Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa, Thekkady

Resort hotel · Idukki

Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa, Thekkady

Resort hotel · Idukki

Kumily Alady Rd, Viswanathapuram, Thekkady, Periyar, Murukkady, Kerala 685535, India

Highlights

Ayurvedic spa, yoga centre, dining, pool amid spice gardens

Kumily Alady Rd, Viswanathapuram, Thekkady, Periyar, Murukkady, Kerala 685535, India Get directions

amritara.co.in

@amritarashalimarspicegarden

@iescape

Shalimar Spice Garden, Thekkady, Kerala - Explore & Book

"Shalimar is a testament to love. No, we're not being soppy; the secluded mountain bungalows which make up this resort were designed by Maria Angela, an Italian, and her Indian partner, Shaji. Shalimar is a combination of their names and of their talents. When they first came here in 1996, it was nothing but an overgrown hillside, set 2500 feet above sea level. Now you walk across a wooden suspension bridge into 5 acres of cool, landscaped gardens, containing palm, spice and mango groves, an Ayurvedic centre, a large swimming pool and thatched cottages and rooms hidden deep in the woods. Designed to offer you peace, pampering and privacy in natural surroundings, the accommodation is a charming mix of old and new, simplicity and stylish comfort. The décor is Malayalam in style, with wooden beams, wide verandas and clean white lines which wouldn't look out of place in a Western interiors magazine. Since being taken over by the Amritara Group, the resort has become more luxurious as a whole, but the tranquil ambience is still the same. With a range of treatments and a choice of cosy fireside or breezy poolside lounges, you’ll find your cares simply melt away. Apart from being a lovely place to rest, you can also spot elephants and other wildlife in the nearby Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Highs The fresh mountain air is a cooling change from Kerala’s humid plainsThe fragrant garden has a beautiful pool and a long wooden suspension bridge separating it from the outside worldThe Western-style cottages combine comfort, privacy and eleganceThe location is near the Periyar Reserve, one of the best places to observe Kerala's wildlifeThere are many luxury touches: delicious ginger lime or hot cocoa as a welcome drink, a cool face towel on arrival, Ayurvedic bath products and courteous, attentive staffSoulful Indian music wafts out from the main building Lows Mosquitoes can be a problem, although rooms are thoroughly fumigated every eveningYou’ll probably have to travel at least 3 hours to get hereThe sounds of temple ceremonies carry on the clear mountain air and can wake you as early as 5.30amThere's a 10% service charge for snacks and drinks served in your room, although bowls of fruit and bottles of water are provided freeThe only safe for valuables is in reception" - Yasmin Boland

https://www.i-escape.com/shalimar-spice-garden

View Postcard for Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa, Thekkady

Azharul Islam Sheikh

Google

We were allotted the top floor rooms, and were travelling with a senior citizen, so it got difficult for her to navigate within the resort as there are no lifts and the stairs are steep. For anyone traveling with senior citizen confirm the floor number before booking. Room didn't have an AC and the fan was not functioning well so asked for a pedestal fan which the resort provided promptly. Food ordered for dinner wasn't good particularly chicken biryani, however, buffet for breakfast had many options and was great

Subin Joy

Google

We had a wonderful family stay. For anyone wanting to get away from bustling city life, this property is a peaceful retreat tucked away in a green space that’s still easy to reach. Since it’s a very old heritage property, don’t expect ultra-modern facilities, but that adds to its charm. There’s a small play area for kids with a swing, see-saw, and slide. However, these are poorly maintained and require proper repairs, especially on the rusted parts. The pool, on the other hand, is well-maintained and clean. Shower facilities, a changing room, and towels are conveniently available near the pool. The restaurant offers a limited menu, but the food quality is good. For those who prefer not to travel outside, dining here is a comfortable option. Breakfast is complimentary with limited choices and is freshly made to order. A great option for a relaxing getaway in a heritage setting, with some areas (like the kids’ play area) needing improvement especially to treat the rust thats catching up.

