Duke's Forest Lodge

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Duke's Forest Lodge is an eco-friendly plantation resort with just five Boutique Villas, set within a plantation of around 40 hectares growing rubber, coconut palms, cocoa, pineapple, rambutan, mangosteen and spices such as pepper, cloves and nutmeg. Its own fish farm and traditional, bee-friendly beekeeping complete the sustainable plantation experience. With a maximum of 10 guests, you can enjoy Ayurveda in rare seclusion and a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Welcome to an encounter with Mother Nature!

The resort is set on the edge of Peppara Wildlife Naturschutzpark, in the foothills of the Ponmudi mountains, deep in Kerala’s lush green highlands. The clear waters of the Kallar river shape the surrounding landscape and, together with the dense greenery, create a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

The airy restaurant, with views of the clear Kallar River and the surrounding jungle, serves delicious Ayurvedic dishes made mainly with locally sourced ingredients and produce grown on the plantation without pesticides. At Duke's, the Ayurvedic principle of “food as medicine” guides every meal: the kitchen works closely with the Ayurveda doctors to tailor each dish to your dosha type, nutritional needs, allergies and personal dietary preferences. Prepared with particular care and served in traditional copper vessels, the food offers an authentic taste of Ayurveda, along with valuable nutritional insights to take home and put into practice in everyday life.

Ayurveda at Duke's Forest Lodge is centred on personalised care: with just five Villas and a maximum of 10 guests, each person receives individual attention. Every Villa has its own private treatment room with an adjoining bathroom. The treatment programme begins with a comprehensive initial consultation on the day of arrival, followed by a daily check-in to adjust the treatment plan and a final consultation with recommendations on diet and lifestyle for the time after your stay.

The treatments are led by two Ayurveda doctors who trained for over three years with the experienced Ayurveda doctors at the sister resort, Nikki's Nest. If needed, senior doctors from Nikki's Nest, both female and male, are also available. All Ayurvedic oils and herbal powders used are produced directly on the plantation under the resort's own Prakrithi Satthwa Oushadhashala brand. They are GMP-certified and manufactured under a licence from the Drugs Controller. Guests can visit the oil production facilities on request.

Ayurveda at Duke's Forest Lodge is centred on personalised care. With just 5 Villas and a maximum of 10 guests, every individual receives attentive care. Each Villa has its own private treatment room with an adjoining bathroom. The treatment programme begins with a detailed initial consultation on arrival day, followed by a daily check-up to adjust the treatment plan and a final consultation with recommendations on diet and lifestyle for afterwards.

Treatments are overseen by two Ayurveda doctors, who received more than three years of training from the experienced Ayurveda doctors at the sister resort Nikki's Nest. Senior doctors from Nikki's Nest, both female and male, are also available if needed. All the Ayurvedic oils and herbal powders used are made on the plantation under the in-house brand Prakrithi Satthwa Oushadhashala. They are GMP-certified and produced under a manufacturing licence issued by the Drugs Controller. Guests can visit the oil production facilities on request.

Yoga and meditation complement the treatment programme and are offered from Monday to Saturday, according to guests' preferences. Classes follow the Sivananda tradition and take place on the property's own yoga platform, overlooking the river and jungle.

Looking for the perfect place for a yoga retreat with your group? Away from the bustle, you can practise yoga and meditate in complete privacy in the yoga pavilion, overlooking the river and jungle. The garden and pool offer a relaxing space between yoga sessions, while Ayurvedic meals (full board) gently nourish you. Ayurvedic treatments and excursions can be added to the programme on request. Just get in touch.

Yoga and meditation complement the treatment programme and are offered from Monday to Saturday, according to guests' preferences. Classes follow the Sivananda tradition and take place on the resort's own yoga platform, overlooking the river and jungle.

At Duke's Forest Lodge, you can experience a whole “Ayurvedic world” in one place: Ayurvedic cookery classes, an insight into how Ayurvedic medicines are made, and first-hand experience of plantation life in Kerala. There are also plantation and nature walks, birdwatching, visits to the rubber factory, campfires and barbecues, as well as the chance to meet the resort’s rescued dogs. A large pool beside the stream offers a relaxing place to unwind, while the Bison House by the pool serves as a cosy communal space, with Wi-Fi and board games. On request, the team will be happy to arrange excursions, boat trips, trekking tours or jeep safaris.