Kera Kesari Award — Best Coconut Farmer in Kerala
Government of Kerala
Our Story
The Legacy of Generations
The story of River Island began in 1958.
Nestled on the banks of the serene Chaitravahini River in Bheemanady, the hills of Kasaragod, River Island is a family-owned organic farm and farmstay rooted in heritage, sustainability, and a deep connection with nature.
The story began in 1958 when Augustine Palamattam, a descendant of the ancient Palamattam family from Central Kerala's oldest Christian communities, left Kuravilangad. He migrated to the Malabar region, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the opportunity to build a new future for his family.
What started as a traditional farm soon blossomed into something extraordinary. Guided by a passion for agriculture and sustainable living, Mr. Sebastian P. Augustine, a retired Deputy Tahsildar, transformed the property into an award-winning integrated organic farm. Long before organic farming became a global movement, he embraced nature-friendly practices and cultivated a diverse ecosystem of tropical and exotic fruits, spices, livestock, and natural biodiversity.
Today, River Island is more than a farm, it is a living legacy of family, faith, and stewardship. Surrounded by lush greenery and nourished by the Chaitravahini River, it offers guests an opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience authentic farm life, and discover a story that has been growing for over six decades.
Welcome to River Island, where heritage meets nature, and every stay becomes part of our story.
The Founder
Sebastian P. Augustine
A retired Deputy Tahsildar turned pioneering organic farmer, Sebastian P. Augustine is the visionary behind River Island. A nationally awarded innovator, he is the creator of India's first patented tender coconut wine technology and a lifelong champion of nature-friendly farming.
His decades of research and experimentation built the living organic fruit library, the integrated farm ecosystem, and the sustainability story that defines River Island today — science meeting village tradition.
Recognition
Awards & Credentials
Six decades of farming excellence, recognised at state and national level.
National Award — Best Coconut Farmer of India
Government of India
Patent — Tender Coconut Wine Production
Indian Patent Office
Best Organic Cultivator
Sarojini Damodaran Foundation
Best Organic Cultivator
Sarojini Damodaran Foundation
Quality Certification — Fruit Wines
CFTRI Mysore