Location

72kms (1.5 hours drive) from Kochi International Airport and a 10-minute boat-ride to the resort. Backwater-facing resort.

Accommodation

The resort offers heritage bungalows, heritage mansions and private pool villas. The Heritage Bungalows are compact independent cottages, set in lush lawns along the canals. The Heritage Mansions are larger, with an upper story defined by distinctive wooden ribs that resemble the sides of a boat. Most of these afford fine views of the lake. Beyond, on their own quiet section of lake front, are the Pool Villas. Peace and privacy combine here, with private pools, distinctive interiors and even your own little hammock, tied up front. All offer air-conditioning, telephones, hot and cold water.

Dining

‘Fort Cochin’ Multi cuisine restaurant offering Indian, continental, Chinese, Mughlai and seafood specialty and a Theyyam bar.

Facilities

Swimming pool, Ayurveda centre, health club, recreation centre, butterfly garden, water sports, bird sanctuary visits, backwater cruise, sunset cruise, village walks and cycling, farm visits and cookery demonstrations.

Location

Philipkutty’s Farm is located 27 kms from Alleppey town and 60 kms from Cochin.

It is set on a beautiful small farm island which was reclaimed from the backwaters (Vembanad Lake) in the early 1950’s by the grandfather of the late Vinod Kutty. The working farm, which practices sustainable / organic methods of farming, is two metres below the lake level and has coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation not to forget the jumbo prawn (scampi) and karimeen fish (pearlspot) found in some of the farm canals. Though accessible by road up to the opposite bank, it is the ‘vallam’ (countryboat) that will finally take you across.

Facilities

The following activities are available at Philipkutty’s Farm:

Enjoy a complimentary sunset cruise every evening on a vallam (country boat) out in the open backwaters. The sights, breeze, sounds and smell of the late evenings are indeed very soothing. The sun setting over Lake Vembanad is truly magical. If you are lucky you can also catch the moonrise.

Take a canal cruise through the narrow and winding canals on a vallam or motor boat and catch a glimpse of the unique backwater villages.

For bird watchers the backwaters and the farm offer ample opportunities for sighting kingfishers, woodpeckers, egrets, cormorants, herons, crowpheasants, snakebirds, teals, etc.

Ask for a cooking class from mum and learn the nuances of the local cuisine.

Take a farm walk with one of the Family and learn about farming below lake level as well as the different crops cultivated. Do check out toddy tapping but be careful if you decide to sample….

Walk around the island along the outer dyke. This may take a little under 3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 8 kms. You could also walk in the village and the market, across on the mainland.

Do a wider sightseeing and exploration trip of the countryside on a bicycle which is available for use. A sketch of the region can be provided and you get to enjoy the coconut groves, paddy fields, canals and villages that blend into each other. Most of the roads in the mainland are flat with little or no gradient.

For the adventurous try swimming in the backwaters in front of the villas.

Visit the Ayurvedic Centre opposite the property for consultation. Try out rejuvenating massages to proper Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments, spread over weeks if need be.

Try fishing (rods available), or, if you are lucky, check out if you can spike scampi at night.  Hope you have better luck than we did!

Visit the St. Mary’s parish church at Vechoor. This is an old church with a history dating back to over 500 yrs.

Visit the local temples which are in plenty, the Vaikom Siva temple being the biggest and most famous of the lot.

Visit a very old Nair Tharavad (household) – ‘The Kaimals’. The household has a history of over 400 yrs- their old wooden house being a testimony of this. The family temple, the old palm leaf manuscripts, the temple art of ‘kalam’ drawing (for which only natural and organic pigments are used) and the tallest Snake God statue are the other attractions there.

Accommodation

All the villas are spacious, independent and located on the outer dyke facing the peaceful backwaters. The villas are named after popular local flower plants / trees and birds. The first villa designed by Swiss architect Karl Damscen is an open plan affair. The other villas designed by Thomas Dominic from Kochi, have a separate living room, bedroom and ‘sit-out’.

