Shalimar Spice Garden

Idukki, Kerala
Built on a verdant land unscathed by modernization, the Shalimar Spice Garden is a perfect blend of European and Indian living without diluting the rich heritage of Kerala. The resort merges with the spice gardens that encompass it, is the verdant landscape bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The architecture of the cottages is a fusion of Indian concepts and Western comfort. The pace of life here is so easy and peaceful that even the birds and the butterflies do not seem to be in a hurry. The gentle mountain stream meanders through the property and a wooden bridge built over the stream connects the resort to the outside world.

Getting There

Shalimar Spice Garden is located in a village called Murikkady, 6 kms from Thekkady on the fringes of the world- famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. At an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, the climate here is both temperate and salubrious.

Shalimar is easily accessible from Trivandrum/ Kovalam (255 kms- 6 hours), Cochin (185 kms- 4 1/2 hrs) and Madurai (140 kms kms- 3 hrs). The nearest railway station is Kottayam (100 kms- 3 1/2 hrs). The journey by road itself is an experience, passing through bustling towns in the plains, rubber plantations on the foothills and undulating tea gardens on the mountains.

Things to do

A trip to the mountains where at the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Shalimar Spice Garden Resort is located at a height of 800 metres.

• Succumb to a massage, with natural oils prepared in the traditional Ayurvedic way
• Learn or improve your yoga
• Take a dip in the hilltop swimming pool, open but secluded in a natural sunbowl
• Explore the 5 acres of woods and gardens on foot
• Look out for birdlife (including the local ducks!)
• Wander down to the local town, Kumily (5km), and get an auto rickshaw back up
• Visit a nearby tea or spice plantation
• Go elephant or tiger spotting in the nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (‘Thekaddy’), one of India’s most beautiful forest reserve, Macaques, sambhar, langur, antelopes, Indian bison, leopards and wild boar can also be seen
• Take a day trip to the forests and waterfalls of the Cardamom Hills
• Enjoy wonderful mountain views on an organised hike (such as the Sabarimala pilgrimage) or a car tour

Ayurveda & Yoga

The peaceful environment at the resort is ideal for nature cures. There is a speclialised ayurvedic and yoga centre in the resort that provides all the treatments like massages pizhichil etc. Female masseurs do the massaging for ladies. Shalimar Spice Garden provides the perfect environment and the facilities to rejuvenate your mind and body. There are qualified ayurveda doctors and well-trained masseurs, both men and women at the resort. The patient has to consult the Ayurveda Doctor at the resort to start with. Depending on the recommendations of the doctor, the treatment is carried out for specific ailments if any. Normally, treatment durations are between 7 days and 14 days. The patient also is put on a diet as prescribed by the doctor. (usually vegetarian) Massage therapies for rejuvenation and general well- being are also available and practised at the resort.

Accommodation

The cottages and rooms are made of traditional materials of Kerala. Tiled roofing is thatched externally, for that authentic appearance and added insulation. A great deal of attention has been lavished on the immaculately designed spotless large bathrooms. In addition, one cottage is made out of a reassembled heritage Kerala home with intricately carved wooden panels etc. Moreover, care has been taken to provide all the luxuries needed to cosset the guests. The en-suite bathrooms are absolutely top-class.

Eating

The kitchen tries to appeal to Eastern and Western palettes alike. Enjoy a delicious roast lamb cooked in soy and honey followed by the perfect crème caramel. Chillied chicken, local fish, fresh pasta, vegetarian dishes, and home-made ice cream complete the menu.

The restaurant is set behind glass walls around the main foyer, giving an open but intimate feel, with views over the whole property. Breakfast can be taken in the restaurant, the garden or on your balcony, and ranges from toast and jam to Indian dosas and fruit, washed down with locally grown tea and coffee.

Facilities
 
Shalimar Spice Garden Resort offers exceptional facilities to the discerning guest. There is a library with a fireplace where one can curl up with a book during the chilly evenings.

The swimming pool is set amidst trees at the back of the property with imposing mountains as the backdrop. Lying in the pool, one might just feel that he or she is in a pond in the jungle, amidst the mountains and lush vegetation completely at peace with nature.