Windermere Riverhouse
5
Windermere River House, Inchathotty Neriamangalam Road, Inchathotty, Neriamangalam, Kerala, India
The epitome of calm
Windermere Riverhouse

As the name suggests, the grounds of the property extend to the banks of the Periyar river. The evergreen Neriamangalam forests and rubber plantations flank other sides of the house, which is set just off the Cochin-Munnar highway. Neriamangalam is known for the first arch bridge in South India built by the Maharaja of Travancore and opened in 1935. Built over the Periyar river, it serves as the getaway to the Idukki mountains.

Perfectly Rare

If languid afternoon snoozes, delicious farm fresh local food and clean country air are what you seek, look no further than the Windermere Riverhouse. It is an epitome of calmness and serenity. Once you arrive in this picturesque location, a sense of relaxation envelops you knowing that you have made...

Know Your Host

The Riverhouse was conceptualized by Dr. Simon and run with the help of his son John as an extension to Windermere Estate. They have a team of people trained over the years who bring to the property a geniality and warmth that...

Windermere Riverhouse started off as a pet project for family weekends; close to both Cochin and the wonders of the lower Western Ghats. It took the shape of a small five-bedroom villa styled hotel, set amongst two acres of swaying coconut palms. Warm and welcoming local staff assure highly personalised service; their genuine hospitality ensures a memorable stay.

Built in the style of a colonial-period plantation home, the property takes inspiration from tradition Keralan design. The rooms are spacious and airy with furniture made from beautiful local teak and rosewood. During the day, you can idle away in the spacious living room with a small library and board games. The outdoor swimming pool, overlooking the river, is an idyllic spot any time of the day. On a clear night, the skies twinkle and fireflies come out, making the atmosphere  romantic and magical. The house itself is built on the highest point with the gardens running down to the pool and dining hall, which overlooks the river.

Evocative of a stately old colonial bungalow, the property has been built to reflect a large family home. Four rooms overlook the garden, while the fifth, a duplex room, overlooks the rubber plantation. Airy, bright and large, the rooms have high ceilings, terra cotta tiles, and customised and handcrafted furniture, echoing old traditions.

Dining

Set away from the main house, the restaurant is open-sided; fresh, cool breeze accompanies every meal.  The chef who specialises in traditional Keralan home-styled food, usually plans set meal. Dishes are made from the freshest farm and river produce as well as seasonal herbs, vegetables and fruit from the in-house garden and orchard. Every dish features a clever use of state-grown spices and coconut to stimulate the taste buds and satiate the mind, body and soul. The chef is only too happy to tailor menus to include personal preferences and continental classics. 

The nearest town is 20 km away from the Windermere Riverhouse, making it a tranquil retreat and a space of solitude. It’s the kind of still and serene that authors and poets dream of. WiFi is available in common areas making it ideal for workcations and staycations as well. It is also the perfect spot for sunbathing, reading and afternoon siestas in the lap of nature with gentle birdsong, rustling of trees and the lapping of the river. Refreshing cups of local tea and coffee are always available. The dedicated open-air yoga and meditation centre facing the infinity pool and the river make it a suitable spiritual retreat as well with daily yoga classes on offer. Yoga mats are placed in each room.

The local area is a haven for birdwatchers. It was the painstaking work of Dr. Salim Ali in the 1930s that led to the region being recognised as a rich bird habitat, and perhaps the richest in peninsular India. The nearby Thattekad bird sanctuary, formed in 1982, is named after him and to this date remains a modern-day paradise for avian life. Over 300 species reside in these tropical and deciduous forests and are testament to his great vision. Keen birdwatchers can take a birding guide into the sanctuary to spot cuckoos and Indian rollers or rarer species: peninsular bay owl or Malabar hornbill. Malabar grey hornbills can be spotted within the property in the mornings and afternoons. Purple sunbirds, brain fever bird, night heron, myna, barbets, bee-eaters and others are also seen in the grounds.

