Relax and Recharge at Niraamaya Retreats Samroha in Kerala

Athirappilly is an amazing place to visit if you’re craving a foray into serenity – without having to compromise the quality of life you have in the city. With no pollution, no graffiti, or hoardings along the way, it’s perfect – particularly during the pandemic when everyone wants to travel but can’t find many suitable destinations. Niraamaya Retreats Samroha is nestled in the small hamlet of Vettilappara. On the drive to the resort from Kochi airport, I was fortunate enough to have Jeejo Hussain as my driver. A cheerful, stout local, he kept me entertained with his thoughts and stories as we passed by the stilt houses and vast meadows dotted with palm trees.

Hussain lauded the ruling government for their noble endeavour of helping out farmers by offering seeds and other essential resources, yet lamented about how the current generation doesn’t take to agriculture with the same enthusiasm. After a lengthy discussion, I now clearly comprehend why Kerala is known as God’s own country. Located in the south of India, Kerala is a remarkable land that encapsulates almost all of nature’s elements.

Kerala is renowned for its glorious network of rivers and lagoons, lush forests, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking emerald backwaters. It is home to some of India’s most beautiful beaches, nestled perfectly between the clear azure waters of the Arabian Sea to the west, and the verdant Western Ghat Mountains to the east. Not to mention, Kerala is India’s most literate state – a true symbol of its undying devotion to education.

Niraamaya Retreats Samroha

The lush and lush greenery of Kerala, the land of coconuts, is a sight to behold! In 1989, as if by fate, Walter Mendez came up with the perfect phrase to describe this magnificent place – “God’s own country”. Since then, travellers and tourists flock to this paradise in droves. I was invited by Niraamaya Resorts in Thrissur to take in the luxury of “God’s own country” – and I couldn’t resist! Indeed, Kerala is a land of magic and beauty that will mesmerise even the most seasoned of travellers. As I travelled around God’s own country, I couldn’t help but notice that Kerala was teeming with places of worship! Temples, churches and mosques were tucked away in every corner, each boasting stunning architecture and picturesque backdrops.

As you approach Kannamkuzhy Bridge, be prepared to take a daring turn to the right. You’ll be rewarded with a sight straight out of a magical fairytale – a majestic Fachwerkbau with an enchanting open framework. Gaze in amazement as the lush forest mountains loom behind the sturdy stone beams and the mesmerizing Chalakkudy River winds itself through the landscape. Wait until you get to the top – the view is simply divine! The Sanskrit word Samroha is a fitting descriptor for this paradise, meaning ‘bursting forth’, ‘coming into view’, ‘healing’ and ‘growing over’.

The name says it all – Niraamaya Retreats Samroha. Let this 5-star paradise release you from the pains and sorrows of life, and allow you to blossom into your best self. But that’s not all – this retreat is also a breathtaking view of nature’s wonders. Cascading waters and the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls will leave you speechless. So pack your bags and let Niraamaya Retreats Samroha create a special place in your heart.

Step into a world of luxury at Samroha, the 5-star resort in scenic Athirappilly. A stunning structure that seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern luxury, the resort is surrounded by rugged hills, lush green forests, and of course, the breathtaking Athirappilly Falls, aka India’s Niagara. Unwind with relaxing views of nature, have some fun-filled cycling sessions through the forest, and go wildlife spotting. It’s the perfect place to rediscover yourself! Enjoy the enchanting ambience, contemporary elegance, and thrilling adventures Samroha has to offer – an incredible fusion of luxury and nature awaits!

9006 Premium Water Front Pool Villa

As 7 o’clock struck, I was welcomed with open arms (and an Aarti!) to the legendary Niraamaya. Nithin and Himadri charmed me with a cinnamon-based welcome drink and delectable chocolate and pomegranate tarts while I checked in. I was led to my Premium Waterfront Villa 9006 with a Private Pool, where I was gifted a handcrafted coconut garland – 725 square feet of luxury, perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Samroha is also the perfect tropical escape for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with your family!

Our 725-square-foot villa with its lush verdant views and private plunge pool is a work of art, with love at its core. Our 9006 pool villa comes with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay, including air conditioning, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a private pool, a 43″ television in the master bedroom with a Tea & Coffee Maker, a minibar, a walk-in wardrobe, complimentary breakfast, laundry service, and 24-hour room service. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to make unforgettable memories!

