Shalimar Spice Garden

Cross the wooden bridge into this aromatic mountain garden with stylish cottages, pool and Ayurvedic centre, and leave the world behind

Shalimar is a testament to love. No, we're not being soppy; the secluded mountain bungalows which make up this resort were designed by Maria Angela, an Italian, and her Indian partner, Shaji. Shalimar is a combination of their names and of their talents. When they first came here in 1996, it was nothing but an overgrown hillside, set 2500 feet above sea level. Now you walk across a wooden suspension bridge into 5 acres of cool, landscaped gardens, containing palm, spice and mango groves, an Ayurvedic centre, a large swimming pool and thatched cottages and rooms hidden deep in the woods.

Designed to offer you peace, pampering and privacy in natural surroundings, the accommodation is a charming mix of old and new, simplicity and stylish comfort. The décor is Malayalam in style, with wooden beams, wide verandas and clean white lines which wouldn't look out of place in a Western interiors magazine.

Since being taken over by the Amritara Group in 2007, the resort has become more luxurious as a whole, but the tranquil ambience is still the same. With a range of treatments and a choice of cosy fireside or breezy poolside lounges, you’ll find your cares simply melt away. Apart from being a lovely place to rest, you can also spot elephants and other wildlife in the nearby Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

Highs

• The fresh mountain air is a cooling change from Kerala’s humid plains
• The fragrant garden has a beautiful pool and a long wooden suspension bridge separating it from the outside world
• The Western-style cottages combine comfort, privacy and elegance
• The location is near the Periyar Reserve, one of the best places to observe Kerala's wildlife
• There are many luxury touches: delicious ginger lime or hot cocoa as a welcome drink, a cool face towel on arrival, Ayurvedic bath products and courteous, attentive staff
• Soulful Indian music wafts out from the main building

Lows

• Mosquitoes can be a problem, although rooms are thoroughly fumigated every evening
• You’ll probably have to travel at least 3 hours to get here
• The sounds of temple ceremonies carry on the clear mountain air and can wake you as early as 5.30am
• There's a 10% service charge for snacks and drinks served in your room, although bowls of fruit and bottles of water are provided free
• The only safe for valuables is in reception