Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa

A peaceful retreat in the hills of Thekkady, Shalimar Spice Garden offers a serene, jungle-like environment with great hospitality. Sneha at reception was so warm and wonderful—she not only ensured our stay was comfortable but also arranged a 5-hour private transfer to our next destination with ease. When we arrive, we received a tour of the property with an explanation of all of the different spices and fruits grown. We loved this! We also were able to meet the properties cow, Malu, and her baby. The food was very good. A buffet for dinner offered lots of traditional dishes. The breakfast was delicious! Omelette and dosa and fresh juices. Yum. The biggest draw here is the wildlife experience. We went on a guided trek and saw elephants in the wild on foot at Periyar National park (a short drive from hotel) —a breathtaking experience. However, if you’re keen on seeing more animals, it’s best to go early in the morning or take the last evening slot, as that’s when wildlife activity is highest. The property itself has a charming, rustic feel with comfortable accommodations. The pool is great! If you’re looking for an immersive, nature-focused experience, this is a great option, but be prepared for limited connectivity and some insects due to the forest setting.

This is a wonderful and unique place to stay. You feel like you're a million miles from everyone. The entrance to the hotel is very impressive walking over a bridge and seeing the turkey's, chicken and ducks running free. The reception staff were very polite, friendly and genuinely nice....in fact all the staff that we encountered were the same! The room was basic but comfortable. The shower could do with upgrading! If you want a quiet location surrounded by nature, this is to be recommended. All the food we had was lovely. Hotel just needs a bit of money spent on it and a few tweaks here and there to really say it's a 4* . If you ask me would I stay here again, yes I would. it has a rustic charm and the people make this place what it is.

The resort is nestled in a jungle and the cottages are charming. The vibe of being inside a jungle is fantastic. The service was beyond excellent and the staff were friendly but not intrusive. The pool is small but nice. It’s perfect if you want relaxation in a beautiful setting.

The main hotel buildings are very impressive with a lovely lobby and great staff. The ducks and turkeys are very charming and the scenery is very beautiful. However the rooms are a little basic- the bathroom could have done with a clean and the rooms overall need modernisation. The food was also only ok- restaurant staff were very lovely, but the food was a little disappointing.

Our family of three spent two wonderful nights at Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden. The cottage was perfectly nestled in nature, offering a true jungle experience with morning birdsongs, beautiful rock formations, aromatic spice plants and rustic artifacts throughout the property. Staff hospitality was exceptional, and the traditional Kerala cuisine exceeded expectations. The spa massage was a highlight for my parents. What makes this place special is how it seamlessly blends comfort with nature - from the serene atmosphere to the authentic local touches. Perfect for families seeking a peaceful retreat.

Worst experience with showering, limited food in buffet, even 2 star hotels or resorts give good services. Staff is worse, even themselves doesn't know what service the resort provides. Very poor staff and hospitality, when complaining to them, they give silly reasons and laugh at our back. I read google reviews, many have specified bad experience with showering but then too very strange that the resort is not taking care of the issue. Seems they least care for the reviews or for the guests convinience. Never to go at any Amritara property from now on. Seriously never been to anything this bad ever.