Windermere River House
Gorgeous setting
Couples,
Solo Travellers
On the banks of the River Periyar at the foot of the Western Ghats, Windermere River House is a peaceful retreat surrounded by coconut palms and lovely gardens.
With only five rooms, thoughtful service and access to off-the-beaten-track experiences, it’s a slow-paced escape into Kerala’s quieter side.
Windermere River House is fairly isolated in the hinterland of Kerala, but close to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: a great pull for twitchers.
There are many activities for guests here, allowing travellers to explore the lower reaches of the Western Ghats like kayaking along the river, bicycle hire and guided walks around the area and local village.
Over 120 bird species are found locally, and gorgeous but slightly wild natural gardens surround the property leading down to the river. Amongst the gardens and coconut palms, you’ll find the swimming pool facing the river and next to that, the yoga pavilion. The lovely restaurant is a short distance away from the main house overlooking the river as well, where fresh set meals are served in the open-air dining area.
The Rooms
There are just 5 rooms available, 4 of which face the gardens (which we recommend), with 1 at the back of the property.
The ground floor rooms open up to the gardens, while the second floor have private balconies.
All rooms feel light and airy, and you’ll find comfortable furnishings in keeping with traditional Keralan style.
While the property is quite isolated, it’s a great option for those seeking to slow down. It’s also an ideal place to begin or end your holiday as it is just a couple of hours from Cochin Airport.
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.
Alleppey
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. Finish on a remote beach to round off your journey through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Get a real feel for life on the backwaters as you cruise through the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the river Periyar where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers on safaris and boat rides through the Nagarhole National Park
Gallery
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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Windermere River House on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Wonderful introduction to India
India, exceeded all expectations
Immersive 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.
