If Munnar is the emerald queen of Kerala’s hills, Thekkady is her aromatic, spice-laden sister—one that whispers secrets of the wilderness while wrapping you in the warm embrace of cardamom-scented air.
In the first and second parts of this series (if you missed them, catch up here and here), we unraveled the magic of Kerala, from Mumbai’s departure gates to Kochi’s colonial streets and Munnar’s misty tea-clad slopes.
But a trip to Munnar without Thekkady is like watching a movie and skipping the climax—it just doesn’t feel complete!
Now, in this third edition, we move from Munnar’s tea gardens to Thekkady’s spice plantations. The landscape changes from rolling hills to dense forests, and the air fills with the scent of cardamom and pepper.
Let’s begin where the tea gardens meet the spice gardens.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
The true magic of Munnar reveals itself when you venture beyond the town and take the scenic route to Thekkady—not the dull, shortest path Google Maps suggests, but the long, winding road through Suryanelli. And wow, are we glad we did! Every turn had us gasping at jaw-dropping landscapes, with views so breathtaking they’ll leave you completely spellbound.
Amaana Plantation Resort Thekkady
Our Experience
A little away from the quaint town of Thekkady, Amaana Plantation Resort welcomed us with a charmingly raw vibes—think limited rooms, cozy cottages, and an intimate dining space that makes it feel exclusive and personal. But the real showstopper? A sprawling pond where you can even try your hand at fishing!
Amenities
Of course, there’s a swimming pool too—because, well, what’s a resort without one? And as the cherry on top, they even offer a complimentary morning tea plantation walk—because what’s better than starting your day surrounded by endless green hills and the soothing aroma of fresh tea leaves? The lush green grass of the resort adds a refreshing touch to the rustic setting, though the uneven slopes might keep parents of toddlers on their toes!
Rooms
We opted for the cottage room with a jacuzzi—easily the highlight of our stay! And why, you ask? Well, the jacuzzi quickly transformed into our toddlers’ personal playground, and once they took over, there was no getting them out of their bubbly little kingdom. We did run into some hiccups with the hot water supply and the jacuzzi’s functionality, but hey, we decided to let it slide and keep our vacation vibes intact. After all, happy toddlers = happy getaway!
Service and Hospitality
The moment you step up to the reception, it’s pretty clear that the resort is run by a team that’s more on the semi-professional, less-experienced side. But honestly? We didn’t mind—it didn’t really impact our stay. The hospitality was… well, let’s just say it was fine. Nothing to rave about, but nothing to complain about either—just enough to keep things rolling without making a lasting impression.
Culinary Experience
The kitchen here keeps things simple with a limited menu, but the real charm? They’re more than happy to customize dishes to match your taste buds perfectly! Despite the fewer options, every meal we had was enriched with authentic flavor of Kerala, made with authentic spices that had us craving more—if only our appetite could keep up! In particular, we loved the Kerala specialties like Kozhi Porichathu (a starter made of tender chicken pieces marinated in authentic Kerala spices and deep fried) and Kozhi Varutharacha Curry (chicken cubes cooked in roasted coconut gravy and flavoured with black pepper) with extra-soft Kerala Paratha. Breakfast, was a bit of a letdown with a surprisingly small spread. But thankfully, what they did serve was delicious enough to leave us satisfied rather than disappointed and compensated for the limited menu.
Conclusion
The resort provided a reasonably pleasant experience, with a serene location, comfortable accommodations, and warm hospitality. However, when assessing the overall value for money, it did not quite stand out. While the service and amenities were satisfactory, they did not justify the premium pricing, especially when compared to other properties we stayed at during this trip, offering a more well-rounded experience in terms of luxury, facilities, and attention to detail. That said, for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat with a focus on nature and authentic Kerala food, this resort still holds its charm and would not disappoint if you keep your expectations low.
Things to Do in Thekkady*
Scenic Drive & Tea Experience
- Visit Lockhart Tea Factory – Witness tea-making firsthand and enjoy fresh brews amid scenic tea gardens.
- Scenic Stops Along the Way – Pause at breathtaking viewpoints and lush tea plantations.
Unique Experiences in Thekkady
- Elephant Ride & Bathing – Ride through plantations and experience the joy of scrubbing and bathing elephants.
- Ayurvedic Spa & Jacuzzi Therapy – Indulge in Kerala’s famed herbal massages followed by a relaxing Jacuzzi session.
Periyar National Park & Wildlife Safari
Boat Safari on Periyar Lake – Cruise through the national park for a chance to spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.
*Inputs from Ashutosh Kumar Verma
Thekkady offers a perfect mix of relaxation, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Whether it’s a tea trail, an elephant encounter, or a wildlife safari, this destination has something for everyone. Planning a trip? Let me know if you need more tips! 🌿✨
The grand finale of our Kerala adventure is here! After wandering through Munnar’s emerald tea estates and Thekkady’s fragrant spice gardens, it’s time for a spectacular ending—one that I had secretly planned all along. 💫 A cozy, lakeside retreat. A timeless Kerala experience. And a celebration close to our hearts. ❤️ But that’s not all—because what’s a Kerala send-off without drifting along its legendary backwaters?
A surprise revealed. A milestone celebrated. And an experience that left us in awe. Any guesses? Stay tuned—this one’s special! ✨🌿
Alternatives
Here are the top properties I had shortlisted for Thekkady—each with its own appeal. However, something always felt slightly off—either the price didn’t justify the experience, or they didn’t quite align with our expectations, especially our need for a kid-friendly stay.
The stunning cliffside views of this resort immediately caught my attention, earning it a place on my final shortlist. However, the pricing for my chosen dates was noticeably steep and did not justify the value offered. Nonetheless, you can still give it a shot.
Club Mahindra has consistently met my expectations. Although this particular property did not appear in my initial search results, I discovered it through their official website and found it to be a promising option for a one-night stay in Thekkady.
This property came highly recommended by a colleague and also ranked among the top results on MakeMyTrip. However, reviews suggested that it was an older establishment that had undergone renovations, which led me to exclude it from my shortlist.
CGH is a well-established name in the hospitality industry, and a colleague had a positive experience at this property. However, the pricing was significantly higher than expected, making it difficult to justify for my stay.
About Me
I’m a travel photographer and blogger based in Mumbai, capturing landscapes, architecture, and street life through my lens. But beyond photography, I love connecting with fellow creatives and people who love travelling. If you ever want to chat, ask questions, or exchange ideas, feel free to reach out! 📸✨
Photographer | Blogger | Lawyer | Father
| 📩 vivekvermavisuals@gmail.com
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