MAYAPOTT BUNGALOW

Perched on a rock in a 130-acre cardamom estate near Thekkady in Kerala, this boutique plantation villa lives up to its name—Mayapott, the 'mystical point.' It sits about 122 km from Cochin International Airport, 142 km from Ernakulam Railway Station and 17.9 km from Thekkady Junction Bus Stop. Nearby draws include Periyar Lake, Idukki Dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.

Built around a rainforest canopy with a stream that flows under the bridge, Mayapott feels like a private hideout. Rooms include two fully furnished studio bedrooms and a villa suite (sofa unit in the suite), all with plantation and stream views. Expect woodsy touches, a common fireplace, attached baths with a natural vibe and in-room perks like satellite TV, DVD player, tea/coffee maker, mineral water, room heater and study table.

Wake up to the aroma of cardamom and birdsong. The property offers lawns and gardens, a library, bicycles for hire, parking, taxi and guide services, doctor on call, laundry and a spa/massage/ayurveda centre (on request). Active guests can join plantation walks, trekking, hiking, biking, bird watching and honey-bee farming; Kerala tourism activities like river rafting, boating and jungle safaris are also available nearby.

Wi-Fi internet access is available across the property for staying connected.

Meals are served in a common dining area (breakfast 7:30–10:30 am; dinner 7:30–10:30 pm), with a separate covered-bridge dining spot and a tea launch over the stream. Guests can join ethnic Kerala cooking classes to learn local flavors and techniques.