You step outside, and the air feels like an oven set to max. The sun beats down, rickshaw seats burn, and everyone is chasing a spot with AC. But what if there was a place where you could enjoy a chilled cappuccino, surrounded by plants and peace, all without artificial cooling? Tucked into the green folds of Edapally, Kochi, there exists such a space. No noisy compressors, no electricity-hungry chillers—just fresh air, cool vibes, and a design that outsmarts the heat. This isn’t a mirage. It’s Fress Trees Garden & Café, a rain garden café that uses the earth’s own wisdom to keep you cool. But before we spill all the secrets, let’s take a walk through what makes this place unlike any other in the city.
Nature-Crafted Comfort in the Heart of Edapally
Nestled near Grand Mall in Edapally, Fress Trees Garden & Café is not just a café; it’s an experience carefully designed to be in harmony with nature. Founded by Sabu Kelanthara, a green visionary who started the space as a humble nursery, the café has grown into a lush sanctuary where no trees were cut to make space. Instead, trees became the pillars of the design. With a layout built around them, the café flourishes in the shade and spirit of old Kerala wisdom.
The main talking point? A terracotta cooling system that brings the temperature down by as much as 5°C without switching on a single AC. Rows of porous terracotta pots, placed in a vertical frame, are kept moist by recycled water. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the surrounding air, naturally cooling it—a method inspired by the humble matka or ghara. This passive cooling system is paired with soft water features, artificial rain showers, and gentle misting nozzles, all fueled by greywater recycling. The sound of trickling water isn’t just relaxing; it’s an active player in keeping the café’s environment fresh and breezy.
Every corner of Fress Trees is draped in green. From hanging creepers to potted herbs, the space breathes. It doesn’t just provide shade; the plants release moisture into the air, enhancing the microclimate. The roof is designed with overhangs and open pathways that allow hot air to rise and escape, while cross-ventilation channels in cooler breezes. You won’t hear the whirr of machines here—just birds, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional strum of live music, which often serenades diners.
The café menu is just as inviting. From creamy Alfredo pasta to smoky barbecue chicken pizza, and of course, a well-brewed cappuccino, there’s something for every palate. Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and even dessert lovers find their pick here. It’s also wheelchair accessible and open late—from 9 AM until 12:30 AM. Popular among young locals and tourists alike, it has become something of an Instagram darling. The ambience, with its natural decor, glistening wet pots, and photogenic food, makes it a hotspot for those looking to share their serene moments.
But the beauty of Fress Trees is that it doesn’t shout about sustainability. It simply is. The cooling isn’t showy; it’s thoughtful. The design doesn’t feel forced; it flows. It whispers the idea that maybe we don’t need to overpower nature to find comfort. Maybe we just need to work with it.
A Breath of Fresh Air in More Ways Than One
As temperatures rise and cities strain under the weight of modern cooling demands, places like Fress Trees Garden & Café remind us that sometimes, innovation looks like tradition reimagined. This summer, if you're longing for a calm, cool corner that soothes both the skin and the soul, you might just find it in the shade of a tree, among terracotta pots and trickling water. Coolness, after all, doesn't always come from a machine.
Where: Fress Trees, Edapally, Kochi, India
When: 9 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Contact: +91 7736003337
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