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Rajakkad Estate , Palani Hills | Timbuktu Travel
Palani Hills

Rajakkad Estate

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
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Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Rajakkad Estate

Hidden away in the Western Ghats, a cool and hushed oasis awaits - pure relaxation.
The definition of 'heritage', Rajakkad Hotel was brought to the Palani Hills in 26,000 pieces, and re-assembled amongst the jackfruit trees. Originally an 18th-century summer palace, Rajakkad has a light feel with ancient wooden walls and screens, which open onto 60 acres of farm and forests, criss-crossed with hiking trails. A stay at Rajakkad Estate is all about rest and quiet simplicity; miles away from any city, the clatter of busy streets is replaced by birdsong and mountain views. Morning yoga sessions on a secluded platform are followed by river walks or reading from the comfort of your hammock. Bliss!
Palani Hills , India
From $110 per person/per night
None
7 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Rajakkad serves up South Indian cuisine with subtle Mediterranean influences, which can be enjoyed in the simple dining room or out in the garden. You can also request a private dinner! Grab a book from the library next door to enjoy in a shady spot (or one of the three courtyards) and head up to the stone platform for a yoga session, encircled by flowering trees, bamboo and palms. Rajakkad's lounge has a traditional feel, decked out in antiques from Pondicherry, mid-century furnishings and eclectic decor.

The rooms

Quaint and authentic, the seven rooms are accessed through the main courtyard beneath flowering trees and open onto the garden through sliding 'walls'. Each room has an en-suite bathroom in pearly Tadlac with cotton towels from South India. Decorated with painted scenes of India and carpets gathered from travels throughout the country, Rajakkad has Standard rooms and Deluxe King rooms with patterned carpets, quirky hanging decor and a living area.

Activities

Before heading out into the countryside, enjoy a spot of birdwatching, visit Rajakkad's working farm or simply soak up the quiet. Explore the landscape on nature walks through coffee plantations and the surrounding hills in search of a waterfall - with picnic in hand. On the way, your guide may skin cinnamon bark or break open a jack fruit for tasting. If you're up for more of a longer journey, the little town of Kodaikanal centers around a star-shaped lake, where you can go boating on the water.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The tranquility...Under the gaze of far-off mountains, fruit trees and palms creates a private haven only interrupted by the rustle of a Malabar squirrel.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Rajakkad mixes up a custom-made lime and mint cocktail, with your choice of alcohol added. The catch is, there's no bar, so it's best to bring your own to save your guide the drive into town.
Something to think about

Something to think about

There are a few amenities Rajakkad lacks, including a pool, TV, kettle and mini fridge - but they're more than happy to bring you ice or hot water at your request.
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Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu
India

Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu

14 nights from $6.1K per person

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How to book Rajakkad Estate

How do I book Rajakkad Estate ?

Rajakkad Estate can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made India trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended India trips featuring Rajakkad Estate or get advice and suggestions from one of our India specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Rajakkad Estate ?

Stays at Rajakkad Estate start from around $110 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Rajakkad Estate

India

Palani Hills

Retreat to the cool air and tea plantations of Palani for some peace and quiet and excellent hiking.