Naina Antony

Google

I recently visited this esthetic property and had a truly amazing experience. It's one of the best resorts to get away from your busy life. The food was delicious, but expensive. The staff were great, being lenient and attentive. That adds to the quality of the service provided. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a cozy get away spot from the city.

anusha saravanan

Google

We booked the private pool villa for a two-day stay, with the clear understanding at check-in that the villa was completely private and that no staff would enter the premises without permission. Unfortunately, that promise was not upheld. The next morning around 10 AM, while we were enjoying our private time, a staff member entered the property and began cleaning the pool without any prior notice or our consent. This was a serious breach of privacy and made us extremely uncomfortable. Due to this unexpected intrusion, we asked a refund for our second night's stay upon the manager asking us for the solution. The manager arrived on the scene and apologized immediately and instead of addressing the issue with empathy, the manager was more focused on small details such as voucher validity and forcing a second chance, which completely missed the point. He seemed to be completely focused on giving a second chance even while processing the refund for the second day. Overall, the service was very disappointing, and the lack of regard for guest privacy was unacceptable. We will not be returning and cannot recommend this property to anyone who values their personal space and peace of mind.

sandyd403

Google

We loved the stay,ambience, Food and service, we were confused seeing mixed reviews about hot water, but we had 24 hrs hot water in shower area as well as in washbasin.The quality of air was damn good,for quick escape from city life those is the best place.We had taken MAPAI plan.No tv in rooms was also another plus point for couples planning for US time .There are mosquitoes if you sit our however they come and smoke the room with good natural camphor which makes the stay extraordinary. The road to resort is really good .less than 1 km u will see narrow road but cars can pass and ample parking space with security. The only draw back I saw was after locking room the door still shakes as it's olden times door maintaing the tradition.So that gap in between was a question however we kept a towel and secured with Chair fir extra security at night.Other wise this place is a must stay place.Our friend also came there to stay very next day after seeing our whatsapp statusThere is ayurvedic massage area if needed,tv area,game area which can be used and pool.Evening there is free tea and coffee with cookies (almost 3 cups each you get).Amazing weather, stay .So close to nature with birds chirping. Pleasant mornings in spice garden is a must experience.Special thanks to Adarsh who helped with our luggage wholeheartedly during check in and checkout with all smile and no hesitation. Thankyou so much Team

unnik705

Google

Spent a whole day at Amritara, the calmness and silence felt wonderful but felt absence of a centre pont of attraction, lack of proper maintenance and care for garden around was clearly visible, it may be due to off season time or absence foreigners. Food was felt average with higher price range. Staff were so friendly and very co-operative and felt very nice on interaction.

Saravanan Dhandapani

Google

Excellent place and very good team.The stay and the food was extremely good. Enjoyed. To mention is that the property has beautiful birds as it's residents. A birder will very well enjoy the stay. The swimming pool is a Beauty 😍

alexandrasH1908ME

Google

A peaceful retreat in the hills of Thekkady, Shalimar Spice Garden offers a serene, jungle-like environment with great hospitality. Sneha at reception was so warm and wonderful—she not only ensured our stay was comfortable but also arranged a 5-hour private transfer to our next destination with ease.||When we arrive, we received a tour of the property with an explanation of all of the different spices and fruits grown. We loved this! We also were able to meet the properties cow, Malu, and her baby. ||The food was very good. A buffet for dinner offered lots of traditional dishes. The breakfast was delicious! Omelette and dosa and fresh juices. Yum. ||The biggest draw here is the wildlife experience. We went on a guided trek and saw elephants in the wild on foot at Periyar National park (a short drive from hotel) —a breathtaking experience. However, if you’re keen on seeing more animals, it’s best to go early in the morning or take the last evening slot, as that’s when wildlife activity is highest.||The property itself has a charming, rustic feel with comfortable accommodations. The pool is great! If you’re looking for an immersive, nature-focused experience, this is a great option, but be prepared for limited connectivity and some insects due to the forest setting.