The creation by the family behind Windermere Estate in Munnar, the delightful Windermere River House is a little gem of a hotel, sitting by the Periyar River and surrounded by plantations, in the heart of Kerala. On finding an idyllic spot and, with the success of their property in the Western Ghats (hills), the John family were keen to recreate a special place close to water - they have realised their dream beautifully!

The approach road is spectacular as you travel through tropical jungle and plantations to arrive at the main lodge - built on the site of a former colonial plantation bungalow. This symmetrical, airy building - a modern take on a traditional planter’s bungalow - is home to 5 large rooms with balconies and views from heaven. They are sparingly furnished, with typical Kerala style terracotta tiled floors and almost all the furniture is made from local wood. They are comfortable, welcoming, light and airy. Sitting on your balcony, looking down the fecund garden to the river and hills behind, is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend some time.

A stone pathway leads you down through leafy gardens to the riverside pool area and the open-sided dining room and bar. It’s a lovely place to spend time listening to the sounds and watching life on the river unfold beside you. The food served is all local, fresh and tends to be Malayali (Keralan) cuisine but the chef welcomes requests and would happily have you visit him in his kitchen.

The River House is very much a place to come to ‘slow down’ and take time out of a hectic trip. With its glorious, verdant surroundings there are no end of things to do which don’t involve getting in a car! Take kayak trips down the river; take hikes up into the hills, seeing traditional bamboo craftsmen at work; go cycling through local villages and temples; go on fabulous walks through rubber and coconut plantations, and fruit orchards; visit the local primary school in Inchathotty and the magnificent suspension bridge which has been a life changer for locals. The area is known for its ecological richness, biodiversity, and traditional Kerala village life - the bird and insect life here is superb and a walk around with an expert is peaceful and enlightening. For those birders who are really keen, the famous bird sanctuary of Thattekad is just a short drive away.

Designed to be an extension of your own home, the River House is a hugely welcoming place and the love and care that has gone into creating it and the ever-evolving gardens, is reflected in the warmth and care shown by the smiling staff.

Eco / environmental / responsible tourism policy

Location & Land Stewardship
Nestled on nearly 5 acres along the banks of the Periyar River, Windermere River House is enveloped by rubber plantations and sits just across from a reserve forest. What began in 2013 as a 2-acre parcel covered entirely in rubber trees has since become a quiet experiment in ecological restoration. They cleared the monoculture to plant native trees, flowering shrubs, and tropical fruits, working steadily to restore a more balanced, biodiverse environment. The results have been encouraging - the garden now hums with butterflies, birds, and small forest life. In 2023, they acquired an adjacent 2-acre plot - also a rubber holding - which is now part of our broader vision: to slowly replace monoculture with diverse, indigenous flora, supporting both soil health and wildlife.

Sustainable Practices
They compost biodegradable waste through a biogas system, encourage the use of filtered drinking water to reduce plastic, and limit their daily consumption by avoiding refrigeration-heavy cooking methods.

Slow Food, Home Style
Their kitchen serves only in-house guests, and you won’t find menus or buffets here. Meals are prepared fresh each day, based on seasonal availability and local sourcing, and served thoughtfully - course by course - in their open-air dining pavilion overlooking the river. This approach brings the warmth of home-style dining, supports local farmers, and significantly reduces food waste.
Each dish is lovingly introduced by our staff, and many of our guests say this experience deepens their connection to the local cuisine and culture.

People & Community
Their team is small, local, and trained to reflect the personal, home-away-from-home spirit they believe in. Beyond the property, they’re engaged in a quiet partnership with a nearby community school that serves 25 children under the age of 12. They support their learning environment with books and materials. Guests who wish to contribute their time are welcome to join a short 30-minute reading or storytelling session, making a small but meaningful impact.