At a Glance

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. 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.

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.

Rajakkad Estate Website