Aanavilasam is a luxury retreat, set in the seven-acre cardamom and pepper plantation in Thekkady, on the forested hills of eastern Kerala. Owned by photographer Salim Pushpanath, he has used his artistic creativity to design this resort in a fusion of boutique and contemporary style. The bright, elegant interiors have traditional Keralan with modern minimalist style décor, while in the outdoors amongst the estate’s tropical gardens is an eclectic mix of birdsong, frogs and crickets.
Nestled between the tropical forest, Aanavilasam has just six rooms, suites and villas. Guests can choose between the Deluxe Rooms and the spacious Suites, some with pools and enclosed gardens with open air showers. There is also an exclusive Presidential Suit with its own pantry and best suited for honeymooners or long stay guests. All are spacious in size, furnished with tiled floors, high open beamed ceilings, modern luxury bathrooms and lovely verandas overlooking the estate.
The delicious food at the Aanavilasam, prepared with fresh local ingredients and inspired by Keralan, Indian and Continental influences is served either in the restaurant or privately on your veranda. For relaxation there is a lounge area with comfy sofas and in the surrounds, are forest trails for leisurely walks. One day, explore the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, home to a wide range of flora and fauna including langur monkeys, exotic birds, wild elephants as well as the elusive tiger.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Aanavilasam resort has just six spacious rooms, suites and villas. At 32 sqm, the Deluxe rooms are relatively large, but those looking for more space and privacy can book one of the two 55 sqm suites, furnished with four-poster beds, a separate bedroom, spacious lounge, and a private veranda offering striking views over the surrounding hills. The Pool Villas come with a lovely swimming pool and a steam room while the huge 92 sqm Presidential Villa has all the modern comforts.
ChildCare Families with children over 5 years age, are welcome to stay at the Aanavilasam resort. Although extra beds are available at an extra charge there are no specific facilities or babysitting service available. This resort is more suited to couples than families.
Dine There is no restaurant par se at the Aanavilasam resort but there is a dining room where home cooked meals by experienced local chefs are served. Breakfast and dinner are included in your half-board room rate and lunch is modestly priced. The menu is a fusion of traditional, Indian and Continental cuisine prepared with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Expect freshly baked bread and delicious multi-course feasts at dinner with focus on seafood provided by local fishermen.
Relax There is a lounge area at the Aanavilasam with cable TV. In the surrounds is a 7-acre spice garden where you will find pepper and banana trees amongst the cinnamon plantation. Massage at one of several Ayurvedic centres and a yoga class in Kumily (8km away) can be arranged. Alternatively, chill out on your veranda in your hammock or watch honey being harvested from the garden beehive. Guests can also request for a cookery demonstration.
Experience Most guests stay at the Aanavilasam due to its proximity to the Periyar National Park, home to tigers and a significant elephant population. Salim can easily arrange a half-day tour with a local expert guide to the reserve that includes boating on the lake for exciting glimpses of the local flora and fauna, including apes, exotic birds, wild elephants and deer. Also visit the towns of Kumily or take a day trek in the surrounding hills with a picnic.
Location Aanavilsasam is located close to Periyar National Park and is perched up in the hills making it an ideal rural retreat.
Getting there It takes around 4-hours to reach Aanavilsasam from Cochin, but also 3-hours from Munnar or 3-hours to the backwaters. You could link it with Madurai to the east which takes around 4-hours.
When to go Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical. The best time to visit is from January through to April. Summer is hot and humid; the monsoon season arrives in early June and lasts till August. While September can be dry and humid. There can be a little rain in October and November, cooling off around December and lasting until February.
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