Rajakkad Estate
Dindigul

Rajakkad Estate is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems.

Set 1,000 metres above sea level, in the cool foothills of the Wester Ghats, Rajakkad Estate is an intimate garden hotel and an Indian boutique property at its finest.

Originally built in the 18^th century in the traditional Keralan style, Rajakkad is more of a home than a hotel. It has been decorated with original antiques as well as contemporary furnishings, and expertly combines simplicity and comfort. The wooden structure encircles a quaint courtyard and comprises a library, kitchen and seven unique bedrooms which open onto the luscious and wild gardens. Nature is at the very core of the hotel, and much care has been taken to keep the surroundings in complete harmony. Rajakkad provides home-grown gourmet cuisine, predominantly South Indian flavours with influences from the Mediterranean. There is a strong focus on quality ingredients which are sourced locally every day, and a small farm on the estate grounds supplies the kitchen. 

Rajakkad Estate offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity, and life here has changed very little over the last century. The 45 acre estate is simply bursting with agricultural life; cows and buffalo wander through the thick forests, which is made up of coffee, cotton and pepper plantations, papaya trees, jackfruit trees and colourful flowers. The surrounding villages, lively, colourful and engaging, come to life in the coolness of the late afternoon, jostling with one another in volume and vigour, in the activities of the temple festivals, the elaboration of the marriages, the business of local trade and school children racing around the buzzing streets.

Rajakkad is also home to a large range of incredible bird species; over 200 migratory and indigenous species can be found in this special pocket of Tamil Nadu. For anyone looking for an intimate and relaxed experience in South India Rajakkad Estate would be an excellent choice.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller