Tourism in Thekkady is unique that offers nature travel, walk in plantations, a national park and ayurvedic massages. 

During my fourth visit to Kerala and second visit to Thekkady, all thanks to Kerala Travel Mart 2022, I was on a mission to experience offbeat Kerala. After trekking in Yellapatty in the Kanan Devan Hills of Munnar, I was looking forward to a relaxing time in Thekkady. And relaxing it was as soon as I entered the property of Cardamom County Resort Thekkady.

About Cardamom County Resort Thekkady

Located 4km away from Thekkady, this is one of the best Thekkady resorts in Kumily. It is difficult to guess what lies beyond the humble gate of Cardamom County Thekkady. Once inside, some more humble reception area that gives way to cottages on gentle slopes. There are many levels and many cottages all overlooking the centrally located swimming pool and surrounded by lush green tree cover.

Cardamom County Resort is owned by the Xandari group and Muthoot group.

Accommodation at Cardamom County Resort Kumily

We were driving to Thekkady after a rather active day of trekking around in Munnar and wanted to reach Thekkady for the Periyar National Park Safari. Thanks to our guide Satish who had already sent over our ID cards we got our room keys as soon as we reached the resort with a welcome drink.

We had the refreshing welcome drink overlooking a beautiful purple lotus pond and an information board that had options on how to spend time in Thekkady. Since we were on a strict time schedule, we meandered our way through the slopes of the resort surpassing the levels to reach our cottages.

The resort consists of three types of cottages. Each cottage has a personal balcony and glass door giving unfiltered views of either forest or spice plantation.

Periyar Cottage

These are individual cottages that have the bamboo forest as the view and are equipped with all modern amenities. 

County Cottage

Surrounded by spice gardens, these cottages have large rooms that have a window-side day bed and a cosy writing desk. 

Suite Cottage

These cottages have two bedrooms, each being extremely spacious.

I was put up in the Periyar Cottage and as soon as entered my room, peace prevailed. All I heard were sounds of nature – the chirping of birds and the ruffling of leaves due to the wind. It immediately made me reach for my camera from my bag to click some wildlife pictures.

I took a walk on the well-laid pathway through the forested path. The entire resort is so well camouflaged with nature that it is difficult to foresee what lies where (in a good way). 

Which is when I reached the spa.

I was tempted to get a spa thanks to my aching muscles from the previous day’s trek but the wildlife safari called and I promised to make time for it in the evening.

Food at the Resort

Cardamom County Resort offers a Buffet option for breakfast and an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. The menu is a combination of Kerala cuisine (comprising of meat and fish) as well as North-Indian and Continental options in order to cater to all types of guests. 

There are many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to choose from. Breakfast has fresh fruit juice which I specifically relished.

Things to do around the property

The Resort is open all year round. So in case one wants to visit in monsoon when the Periyar Tiger Reserve is closed, there are multiple ways to spend time on the property.

Enjoy the Property

There are ample places to walk, hang around and laze around. There are sit out areas outside each cottage that has a veranda overlooking forests.

Bird-watching

Thanks to natural endemic and abundant forests in Thekkady, there is a thriving population of birds and monkeys. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will be happy clicking away pictures or trying to identify the birds’ species through binoculars. 

Ayura Spa

The resort’s spa called Ayura is an exclusive Ayurveda Spa and one of the biggest highlights of the resort. Holistic healing and therapy through Ayurveda is their vision and the spa offers a wide array of therapeutic treatments after an in-house consultation by an Ayurvedic doctor. Many visitors choose to stay at the resort for the Ayurvedic healing packages that range from 14-21 days.

Indoor Games

If lazing around is not your cup of tea, there are many board games and pool tables where you can spend time burning some calories.

Yoga Centre

Being so close to nature, the resort offers a yoga session every morning where the guests can enjoy a guided yoga session.

Via Kerala Design Shop

Want to carry a personalized souvenir from Kerala? Then via Kerala is your answer. Located in the resort premises, this studio offers Kerala designs that can be printed on t-shirts, cushion covers, tote bags, etc.

Sustainability initiatives by Cardamom County Resort

Cardamom County Resort is conscious of the environment and has inculcated many sustainable values. Some of its sustainability initiatives include:

Sustainable toiletries

Thanks to their conscious efforts, the bathroom toiletries are done away with small packaging of soap and shampoo bottles. Each bathroom contains easily refillable bottles.

The hotel management also encourages guests to use bath towels more than once before giving them for washing, in a bid to save water.

Farm to Table Concept

The hotel procures local produce which is used in the local dishes. This is a good situation as the chefs get fresh local ingredients and the guests enjoy a delicious meal with authentic local taste.

No Plastic Policy

They have a strict no plastic policy thanks to which there are no PET bottles used in the resort. The restaurant and cottages are provided with glass bottles containing filtered water.

Kumily tourist places | Tourist places around Thekkady

While Ayurvedic massages are the highlight of this place, some of the places to visit in Thekkady include: 

Thekkady Nature Walk and Hiking

A 4 to 5 km hike through diverse habitats of the reserve, this half-day outing offers an excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady

This all-day program combines traditional rafting and range hiking through some of the richest forest tracts of the Periyar National Park.

Jeep Safari

The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. Overseen by trained locals it is an outstanding trekking experience.

Spice Plantation Tour

The tour offers an excellent opportunity to see medicinal plants and buy garden fresh spices from the plantation.

Periyar Tiger Reserve Boat Safari

Boating on Periyar is one of the most popular things to do in Periyar. One can see the wild animals along the fringe of the lake foraging, bathing, drinking and resting. The most essential activity for anyone visiting Thekkady is taking a boat ride on the lake.

Best time to visit 

Thekkady weather is pleasant all around the year but it is best to visit during winters (November to February). It is also the ideal time for sighting migratory birds. I visited in May and it was hot and humid which made moving around and walking a small distance uncomfortable. Monsoons are not a good time as the approach roads are bound to landslides.

Final thoughts about Cardamom County Resort Thekkady

I had a relaxing time at Cardamom County Resort during the short visit that I was there. The resort is extremely beautiful with loads of activities. The staff is friendly and one can easily pick up a conversation with them. The warm hospitality is a warrant I would love to come back and stay here. 

Book your Resort in Thekkady 

Contact and Bookings: Cardamom County by Xandari

Address: Near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Road, Kumily, Kerala, 685509

Cardamom County Resort Contact no.: +91 (0) 4869 224501, Whatsapp: +91 75580 63366

Email: reservations@xandari.com

Instagram: @xandariresorts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XandariResorts

Click here to book a room for yourself!

Going to Kumarakom from Thekkady? Check out Aveda Kumarakom for a comfortable stay in Kumarakom.

Read More Kerala posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
• Places to visit in Thekkady
• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Things to do in Munnar
• Glamping in Munnar
• Chendamangalam Handlooms
• Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom
• Trekking in Munnar
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Disclosure – I was a guest at Cardamom County Resort by Xandari as a part of the Pre-Mart tour organized by Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), 2022 and Kerala Tourism. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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The post A relaxing stay at Cardamom County Resort Thekkady – A Review appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.