Traveling often means stepping out of the comfort zone of your home, a feeling we too experienced while looking for accommodations in Thekkady. However, imagine finding a place that combines the warmth of home with the embrace of nature and luxury. That’s exactly how we felt during our stay at Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady in Kerala.
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One week in Kerala
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Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady in Kerala: First Impressions
Upon arrival, the large gates opened to a winding road leading into the serene setting of the resort. The staff greeted us warmly, making us feel as though we were entering a traditional Kerala home. The courtyard, illuminated by a Kuthu Vilakku (a traditional brass lamp) adorned with flowers, welcomed us. A prominent feature was the oonjal or wooden swing, a staple in South Indian households.
We were welcomed with cardamom garlands and the traditional Kumkum tilak on our foreheads. To rejuvenate us after our journey, we were offered an intriguing black ginger coffee – a first for me and a delightful recharge.
While we soaked in the lush surroundings, our children’s attention was immediately drawn to a treehouse near the reception. They were keen to climb it, but unfortunately, it was temporarily closed for maintenance. Their disappointment was palpable, but we hope to return and experience the treehouse adventure.
Our Room at Greewoods Resort Thekkady
The staff gave us a brief introduction, showed us around, and guided to our poolside suite. Crossing the threshold, a staircase ushered us into a spacious living area, creatively designed with a high ceiling and split into two levels.
The upper mezzanine level, which overlooks the main seating area, featured a cozy bench and quickly became my kids’ favorite hide-and-seek spot. The lower level, adorned with wood furnishings, exuded warmth and comfort. What really stood out was the innovative use of natural elements for decor, like the coconut shell vases filled with fragrant white jasmine flowers.
A charming little nook by the window became the perfect spot for reading or enjoying a cup of coffee while taking in the lush views.
Adjacent to the living area was our inviting bedroom, complete with a large bathroom. The bedroom opened to a balcony that offered views of the swimming pool.
This balcony turned into our favorite retreat where we would relax with our coffee and books, the kids engaging in their coloring activities, all while observing the birds flit by in the scenic backdrop.
Our room at Greewoods Resort Thekkady came equipped with convenient amenities like a coffee maker and a fridge, which, to our delight, was stocked with chocolates and other items available for purchase. Complimentary water bottles were also provided.
The bathroom was well-appointed with all the essentials, featuring Biotique products, known for their 100% organic and ayurvedic formulations. Alongside these, we found handy items like a dental kit, shaving kit, first-aid kit, and even a compact sewing kit.
A highlight for us was the abundance of natural light in every room, including the bathroom, which was bathed in sunlight.
We appreciated the resort’s commitment to environmental conservation, evident in small but significant choices like using glass bottles for water instead of plastic. The trash cans were lined with fiber bags instead of plastic ones, aligning with our own efforts to minimize plastic use, as we brought and refilled our steel-insulated water bottles during our stay. These bottles were also available for purchase at the resort.
The Resort’s Room Categories: Each Distinctly Designed
Greewoods Resort Thekkady offers six uniquely themed room categories, each thoughtfully named and designed:
Aranya or the Superior Room
‘Aranya’ translates to forest. This comfortable one-bedroom setup, complete with a dressing area and a modern bathroom, is equipped with all the amenities for a cozy stay.
Kanana or the Deluxe Room
Also meaning forest, the ‘Kanana’ room is similar to the Aranya but offers more space, making it ideal for small families.
Rithika or the Honeymoon Villa
Meaning flowing water, the Rithika is a private haven for couples. This gated villa boasts a personal plunge pool and a secluded courtyard.
Amaravathy or the Premium Suite
Named after a flowing river, this duplex suite features a separate living area, a pool-facing balcony, and a two-level living space with a large seating area, desk, coffee machine, and a mini-fridge stocked with treats.
Indeevaram or the Premium Pool Suite
Named after the lotus flower, the Indeevaram suite epitomizes luxury. It includes a spacious living area, a large bedroom, and a pool accessible from both the living area and the bathroom.
Indraprastham or the Presidential Pool Suite
Meaning lord Indra’s abode, this suite is truly regal. Its vast bedroom leads to a sitting area and a balcony overlooking the pool. The pool, cleverly connected to the bathroom, extends into a green space perfect for bird watching or stargazing. This exclusive suite ensures utmost privacy for its occupants.
In all the rooms, fresh flowers adorn the space adding color and freshness. The rooms are tastefully done, and all needs are taken care of, yet mindful of the environment.
Each room in the resort is adorned with fresh flowers, adding a touch of color and natural beauty. The rooms are tastefully decorated, catering to all needs while being environmentally conscious.
Taking Care of the Environment at Greenwoods
Embracing nature’s gifts also entails a responsibility to safeguard and nurture it. Greenwoods Resort clearly demonstrates this commitment through various sustainable practices.
Notable among these are the creative ways they repurpose materials, like transforming coconut shells into elegant flower vases.
In the rooms, the resort has adopted eco-friendly practices, such as using glass water bottles and non-plastic garbage bags, as part of their broader effort to minimize plastic usage.
Additionally, the resort is proactive in waste management, with an on-site compost treatment plant and a biogas plant, effectively reducing and repurposing organic waste. These initiatives reflect Greenwoods’ dedication to preserving the environment.