The villas are filled with antiques, including some beautifully carved and crafted doors and windows, which were meticulously collected over a period of time. There is no air-conditioning, no telephone and no TV in any of the villas. TV and telephones are available at our residence, should the need arise.  There are ceiling fans in all the villas which we found to be perfectly acceptable in place of air conditioning.

There is a refrigerator and an electric kettle with tea/coffee making facilities in each room. The villas are well furnished with two large single beds, wardrobe, cupboard, writing table, and chair, settees and chairs in the ‘sit-out’. The en suite modern bathroom is spacious and clean. Extra beds are available if needed, and some villas can accommodate a family of four, although it can be a little cramped. There is also a generator to backup the electricity in case of  power failure which does happen on a fairly regular basis. All windows are netted to deter the entry of insects.

There are plenty of doors and windows in each villa (18 windows and 8 doors) which open on to the farm, garden and backwaters, allowing for excellent circulation of fresh breeze and fascinating views from within. This is in keeping with the tradition of typical backwater bungalows. The idea was to make each villa an integral part of the surroundings so that by living in one you are not cut off.

The floor is finished in rustic clay tiles and the ceiling in wood. There is also a small verandah finished in traditional red-oxide which runs around each villa.

To complement the villas, there is a beautiful thatched pavilion on stilts, overlooking the farm with views of the backwaters. This is the main setting for meals, which all guests take together.  The pavilion opens onto a small, neat courtyard under an old mango tree. Just the kind of setting for the lavish home cooked meals and interaction with fellow travellers.

Dining

Food is definitely one of the highlights of staying at Philipkutty’s Farm. The cuisine is mostly local and cooked by ‘Mummy’, Anu’s Mother-in-law. Lavish meals are pretty much a way of life here and you certainly won’t be disappointed by the range and quality of food. Fragrant curries are accompanied by several interesting salads, vegetable side dishes, homemade chutney’s and Indian bread – absolutely delicious! All guests stay on Full Board basis and therefore all meals are included in the price.

Meals are served either in the family dining room or outdoors in the courtyard or pavilion. Special diets can be catered for if required and vegetarian options can also be provided. In fact, all meals are discussed with the guests beforehand.

The cuisine is predominantly Syrian Christian with a strong backwater influence. Most of the dishes served are centred around fish, farm vegetables and fruits, duck, chicken and occasionally other meats, supplemented with rice and rice based local breads like appam, string hoppers etc.  Some of the specialities are karimeen (pearlspot fish) fry, fish molee, prawn and scampi preparations, duck roast and curry, and red hot Kerala fish curry. Desserts are usually puddings, fresh fruits and some local treats.

Cooking classes are available for resident guests who are interested in learning the local cuisine.

For the adventurous, drinking Toddy (the fermented sap of the coconut tree- a kind of country liquor) is a must.  Go easy – you have been warned!

Location

130kms, 3 hours drive approximately from Calicut (Kozhikode) international airport.

Tranquil is located deep in the heart of Wayanad rainforest amongst a private plantation. Wayanad has a salubrious climate with two monsoons that bathe the environment in life giving rainfall. The surrounding flora and fauna is rich in bio-diversity and is home to some of the most exquisite wild life in existence. The best time to visit Tranquil in order to get the most rewarding experience is during the post monsoon months of November to early March where the already thriving landscape comes further alive in an explosion of greenery and wild life. Expected temperatures are between 25 Centigrade to 15 Centigrade.
For those who love the rains, the time between mid June and mid August is a great time to experience the monsoons.

Facilities

Swimming Pool: There is a very nice outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip – although be warned it can be a little too refreshing! Relax in the Jacuzzi adjacent to the pool or on the surrounding loungers .  Swimming pool towels are provided in all the rooms. The depth of the shallow end is 3.5 feet and 5.5 feet at the deep end. The “Machaan” or Treedeck overlooking the pool is ideal to do your yoga and meditate, or for that afternoon siesta. There is also the option to relax in the hammocks below the “Machaan” area.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda, which means “science of life”, was founded by the seers of ancient India, centuries ago in the Vedic period. At Tranquil, you can pamper yourself with authentic and traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage by trained masseurs / masseuses.

