Description
Neeleshwar was built in accordance with the architectural principles of Kerala Vastu and has a number of thatched cottages, with either sea or garden views. Each room has its own private courtyard, balcony and outdoor bathroom. They are furnished with contemporary colour schemes with a slick, modern finish. To the front of the cottages you will find a pleasant verandah.
The hotel has a main dining room at the centre of the resort called ‘The Hermitage’ serving continental, classic Indian and local cuisine. There is also a delightful seafood and fish restaurant, by the pool and overlooking the beach.
The hotel has a superb spa offering Ayurvedic treatments. They offer traditional massages, purification regimes, aromatherapy, facial and beauty treatments and rejuvenation therapy.
Neeleshwar is perfect for those wanting to relax, but for those wanting a little more to do you can visit the impressive fort at Bekal, take backwater cruises, go walking in the Western Ghats, explore untouched local villages or visit the many delightful local temples in the area.
In short, Neeleshwar’s relative untouched isolation is its true trump card; coupled with its wonderfully crafted rooms and facilities - and the chance to explore a part of Kerala that few tourists visit.
Guide price
£995
per person
£995 pice for 7 nights based on 2 people sharing a Sea View Cottage on a B&B basis, International flights with Emirates via Dubai and private transfers. Cost based on departures from April 2010 - 30 June 2010.
Accommodation
Neeleshwar Hermitage offers 16 Cottages set back from a stunning long and deep Keralan beach. All the cottages are rustic in style, designed on traditional fisherman's huts and have ensuite outdoor bathrooms. Cottages are spacious, light and airy featuring teak floors, high ceilings and locally handmade furniture and both antique and contemporary works of art from Kerala.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities. Children will love the many cultural activities in the area and be able to enjoy the wildlife tours to see the Olive Ridley turtles and the abundant birdlife.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool and a spa offering traditional massages, purification regimes, aromatherapy, facial and beauty treatments and rejuvenation therapy. There are also 2 restaurants serving continental, classic Indian and local cuisine, a small shop, beauty salon and internet access is provided.
Activities
Activities at the hotel include cookery classes. The surrounding area offers a wealth of cultural activities including visits to the Bekal Fort, walking in the Western Ghats, cruises on the infamous Kerala Houseboats, cycling and wildlife tours to see the rare Olive Ridley turtle. From October to November there is also a bird guide at the hermitage.
When to travel
Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical and as a result of the mountain ranges the area isn’t as dry as much of India. The best time to visit is from April through June. While there can be the occasional light showers these are just a prelude of the wet weather to come. The weather is generally hot and humid during this early summer. The monsoon season arrives in late June and thus can wash out July and August. September is much more humid as a result of the rainy season, and the fall can be dry but with the humidity this makes it feel quite the warm. The temperatures cool down and the humidity lets up as winter comes in around December, with this season lasting until February when the dry spring returns. Winter can be a pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re looking to head off the beach and explore this Indian land of mystery.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Neeleshwar, India
Neeleshwar Hermitage is located in a quiet, unspoilt corner of Northern Kerala.
How to get there
Best to fly to Calicut via Dubai followed by a 4-5 hour drive, or if within India fly to Mangalore and a 2 hour drive.
