Giby Farm is more than a green and peaceful place. Look a little closer, and you will find traces of history, local beliefs and old stories across the property. From stones that once marked the boundary between two kingdoms to trees connected to stories from the Ramayana, there is plenty to discover here.

The Stones That Marked an Old Boundary

Among the interesting things found around the farm are the Kothikallu, or boundary stones. These stones once marked the boundary between the kingdoms of Kochi and Thiruvithamkoor (Travancore).

Each stone has a Malayalam letter carved into it. ‘കൊ’ (ko) marked the Kochi side, while ‘തി’ (thi) marked the Travancore side. Simple as they may look, these stones are reminders of a time when the region was divided between different kingdoms.

The kingdoms of Kochi and Travancore continued as separate states until Indian independence. They later became part of Travancore-Cochin in 1949 and eventually Kerala when the state was formed in 1956.

Today, you can still find Kothikallu in parts of central Kerala, including areas connected with the Muziris Heritage Project. You can also find some of these old markers around Giby Farm.

A 117-Year-Old Rosewood Tree

One of the farm’s oldest residents is its 117-year-old rosewood tree.

The tree has stood here for more than a century, long before Kerala became a state. Rosewood is known for its strong, dense wood and its rich reddish-brown colour. It has traditionally been used to make furniture and other wooden pieces.

At Giby Farm, this tree is also a reminder of how old the land is. It has been here for generations, growing as everything around it changed.

The Tree with Krishna’s Butter Cup

The farm is also home to Ficus krishnae, commonly known as Krishnanaal. Its most noticeable feature is its unusual leaves, which form small cup-like shapes.

According to a popular Hindu story, Lord Krishna used these leaf cups to hide the butter he stole from his mother, Yashoda.

It is a simple and playful story, but seeing the unusual leaves of the tree makes it easy to understand how such a story became part of tradition.

The Shimshapa Tree and the Ramayana

Another tree at the farm is the Shimshapa, a tree associated with one of the best-known stories from the Ramayana.

According to the epic, Sita was held captive by Ravana in Lanka and spent her days in the Ashoka Vatika. She is traditionally said to have rested under the shade of a Shimshapa tree. Hanuman is also believed to have hidden among its branches when he first met Sita and gave her hope by speaking about Rama.

The tree at Giby Farm is not claimed to be the same tree from the story. But knowing the story behind the species adds another point of interest when you see it here.

Bhootham Kolli: The “Ghost Killer”

You may also come across a plant locally known as Bhootham Kolli (Blumea balsamifera).

Its name is often translated as “ghost killer” or “spirit repellent.” In traditional Kerala beliefs, the plant was associated with keeping away negative energy and evil spirits. Its leaves also have a strong, camphor-like smell and have been used in traditional remedies.

Bhootham Kolli is a notable example of how plants have long been connected with both traditional knowledge and local beliefs in Kerala.

A Plant That Changes Through the Day

Then there is Seetharmudi, also known as Arbudhanashini.

What makes this plant interesting is the way its appearance changes during the day. In the morning, some of its delicate parts are said to resemble traditional earrings or jhumkas. As the day progresses, they take on a shape that resembles a braided lock of hair.

It’s a small detail you might miss while walking around the farm unless someone points it out.

A Farm Full of Stories

These are just a few of the stories you can find around Giby Farm. Some belong to history, some to mythology, and others to the folk traditions of the region.

Together, they make the farm a place where there is more to discover than just its natural beauty. Take a slow walk, look around, and you may find a story in an old stone, a tree or even a small plant growing by the path.