Overview

At Neelambari, we have reproduced the classic architecture of Kerala in all its splendour. Our main building that houses the reception, lounge, library and Yoga hall is a beautiful example of traditional architecture. It combines a Koothambalam (temple theatre) and a Nalukettu (traditional courtyard). Our rooms continue the same traditional Kerala theme in their exterior even as they are spacious with modern amenities and comforts within. Neelambari also has a beautiful space for Ayurveda treatments, a traditional natural pond that is swimmable, a beautiful park area for fun and recreation, serene outdoor space for Yoga.

Jaalam, our alfresco dining space by the pond and Jaalam Canopy, our eco-friendly event space round off the spaces in Neelambari. The latter have their own independent approach road and entrance so that they do not infringe on the overall serenity of Neelambari. Karuvannur river on one side, vast paddy fields on the other and beautiful greenery all around, Neelambari is well liked by all visitors for its exquisite rural charm.

Central Facility

The Koothambalam (literally temple theatre) in Neelambari closely follows the precepts from ancient Indian texts dealing with such performing arts. Crafted by traditional artisans, in addition to its classical style, the Koothambalam incorporates several exquisite works of art – in wood, stone and murals. We use the Koothambalam primarily for staging performances - classical and contemporary art forms of Kerala including Koodiyattam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppetry) etc. Its classical finish and aesthetic interiors makes it a popular choice for ceremonies like intimate weddings, engagements and pre-wedding events like Sangeeth and Mehnd.

The Nalukettu or traditional courtyard complements the Koothambalam in form and function by faithfully incorporating elements of traditional Kerala architecture. This warm, airy informal space combines our reception, dining space and open serving kitchen. The open to the sky Nadumuttam in the centre,

beautiful wooden grills all around and the open serving kitchen in the corner all make this a very warm and welcoming space. The upstairs of the main building has the Yoga hall and library. Done in traditional Kerala style with slanted wooden grills and tiled roof, the Yoga hall also serves as a recreation space, a beautiful space with a lot of natural light for informal performances and as a quiet area for your private practices like meditation or tai chi. The library here houses an array of books on the history, culture, performing arts and festivals of Kerala. Most of the books here are in English.

Guest cottages

The beguiling architecture of the Koothambalam is carried over to our guest cottages. At the same time the interiors of their bedrooms and bathrooms reflect a very contemporary sensibility in appearance and amenities. Spacious and well appointed bedrooms and bathrooms and a spacious porch means that each guest room has a total area exceeding 75 square metres. The serene settings of the cottages and the lush greenery outside combine to evoke a sense of tranquillity and laid-backness. We have a total of eight rooms in Neelambari spread across a three acre compound. Each room has its own private porch and garden. The relatively small number of rooms in a large compound means that there is plenty of private space for each guest.

Serene spaces

The main building of Neelambari houses the Yoga hall and library upstairs. The Yoga hall with a lot of natural light and air is an ideal place for practice of Yoga, meditation, Pranayam, tai chi etc. When a formal Yoga session is not in progress, you can also use the space for some quiet thinking and reading. The Yoga corner next to our natural pond is also a wonderful outdoor space for Yoga. With a lot of trees around it, the space is cool even during daytime and is especially charming in the morning and evening. The small park with its tree house and swings is also a popular choice for Yoga practice especially for small groups. If you are happy to walk or cycle a bit, the vast open spaces in the countryside around us are also great spaces to be by yourself as you try to see within.

Ayurveda

Neelambari has a beautiful area designated for Ayurveda massage and treatments. The Ayurveda building is done in the shape of a traditional boat (Kettuvallam) in a tank of water lilies. There are two well appointed treatment rooms in this boat shaped spa. The surroundings of the rejuvenation centre are planted with Ayurvedic herbs and trees that adds to the charm and purpose of this attractive space.

Natural pond and mini forest - Neelambari has a natural pond done in traditional Kerala style with laterite steps and walls. The pond has fresh (untreated) water percolating from the river and is swimmable round the year. A shallow section on the side makes it usable for children, though adult supervision is required. The pond has a very different feel from that of a swimming pool and is especially liked by nature enthusiasts. In case you are wondering, Neelambari does not have a conventional swimming pool as we do not think it is in line with our theme of rural tourism.

On one side of the pond is a beautiful tropical mini forest. We planted this space with indigenous forest trees in Kerala to create a bit of wilderness in our rural retreat. A small walkway allows you to walk through this soothing space. The outdoor Yoga corner, the boat shaped rejuvenation centre, the Jaalam fresco dining space and the mini forest all surround the natural pond and combine together to bring a harmonious whole in the bosom of Neelambari.

Fresco dining and events

By the natural pond, amidst beautiful vegetation is our outdoor dining space Jaalam. The garden space with greenery all around is a beautiful setting for evenings. It is also especially favoured for cosy evening parties. A traditional pond and a park on either side of the area adds to its charm. An open to sky stage makes it a brilliant outdoor performance space too.

How to reach Neelambari

Despite its rural setting Neelambari is easily accessible by air, rail and road. Kochi International Airport is 42 kms away and is usually an hour's drive. Being on the lee side of the city traffic (the airport is to the north of Kochi city and Neelambari is further north of the airport), travel times are usually predictable. For this reason, many international guests prefer to use Neelambari as the first or last stop of their Kerala itinerary.

Neelambari is also easily accessible by rail. Thrissur is the nearest important station, about 13 kms away. Pudukad station which is just 6 kms from Neelambari is a stop for all passenger (local) trains and few express (long distance) trains. Neelambari is also well connected by road. National Highway NH 544 is only six kms away while NH 66 is 14 kms. State Highway 22 is only 2 kms from Neelambari. Irinjalakuda (7 kms to the south), Thrissur (13 kms to the north), Triprayar (14 kms to the west) and Chalakudy (20 kms to the south east) are the nearest towns.

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