Ambling in the neighbouring Neriamangalam forests is a rewarding experience. A twenty minute bicycle ride (or a long walk) brings you to the Inchathotty Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Kerala that connects the two banks of the Periyar river. At a short distance, there are a number of waterfalls amidst verdant greenery, which not only make for ideal picnic spots but promise to delight photographers as well. For the active traveller, cycling on the local roads and fishing or kayaking on the river is an option. You can also visit a traditional Keralan farmhouse to learn about the tapping of rubber and eat lunch with a local family.

Perfect For 

The Windermere Riverhouse is a perfect weekend getaway given its proximity to Cochin airport (two hour drive) and its idyllic riverside location. It can also be combined as part of a longer immersion into Kerala featuring its sister property, the Windermere Estate in Munnar and the Malabar Escapes properties in Fort Kochi and on the scenic backwaters of Vembanad Lake.

Operational status

Windermere Riverhouse is open all year.

Windermere Riverhouse and Windermere Estate are at unique locations surrounded by abundance of nature that in itself is rejuvenating for guests who visit the properties.  They have consciously chosen to remain small with inventory and building foot print.

No Single Use Plastic: Filtered water is offered to guests. Although there is some use of plastic bottled water, the used bottles are sent for recycling.

Safe Garbage Disposal: A bio-digester is used for treating food waste and converted to biogas for cooking or manure for plants.

Water Conservation: Water is sourced from a natural well and RO filtered water is offered to guests.

Energy Efficiency: The property takes inspiration from tradition Keralan design. Energy efficient lighting and appliances are in place along with efficient plumbing.

Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation: Windermere Riverhouse was part of land that was a rubber plantation. The family is involved in the process of restoring the biodiversity in this patch of land by planting native and tropical plants thereby creating a garden rich in birds and butterflies It has been a conscious decision to remain small, allowing guests to experience nature and have a greater appreciation of the natural surroundings.

Local Community Engagement:  Although, the family is relatively new to the area, they have assimilated well with the community. Many of their staff are from the region. Those with no previous hospitality experience, and there were quite a few, have been trained in house.

Light Footprint Tourism: As a small hotel, the meals are not buffet style, but served course by course. The menu is planned according to what is freshly available in the kitchen garden and the local market. Apart from maintaining freshness, this allows purchase of only what is required, and ensuring that food is not stored nor wasted. Experiences offered include bicycle trails and walks.

Sensitive Destination Discovery: The building was constructed in a way that it merges with the surroundings and not stand out – showcasing the region and its intangibles. This in turn allows guests to have and appreciation, participate and contribute positively to both the community and the land.

Human Touch: Windermere is conscious of their impact in the region and how they can bring about a positive change through participation, contribution and being part of the community of the region. The team is encouraged to work as a community, thereby learning and enhancing each other’s capabilities. The community lower primary school is supported and even guests are encouraged to spend time with the children by reading and interacting with them. This helps in enhancing the children’s English prowess, allowing guests to give back to the community.

The RARE Sustainability Quotient is a self-audit tool that is used by our hotel partners to measure, document and assess their planet and people friendly practices and is based on the RARE Touchstones.

No Single Use Plastic Safe Garbage Disposal Water Conservation Energy Efficiency Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation Local Community Engagement Light  Footprint Tourism Sensitive Destination Discovery The Human Touch
RARE Tip
Situated in a little hamlet, the village walks are engaging. And after a day of activities, nothing is better than soaking in the infinity pool watching the river and the glorious sunsets.
Facilities

Reviews and Location
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

A totally becalming idyll !
by Carolinehlj on 02/19/2024

This was the most splendid, relaxing and luxurious Home from Home. We immediately felt the warmth of the team at Windermere River house-it truly is a place where you feel you can kick of your shoes...

A very beautiful sanctuary on the earth.
by Mor A on 09/27/2023

This graceful homestay , beautiful, excellent service, amazing food , warm hospitality , cozy room and a very pretty bathroom, I love the pathway from the main building to the dining area. The owners...

Unsurpassed
by John W on 03/02/2023

This is a most beautiful place, let me repeat, a most beautiful place, and when the evening lamps glow a most magical place. I could talk about the superior level of accommodation, and the details...

Nearest Airport : Kochi Airport - 40 kms
Nearest Railway Station : Ernakulam, Kochi railways station

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