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Accommodation

Shalimar Spice Garden

Periyar, India

Destinations

India

Accommodation

Shalimar Spice Garden

Shalimar Spice Garden is a nature lover’s paradise.

Buried in the Keralan mountains, a wooden suspension bridge guides you into this jungle sanctuary, where the hotel’s 15 rooms hide in thatched cottages among the palms and mango groves.

Their modern interiors juxtapose the cosy Malayalam decor, while an Ayurvedic spa promises a rejuvenating experience after long days exploring. Hop on a bamboo raft and drift through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, looking out for bathing elephants, or ride a bullock cart through the farmlands, and be greeted by the scent of spices used in the restaurant’s delicious evening buffets.

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What we love

A haven for nature lovers, this is the perfect sanctuary away from the urban world
A 20-minute drive from Periyar Tiger Reserve, a habitat for Kerala’s most wonderful wildlife
When the days get hot, you can take a dip in the pool in the fragrant spice garden or treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage
Being so secluded, the resort feels very private, and the individual cottages give you space from other guests if you need it

Mosquitos are common but the rooms are thoroughly fumigated every day

There are no restaurants nearby, but we think you’ll love the hotel’s restaurant Fallen Leaves, with its offering of both European and traditional Keralan dishes

Families are welcome, but amenities are not specifically designed with families in mind. Children under 11 sharing their parents’ bed will stay for free.

Located in Murikkady village, a 5-minute drive from Thekkady and 3 hours from Madurai

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.

Roy Wood (February 2026)

Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.

Alie C (February 2026)

I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace

Daisy Stanton (February 2026)

My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!

Andrew S (February 2026)

Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.

Martin Thomas (February 2026)

Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference

Sandra Nicholson (February 2026)

We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.

Jayant Banerji (February 2026)

A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.

Phil Blair ( February 2026)

Traveller testimonial from Roy Wood (February 2026)

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