As I entered my bedroom, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a large work desk awaiting me – making work life even more manageable with plenty of charging points in the room. But that was not all! The staff was thoughtful enough to place a flower arrangement on my bed with a sweet message that read, “Welcome to Niraamaya!” To top it off, a personalised welcome note was handwritten over a large Watta leaf, kept at the desk with a delicious welcome pastry. And as if that wasn’t enough, a fruit basket was also placed on the table facing the chair – what a warm welcome!

Take a dip in your private pool at Samroha Resort! With just eight villas in total, two of which come with their pool, how could you not? Each suite also has a plunge pool with extended seating, so you can still enjoy the water if you don’t have a villa with a pool. And don’t worry if you don’t have a bathtub – the washroom includes a separate glass-partitioned shower, premium toiletries, a dental kit, and a hairdryer. 

Even better, it’s right next to the wardrobe, which contains the electronic safe, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Samroha is luxuriously equipped with a total of 37 rooms – why not take a dip in your pool and find out why it’s so exclusive?

Pool Villa Dining: First Night

My stay at the pool villa was three days of culinary delight! On the first night, Chef Anoop had certainly outdone himself by presenting me with a delicious western 4-course set menu. To begin, I feasted on a tomato basil relish served on a garlic crostini – a ‘light and refreshing’ vegetarian appetiser that I could have happily enjoyed all day! For the second course, I indulged in Veg Quesadillas with Sour Cream. Filled with cajun spice-scented bell peppers and onions, the tortilla was oozing with cheese, making it an incredibly filling dish!

I gave Chicken Milanese with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio a try for the main course, and let me tell you – it was a real treat! The al dente spaghetti was cooked in a delicious tomato sauce and served with a crumbly coating of crunchy breadcrumbs for the chicken. 

Then, for dessert, I was presented with a beautiful selection of sweet treats – from a decadent chocolate pastry to a luscious cheesecake, topped off with some refreshing watermelon and pineapple garnish. What a delightful way to finish the meal!

Rajmalai National Park: 3-Hour Nature Walk

I was awake bright and early the next morning, ready to explore the nearby Rajmalai National Park. Just a kilometre away from Samroha, the park was easy to get to – you could easily walk, bike, or hire a local guide to take you there on a motorcycle. That’s exactly what I did! My guide Abiram was from Athirapally and he knew the park like the back of his hand. We weaved our way around the narrow lane lined with hundreds of palm trees. Abiram proudly informed me that Kerala had only two areas with palm trees – Kollam and here. Apparently, they use these trees to make palm oil. As we ventured further down the path, Abiram pointed to the broken palm trees and said that the elephants had a taste for them!

Abiram explained that elephants have a taste for the unusual – they come in families, pairs, and even alone, breaking down palm trees and devouring the timber as if it were food! It turns out that the timber of these trees is packed with fibre and a salty flavour that elephants can’t seem to get enough of. But, while elephants may enjoy their meal, these trees are no laughing matter – they can live up to a whopping one hundred years, with some only lasting a mere forty. If you spot ash on the ground, it’s likely the forest service’s way of preventing any disasters like forest fires. Who knew elephants were such picky eaters?

The magnificent, mighty elephants just aren’t that into palm leaves – they much prefer the bamboo they can find in certain areas of the forest. Every morning they journey to their favourite eating spots, and then travel back to the outskirts of the forest at night to sample the palm. When I quizzed Abiram about what else grows in this lush landscape, he smiled and said, ‘Enough to feed every creature that calls this forest home!’ Out in the open, wild boar, Sambar, deer, elephants, buffaloes, and wild dogs can all be spotted, whilst tigers lurk deep in the depths of the forest. The primary plantations here consist of cedar, coconut, palm, white lady, and teakwood – a veritable banquet for the creatures of the forest!

Abiram and I ventured further into the forest and he pointed to the tall and slender Watta plants. He told me the locals used these plants to make their tents near the river. They camped there for six months, hunting small animals for sustenance. Thanks to the Watta plant’s straight stems, constructing the tents was a breeze. To ward off intruding animals at night, a campfire was lit. During the day, they went fishing and hunted for honey. Abiram enlightened me to the fact that the government provided the tribal peoples with a higher rate of food than the rest of the population. Despite this, living in the forest was an age-old tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

We trekked through the Sholayar reserve forest and were surrounded by the sweet chirps of hundreds of birds. We spotted the charming Malabar hornbills, gigantic Malabar squirrels, and parrots with species peculiar to this area. A funny fact I noticed was that mischievous monkeys love breaking ginger plants! Abiram settled near the White Lady trees and informed me that these majestic trees look stunning when their white bark shines bright during full moon nights. Their roots are so incredibly large and sprawl across a vast part of the forest. On top of that, some of the tribal members work for the Forest Department and are educated, yet still connected to their rich cultural heritage.

