Athirappilly is an incredible place to visit if you’re visiting Kerala for the first time. Particularly during a pandemic, when everyone wants to travel but can’t find many suitable destinations that will transport you to serenity without compromising the quality of life you have in the city. There is no pollution, no graffiti, or hoardings along the way. Samroha by Niraamaya is a retreat in Athirappilly’s small hamlet of Vettilappara. From the Kochi airport, I was driven to Niraamaya Retreats Samroha by Jeejo Hussain, a cheerful stout local. He shared his thoughts and stories with me as we drove past the stilt houses and vast meadows dotted with palm trees.
Hussain praised the ruling government for assisting farmers by providing seeds and other resources but expressed regret for the current generation’s attitude toward agriculture. There was a lot more to the conversation, and by the end, I think I understood why Kerala is known as God’s own country. Kerala, in South India, is a unique land that contains almost all of nature’s elements. It is also known for its extensive network of rivers and lagoons, thick forests, exotic wildlife, and tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, as well as being India’s most literate state.
Kerala has a long shoreline of serene beaches, cradled between the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghat mountains on the east. And coconut trees can be found in abundance throughout Kerala.
Niraamaya Retreats Samroha
This land of coconuts has a rich cultural heritage, all so impressive that tourists are mesmerised by its magic. In 1989, Walter Mendez coined the phrase “God’s own country,” which had a magical ring to it. Following this, tourists made Kerala their preferred destination, and I, like everyone else, came to experience the luxury of “God’s own country” at the invitation of Niraamaya Resorts in Thrissur. God’s own country, I noticed, was bursting at the seams with places of worship, whether temples, churches, or mosques.
Kerala has holy places tucked into every nook and cranny. The religious sites, with their magnificent architecture and forested backdrops, set the right tone. A steep right turn ahead of Kannamkuzhy Bridge leads to this property that appears to be a flat Fachwerkbau with an open framework. Massive forest mountains stand behind the stone beams, with the Chalakkudy River flowing through them. Wait until you see the view from the roof.
The Sanskrit word Samroha has several meanings. It means “bursting forth” or “coming into view,” as well as “healing,” or “growing over.” And this 5-star resort by Niraamaya lives up to its name, allowing guests to blossom into their true selves while also releasing them from emotional pain and guilt. Niraamaya Retreats Samroha is a serene abode amid nature’s incredible beauty, just a stone’s throw away from the cascading waters, perched on a cliff overlooking the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls.
This 5-star luxury resort in Athirappilly is a stunningly beautiful structure that oozes old-world charm while also displaying visible signs of modern luxury. Relaxing views of nature, fun-filled cycling sessions through the forest, and wildlife spotting will help you rediscover yourself. It is shrouded by rugged hills, lush green forests, and breathtaking views of Athirappilly Falls, dubbed “India’s Niagara.” Samroha is an enchanting resort marked by luxury in a spectacular location that awakens all of your senses with an incredible fusion of tranquil ambience, contemporary elegance, and thrilling adventures.
9006 Premium Water Front Pool Villa
At 7 p.m., I arrived at Niraamaya and was welcomed with a traditional Aarti and a handcrafted coconut garland placed around my neck by the staff. Himadri Bhat and Nithin, then had a brief conversation with me over a cinnamon-based welcome drink and some delectable chocolate and pomegranate tarts. The check-in was prompt, and my luggage was transferred to my villa while we talked. I was allocated the Premium Waterfront Villa 9006 with Private Pool, which measures 725 square feet and is ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways.
Samroha is a truly unique tropical retreat for everyone and this is one of the best villas in Thrissur for a memorable vacation with your family. The 725-square-foot villa has verdant views of the lush surroundings and opens to your private plunge pool, exuding an artistic work whose central theme is love. 9006 pool villa features 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, among other amenities.
A work desk is located inside the bedroom, making your work life even more manageable. There are plenty of charging points in the room. The staff was thoughtful enough to place a flower arrangement on my bed that read “Welcome to Niraamaya.” Another personalised welcome message was handwritten over a large Watta leaf, kept at the desk alongside a fancy welcome pastry. A fruit basket sat on the table facing the chair and the standing mirror.
