Resorts spread across south India
Not just being a passer-by, but becoming part of society. CGH Earth Hotels offers this option to travellers in India. Nature and local culture are central to all accommodations. So no modern resorts like stray birds in the traditional setting. But traditional houses and renovated residences that fit the picture of south India.
Spice Village gets its name from the exotic herbs, which grow high in the mountains around Thekaddy. In this mountain village, the laws of nature and the wisdom of the local population prevail. They welcome you with a cup of tea of fresh herbs. The old house has been transformed into a comfortable stay, without compromising the original atmosphere. So not a high-pile carpet, but a floor of carved rock. Not television, but the sound of birdsong. That includes Marari Beach Resort in Marikulam. A place to relax. No TV, no long list of holiday activities to cram days with. Just the beach. That invites you to take long walks and stare into the sea, to see how the waves slowly change color.
In the interior of Tamil Nadu, old grandeur and elegance have been brought to life without an overdose of modern glitz and brilliance. The large country houses of Visalam in Chettinad are a quiet area on one where it is still really dark at night. Coconut Lagoon Resort in Kumarakom is tucked between Kerala's rice plantations. Far from its fast existence, life here rips on at the speed of the small streams that cross the region.
Back on the coast, Pondichery is known as small France. But those who stay in Maison Perumal will see that this place has stripped itself of French varnish: India and France have fused into a unique culture. The house has been refurbished in original style, with in the mirroring of the stained glass both the Indian color and the French grandeur caught.
Finally, Swaswara is also highly recommended. Located on Om Beach in Karnataka, this place offers a holiday for the soul. With yoga sessions on a deserted beach. Meditation moments in the green hills. And an Ayurvedic lifestyle. To not only blend into Indian society, but to make India a bit of a part of yourself.
Tips & tops from CGH Earth Hotels:
- CGH Earth works according to the principles of ecotourism and aims to involve the local population in tourism
- Most resorts have Ayurveda, yoga and meditation centres
- At Coconut Lagoon is a large butterfly garden, the most beautiful specimens flutter past you
- CGH Earth Hotels makes its stays ecologically sound: The houses of Spice Village have natural air conditioning
- For those who want to leave the peace and quiet in the Marari Beach resort behind: there is wifi in the reception area
- In Visalam you are welcome in the kitchen, during a three-day cooking course chefs reveal the secrets of local cuisine in Chettinad
- Maison Perumal is just ten minutes away from the beautiful Manakula Vinayagar Temple, also home to elephant Laxmi
- Swaswara has a special meditation dome