Rajakkad Estate
Peaceful rural setting,
Bird-watching haven,
18th-century heritage
Couples,
Solos
The Rajakkad Estate is one of those hotels that feels completely removed from the world and like stepping back into a time gone by.
It’s in the foothills of the Western Ghats in a very rural location, and sits about 50km from the nearest town, Dindigul. It’s set among peppercorn and coffee plantations and is well-known for its bird watching opportunities with over 200 species of migratory birds.
Rajakkad Estate is a firm ETG favourite as there aren’t many other places like this in southern India. It’s a very special place. You might find the service a little on the laid-back side, and a few quirks here and there, but the gorgeous location, great food and intimate feel make it a really lovely stay.
While staying at the estate, you’ll feel a world away from your everyday. Revel in your serene surroundings and go for a walk, visit the local village, or perhaps do some early morning yoga. This isn’t a property with endless activities to fill the day, so it’s the perfect place to simply sit back, take stock of your scenic surroundings and spot some beautiful birds (or snooze between spells of reading in the shade).
The cuisine is predominantly South Indian with influences from the Mediterranean, and there is a strong focus on using local ingredients.
The Rooms
The Pallam palace is the house that sits in the heart of the plantation. You’ll find seven bedrooms, all with direct garden access and lovely views. The style is in keeping with the 18th Century wooden structure. Vibrant soft furnishings give the rooms a homely feel. Expect a comfortable but not overly luxurious stay.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
India
In-depth Tamil Nadu
On this two-week privately guided holiday you’ll experience the southern state of Tamil Nadu only with its deep-rooted religious beliefs, incredible temple sites, remote plantations and the coastal regions of Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram.
You’ll move every couple of nights and travel by train, plane and your private car; we designed this trip for more active travellers who likes to keep the holiday varied, but balanced. Three days towards the end will give you some downtime on the beach.
Highlights
Chettinad
Hunting for antiques with your guide in Chettinad, where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time
Sri Meenakshi temple
Watching the evening puja ceremony with pilgrims at Sri Meenakshi temple
Pondicherry
Walking around the white town area of Pondicherry with your local guide
Gallery
India
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Relax on a remote beach to round off your holiday through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Explore the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the Periyar River, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers in Nagarhole National Park
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India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
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Rajakkad Estate on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Immersive India
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
Wonderful introduction to India
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
