the property into a place for drinking, loud music and parties. Others told me that this was the easiest market to attract in Kottayam. I chose not to follow that direction. It would have changed the very reason this place existed. There are families living nearby, and more importantly, Vayl Arik was never meant to compete with party venues. It was created for something quieter. For someone leaving Kochi after a demanding week. For a couple looking for a peaceful weekend. For a small family wanting time together. For friends who would rather have a meaningful conversation than another noisy night out. Or simply for someone who wants to sit near the fields and do absolutely nothing for a while. That’s the experience I want Vayl Arik to protect.

Building It With Technology

My professional background is in technology, so naturally, technology has become part of how I’m building Vayl Arik. I’ve used it extensively for research, planning, branding, content, digital marketing and understanding how a small hospitality venture can operate better. In a strange way, I’m building something outside the technology industry using almost everything technology has taught me. And I’m still learning as I build it.

Why the Name “Vayl Arik”?

The name comes directly from where the cottage stands.

In Malayalam, “Vayal” means paddy field, while “Arik” means near or beside.

Vayl Arik — near the paddy fields.

It describes the place without trying too hard. And that simplicity represents what we’re trying to create here. Vayl Arik isn’t about luxury for the sake of luxury. It’s about having somewhere peaceful to go when city life gets a little too loud. A place where you can slow down, reconnect and enjoy the people and surroundings around you.

Vayl Arik – Stay. Gather. Unwind.