Dining Experience at Greenwoods Resort Thekkady
Settled right by the reception, the resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant is a delightful spot for meals, surrounded by lush greenery and designed without windows to enhance the natural ambiance. The chefs and staff are incredibly accommodating and eager to satisfy diverse palates.
The head chef frequently interacts with guests, sharing insights into authentic cuisine and even recipes upon request.
Although the menu primarily featured non-vegetarian Kerala dishes, the chef prepared a special vegetarian brinjal/eggplant dish in Kerala style just for us. This dish was so delicious that even my usually brinjal-averse kids couldn’t get enough – a testament to the food’s quality was our forgetting to take photos before devouring it!
A must-try recommendation is the Kerala parotta, a soft, layered bread that pairs wonderfully with all dishes. Non-vegetarians should sample the Kerala Chicken curry and Kerala-style fish.
The most unique beverage we encountered was an allspice drink, surprisingly made from the leaves of the Allspice tree, not a mix of various spices as one might assume.
The breakfast buffet was an elaborate affair, perfectly blending South Indian and American choices, complete with fresh fruits, juices, and an assortment of cakes, muffins, and pastries for those with a sweet tooth.
There were also live dosa and egg stations for those who enjoy watching their food being prepared. The variety of chutneys and sambhar for dosas added to the experience, and the ever-changing menu meant new traditional dishes to try each day.
A commendable aspect of the restaurant is the common tip box, which is divided equally among the staff monthly. We admired this equitable approach and appreciated everyone’s efforts.
This holistic and inclusive approach to dining at Greenwoods Resort adds significantly to the overall experience of staying there.
Activities for Adults at Greenwoods Resort
Greenwoods Resort is a haven of activities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during your stay.
The resort itself is a natural paradise, waiting to be explored. With its diverse array of flowers, spice plants, and fruit trees, you’re constantly immersed in nature.
For those who love immersing themselves in local culture, the resort offers the opportunity to dress in traditional attire. The staff assists in draping sarees and tying dhotis. This experience was particularly useful during our visit to the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Trivandrum, where dhoti is a requisite for men.
Fitness enthusiasts can make the most of the well-equipped gymnasium for their workout routines.
There’s a 24-hour activity room as well, featuring table tennis, chess, carrom, and other games for some indoor fun.
The swimming pool, nestled among pine trees, provides a refreshing escape from the Kerala heat and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Evenings at Greenwoods are lively with a lineup of events. One highlight is the live cooking demonstration by the chef, where guests can learn and even receive emailed recipes of Kerala cuisine.
The resort also presents a 30-minute Thekkady show, a video presentation introducing guests to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and local spice plantations.
A daily 30-minute classical dance performance showcases India’s rich cultural heritage. Over two nights, we witnessed four different South Indian dance forms. The performances, depicting scenes from Indian mythology, were mesmerizing, with expressive facial gestures and rhythmic movements, truly embodying the idea that dance is a universal language.
These activities and experiences at Greenwoods Resort provide a delightful blend of fitness, culture, and leisure, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
Activities for Kids at Greenwoods Resort
Greenwoods Resort is a paradise for kids, brimming with activities to keep them engaged and energized.
Adjacent to the cafeteria, in a grass-covered area, you’ll find sports equipment like badminton racquets, frisbees, and footballs, all neatly arranged on a table crafted from a large rock.
The resort also features a dedicated play area equipped with a seesaw, swing, and trampoline, perfect for kids to enjoy and expend their energy.
Not to be overlooked is the inviting swimming pool near the cafeteria, an ideal spot for cooling off while enjoying a refreshing coconut water. For added safety, the pool area is equipped with puddle jumper floaties and swim boards.
For those days when outdoor play isn’t ideal, the resort has a 24-hour activity room and gym. Here, children can engage in games like chess, carrom, table tennis, and various card games, ensuring they’re never bored.
An added attraction within the resort is a small animal shelter housing cows, bunnies, turkeys, and white geese. The geese and turkeys freely roam around, greeting guests, and one turkey, in particular, seems to enjoy lounging under parked cars. Feeding the cows and watching their interactions with the caretaker is both entertaining and heartwarming for the kids.
To top off the day, the resort organizes a bonfire at night, creating the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
Our Experience at Greenwoods Resort Thekkady: Verdict
Greenwoods Resort is the quintessential destination for a tranquil vacation in Thekkady, nestled in nature’s embrace. The resort’s peaceful environment, coupled with friendly staff and a variety of activities, ensures a memorable stay.
Its central location is a major plus, being close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and within walking distance of the Kadathanadan Kalari Center and other local attractions. For those seeking accommodation in Thekkady, Greenwoods Resort is an excellent choice.
Getting to Thekkady
The most convenient way to reach Thekkady is by hiring a cab or driving there. The closest railway station is in Kottayam, situated approximately 107 kilometers away. For those flying in, Madurai Airport and Cochin International Airport are the nearest, each about 144 kilometers from Thekkady.
Location Details: Greenwoods Resor, K.K.Road, Kumily, Thekkady, Kerala, India.
Website: Greenwoods Resort
You can book a room either directly through the Greenwoods Resort or via Booking.com or via Tripadvisor.
Disclosure: Our stay at Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady, was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own, shared with the genuine aim of recommending a worthwhile experience to other travelers.
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Gorgeous and serene place. Love the green efforts undertaken by the resort and great review done by you
Yes indeed, it’s a gorgeous place. These efforts to preserve the environment are very important in today’s time. Thanks for reading the review.