The pool is right next to the wardrobe-facing washroom. Inside the wardrobe, you’ll find the electronic safe, as well as bathrobes and slippers. While there is no bathtub, there is a separate glass partitioned shower and premium toiletries, a dental kit, and a hairdryer in the washroom. After all, who needs a bathtub when you have your private pool? Samroha has 37 rooms but only eight villas in total, with only two of them having a swimming pool. A plunge pool with extended seating is included in each of the suites as well.
Pool Villa Dining: First Night
I had breakfast and dinner in my pool villa on all three days of my stay and lunch at Cafe Samsara in the main building. Chef Anoop surprised me with a western 4-course set menu on the first night. On a garlic crostini, I was served tomato basil relish as the first course. It’s is a great ‘light and refreshing’ vegetarian appetiser that you can eat all day. I had Veg Quesadillas with Sour Cream for the second course. Cajun spice-scented bell peppers and onions are mixed with cheese and stuffed inside a tortilla in this dish. It’s incredibly cheesy and filling.
I tried my hand at Chicken Milanese with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for the main course. This al dente Spaghetti is cooked in tomato sauce and served with crunchy breadcrumbed chicken. For dessert, I was served a chef’s special dessert platter with a chocolate pastry on one side and a cheesecake on the other, with watermelon and pineapple dollops as garnish.
Rajmalai National Park: 3-Hour Nature Walk
The following morning began with a stroll through the nearby Rajmalai National Park. This national park is about a kilometre from Samroha, so you can walk, bike, or hire a local guide to take you there on a motorcycle. My guided tour of Thrissur’s Rajmalai National Park began with my guide Abiram leading me down a narrow lane lined with hundreds of palm trees. According to Abiram, who is from Athirapally, there are only two areas in Kerala with palm trees. The first is Kollam, and the second, this! Palm oil is made from these palm trees.
As we walked down the steep path, Abiram pointed to the broken palm trees and told me that the elephants eat these. The palm, not the leaf, is what an elephant eats. Abiram then explained that these elephants sometimes come with their families, and other times only as a pair of two brothers. They come, break the tree, and eat the timber as if it were food because it contains fibre. This part of the tree is eaten by elephants because it has a salty flavour, which they enjoy. Palm trees, on the other hand, have an average lifespan of 70 to 100 years, though some only live for forty.
If you see the ash on the ground, it’s a precautionary measure taken by the forest service to avoid forest fires. Palm leaves are unappealing to elephants. Though they eat bamboo when they are in the forest. Bamboo grows in specific areas of the forest. So, in the morning, the elephants are in the bamboo areas, and at night, they come close to the roads to eat the palm. They return in the morning. When I asked Abiram what else grows in this forest, he said there’s enough food for all of the animals that live here. On the outside, wild boar, Sambar, deers, elephants, buffalos, and wild dogs can be seen regularly, whereas tigers live deep within the forest.
The forest’s main plantations include cedar, coconut, palm, white lady, and teakwood. Abiram pointed to the long, sleek Watta plants as we walked deeper inside, telling me that tribals in the area use this plant to pitch tents near the river. They stay for six months and hunt small animals for food. Watta stems are straight, making it easier for tribesmen to construct tents out of them. To keep aggressive animals from harming them, the tribes put fire things at night. During the day, they go fishing and collect honey.
According to Abiram, the government provides food for the tribal people at a higher rate than the rest of the population, but living in the forest is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Some of these tribal members also work for the Forest Department. The tribes are all educated but connected to their roots. Hundreds of birds chirped as we walked, and we saw Malabar hornbills, giant Malabar squirrels, a parrot species unique to this area, and a variety of other birds. Another fascinating, and even amusing fact I discovered is that mischievous monkeys enjoy breaking ginger plants.