Tranquil walks: Choose from 12 routes, spanning the 400 acre plantation ranging from the “Braveheart” to the “Teaser” walk which are well marked out and sign boarded along the route. Guests are provided with maps of the walks. It is advisable to bring appropriate footwear to enjoy the walks fully.  We really enjoyed the walks which wind their way up through the coffee plantations and are very scenic.  Watch out for the monkeys who seem to have developed a taste for coffee beans!

Bird Watching: Tranquil is a bird watcher’s paradise – around 115 species of birds have been identified on the plantation.

Plantation Tours: Tranquil is still very much a working plantation, Coffee being the main crop, interplanted with pepper, cardamom and areca nut. The main cropping season for Coffee and Areca nut is between mid January – mid March, during which time, the plantation buzzes with activity. Conducted plantation visits can be enjoyed between December and March.

Accommodation

10 rooms in total, 2 in the main house, 6 in a separate building adjacent to the main house and 2 luxury TreeHouses nestled amongst the plantation.  Amenities include TV, DVD Player( in some rooms ), Satellite Receiver, Electronic safes, Express Laundry, Internet.

Tree House: Nestled under the beauty of a Gul Mohr Tree, the luxury TreeHouse rests on three trees. At a height of 35 feet from the ground level and overlooking a valley facing north, the entire structure measures 517 sq.feet, comprising of a bedroom, a bathroom with a six point shower and a north facing verandah offering a panoramic view of the estate. Modern amenities include a TV, DVD, Satellite receiver, mini fridge, electronic safe and a Tea/Coffee maker. Adequate light and ventilation has been provided with insect screens on all openings. Approach is from an inclined walkway with railings, ensuring easy access for even the elderly. “Tranquilitree” is a stone’s throw from the main house and is connected by intercom. Back-up generator power has also been provided.

Tree Villa: We absolutely loved this!  Hugely rustic and authentic yet easily accessible, safe and fitted out with all modern conveniences, this is Tarzan Penthouse Suite 21st Century style. The views from the fabulous wrap round terrace are stunning and I had no worries about my children being safe.  Do be careful of the monkeys though – they like to investigate anything that is left out in the open.  Standing elegantly on stilts, encompassing two trees at a height of 35 feet over the Coffee plantation, the TreeVilla offers your own personal and private sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life. The 1080 sq.feet TreeVilla is spacious, child friendly and completely insect-proofed. Designed to accommodate upto four people, it has 8 feet verandahs on two sides and two bathrooms – one, with a panoramic view of the estate. Other features include a TV, DVD, Satellite receiver, mini fridge, electronic safe and Tea/Coffee maker.

Standard Rooms: The six Standard rooms are housed in the annexe – built by the then owners to accommodate friends and family. The building has been extensively renovated, retaining the ambience of a colonial planter’s bungalow. The rooms open out onto a large shared verandah ( 900 sq.ft) overlooking the lush tropical gardens.  The ideal spot for a pre dinner G&T.  The rooms are well appointed, inviting and meet the high expectations of the discerning traveller. The bathrooms are large, airy and have all the modern amenities. Other features include a TV, Satellite receiver, electronic safe and a Tea/Coffee maker.

Deluxe Room: Located in the west wing of the main bungalow, the Deluxe room adjoins the patio and looks down over the swimming pool from a private verandah. The room is large ( 600 sq.ft ), airy and has wooden floors, ceiling and panelling. For the convenience of guests, there are two individual bathrooms and dressing room en-suite. The room features a TV, DVD, Satellite receiver, mini fridge, electronic safe and a Tea/Coffee maker.

The Suite: Set close to the swimming pool, the Suite is tucked away below the Deluxe room. The Suite offers both space and privacy with the added luxury of a private garden offering the perfect hideaway. The suite has a large lounge room ( 600 sq.ft ) with seating all around leading into the main bedroom. It features a TV, DVD, Satellite receiver, electronic safe and a Tea / Coffee maker.

