Neelambari Resorts & Spa: A secret portal to bliss

Neelambari means 'blue skies,' and nestling in the spice hills and quiet estates here is the ideal getaway to a lesser known part of Kerala which encapsulates the best of what the state has to offer, in terms of diversity, weather and a deluxe spectacle of nature.

Neelambari is located in North Kerala, bordering Karnataka. Whilst this little haven of peace is tucked away in the mountains, it is within close proximity of some of Kerala's finest, uninterrupted backwaters in Nileshwar. Similarly, the pristine beaches along the renowned Bekal Fort built by Tipu Sultan, Talakaveri, the source of river Kaveri, as well as the coffee plantations of nearby Coorg and golf course of Madikeri are all within one and half hour's drive from the resort.

If there is a simple remedy for the heat and humidity of the plains, it is a trip to the mountains and Neelambari, where the air is relatively cool, life is simple, and yet there is an excess of everything! Neelambari also offers you the exclusive use of the resort for residential workshops, reunions, weddings, get-togethers or off sites in a beautiful and sublime environment. Every visitor will enjoy nature in its purest form and experience that as a luxury. Meal times here are perfect for those who would like total rest from making decisions - there is no menu; the chef just brings you what he thinks is best. Yet, you can sample a wide range of local culinary delights inspired by local chefs along with continental and Chinese cuisine. An a la carte restaurant with an exclusive range of delicacies to complement the buffet lunch and dinner adds an exciting choice for the guests at the resort.

There is a lovely lazy mood here, so you should stay away if you want a place of hustle and bustle. During the day you put your feet up in your personal veranda or dive into the swimming pool, discover the exotic spices, fruits and crops of this region - such as pepper, cashew, arecanut, vanilla as well as rubber, can be seen growing in their natural state.

A typical day here begins with Yoga by the pool followed by breakfast. The rest of the day waits to pamper you in the health temple or Spa called Nirvana where within just a few hours, the tensions of a whole year can dissolve into pleasure with the help of their therapists. The Ayurvedic Spa here offers a holistic health evaluation and a personalised treatment programme administered by experienced therapists. They offer a wide range of treatments ranging from wellness packages to improving one's health to treating specific ailments. For the more active guests and those looking for adventure, trekking opportunities abound with a hike in the aromatic spice hills. Recreational facilities in the resort include an outdoor swimming pool, gym, table tennis, indoor games, a well-stocked library of books, movies, Internet and cable television. Yoga classes are held twice daily, mornings and evenings. Neelambari's beauty salon 'Kaveri' offers you a wide range of beauty treatments including aromatherapy, reflexology in its fully equipped beauty salon attended by resident beauty therapists.

The resort accommodates guests in its 16 Kerala style cottages. Each cottage has its own dressing room/washroom facilities and opens out to its own balcony and garden overlooking the forests.

Optional trips from the resort

• Backwater cruises in a traditional Kerala houseboat also called Ketuvellam or in an American sun tracker Pontoon to enjoy the panoramic views of the famous Kerala backwaters merging into the Arabian Sea. They also offer sunrise and sunset cruises along the same route.
• Talakaveri - Source of River Kaveri which is also known as Ganga of the south,
• Anandashram: Set amidst mango and coconut groves, it was founded by Swami Ramdas in 1937. Excellent place to visit and meditate.
• Nityanandasram: Founded by Swami Nityananda, the place is designed after the Somanath temple in Gujarat.