Why we like it
- Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife
- Minutes away from Periyar National Park
- Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake
- Stylish thatched cottages
About Shalimar Spice Garden
Up in the Thekkady’s rolling jungle, Shalimar Spice Garden feels worlds away from modern-day India. Access this charming hotel by walking over a river and along a wooden bridge, the only pathway connecting you to the outside world.
Made up of palm, spice and mango groves, the Eden-like plantations overflow with avocado and pomegranate trees. Thatched breezy cottages sprinkle the gardens fragrant with cardamom. Inside, the décor is chic with kerala wood furniture, bamboo arrangements and wide verandas.
The main highlight is that it takes minutes to get to India’s star wildlife sanctuary, the Periyar National Park. The hotel can easily organise boat trips on the Periyar Lake where elephants often come to drink.
Take a dip in the hilltop pool or while away the afternoon from a crochet hammock. A small spa offers Ayurvedic treatments and massages on tap. The restaurant serves local Keralan dishes from crispy dosa (Indian crepes) to shallot curry.