The Varikatt Heritage Home is the most charming to live in
Trivandrum. It is a heritage villa located at the very heart of the city, within
walking range of most of the city’s sights. Originally built in the Indo-Saracenic
style, now tastefully restored to reproduce the high living characteristic of
the times of the Raj and later, Varikatt integrates the city’s colonial heritage
with India’s modern spirit, combining 18th century colonial character with
today’s efficient and practical vision. The villa exhudes old-world charm across
5,000 square feet. It comprises three suites and two double rooms and has a
generous verandah, a lush green garden/yard, both providing a sanctuary from the
hustle and bustle of the surrounding city center. The villa also has a fully
equipped Ayurvedic Spa, a badminton court, and support for other indoor
activities.The eco-friendly and well-maintained grounds surrounding the villa are a peaceful retreat from the city, but for those who wish to venture out into the city, there are a number of fascinating Temples and Museums nearby, as well as a Fair Trade CraftMmarket, and The Zoological Gardens.
There are festivals throughout the year, as well as demonstrations of Kathakali (the traditional dance of Kerala) and Carnatic Music.
Excursions can be arranged to the local beach at Veli Tourist Village, Kovalam, and further afield to exotic Varkala, as well as to the picturesque backwaters, cruising on an authentic thatched houseboat.
Food:
The Varikatt Villa, guests get the best of Kerala’s cuisine. They can also
enjoy a variety of other regional cuisines from Tamilnad, Karnataka,
Andhra, Maharastrian, Gujerati, Moghlai and even Chinese and Continental
food. on request.
There is a sumptuous breakfast combining the best of both Kerala and
Continental items, supported with fresh fruit juices and coffee or tea.
The Chef will be happy to reveal the secret blends of spices that go into
each recipe, starting always with only the fresh locally grown vegetables,
grains, and meats.
Children:
The Varikatt Heritage has always been a family home, and continues that
tradition by welcoming families with children of all ages. Extra beds and
cribs are available upon request.
Ayurvedic Spa
Though very little known, Kerala is home to the now world famous Ayurveda, a 5000 year old system of medicine or "science of life" that knows no side-effects which are synonymous to modern systems of medicine. Based on the Ashtangahridaya, written by Vagbhata, the Kerala method of Ayurveda is characterised by its five-pronged treatment called Panchkarma.
Dhanwantri, Varikatt's Ayurveda Spa, has a herbal garden wherein plants that are used in the preparation of medicines are nurtured and grown. A qualified Ayurveda doctor examines you and based on your body nature and its natural wear and tear, prescribes a course of treatment if you have any physical disorders. Ayurveda also has answers for modern day stress resulting out of our busier lifestyles and rigors of modern work environment.
The treatments include body massage, Dhara, Kizhi, Pizhichil, Nasya coupled with a regulated diet that completes the healing experience. Yoga and Meditation classes are also recommended with this experience and can be arranged at the Varikatt on notice.
Getting There:
The Varikatt villa is a short taxi ride from both the
International Airport and the Trivandrum Railway Station. Transportation
can be arranged to and from either one with advance notice. Because of
its central location, it is very easy to locate. It is adjacent to the
most prominent landmark in Trivandrum., the Government Secretariat on MG
Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road).
As you face the Secretariat, on the left side there is a road leading to a confluence of three roads, the Press Road, Punnen Road, and Cantonment Road. The Varikatt villa is located at this very junction, on Punnen Road. It has a brown boundary wall and an ornamental brown gate with “Varikatt” written on it.
Accommodation
SUITES - Three
The suites are spacious and generously appointed with antique
hand-carved rosewood furniture, in the form of dining table & chairs,
king-size beds, dressers, chairs and couches. The Deluxe Luxury Suite
also enjoys an attached study and a dressing room.
All suites have attached bathrooms with state of the art fittings.
They have Broad Band Internet, Cable TV, A/C and a stocked
refrigerator. House keeping is standard, and same-day laundry service
is available. For larger groups, extra beds are available upon
request.
Tariff - RS 3500 to 4500/night. Includes B/F
DOUBLE ROOMS - Two
Both the double Rooms have attached bathrooms with state of the art
fittings. They have Broadband Internet, Cable TV & A/C.
