A Resort Where Wealth Means Health… Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort

Sun, Jan 10 2010 11:40 AM
Bright blue skies, golden beaches with soft murmuring waves, coconut groves nodding their heads in acknowledgement of gratitude from the visitors … any one of these elements can work as an alluring factor for a travel buff. But imagine if all these magical elements are combined in one destination in addition to authentic Ayurvedic treatment facilities? Such a wonder is to be witnessed at ‘Somatheeram’, an experience that can make you spellbound… 

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort is located at the southern end of Kerala, holding its position as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in South India. The theme of the resort based on pure eco-friendly concept is truly remarkable with thatched roofs, walls made of mud bricks and the art of wood carving merged with sand, sea and Ayurveda. Located only a few kilometres away from the Trivandrum International Airport, the resort is an ideal destination for tourists … Read this resort review

Words : Prasad Ramachandran Photos : Jamesh Kottakal

A holiday resort for holistic health Shin Shiva Ayurveda Resort

Wed, Nov 18 2009 12:10 AM
For one whole day we were taken back to the beginning of time, when people used to rely on only one source to overcome ailments - the ubiquitous Ayurveda. Yes, on Nov 02, 2009 we were on a mission to explore the age-old wisdom of this medication, governed by the nature’s law. And our target was none other than the man who introduced Ayurveda into the field of tourism, Dr Franklyn, the Founder Director of Shin Shiva Ayurveda Resort and Spa. I passed more information to my team members on our host, as we crossed the first road-sign to our destination.

Dr. Franklyn hails from a family, which is into Ayurveda for more than 4 centuries. The awards he won, including the Tourism Man of the Year Award, bore testimony to his impressive pedigree. As dusk set-in, we reached our destination after a five-hour long drive from Cochin. Passing the wonderful wooden gates… Read this resort review

Words : Prasad Ramachandran Photos : Jamesh Kottakal

A Trip to 'DREAM' A true 5 star deluxe hotel in the heart of Cochin

Thu, Aug 06 2009 02:54 AM
When I was asked to visit DREAM, the first thing that came to my mind was the advertisement I saw in 'The Hindu' daily on the date of its opening on April 05, 2009. It prompted me to think about the growth of Kochi as a business center and the number of international five star brands rushing into the city. The city is now regarded as one of the most happening commercial capitals and the nerve centre of fashion, entertainment and business.

Not surprisingly the arrival of DREAM, which is part of Vikram Chatwal hotels - a division of Hampshire Hotels and Resorts based in New York, has hardly raised any eyebrows. In fact, I felt honored in getting this opportunity to review (with my family) an international five star deluxe brand, which has established itself across the globe. True to its character, the hotel is strategically located… Read this resort review

Words : Sony V. Mathew Photos : © Travelbird

In Harmony with Nature... The Rain Country Resort, Lakkidi, Wayanad

Thu, Aug 06 2009 01:46 AM
All along the way to our destination, blue mountains kept us company. Soon we were climbing up those walls made by nature leaving behind one hair-pin bend after another. We had already had a long drive but the deep gorges covered with thick forests kept our eyes open and steady. Gorges on one side and huge rocks and tress with small clear cascades between them on the other. And lots of monkeys trying their luck at a bite with the passers-by. It was noon when we reached Lakkidi and turned right to a narrow road near the legendary Chain Tree.

It seemed to be a private road with a few institutions along its steep zigzag path up a hill. In ten minutes time, we left behind all those buildings and entered a mud track that seemed to go into the forests. The forest soon cleared on one side for lush tea plantations. The drive was bumpy, but the beautiful and silent ghat terrain… Read this resort review

Words : Vijayalekshmi.S Photos : © Travelbird

Earth in the shape of a 'resort' - Banasura, Asia’s largest earth resort

Thu, June 17 2009 02:26 PM
Travelbird team becomes the privileged first guests to the clay castle. It was truly a splendid experience, between the mud and the wood. What is unique in Banasura, Asia’s largest earth resort?

Making a two storied mega structure with 18 rooms and spacious corridors, only by using clay? This idea won’t easily be digested to many. But now you have to believe it.

Read the story that uncovers the secret behind the Banasura Earth Resort.
The night was already turned black, when we started to climb up a small hill. Nirajan, the guide driver of Banasura, joined us from the main highway. From then we just needed to follow his Mahindra Major jeep. The 2.5 km road to the resort was under construction, but fortunately, we didn't experience any back-breaking motions… Read this resort review

Words : Prasad Ramachandran Photos : Amit sahna

Masinagudi Days Travelbird team at the Blue Valley Jungle Resort, Masinagudi, South India.

Sun, Feb 15 2009 11:24 AM
"Masinagudi", the name fascinated me from the childhood. Whenever I happened to hear about this place, it often reminded me of the famous writer R K Narayan and his Malgudi Days. Until my teenage years I was not sure about the location of the place. But later I found it through the internet and learnt that it was easily accessible from all the three south Indian states- Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

If you start by road from Bengaluru or Mysore it won’t give much of a headache to locate this place, just follow the sign boards indicating Ooty till you reach Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary. From there move ahead to Muthumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and once you reach there take the left turn, which go straight to Masinagudi, 7 Km away from Muthumalai sanctuary. Almost all the resorts are located at Masinagudi, even though the addresses of the resorts were mentioned as inMuthumalai… Read this resort review

Words : Prasad Ramachandran Photos : Amit sahna

A Night in Home Nature Vythiri Resort – Wayand, Kerala

Mon, Dec 15 2008 09:55 AM
Traversing the muddy, bumpy and rocky roads, the compact MUV Chevrolet Tavera headed towards Vythiri Resort, one of the most reputed resorts in the Wayand region of Kerala.

From the Karnataka border, it took us only two and a half hours to reach the resort, thanks to those well paved roads, which turned horrible as we deviated to one of those pocket roads from Vythiri, a small town on the way. But the balmy surroundings just coming out of the morning mist was soothing in contrast to the jerky drive. The comely forests, the cool air fresh with the mixed flavours of tropical leaves and the creaky notes of crickets accompanied by a chorus of jungle frogs welcomed us on the country road.

Despite the great scenes around, the cruel road continued to take us through fresh torments at every turn. We grew more and more impatient to reach our destination and take some rest… Read this resort review

Words : Prasad Ramachandran Photos : Amit sahna