Longing to experience an intimate candlelit dinner or a romantic barbecue by the bonfire? We are ready to create an experience beyond your dreams.
For those with special requirements, our dedicated chefs will be pleased to surprise you with something simple, yet unforgettable.
Here are the selections to match the magic of every moment We take pride in offering you wide ranges of cuisine made only from the freshest and the finest ingredients available on the market.
You could pre-book online or at the Retreat with our retreat Manager and Chef.
A cooking class which showcases the wealth of traditional local cuisine, and provides a memorable experience for guests on their vacation. This is an opportunity to learn authentic traditional recipes from the region. Our Chef has collected dishes that have been passed through generations in a time honoured tradition.
Hands on classes by our Chef's that teach the nuances of aromatic spices, herbs and fresh ingredients that each Niraamaya destination is blessed with.
Choose from just an afternoon of discovery to an advanced 7 day course. You could pre-book online or at the Retreat with our Head Chef.
A short ride from the Retreat is bustling Kumily bazaar; here the Mudra Cultural Centre helps preserve two vibrant forms of Kerala’s arts
Kathakali
Kathakali is a dance drama based on the Ramayana. Originating in the 17th century it features brightly coloured face paint and elaborate headdresses. In Kathakali, the story is enacted purely by the movements of the hands (called mudras or hand gestures) and by facial expressions (rasas) and bodily movements. While originally these were dusk to dawn extravaganzas the Mudra Cultural centre organizes a one hour glimpse of this rich performance.
For a genuine safari experience, book a jeep into the densest reaches of the spice hills in Gavi. The safari leaves early in the morning and enters Periyar Tiger Reserve.
The jeep will take you through all forms of terrain - valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands and cascading waterfalls. It includes 3 hours of trekking with a local tribal and an optional 2 hours of paddle boating. Try and spot the common Nilgiri Macaques or rare Lion Tailed Macaques, the Yellow Necked Nilgiri Marten, and black Bears. You are almost assured with a close encounter with Wild elephants that criss cross the road at will, or the Malabar giant squirrel that leaps among the tree tops .
With the gentle sound of the river beneath you and a chance to breathe in the fresh air, a boat ride on the Periyar Lake is a must. The view as you skim past is spectacular: you might even catch elephants bathing with their young ones or if lucky a tiger lapping up some of the crystal clear water.
Or else Go bamboo rafting across a river and through the Periyar Lake. Watch the amazing waterbirds from low slung rafts, as you let your fingers run through the water.
A plethora of animals and birds await. On a nature walk through the sanctuary.The extremely adventurous could opt for a 6 hour trek or even brave the wildlife at night !
Enquire about the Night Patrol through the edge of the Sanctuary with Jungle Scouts Partake in this three-hour trek and you are not only taken on night patrols across the fringe zones of the Tiger Reserve, but you are also helping to protect the forests of Periyar. And while on your hike, make sure to listen carefully and keep your eyes peeled to spot one of the many forest avians.
India is the largest producer and exporter of the World’s favourite brew. Take a trip to neighbouring Vandiperiyar town and visit a working estate and factory that was established in 1941.
The Plantation has beautiful valley and hill views framed by lush green tea bushes. The 700 acre estate exudes a pleasant aroma as the fresh leaves and buds are plucked, gathered and sent to the factory for processing.
At the factory you will learn how leaves are dried on metal beds, shredded on a conveyor and then crushed into powder. This tea powder is then left to ferment which brings about the characteristic smell, colour and flavor.
The secret to our Chef’s cuisine is the freshness of the spices that are harvested on the property as well as the immediate environs. Besides the copious amounts of fresh pepper and cardamom that grow around the cottages, there are several spices found in neighbouring estates.
Vanilla, Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Star anise are but few of the many precious spices that nature has gifted the destination with.
30 minutes’ drive from the Retreat is the Thekkady Jungle elephant Camp.
Grab this rare opportunity to experience India on elephant back. Take a majestic trip through spice plantations where the gentle breeze will refresh you with spice-scented air as your steed slowly ambles on. Or why not get up close and personal? Our elephant trainers will accompany you to where you can bathe these gentle giants. (If they're in the playful mood, brace yourself for a tuskfull of river water!) End the day feeding the elephants by hand – a memory that will last lifetime.
The environs of Niraamaya Retreat include our coffee and cardamom estate that sprawls right upto the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary Border.
Our eager team will accompany on this 4 km trek to the top. For the inspired choose to do this trek at dawn and watch sunrise at the ‘heavens gateway’ from Mount Miracle.
This walk is a great opportunity to catch local wildlife such as the Gaur or ‘Indian Bison’ and various species of deer.
Keep some time aside to browse through our handpicked selection of local crafts, statuettes and exquisite fabrics.
We pride ourselves in promoting local South Indian artisans.
Take home a souvenir or gift from the vibrant culture of India. The boutique is situated next to the Reception.
