If you like avoiding crowded tourist spots and looking for offbeat locations or unique places, Mamalakandam should be on your list. It’s hidden in the misty hills near Kothamangalam, offering a peaceful mix of rainforest quiet and mountain beauty — great for a relaxing 3-day trip.
The Stay At Maram — Amongst the Best Forest Resorts in Kerala
Where Nature Meets Thoughtful Luxury
Your journey starts the moment you check in at Maram Resort, one of the calmest places in the area. It sits on the edge of forested hills and looks out over rolling tea-covered hills. This small hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s all about taking things slow. The design matches the surroundings, with warm materials, open balconies, and eco-friendly choices.
Inside, you’ll find elegant suite rooms that are quiet, morning views of fog rolling in, and trails that start right outside your door. Whether you’re traveling alone, looking for a peaceful getaway with someone special, or a small family wanting to spend quality time together, Maram is the perfect place to stay.
Day 1: Settle In and Soak Up the Forest Air
Morning: Arrival and a Warm Local Welcome
Start your getaway with a beautiful drive through Kothamangalam’s twisty roads. When you get to Maram, the change is clear—less noise and more bird sounds. Spend the first few hours relaxing with a cup of tea made from local estate leaves, then take a calm walk around the resort.
Afternoon: A Forest-Fresh Lunch and Hammock Hour
The in-house kitchen at Maram serves fresh, local flavors, like the curry-leaf roasted fish, forest honey pancakes, and traditional recipes that have been passed down for years. After lunch, pick up a book or just relax. Taking a nap in the hammock, listening to the wind and the sound of bamboo, is a great idea.
Evening: Sunset by the Hanging Bridge
Around 4:30 PM, go to Mamalakandam’s famous hanging bridge. The view of orange skies over the mountains with the river below makes for a great way to end the first day. It’s one of those offbeat locations where you won’t have to deal with crowds.
Day 2: Trek, Dip, and Discover
Morning: Sunrise Trek to the Hillside Vantage Point
Get up early and take the resort’s guided walk. The path goes through forests filled with spices, past climbing peppers, and through areas full of bird sounds to a great view that locals really like. On a clear day, you might see the faraway mountains of Idukki.
Afternoon: Waterfall Dips and Farm-Side Exploration
After breakfast, head to the nearby Ellamkettu waterfalls, which haven’t been crowded by tourists yet. Jump into the cool water, sit on the rock, and forget about the time. On the way back, stop by a pepper or cardamom farm to see how these spices are grown in the hills of Kerala.
Evening: Bonfire Tales at Maram
Back at the resort, the night is perfect for warm soup, a cozy fire, and sharing stories under the stars. This is where forest resorts in Kerala like Maram shine. They don’t just give you a place to stay—they give you moments you won’t forget.
Day 3: Local Flavor and Farewell Feels
Morning: Village Walk and Breakfast with a View
Before you check out, go on a guided tour of the village. You’ll learn about local traditions, see handmade bamboo items, and maybe even watch a cooking demonstration. For breakfast at the resort, you’ll get tapioca, jackfruit chips, and fresh fruit with a view of the mountains.
Afternoon: Explore More or Stay a Bit Longer
If you have time, detour to Bhoothathankettu or Thattekad Bird Sanctuary on your way out. But chances are, you’ll want to extend your stay. That’s the thing about offbeat locations like Mamalakandam. Once you slow down, you don’t want to leave.
Why Mamalakandam Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Map
Mamalakandam is different from the usual tourist spots. It has a real, down-to-earth charm that’s becoming rare these days. It’s one of those offbeat locations where you wake up to misty mornings, fall asleep to the sounds of insects, and spend your day exploring spice paths and forest ponds.
Pair that with a serene stay at Maram Resort, one of the best resorts in Kerala that balances comfort with sustainability, and you’ve got a weekend that rejuvenates not just your body, but also your perspective.
Whether you’re looking for slow travel, time in nature, or a quiet retreat in the forest, Mamalakandam has something for everyone. After all, sometimes the offbeat locations are the ones that feel the most like home.
