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Neelambari Ecotourism

Our Experiences

A few years since its inception, Neelambari has evolved as the preferred destination for experiential travel in central Kerala. We especially enjoy offering authentic cultural experiences for our guests. Arattupuzha, our beautiful village is a perfect setting for some beautiful rural Kerala experiences.. Be it exploration of the beautiful nature around the village, getting acquainted with the magnificent culture and arts of Kerala, savouring and even preparing dishes (especially vegetarian fares) from the delicious central Kerala cuisine or just having some peaceful, relaxing “your time” - Neelambari offers the ideal setting for your holiday pursuits. Our simple, straight from the heart blend of Yoga, Ayurveda and vegetarian cuisine would enable soothing and rejuvenation of your body and mind - whether you are on a long or short stay with us.

A visit to the village centre

Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Shiva temple that dominated social and political life in Central Kerala a few centuries back. The temple still stands high as a magnificent structure in its vast compound though its social, political and economic clout has dwindled much. Peruvanam Gramam that was the governing body centred around the temple is non-existent today in an administrative sense. Socially, religiously however, the concept still lives on mainly through the annual temple festivals connecting the network of temples in and around the peruvanam gramam. Culturally too the Peruvanam Gramam thrives today in the minds of people through the numerous art forms and artistes connected to these festivals.

Rural walk in the morning

We start from Neelambari in the morning. Beautiful countryside greets us before we come across some paddy fields. We pass a few agriculture and fish farms on the way and get some understanding of the life and activities in the village. We might drop in a village household for a morning tea or coffee. We can also stop and see a village artisan tapping toddy and get a taste of nature's brew if we wish.

Intro to Performing Arts of Kerala

Intro to Arts is a signature Neelambari experience that brings our guests close to one of the performing arts of Kerala. These can be combined with an actual performance or enjoyed as stand alone experiences. The program consists of a guided and informal interaction with one or more artistes where defining aspects and nuances of the art form are explained and demonstrated. Being an interactive experience, guests are encouraged to ask questions and involve themselves in these experiences.

Performances of Kerala art forms

Neelambari is proud to be one of the most authentic show cases for performing arts of Kerala. We take delight in organising high quality performances for our guests that are appreciated and enjoyed by local connoisseurs as well. Given below are some of the regular performances we have been arranging, though we are always very happy to craft something specific or unique based on the interests of our guests. Each performance is preceded by an introduction to the art form, artistes and the specific part / narrative being enacted. In addition, these performances can be combined with an Intro to Art session (see above) on the same art form for a more immersive experience.

Painting exploration

Vibrant make ups donned by Kathakali and Koodiyattam actors, mesmerising figures drawn by Kalamezhuthu artistes and the enchanting murals that adorn the walls of temples and palaces in Kerala are all connected by a common theme of colours. Each hue has its own significance and symbolism. In this beautiful workshop, we will bring two or three artistes side by side who are involved in costume and make up for Kathakali and Koodiyattam, mural paintings of Kerala and creation of Kalamezhuthu figures. The interactive session would enable one to understand the underlying principles and symbolisms that govern these art forms.

Temple visits

There are several ancient and magnificent temples within a short distance of Neelambari. The famous Arattupuzha Shastha temple is within walking distance. Other important temples would be Vadakkumnathan in Thrissur (15 kms), Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple (5 kms), Urakam Lakshmi Temple (3 kms), Koodalmanikyam Temple (8 kms), Triprayar Rama Temple (15 kms), Guruvayur Temple (38 kms). We will be happy to arrange vehicles and / or necessary guidance for our guests to visit these temples. This activity is more suitable for guests of Indian ethnicity as westerners are usually not allowed entrance to these temples.

Sightseeing options

In addition to the in house experiences listed above, there are also several sightseeing options around Neelambari. Thrissur city (14 kms), Athirapally waterfalls (40 kms), Chimmony Wildlife Reserve (32 kms), Muziris (30 kms) and Guruvayur (40 kms) are some of the popular sightseeing options easily accessible from Neelambari. We are happy to arrange transportation (if needed) and necessary guidance for our guests to visit these landmarks.

Rejuvenation

We are happy to arrange a guided Yoga session or Ayurveda massage for you even if you are on a short stay with us. Our Yoga instructor and therapists are highly trained and deeply passionate about their pursuits. Combined with our beautiful spaces earmarked for Yoga and Ayurveda, they would offer the perfect relaxation during a serene holiday. Please refer here if you are looking to pursue Yoga or Ayurveda more seriously over a longer stay.

Testimonials

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Sreeni and Meera made our stay at Neelambari feel more like visiting close relatives than staying at a resort. They made every effort to make us feel welcomed, comfortable and happy. Sreeni was very kind to take us on multiple occasions to the local music and dance festival with him aswell as organising day trips around the area to keep us entertained and excited. Meera spoilt us rotten with a desgistation of delicious local dishes for every meal! We were there for 7 days and not one meal was a repeat from the other and much of the produce was grown on the property or region. She even gave us a cooking lesson so hopefully we can recreate some of the meals at home. The resort itself is a work of art, literally! It feels like it has been part of the landscape for centuries. That being said the accommodation was luxurious and has all the comforts and percs you would expect from a 5 star resort. We had booked in for daily yoga and Ayurveda treatment, our Yogi and and Dr were really great and our daily routine left us invigorated and relaxed. I would stay at Neelambari again in a heartbeat.

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