Elephant Pass Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about Elephant Pass? It’s actually tucked away behind the old Elephant Kraal in Kodanad – and I mean properly hidden. When I first pulled up (thank goodness for GPS because the signage is, well, minimal), I wasn’t sure if I was in the right place. The entrance is sort of understated, which honestly turned out to be perfect because it keeps the retreat feeling genuinely peaceful rather than touristy.

The whole setup here revolves around authentic Ayurveda, and I can tell you the difference between this place and some of the flashier wellness resorts closer to Kochi. The practitioners actually know their stuff – my consultation felt like a proper medical assessment, not just spa theater. The yoga sessions happen in this open pavilion where you can hear the Periyar River flowing nearby, which sounds cheesy but it’s actually pretty magical at sunrise. The rooms are simple (this is a 3-star place, so don’t expect marble bathrooms), but they’re clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable. What I loved was how quiet it gets at night – you’re far enough from the main Malayattoor road that traffic isn’t an issue, just jungle sounds and the occasional elephant trumpeting from the actual kraal next door.

The food situation is worth mentioning because they follow proper Ayurvedic principles, so meals are tailored to your dosha and health goals. I mean, it’s not going to win any culinary awards, but it’s fresh and you can taste the difference in locally-sourced ingredients. The staff – especially the head therapist, Dr. Priya – genuinely care about what they’re doing, which you don’t always find at wellness places. Fair warning though: if you’re looking for Instagram-worthy infinity pools or fancy cocktails, this isn’t your spot. The whole point is digital detox and actual healing, so WiFi is patchy (intentionally, I think) and the evening entertainment is basically meditation or reading. Check-in can be slow since they do a health consultation with everyone, so don’t arrive stressed about timing. The location is actually brilliant if you want to explore the hill stations – Malayattoor is about 20 minutes away, and you’re perfectly positioned for day trips to the tea plantations without dealing with Munnar crowds. Honestly, at this price point and with a 7.6 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises: a genuine Ayurvedic experience in a beautiful, peaceful setting where you can actually disconnect and reset.