Accommodation

Kumarakom, Kerala

A Luxurious Heritage Retreat in Paradise

The lush, tropical surroundings of the gorgeous Kumarakom Lake Resort sits on the serene banks of the emerald backwaters of Lake Vembanad, India’s longest lake. The resort is an idyllic representation of Kerala’s architectural and cultural heritage, making it the perfect location to begin our spiritual adventure and as a place to focus our first four days in diving deep into our study.

This lake front property stretches across 25 acres with a cluster of traditional manas – Kerala homes of the 16th century – that were procured from villages and estates in Kerala, carefully dismantled and then meticulously reassembled in order to preserve the original features and wood carvings. The architecture of the entire property features and compliments these traditional buildings and styles from the reception area, to the cottages, to the eight sided restaurant known as an “ettukettu,” which means an eight-sided mansion.

Enjoy your morning tea as you sit on the verandah of your Keralan villa, watching local fisherman row out into the lake in their traditional Keralan long boats through the morning mist of the lake. Coconut trees sway in the warm breeze blowing in from the Arabian Sea adding a touch of green to the blue Indian sky. Waking up in the morning has never been so enchanting!

Periyar

A Village in the Mountains

The Spice Village is a tribal village set in a spice garden in the cool highlands of Periyar in Thekkady. It is modeled on the dwellings of the native Manan tribe of this region and exudes the raw spirit of unblemished nature.

The property is a seamless extension of the verdant landscape around and celebrates all things spice. The buildings were crafted with local materials by native artisans imbuing mountain spirit and traditional wisdom in its creation. The native people of the region also steward the property’s organic gardens that put fresh vegetables, fruits and spices on the tables every day.

Madurai

In Madurai, we check into the 17-acre Heritage Madurai, a luxury property where blossom laden frangipani trees stand guard over your personal plunge pool designed by the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffery Bawa. The property, with its 200-year old banyan tree, is a welcome respite from this bustling city.

Bangalore

Old World Charm

Nestled amidst 20 acres of flora and defined by its illustrious heritage and colonial charm, Taj West End is a lush sanctuary in Bangalore. Started by the Bronsons as a 10-room inn in 1887, it has since grown in size with many more magnificent rooms and suites that dot the sprawling landscaped gardens, each with a gorgeous view. 

Home to the second-oldest tree in the city and a Victorian-era postbox still in use, this ambient 5 star hotel in Bangalore is a perfect synthesis of the charms of a bygone era and modern amenities and comforts.