Abiram also came to a halt near the White Lady trees, telling me that the trees’ white skin is accentuated during full moon nights. This tree’s roots are massive, covering a large part of the Sholayar reserve forest. He showed me woodpeckers’ work on the trees and told me that these birds also carve out nests for birds without a sharp beak. The Kadar and Malayar tribes are the most common inhabitants of these forests. They have big upper lips like Africans, and they are more attached to the forests.
We stopped by the Poringalkuthu reservoir and the river stream that runs through Tamil Nadu on our way back from the woods. Devina, who showered me with love, was one of the Malayar tribe women I met this side. We didn’t speak the same language, but she gave me hugs and kisses in the form of blessings, and I felt extremely fortunate.
The forest walk was followed by a delicious breakfast in the villa. You can order from either the western or the local menus. I chose the continental menu, and I was served chicken sausages, eggs of my choice (I went with fried eggs), potato wedges, and grilled tomato, as well as a fruit platter and a pot of espresso coffee on the side. I prefer my coffee black, but they always offer milk and sugar on the side.
Lunch at Essence: Cafe Samsara
Cafe Samsara is a large dining area on the Niraamaya Samroha wellness retreat’s grounds. This restaurant on the third floor has a spacious lobby that leads into an extensive dining room. The wide wooden awnings and door-to-ceiling wooden frames that offer a splendid view of the Chalakkudy riverfront will catch your attention as soon as you enter. The buffet will be on your right, Essence will be on your left, and the river views will extend to the Kalan forest in the middle. Like a panoramic frame, these views extend from left to right.
The eye is drawn to the unusual wall art with large blue metallic leaves. Whereas, the dark grey table and chairs complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. Many in-house guests were relishing the buffet in the company of nature, so I grabbed a table in Essence, which was relatively unoccupied at the time of my visit. Pramod, one of the staff members, was quick to take my order and, while the authentic Kerala-style Thali was being prepared, he brought me a chilled Kingfisher beer to help me cool off the Kerala heat. They also have Heineken, if that’s what you like.
Pramod quickly arrived with the Kerala Thali, which included 11 items in total. It was a traditional feast on a plate. Literally! Allow me to introduce you to each of the dishes on the plate. Starting with the yellow dish on the bottom left, which is Kerala style Aviyal. This traditional Mix vegetable dish from Kerala cuisine, also known as Avial, is mostly enjoyed as a festive vegetarian feast served on a plantain leaf. Drumsticks, Kala Chana, carrots, Madras cucumber, Pumpkin, Ash gourd, Green beans, Tendli, Elephant foot yam, Snake gourd, unripe bananas, fresh coconut, curry leaves, coconut oil, and yoghurt sauce make up Samsara’s flavourful Aviyal.
Avial was created by the mighty Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata epic, according to Wikipedia. This dish gets its authentic flavour from coconut oil. Kerala Sambar, a delectable variation made with mixed vegetables and roasted coconut and spice paste, is kept next to the Avial. This spicy curry’s main ingredients include shallots, aubergines, potatoes, and okra. Beetroot Thoran is the next item on the Thali. It is a mildly spiced vegan sabzi made with grated beetroots and coconut. This traditional dry vegetable from Kerala consists of yam, bitter gourd, cabbage, carrots, beans, red amaranth, and drumstick leaves.
Next is Coconut Theeyal, shallots in a curry made with spices and toasted coconut. It’s a delicious preparation of small onions cooked in a spicy tamarind coconut sauce. Erissery, also known as Elisseri, comes next. This is a mild and balanced pumpkin curry with light sweet undertones made with yam, cowpeas, mustard, curry leaves, and coconut. It is one of the Onam Sadya dishes. It’s best served with Sambar and steamed rice. Kerala Kalan, a sour-tasting dish made with curd, yam and plantain, is next on the Thali.
The ground coconut balances the sour taste of the curd. Followed by a fish fry and a Kerala chicken curry. The curries were accompanied by Tawa Paratha and rice, as well as coconut chips (similar to banana chips), mango pickle, curd, and Pappadam on the side. The Thali was rounded out with a hearty and satisfying Payasam for dessert.