Dining

As is traditional with a Homestay experience, meals are taken together in a common dining area as part of the extended family, where each meal is an occasion to sit down and enjoy a few hours together.  However, the buffet style service is more reminiscent of a resort.  In some ways, this makes mealtimes a little more laid back.

The food is first class - a mixture of continental fare, regional Indian favourites, traditional Kerala cuisine and “Grandmother’s” secret formulas. Along with some home grown vegetables and fruits, you can enjoy bread fresh, home-made jams, preserves and relishes. Finish your meal with a steaming cup of hand-picked Arabica/Robusta coffee beans from the estate, roasted and ground to perfection. Garden fresh tea with a dash of milk or high grown teas with a twist of lemon are also great ways to end a sumptuous meal.

Location

An exquisite eco friendly jungle getaway in the heart of Wyanad rainforest in north western Kerala.  The region is a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India and Wyanad’s evergreen forests mark the transition zone between the northern and southern eco regions of the Western Ghats. This is the most species-rich eco region in peninsular India with eighty percent of the flowering plant species of the entire mountain range found here.

Wayanad is ideal for travelers with a passion for the outdoors. The landscape is majestic, composed of rugged, lofty ridges interspersed with dense forests, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls and mountain streams. Numerous outback trails and trekking routes snake through the forests with many spots ideal for adventure sports. Visitors will also find delight in the dazzling profusion of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Wayanad is home to many ancient, indigenous nomadic tribes who still practice their age-old customs and rituals. The forests also contain the fascinating Edakkal Caves, a Neolithic cave dwelling with Petroglyphs, the only known example in South India and a protected UNESCO Heritage Site.

The nearest International Airport is Kozhikode (Calicut), followed by a 3-4 hour journey by car.

The resort is also accessible from other parts of Kerala by train to Kozhikode and is therefore possible to include in a more extensive tour of Kerala.

Facilities

In house naturalist conducting treks through the surrounding tropical rainforest
Trekking to visit a local village of indigenous tribals who still follow an ancient way of life
Various local excursions such as Chembra Peak, Muthanga Wildlife Reserve and Eddakal Caves
Morning sessions of Yoga and meditation
Spa
Conference Hall
Ayurveda Centre
Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
Coffee Shop
Health Club
Freshwater Swimming Pool
Games Room
TV Salon
Kids Park
Natural Pool
Safe Deposit Lockers

Accommodation

The resort is spread across either bank of a sprightly mountain stream that runs through the 150 acre property. Wrapped in the cool embrace of a rainforest, stone lined pathways, canopied by majestic trees, lead to brick coloured cottages built in the style native to the region. Built of brick with wooden rafters on the roof, furnished in cane, wood and fabrics of discreet elegance, the cottages are equipped with all modern amenities. The accommodations are designed so as to provide guests with an intimate experience of the surrounding sights and sounds. Available in configurations ranging from heady tree houses, to cottages on stilts overlooking the stream and further downstream, cottages with jacuzzis, private pools and a suite, everywhere, the muted hiss of the stream is a continuous serenade. A rope bridge across the stream, leads to the restaurant overlooking the swimming pool at one end and a sweeping view of the forest all around.

Tree House
4 Tree Houses (including 1 exclusive child friendly Tree House) set high above the lush canopy of the rainforest. Built by indigenous tribals with locally available materials, the cottages are designed to utilize natural spring water that flows down from the surroundings hills and to use solar energy for power. The ultimate jungle retreat, ideal for couples and for small families.

Serinity Cottage
18 spacious, rustic styled cottages with terracotta floors finished with red oxide, some with views of the stream and others, of the forest stretching out above the resort. Offering a degree of seclusion, yet close enough to the pathway and the general areas, the cottages are ideal for small families and couples.

Vythiri Habitat
4 rooms with exclusive balconies that face the stream rushing by below. The balconies are great spots to watch a wide variety of exotic birds in the overarching trees or to sit back reading a book. Ideal for small families and couples.

