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We recently visited Thekkady in Kerala for a family vacation. I am sharing my experience at the Woodnote Hotel & Spa in Thekkady.
There’s something timeless about Thekkady—the mist, the forest, the aroma of spices in the air. This past weekend, I finally answered its call with my family. From scenic drives to cultural experiences and a relaxing stay at one of the best hotels with a spa in Thekkady, this trip had everything a perfect family retreat needs.
The regular tourist destinations in Kerala, like Munnar, are overcrowded during the peak season. So, when we talked about going on a family trip within Kerala immediately ruled out crowded destinations. Everyone quickly agreed on Thekkady.
The search for hotels and resorts started with my favourite travel sites like Agoda and TripAdvisor. After going through a lot of customer reviews and evaluating the photos, I decided to proceed with Woodnote Resort.
Our primary aim of this trip to Thekkady was family bonding and spending time together. My children, who are away from home had come together for their summer vacation, and it was a perfect opportunity for us to stay together in a destination like Thekkady, which has the ideal weather and natural beauty to spend time together with family rather than going for a lot of activities in a tight schedule.
In this article, let me share my experience with the Woodnote Hotel in Thekkady.
The Journey: Kochi to Thekkady via Kerala’s Spice Trail
We began our journey from Kochi, passing through Idukki and into Kattappana, where nature slowly began to take centre stage. But it’s the final stretch—from Kattappana to Thekkady—that truly enchanted us. The breeze carried the unmistakable aroma of fresh cardamom, giving us a taste of what Thekkady is all about even before we arrived. By the time we passed Kattappana, everybody where in a relaxing mood. But at the same time, we were tired of the travel, and so we all wanted to reach the hotel and lie down.
Our Stay at Woodnote Hotel & Spa
As we reached Woodnote Hotel & Spa, we were greeted with warmth and calm. By the time my children finished their welcome drink and finished their initial exploring of the surroundings, I had finished the check-in process. The hotel staff helped us with the luggage, and we moved to our room.
The room was very spacious, giving us a comfort feeling from the moment we entered. My wife opened the window curtains, and the view was amazing. We could see the Periyar Tiger Reserve forest through the windows.
We found this luxury hotel in Thekkady is perfect for families, offering a balance of comfort and class. Our Executive Room was tastefully done with elegant interiors and lush green views. The hotel room had everything a luxury hotel offers, including a minibar, snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, a dental kit, toiletries, clean towels, etc.
Amenities at Woodnote Hotel
Spa: Woodnote is undoubtedly one of the best spa hotels in Thekkady—their in-house Ayurvedic spa was a treat. My wife and I indulged in a rejuvenating session that left us both refreshed and energised. They have professional and experienced staff and have several options to choose from. The rates were very reasonable, and the staff spent quality time with us, giving us the best value for money. If you are looking for an authentic ayurvedic spa or massage, then you should go to the Spa and Woodnote hotel.
Swimming Pool: And yes, there’s a small but beautiful swimming pool where our kids had a blast while we lounged by the side, sipping on herbal tea.
Restaurant: They have a good restaurant with a lot of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. A buffet breakfast was included with our stay, and all of us enjoyed the variety of food included in the buffet.
Kids Play Area: They have a small but well-maintained play area for kids. If you have small kids with you, this is a good one for them. My children are teenagers and were not fans of the play area. But they enjoyed other activities like Carroms etc.
Walking trail: It is not really part of the hotel, but there is a walking trail through the boundary of the forest, which is just 200 meters away from the hotel. I took a morning walk on the trail and really enjoyed the forest. Keep in mind that entering the forest area is prohibited, but this trail is along the boundary, which gave me an experience of walking in the forest without entering the prohibited area.
Cultural Activities You Shouldn’t Miss in Thekkady
If you’re visiting Thekkady with family, don’t miss out on the Kathakali performances and Kalaripayattu (martial arts) shows in the evening. Both are engaging, colourful, and offer a glimpse into Kerala’s deep-rooted traditions. Our kids were wide-eyed the whole time! Just check with the hotel staff and they will guide you to get the tickets and find the cultural centre where multiple shows are performed.
Into the Wild: Boating and Trails
Of course, a trip to Thekkady is incomplete without the iconic boating experience in Periyar Lake. We were lucky to spot elephants and sambar deer along the shoreline during the peaceful ride. Later, we joined a guided nature walk in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which offered breathtaking views and a chance to truly connect with nature.
These eco-trails are great for families who enjoy light trekking and want to introduce their kids to the beauty of the forest in a safe, controlled setting.
Why Woodnote Stood Out
If you are considering a stay in Thekkady with your family and a very comfortable hotel with a spa is what you are looking for, then there are many reasons to choose Woodnote.
NOTE: Beware of monkeys. The hotel is very close to the forest, and you can spot a lot of monkeys. If you leave the windows open when you go out, monkeys may enter the room and steal your food!
Final Thoughts
Thekkady is not just a destination—it’s an experience. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the culture, or just to relax in a peaceful setting, this little gem in Kerala has it all. And Woodnote Hotel & Spa made sure our stay was as memorable as the place itself.
If you’re looking for the best hotel with a spa in Thekkady, especially one that caters to families and offers a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and local flavor, Woodnote is a top pick.