Abiram pointed out the fascinating work of the woodpeckers, who also craft nests for birds without sharp beaks. As we moved through the forest, we noticed the Kadar and Malayar tribes, whose large upper lips reminded us of Africans, and who had a deep bond with the land. We eventually arrived at the Poringalkuthu reservoir, which is connected to a river flowing through Tamil Nadu, and there we encountered Devina, a Malayar woman. We couldn’t communicate through language, but she showered me with love and, through hugs and kisses, gave me blessings that I was incredibly grateful for.

 

After a delightful forest walk, I arrived at the villa eager to indulge in a delicious breakfast. With a tantalizing choice between the western and local menus, I decided to go with the continental menu. To my delight, I was served succulent chicken sausages, delectable fried eggs, scrumptious potato wedges, and a heavenly grilled tomato. To top it off, a vibrant fruit platter was accompanied by a steamy pot of espresso coffee – black, of course, but with milk and sugar on the side for those who prefer it.

Lunch at Essence: Cafe Samsara

Cafe Samsara is a large, luxurious dining area perched on the third floor of the Niraamaya Samroha wellness retreat. As soon as you enter, you won’t be able to miss the stunning views of the Chalakkudy riverfront framed by wide wooden awnings and door-to-ceiling wooden frames. To your right, you’ll find a delicious buffet, while to your left there’s Essence – an experience like no other. Don’t forget to take a look at the mesmerizing Kalan forest, which can be seen in the middle. As if it were a gigantic panoramic frame, the views stretch from one side of the horizon to the other. 

To complete the grandiose scene, the room features large blue metallic leaves in its wall art, accompanied by dark grey tables and chairs that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. Many in-house guests were taking in the lavish buffet all the while embracing nature’s company, so I quickly nabbed a table at Essence, which was relatively unoccupied at the time of my visit. Pramod, one of the staff members, swiftly took my order and, while the delectable Kerala-style Thali was being prepared, he handed me a chilled Kingfisher beer to help me combat Kerala’s unbearable heat. However, if you prefer something else, Heineken is also available.

Soon enough, Pramod returned with the grand Kerala Thali, which included a total of 11 items. It was indeed a feast fit for royalty! Quite literally! Allow me to introduce you to each of the delicious delights on the plate. If your eyes are drawn to the yellow dish on the bottom left, then you’ve discovered Kerala-style Aviyal – a traditional mix of vegetable dishes from the famous Kerala cuisine. Also known as Avial, this vegetarian feast is typically served on a plantain leaf and is enjoyed as a festive meal. Ingredients like Drumsticks, Kala Chana, carrots, Madras cucumber, pumpkin, Ash gourd, green beans, tend, elephant foot yam, snake gourd, unripe bananas, fresh coconut, curry leaves, coconut oil, and yoghurt sauce come together to create Samsara’s flavourful Aviyal. 

But did you know that Avial is believed to have been created by the mighty Bhima – one of the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata epic, according to Wikipedia? And the secret to its authentic flavour? Coconut oil. Kerala Sambar, a tantalizingly tasty variation made with an array of veggies and roasted coconut and spice paste, is proudly presented beside the Avial. This robustly spiced curry is brimming with shallots, aubergines, potatoes, and okra.

The Thali is then graced with the presence of Beetroot Thoran – a mildly spiced vegan sabzi made with grated beetroots and coconut. This traditionally prepared dry vegetable from Kerala holds within it yam, bitter gourd, cabbage, carrots, beans, red amaranth, and drumstick leaves. What follows is the savoury Coconut Theeyal, shallots in a curry made with spices and toasted coconut. A truly delicious preparation of small onions cooked in a spicy tamarind coconut sauce – it’ll leave your taste buds entranced! Erissery, also known as Elisseri, is next in line with the illustrious Onam Sadya dishes.

