Neeleshwar Hermitage

Neeleshwar Hermitage is a dreamy and serene boutique hotel on the northern Kerelan coast. The first of its kind in this part of Kerala, Neeleshwar Hermitage has helped make this quiet and beautiful corner of India accessible, opening up an unspoiled coastline. The property has been built according to the architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. This style can be seen throughout the 18 stunning thatched cottages that boast large and airy interiors with polished wood pillars, gleaming teak floors, crisp sheets and partially open-air bathrooms. All rooms have a private veranda and feel private and secluded. There’s the choice of two restaurants; Annapurna Ma is roofed with coconut palms and mixes North and South Indian cuisine with Middle Eastern and European flavours. The Meenakshi restaurant sits next to the infinity pool and serves seafood and chicken. For many The Priya Spa is the real draw to Neeleshwar; its one of the finest Ayurveda centres in Kerala.  Yoga is also available along with backwater cruises and local village visits. We feel this is one of Kerala’s most unique and serene properties and we love the fact it opens up northern Kerala and less explored parts of Karnataka as a destination.

Location

Neeleshwar is a small coastal town on the northern coast of Kerala. Known for its folk arts and temple festivals, Neeleshwar has recently been placed on the tourist map. This undeveloped coastline is an ideal place to rejuvenate, with a swimmable sea and a network of backwater canals not far away. Neeleshwar is only a two to three hour drive from Mangalore Airport and combines easily with Coorg, Nagarhole, and Tellicherry. We think it's one of the best beach destinations in southern India.

Ideas for your free time

Perched on the northern coast of Kerala, the settlement of Neeleshwar has only just made its way onto the traveller's map due to the opening of Neeleshwar Hermitage in September 2008.  Locally there are some small shops serving the needs of the local fishing community, a mosque and a temple.  Just 15km to the north are the ruins of Bekal Fort; jutting out on a promontory into the Arabian Sea. This makes for an interesting visit. Neeleshwar Hermitage also offers yoga and backwater cruises and is a fantastic base for long walks along the coast.