This is a journey to the hill country of Southern India. It is a world to be found in the lush forests, the coffee estates and the grandeur of the Palani Hills. Pallam Palace is the house that sits at the heart of the old Rajakkad plantation.
A small garden hotel with 7 unique bedrooms within an 18th century wooden structure that perfectly expresses its rich architectural heritage.
At 1000 meters above sea level and set in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Rajakkad Estate offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity. Life here has changed very little over the last century.
For the traveller seeking a world apart or for the explorer in search of adventure, there can be no better setting. As for those in search of peace, look no further.
Originally constructed in the 18th century, this building is a fine example of the southern vernacular, a jigsaw of wooden parts influenced by the house building traditions of Kerala.
Drawn from the forests of the Western Ghats, it is a construction of many thousands of interlocking beams, panels and screens, sheltered by a roof canopy that appears to float above, making light of a structural complexity that reflects a forgotten refinement.
Rajakkad's Pallam Palace began life in a very different environment. It settles now with quiet authority upon its hill, having found its way here. Twice dismantled, twice transported, twice re-assembled, a living testimony to its wondrous construction. What you see today has been very much guided by a dedicated team of friends of Rajakkad.
Whilst offering great comfort, Rajakkad remains simple and authentic. Seven bedrooms provide space and elegance with en-suite bathrooms, with an extra bed for a child if requested.
All bedrooms are accessed through the main courtyard beneath the flowering trees, each room connecting privately through sliding doors to the garden.
White wall interiors and black oxide floors offer a simple and cooling contrast to the wooden structure of the house.
Furniture is contemporary, elegant, with paintings, embroideries and carpets gathered on travels throughout the country.
Fine bed linen, brushed cotton sheets, comfortable quilts and deep pillows are used to make the beds.
Bathrooms are finished in pearly Tadlac; white cotton South Indian towels are provided.
Each room opens privately to the gardens through the carved framework of the building and offers long views to the hills.
Deluxe rooms are elegant, spacious and decorated with simplicity.
An elegant room next to the library, opening to the garden with a view to the golden palms that trap the light and screen the outside world.
Rooms open to the garden through wide wooden doors framing the tropical plants and terraces beyond.
Queen size rooms are comfortable, intimate and colourfully decorated.
The cuisine is predominately South Indian, with influences from the Mediterranean and is focused upon quality ingredients sourced locally every day. The staff runs a small farm on the estate, which supplies the kitchen and feeds the table.
All food is freshly cooked with home baking always a delight. Lunches can be packed and carried on walking treks into the hill country.
Breakfasts are hearty or light with a choice of fresh juices, fruits and eggs from the farm, home-made bread or crispy dosas and idli, with the best coconut or tomato chutney.
Rajakkad is classic coffee country and the estate takes pride in serving freshly ground coffee.
Breakfasts, morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea can all be served in the garden or in the cool of the palace.
Supper in the evening changes daily; guests may choose to eat en famille or to sit more privately.
The guiding philosophy at Rajakkad is to cultivate an environment for good health, where full rest and the quiet simplicity of fresh food and clean air are at the heart of the thinking.
The yoga platform is a stone construction of polished black oxide perched upon a rocky escarpment in the garden. Enclosed by a rich planting of flowering trees, bamboos and palms, it is a unique place to spend time on a yoga practice or for sitting quietly.
Being at Rajakkad offers a close relationship to the natural environment of the South Indian hill country, with a wonderfully healthy population of animals, birdlife and diverse plant species all to be found in this special area of Tamil Nadu.
Days can be spent relaxing beneath the shade of the garden trees in a hammock, reading and looking for birds or exploring the estate paths, visiting the farm with its animals and coffee drying yard and to the village beyond.
The climate of the hill country brings gentle warmth and at this elevation, the air at Rajakkad is refreshing and balanced.
Guided excursions are offered; river walks through rocky gorges beneath the tree canopy; over escarpments of craggy pink granite with panoramic views; through coffee plantations and on into the surrounding hills, where waterfalls and isolated swimming pools offer a glimpse of undisturbed peace.
During the picking season, auctions of coffee, lemon, naratanga, pepper and banana take place.
Rajakkad is a wonderful base to use for excursions both to the hill station Kodaikanal and to the plains with their temple towns. Madurai and Palani are important places of pilgrimage.
The surrounding villages, lively and engaging, come to life in the coolness of the late afternoon, jostling with one another in volume and vigor, in the activities of the temple festivals, the elaboration of the marriages and the business of local trade.
Very good picnics can be packed to fully explore the different places that make this world so enchanting.
The flowering trees and shrubs were planted to offer the shade that has helped to bring on the smaller plants. The estate's staff has successfully raised plants that are a pride to both themselves and to those that visit.
RAJAKKAD
ManjelparappuPerumparaiTamil Nadu 624212India