This mild and balanced pumpkin curry with light sweet undertones is made with yam, cowpeas, mustard, curry leaves, and coconut. To complete the Thali, Kerala Kalan, a classic sour-tasting dish made with curd, yam and plantain, is served. The ground coconut balances the sour taste of the curd, and the fish fry and Kerala chicken curry ensure you won’t leave hungry. To make the meal even more enjoyable, side dishes like Tawa Paratha and rice, coconut chips, mango pickle, curd, and Pappadam come along for the ride. Last but not least, a hearty and satisfying Payasam provides the perfect finish. Bon Appétit!

Niraamaya Spa: Shirodhara and Foot Reflexology

On the second day of my stay at Samroha, I was invited to experience the luxurious Niraamaya Spa. As a signature feature of Niraamaya Retreats, the Spa offers a wide array of natural and holistic therapies to help me relax and rejuvenate my mind, body, and soul. I filled out a form with my medical history and allergies, and the specialist recommended a traditional Ayurvedic massage with Deepthi as my therapist. She provided me with the best therapy to improve my overall well-being – it was an experience that was truly out of this world!

After an invigorating meander through the forest, reward yourself with a luxurious 60-minute Abhyanga Snana. This euphorically rhythmic body massage uses long, fluid strokes and sumptuous medicated oils to rejuvenate tired muscles, increasing vitality and providing comfort to aching limbs. Deepthi supplemented the treatment with a Potli massage, an age-old technique that helps to soothe pain, osteoarthritis and even spondylitis. It’s no wonder this therapy is especially recommended for women – with its invaluable benefits for bone-related issues, it’s time to treat yourself to a little self-care!

What a blissful experience! After a 15-minute steam session and a hot shower, my Ayurvedic spa treatment was kicked up a notch with the addition of a 30-minute Shirodhara. This luxurious treatment is renowned for its stress-reducing, headache-soothing, sleep-improving, hair-strengthening and grey-preventing powers – not to mention its usefulness in recovering from jet lag! And the best part? The resort offers Ayurvedic wellness packages for as low as INR 8000 for a two-day stay with a 90-minute session per day. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing, rejuvenating, and affordable spa experience – look no further!

The following day, Deepthi treated me to a luxurious foot reflexology session using medicated oils that were tailored to my individual needs. She applied the perfect amount of pressure to each point on my feet to ensure that I was able to truly relax and feel the healing benefits. 

To further enhance my relaxation and promote peaceful sleep, she combined reflexology with other hands-on therapies. At Niraamaya Spa, they offer a diverse selection of international treatments and Ayurvedic remedies that are sure to leave you feeling pampered and revitalized. Allow yourself to indulge in their soothing spa experience!

High Tea Overlooking Chalakkudy River

Nithin and I went on an excursion down the Chalakkudy River, stopping to take in the picturesque views of the retreat. Afterwards, we indulged in a truly delightful high tea experience with traditional Kerala snacks, Date cake, and of course, the must-try Sulaimani Chai. This exotic spiced tea of Arabic origin has a sweet-sour flavour, and when brewed to pure golden perfection, is served with sugar and a dash of lemon – no milk required!

Dinner at the Pool Villa

Chef Anoop treated me to an exquisite five-course North Indian dinner in the villa at night. My culinary journey began with a tantalizingly tasty Amuse Bouche of Makkai Badami ki Tikki and green chutney. I then savoured a delicious Mutton Dhaniya Shorba soup before indulging in the Murgh Anari Tikka starters. 

For the main course, I feasted on a delectable Fish Tikka Masala and Kadai Paneer, accompanied by fluffy steamed rice and buttery Naan. To top it all off, I was presented with a spectacular chef’s special dessert platter. What a night!

Yoga at Niraamaya Retreats Samroha

This morning was a blissful start to the day! Yoga has been said to be India’s gift to the world and Sharath Chandra, Niraamaya Resorts’ in-house Yoga expert, was here to guide me through a 30-minute session. We began with breathing exercises, then moved on to a few poses such as the Butterfly (Titli) Aasan, Halasana (Plough Pose), Ustrasana, Balasana and Bhadrasana.

Doing slow movements and deep breathing, increased our blood flow and warmed up our muscles, helping us to build strength while we held our poses. Plus, the secret to balancing on one foot while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (never at a right angle on the knee) was revealed! To top it off, we had some detox water infused with fruits to drink. What a spectacular way to start the day!