Niraamaya Spa: Shirodhara and Foot Reflexology
Niraamaya Spa, a signature feature of Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, offers a variety of natural and holistic therapies to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. On the second day of my stay at Samroha, I was invited by Niraamaya Spa for a traditional Ayurvedic massage. The specialist will recommend therapeutically administered Ayurvedic treatments after learning about your medical history. You must fill out a form with your medical information and any allergies you may have, and the specialist will then recommend the best massage for you.
Deepthi, my therapist for the day, provided me with a traditional Ayurvedic massage to improve my overall well being. After a long forest walk, treat yourself to a 60-minute skin-nourishing and anti-ageing Abhyanga Snana. This is a euphorically rhythmic body massage that uses long, fluid strokes and warm medicated oils to improve blood circulation, relieve fatigue and body aches. It increases vitality and relieves pain in the body. Other techniques used were Katee Vasthi and Jeevaniya Sushumna. Deepthi supplemented the treatment with a Potli massage.
I had no idea that this age-old technique could help alleviate pain, osteoarthritis and spondylitis, among others. It’s no surprise, then, that this therapy is highly recommended for women when they are more likely to experience bone-related issues. The massage was followed by a 30-minute Shirodhara, a relaxing treatment in which a stream of lukewarm medicated oil is gently poured over the forehead.
Shirodhara is well-known for reducing mental stress and headaches, as well as improving sleep, strengthening hair roots, and preventing premature greying. It can also help you recover from jet lag. A two-day Ayurvedic wellness package with a 90-minute session per day starts at INR 8000. The resort offers affordable spa packages for both short and long stays. After a 15-minute steam session and a hot shower, my Ayurvedic spa treatment came to a close.
The same medicated oils were used for foot reflexology the next day, by applying pressure to specific areas on the feet. This relaxing foot reflexology session alleviated stress in no time. Deepthi massaged both my feet with just the right amount of pressure to promote healing. To improve relaxation and sleep, she combined it with other hands-on therapies. Niraamaya Spa provides a wide range of treatments to meet your individual needs. Allow yourself to be pampered with a motley of international therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, and reflexology remedies.
High Tea Overlooking Chalakkudy River
Nithin took me on a tour of the Chalakkudy River, which runs alongside the retreat. Following the tour, there was a riverfront high tea with local Kerala snacks, Date cake, and a cup of hot Sulaimani Chai. This spiced tea is a fragrant sweet-sour black tea popular in Kerala. A perfect Sulaimani Chai of Arabic origin is brewed to pure golden colour and served with sugar and a squeeze of lemon, but no milk.
Dinner at the Pool Villa
Chef Anoop treated me to a 5-course North Indian dinner in the villa at night. Amuse Bouche for this set menu was Makkai Badami ki Tikki with green chutney. For soup, I sampled the Mutton Dhaniya Shorba.
For starters, I sampled Murgh Anari Tikka, and for the main course, I had Fish Tikka Masala and Kadai Paneer, which came with steamed rice and a butter Naan.
I finished my meal with a chef’s special dessert platter.
Yoga at Niraamaya Retreats Samroha
The following morning began with a mindful yoga session. They say that yoga is India’s gift to the world! So, on this particular day, Sharath Chandra, Niraamaya Resorts’ in-house Yoga expert, led me through a 30-minute session in which we spent the first 15 minutes practising breathing exercises. Sharath then taught me butterfly (Titli) Aasan, Halasana (Plough Pose), and Ustrasana.
Balasana and Bhadrasana were also practised. Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, which can help build strength while holding a pose. Balance on one foot while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee, never at a right angle on the knee. The session ended with detox water that had been infused with fruits.
Niraamaya Retreats Samroha Trio Waterfalls Tour
I didn’t eat breakfast this morning to keep things light for the Trio Waterfall tour I planned to take after my relaxing yoga session. Niraamaya Retreat Samroha’s Trio Falls tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Mother Nature’s spectacular creations, Athirappilly, Charpa, and Vazhachal waterfalls, offer an exhilarating experience. Between the famous Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls in Thrissur, the impressive Charpa Waterfall cascades from a height of about 70 feet.
