Cardamom County by Xandari sits on a hillside overlooking Thekkady, in Kerala's Western Ghats. The property belongs to Xandari, an Indian group recognised for its nature and wellness-focused retreats across South India. Its greatest strength lies in its location: the Periyar Tiger Reserve and its national park are just a short distance away, making it an ideal base for exploring this stretch of jungle, spice plantations and highland villages.

Why stay here

Cardamom County's appeal rests on its dual identity: it is a hill lodge integrated into Periyar's ecosystem, and part of the Xandari group, which applies a consistent sustainable approach across all its properties. In practice, this translates into careful water management, a reduction in single-use plastics, the use of natural materials in construction, priority employment of local staff and sourcing from nearby producers. For the traveller, this means a stay where the hotel remains connected to its landscape.

Atmosphere and architecture

The property is designed around buildings with pitched roofs, opening onto hillsides planted with cardamom and pepper. Local materials dominate: wood, stone, textiles woven in the region. Buildings are scattered across the slope, linked by tree-lined pathways, avoiding any sense of a hotel block. The whole ensemble remains understated, nestled into the vegetation of the Ghats.

Rooms and cottages

Accommodation consists of rooms and cottages dispersed throughout the grounds. Each unit has a private balcony or terrace, with views over the hills or interior gardens. The cottages, more secluded, suit travellers seeking privacy and closer contact with the natural surroundings.

Dining and facilities

The restaurant showcases Kerala and South Indian cuisine, crafted using spices grown in the region: cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon. Vegetarian options hold a prominent place, in keeping with Kerala's culinary traditions.

For wellness, the hotel features a pool and an Ayurvedic treatment centre. The Ayurvedic protocols offered here focus on medicinal oil massages, designed for relaxation rather than clinical therapy. This proves a welcome complement after a day of safari or trekking.

Location and access

Thekkady lies in Idukki district, inland, several hours' drive from Kochi (Cochin), the nearest international airport. Plan for half a day's transfer from the coast, along a road that climbs gradually through tea and spice plantations. Arrival via Madurai (Tamil Nadu) is also possible and often quicker.

When to visit

The best season runs from October to March, when the air is dry and temperatures cool at altitude. The southwest monsoon, from June to August, brings heavy rainfall that makes vegetation particularly lush but can disrupt park excursions. April and May remain feasible, warmer, with wildlife more visible around Periyar's water holes.

Nearby attractions

From the hotel, several activities are arranged or recommended: boat safaris on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, sambars and water birds; visits to spice plantations with insights into cultivation and processing; Kathakali performances and demonstrations of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's traditional martial art, at Thekkady's cultural centres.

To extend an itinerary through South India, other properties can complement your stay, such as Aloft Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, or more urban choices like Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield. For a heritage stop in central India, Ahilya Fort on the banks of the Narmada is a benchmark address.

Planning your stay

Cardamom County fits naturally into a Kerala circuit combining backwaters, Munnar tea plantations and Kochi's coast. To build a complete itinerary and obtain a custom quote, explore our journeys in India.