Niraamaya Retreats Samroha Trio Waterfalls Tour

This morning, I skipped breakfast in preparation for my Trio Waterfall tour at Niraamaya Retreat Samroha, a memory-making opportunity that could only be described as one-of-a-kind! The breathtaking nature created by Mother Nature – Athirappilly, Charpa, and Vazhachal waterfalls – is a thrilling experience. Charpa Waterfall is particularly impressive, as it cascades down from a height of 70 feet, nestled between the famous Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls in Thrissur. After my yoga session, I’m ready to take on this adventure!

Athirappilly Falls, affectionately known as “The Niagara of South India,” is a spectacular sight to behold! Located on the Chalakudy River and towering at an impressive 80 feet tall, it is the largest waterfall in Kerala. Travelling a short distance from Athirappilly, you can find the Vazhachal Falls, surrounded by lush green forests that are overflowing with wildlife and rare, endemic species of plants. What a wondrous sight it is, to take in the majestic beauty of this natural paradise!

Exploring Vazhachal Falls is like entering a natural wonderland! Located on the southwest bank of the west-flowing Chalakudy River, near the Vazhachal Forest and the Sholayar ranges, it’s just 5 kilometres from Athirappilly Falls and 36 kilometres from Chalakudy. When the water gushing down the rocks sprinkled on my face, I was delighted to have stumbled upon this majestic paradise. To get to the Athirappilly Water Falls viewpoint, you can traverse the Chalakkudy river by foot from Niraamaya Samroha in five minutes, or it will also take you around the same time by road. But if you want to feel the power of the falls, you’ll have to hike down to the bottom – and it’s worth it!

Hop in your car and journey to Charpa and Vazhachal, two beautiful waterfalls located just ten and fifteen minutes away, respectively! In less than two hours, you could see all three of these mesmerizing cascading gems – now that’s a real time-saver!

Cafe Samsara Lunch

On the third day of my stay, I had the pleasure of dining at the renowned cafe Samsara and enjoyed a delightful 5-course set menu. To start the meal, I had a light Quinoa and Avocado salad, which set the tone for the rest of the meal. As the second course, the Kum Pao fish with dry chillies was both delectably spicy and perfectly cooked. 

The Mushroom Cappuccino soup followed, and I can assure you it was heavenly. For the main course, I was served Italian BBQ chicken with soft and creamy polenta, accompanied by fresh garden vegetables. 

The meal concluded with a delicious New York cheesecake, prepared by the talented Chef Anoop. His continental menu carries a subtle flavour of spices that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Rooftop Wine & Cheese Sundowner

Are you looking for a romantic spot to propose to your special someone? Look no further than Athirappilly’s Niraamaya Samroha’s rooftop terrace! This poetic bistro offers a stunning view of the majestic waterfall, and a glass of Italian red wine to sip on as the sun sets. I indulged in a delicious selection of cheeses, dates, grapes, walnuts, and dried fruits, and watched the mesmerizing waterfalls until the sun disappeared. Talk about a perfect sundowner! Who knows, maybe this could be the place for you to pop the question.

Samroha Dinner in the Villa

After a blissful foot reflexology session at Niraamaya Spa, I settled into the luxuriousness of my premium pool villa. Dinner that evening was authentic Kerala cuisine, beginning with a Koon Kurumulaku with coin Parota for the Amuse Bouche. It had a pungent, hot spicy flavour, with a wealth of health benefits to boot. Then, came the Karimeen Pollichathu, which Keralites love as much as they love the Pearl Spot, its local moniker.

Karimeen Pollichathu is a culinary gem from God’s own country that all tourists should seek out! This dish, with its delicious Pearl Spot, was a real treat for me – especially since this type of fish isn’t easy to find in North/West India. The soup, Jingha Tamatar Shorba, only added to the experience, and for the main course, I savoured the authentically exotic Idiyappam Chicken Biryani made with parboiled rice and Idli. And it’s not just the ingredients that make this Biryani so special – it’s the use of coconut oil that gives it its unique flavour. To top it all off, a tender coconut Payasam was the perfect way to end this scrumptious dinner!

As I departed Niraamaya Samroha after four days of soul-reviving wellness, I was filled with memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re in search of a tranquil, serene getaway with limited accommodations, then this is the place for you! Niraamaya Samroha offers an array of activities that will have you feeling like a new person before you know it. Who knew that visiting ‘God’s Own Country’ would turn out to be so beneficial to the soul? And, just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, the lovely staff sweetened my departure with one last delightful dessert!