Athirappilly Falls, also known as “The Niagara of South India,” is Kerala’s largest waterfall. This Fall is located on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, in the Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur, Kerala. It is Kerala’s largest waterfall, standing at 80 feet tall. It’s only a short drive from Athirappilly to the Vazhachal Falls, which are surrounded by dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic flora and fauna.
Vazhachal Falls is located on the southwest bank of the west-flowing Chalakudy River, near the Vazhachal Forest on the outskirts of the Sholayar ranges, just 5 kilometres from Athirappilly Falls and 36 kilometres from Chalakudy. When the water gushing down the rocks sprinkled on my face, I was overjoyed to have discovered the magic of nature with these waterfalls. On foot, follow the Chalakkudy river from Niraamaya Samroha to Athirappilly Water Falls in five minutes; by road, the Athirappilly Falls viewpoint takes around the same time.
However, if you want to see the waterfalls up close, you’ll have to hike down to the bottom. By car, Charpa is about ten minutes away and Vazhachal is fifteen minutes. Within an hour and a half, you can see all three waterfalls.
Cafe Samsara Lunch
On the third day of my stay, I dined at cafe Samsara, which served me delectable continental cuisine. This 5-course set menu began with a light Quinoa and Avocado salad, which set the tone for the rest of the meal.
The second course was a deliciously spicy Kum Pao fish with cashews and dry chillies, and the third course was Mushroom Cappuccino soup. Fish fillets were perfectly cooked, and the Mushroom Cappuccino was delicious.
The main course was Italian BBQ chicken with soft, creamy polenta served with garden vegetables, and the lunch was topped off with a New York cheesecake. Chef Anoop has nailed the continental menu, which carries a subtle flavour of spices.
Rooftop Wine & Cheese Sundowner
How about a sundowner with a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking views of Athirappily waterfall? Niraamaya Samroha’s rooftop terrace is exactly that! Whether you want to propose to your special someone or have an intimate candlelit dinner, this poetic terrace is the ideal setting.
This small rooftop bistro which faces the waterfalls exudes romanticism in every way. Samroha served me a glass of red Italian wine with a selection of cheeses, as well as a platter of dates, grapes, walnuts, and dried fruits. I sipped my wine while watching the waterfalls until the sunset. One of the year’s best sundowners, I’d say!
Dinner in the Villa 9006
I settled into my premium pool villa after a very relaxing foot reflexology session at Niraamaya Spa. I was served authentic Kerala cuisine for dinner later that night. Koon Kurumulaku with coin Parota for Amuse Bouche was on my Kerala dinner menu. This Kerala-style pepper mushroom appetiser not only has a pungent, hot spicy flavour, but it also has a long list of health benefits. For a starter, a Karimeen Pollichathu was served. In any form, Keralites love their Karimeen, or as locals call it, the Pearl Spot.
Karimeen Pollichathu is a traditional Kerala delicacy that every tourist visiting God’s own country should try. This dish appealed to me as a fish lover, especially since Pearl Spot is not readily available in North/West India. The soup Jingha Tamatar Shorba was a fantastic follow-up. And for the main course, I relished the authentically unique and delicious Idiyappam Chicken Biryani, made with parboiled rice and Idli. The flavour of the Biryani is enriched by the use of coconut oil. A tender coconut Payasam rounded out this fantastic dinner.
While I left after breakfast on the fourth day, the memories of this wellness retreat will last a lifetime. Wellness retreats have become increasingly popular, and if you’re looking for a secluded resort with a small number of rooms and even fewer villas, this is the place to go. Niraamaya Samroha’s diverse range of activities will ensure that you heal before you leave. God’s own country turned out beneficial to my soul, and I am confident it will be beneficial to yours as well. Niraamaya staff bid me farewell with yet another gorgeous dessert.