Vythiri Haven
Exquisite cottages with spacious sit outs, elegantly furnished and facing the stream downstream. Secluded hideaways set aside from the general areas, ideal for couples and families seeking a little quiet with the gurgle of the frolicking stream and the chatter of the birds for company.

Planters Retreat
6 adjoining rooms inspired by traditional Kerala architecture with generous use of wood, each with private plunge pools and balconies with splendid views of the forest. Yet you could very well listen to the stream passing through next to the Planters Retreat. Set away from the pathway, secluded and intimate, ideal for couples.

Wooden Haven
These are wooden cottages that are stream facing with exclusive living rooms and spacious sit outs, located downstream.

Dining

Multi cuisine restaurant overlooking the freshwater pool and surrounding forest, reached via a hanging rope bridge .

The food itself is excellent – try some of the local specialities such as dosas or appam and stew for breakfast.

Overview

The rooms are spacious and furnished with simple sophistication; terracotta tiled floors, wooden beds and chairs and whitewashed walls. To preserve the environment, the furniture has been crafted using pine from Cochin’s historic docks. At the centre of the village is a swimming pool, surrounded by tropical trees and lawns. The resort has more than 50 species of trees including herbal trees, all of which are named in English and Latin and a botanist is at hand to explain the many marvels of the jungle. The resort is very close to the Periyar Nature Reserve.

Location

195kms (6 hours drive) from Cochin International Airport.

Facilities

Swimming pool

Ayurveda centre

Billiards/snooker room & games room including table tennis.

Activities include bamboo rafting, jungle treks, boat rides, border safari, elephant rides and cookery demonstrations.

Accommodation

The resort offers 52 cottages split into standard and deluxe cottages.

Deluxe, private garden cottages: these are suite accommodations, with living rooms, a bedroom and a private garden, complete with your own park bench.

Standard, spice garden cottages: cozy huts tucked away between fruit trees, herb beds and 50 year-old timbers from the arborarium laid down by A. W. Woods.
Dining A multi cuisine restaurant offering international cuisine. The Tiffin Room which serves snacks all day, the Woodhouse Bar and a specialty seafood restaurant called Grill that operates between December and March.

Dining

Dining A multi cuisine restaurant offering international cuisine. The Tiffin Room which serves snacks all day, the Woodhouse Bar and a specialty seafood restaurant called Grill that operates between December and March

Location

Nearest international airport: Kozhikode (Calicut)
Nearest domestic airport: Mangalore (about 90 kms/2 hrs drive).
Nearest train station: Neeleshwar Town (about 4 kms).
The easiest way to reach Neeleshwar from Europe is to fly directly to Mumbai, and then take an internal flight to Mangalore, which is about 2 hours drive from the Hermitage.
It is also possible to fly to India via Dubai, and then get a flight to Mangalore or Calicut.
The other airports in Kerala currently served by international flights are Cochin and Trivandrum, from where you can journey to Neeleshwar by road or rail.

Click on map to enlarge:

Road Distances to Neeleshwar:
Bekal – 15 kms
Kannur – 70 kms
Coorg – 130 kms
Wayanad District – 150 kms
Kozhikode (Calicut) – 160 kms
Kochi (Cochin) – 360 kms
Bangalore – 390 kms
Thiruvanathapuram (Trivandrum) – 576 kms

Facilities

Swim in the gorgeous infinity pool, and then watch the spectacular sunset across the beach whilst sipping on a sundowner.

Chill out, relax and read a book, either in one of the wooden loungers at the poolside or in one of the hammocks dotted around the gardens.

The local area can be explored by bicycle and visits to local markets can be arranged. Bicycles are available free of charge from the Hermitage and local maps can be provided.

Turtle Conservation. The area is an important nesting site for Olive Ridley turtle and the hotel works with local volunteer groups to collect turtle eggs and take them to the protected hatchery over 2kms along the beach, before supervising the safe return of the hatchlings to the sea. Guests are welcome to help with this important work should they wish.

Ranipuram Forest is 53 kms drive away and offers a wonderful trek through the forest on the border of Karnataka and Kerala. Wild elephant, bison, monkeys and deer can often be seen.

