Thapovan, Kovalam South India

Thapovan is situated on a hill near Kovalam with sweeping views of Nellikunnu Beach. Here you step into the spirit of Kerala dubbed as `God’s own country’ surrounded by tranquil tropical gardens, sounds of sitar music, scent of incense and oil lamps, and total mind and body relaxation through Ayurveda – the ancient science of healing. Accommodation is in the form of individual Kerala heritage style cottages that hugs the hillock sloping down to the Arabian Sea. Thapovan is located about 18 kms south of Trivandrum and the airport is just 30 minute away.

Thapovan, meaning ‘the place where Rishis meditate’ in the local language Malayalam, is a holiday retreat where guests are ensured of achieving `peace of mind and total relaxation’ whilst immersing oneself in the essence of India. Sleep in your own traditional Kerala heritage home, savour a Thali – rice and curries served on a banana leaf, and by day – rejuvenate your mind and body at the hands of an Ayurveda therapist. Thapovan has an Ayurveda wellness focus with more emphasis on traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine and non-airconditioned rooms which are more conducive to the treatments. The chefs are equally well versed with western cuisine and non-vegetarian dishes, which are also served. The hotel is divided into two sections – the garden hillock with its own restaurant and heritage style cottages with ocean views, and an additional section a 10 minute walk further uphill on a cliff, which houses the Ayurveda and Yoga centre, restaurant with panoramic views of the Nelikunnu Bay, and a few heritage cottages. Guests are free to use facilities in both areas and the hotel vehicle is available for those wishing to hitch a ride uphill.