Rasa Gurukul

The property is beautifully kept, with plenty of greenery and a peaceful river view. It's a serene place to sit and enjoy the scenery. Our direct call was answered quickly, and after paying a small advance we had a room reserved. Check-in is normally at 11AM, but we arrived at 9AM and they welcomed us early and got a room ready without any trouble. The food was AMAZING. We loved the vegetarian variety, easily 10/10. There wasn't a menu to choose from because they cook with ingredients available from their farm, and the food felt really healthy. I'd come back just for that. There is no food room service, though, so you need to go near reception to eat. If you're nearby, bringing your own vehicle can help reduce travel costs. If you need transport for getting around and exploring, the staff are happy to arrange it. One suggestion: with all that space, bicycles for visitors to ride around the area would be so much fun.

My senior citizen in-laws booked two nights in a special deluxe room for 10k, including breakfast, which was discounted from the original 11k. The room was really a normal AC room with a patio overlooking the river. They liked the heritage village feel, but with so few people around and snakes nearby, they felt scared. Staff said the snakes weren't poisonous, but snakes are still snakes. They left for another nearby place they found good and safe before spending even one night. I still had to pay 5k plus the 2.5k the hotel demanded for the next day. I found it rude and not customer friendly to demand three quarters of the bill when my in-laws hadn't stayed the night. The grounds cover 20 acres and have lush greenery, but on quiet days it could feel unsafe or scary for a couple or a family of four. It's like being in a lonely village. Kerala food or sadya is only available for groups; otherwise the north Indian and Chinese menu is the fallback, the sort of food you can get at any local restaurant. The website is outdated, and only a few of the listed food amenities are actually there. For such a high price, the only meal included was breakfast. The service and the way they focused on collecting money rather than caring about customer feedback made the experience bad.

The traditional dishes were a real highlight, deserving five stars for both the food and the dining experience. I've been to Rasa several times, and each visit brings back sentimental memories of childhood summers at my mother's house. The management and staff clearly care about making each visit memorable, and they're well trained in this Gurukul. The resort looks gorgeous, with lush vegetation, classic Kerala architecture, and breathtaking river views. I loved the way Kerala culture and traditions show up in the genuine artwork and furnishings throughout. The paintings and even the bathroom decor all evoke a magnificent bygone age. Whether you want to unwind in a tranquil setting or immerse yourself in Kerala's culture and traditions, this resort has it all. It was unforgettable. Thank you!

The kids had fun playing with the rabbits, and the bullock cart ride was a good experience. The vegetarian meals were really good, though the food overall wasn't exceptional. Rooms are basic and cost around Rs 5500 for two adults. It's a serene place by the lake, about 15 minutes from Chalakudy highway, and nice for relaxing with family. There aren't activities to do, and lake access is restricted for safety, so one night is fine but a longer stay could get boring. For any help or service, you have to walk all the way to the main office, which is a bummer.