Serenity at Kanam Estate, Kottayam Kerala

Surrounded by rolling hills and shady rubber plantations, halfway between Cochin and Thekkady, this wonderful, fully-staffed 1920s estate house is a haven of tranquillity. Serenity is set on acres and acres of lush green hills on a rubber plantation that’s easily a century old. Beautifully restored, it is decorated with a fusion of its colonial past together with contemporary modern Indian art work. The dark timber and panelling throughout the property are exquisite and the warm terracotta and turquoise colours that dominate the interiors blend perfectly with the profusion of colonial furniture and with the local environment. There are 5 bedrooms, consisting of 3 double rooms and 2 twin rooms, each comes with an attached shower room. The name suits the hotel perfectly, this place is secluded indeed, and bike rides, elephant tours, oxcart excursions and nature walks around the spice plantations and ancient temples make up the bulk of the local activities. When on-site it’s best to get involved in a good book, take a spa treatment, or have a swim in the pool, surrounded by vegetation. The cuisine is a highlight, featuring produce grown on the plantation. Cookery demonstrations can also be arranged on request.