A number of sightseeing trips are within easy distance of the Hermitage. These include Bekal Fort, the Goddess Badrakali temple, Neeleshwar town, Kanhangad market town, the district capital of Kasaragod and a number of local Ashram’s.

Cookery classes are offered every afternoon by the head Chef for a small charge.

Rejuvenate with a programme of Ayurvedic spa treatments. The Priya Ayurvedic Spa offers both classical Ayurveda and Western spa treatments. An Ayurvedic doctor is on site for personal consultations and to supervise all treatments. Only organic products are used; all sourced and ecologically produced by a charitable foundation that gives work to disadvantaged tribal people in the spice hills of Kerala. When necessary, the Ayurvedic doctor will liaise with the chef to design a diet to complement your treatment. Herbal medicines can also be recommended and supplied if needed.

Enhance your wellness by participation in yoga classes. Daily classes are available at the dedicated yoga pavilion, both complimentary classes for beginners and more advanced tailor-made classes for both groups and individuals.

During April to October for guests staying a minimum of five days, it is possible to undertake a meditation course with the resident teacher who has over thirty years experience teaching in various parts of the world.

During the high season (mid-October to mid-April), the Hermitage offers guests a unique programme of cultural education under the direction of the resident Cultural Director, art historian and author Alistair Shearer. This includes lectures on Indian art, architecture and culture; performances of music and dance and visits to local temples and festivals.

A particular cultural highlight of the region is the Theyyam festival: ‘the dance of the gods’. In a theyyam performance, the divine force – often the Great Goddess or Shiva, possesses the body of the dancer and acts through it to bless the community. The gathering is held spellbound by hypnotic chants and music and the performance may continue for a whole day or night. The dancer’s costume, make-up and mask are magnificent, while the headdress, the most important feature, can be up to six metres in height. This is ancient, traditional and surreal Kerala, where country people still live a lifestyle ordered by rituals connecting them with the Divine. We were lucky enough to experience a theyyam during our stay and it is quite astonishing – a riot of colour, sounds and surrealism. The Hermitage are able to organise accompanied visits to local authentic performances. Don’t miss it!

Another important festival is the Snake Festival, usually held in the first week of February. This takes place at a local temple just three kilometers from the Hermitage. The whole community takes part in the festival, with processions and feasts and beautiful sand paintings are constructed to honour the Snake Goddess and invite her to appear.

Accommodation

Sixteen traditional thatched cottages in total, consisting of 4 semi-detached Garden View Cottages and 8 detached Sea View Cottages. Each room has the same layout with a large, airy bedroom and either a double or twin beds, a sitting area with two easy chairs, a writing desk and an enormous wardrobe with built in safe. The part open air modern bathroom is equipped with a fabulous shower area, double sinks and a range of locally produced toiletries. The whole effect is stylish, contemporary and utterly gorgeous.
Air conditioning is standard in all rooms as well as an ipod docking station and a daily supply of freshly purified water. This comes supplied in a copper jug which is said to impart beneficial medicinal qualities.

A large sitting area runs outside the front of each cottage, comfortably furnished with rattan furniture. An overhead fan provides additional breeze if required.

In our view, these are some of the nicest rooms that we have experienced in Kerala – the morning bed tea service is an additional bonus!

Dining

Neeleshwar has two restaurants, Annapurna and Meenakshi.
The Annapurna dining room is the main restaurant. Modeled on a temple hall, it is an impressive open sided timber pavilion where the scent of incense drifts through the air. The menu is extensive, though predominantly vegetarian, and great care is taken to serve food that is delicious, nourishing and authentic.
The Meenakshi restaurant, named after the Hindu goddess of the sea, is situated at the beachside and serves an exquisite range of freshly caught seafood. The tandoori prawns we ate were amazing. As always in Kerala, the chef will be happy to share recipes and cooking techniques for those keen to learn more.
Breakfast is a feast of either western or traditional south Indian specilialities, accompanied by freshly squeezed juices and tea/coffee. Be sure to try the Lassi, it’s delicious