Upavan Resort

You know what caught me off guard about Upavan Resort? The location is absolutely stunning – I mean, Lakkidi is this hill station gem that most people rush past on their way to Wayanad’s more famous spots, but honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special. The resort sits right in the heart of this misty mountain area, and when I say misty, I’m talking about that proper hill station fog that rolls in thick enough that you can barely see the main road some mornings.

The place has this old-world charm that actually feels authentic rather than forced – you’ll notice it the moment you walk into the lobby with its wooden accents and that faint smell of cardamom and coffee that seems to hang in the air here. The 5-star rating isn’t just for show either; the rooms are genuinely comfortable with those little touches that matter, like blackout curtains that actually work (trust me, you’ll appreciate this when the morning mist clears and the sun hits hard), and bathrooms with proper hot water pressure. I stayed during monsoon season and while some folks might worry about the weather, it’s actually magical – the sound of rain on the roof mixed with the occasional bird call from the surrounding spice plantations creates this incredibly peaceful atmosphere. The staff knows the area inside out too, which is refreshing. They’ll tell you the best times to visit the nearby Pookode Lake (early morning before the tour buses arrive) or how to find the lesser-known viewpoints that locals use.

Now, the 7.3 rating might seem modest for a 5-star place, but I think that’s more about expectations than reality. This isn’t your glossy city hotel with a spa and infinity pool – it’s a mountain retreat that works with its natural surroundings rather than trying to dominate them. The restaurant serves solid Kerala cuisine, though I’d recommend asking for their fish curry made with locally-caught freshwater fish rather than sticking to the standard menu. Parking is easy enough, and the resort is actually pretty quiet even during peak season since Lakkidi doesn’t get the same crowds as Munnar or Ooty. The only real downside I noticed was that the WiFi can be spotty when the weather gets really rough, but honestly, that might be a blessing in disguise. If you’re looking for a place to actually disconnect and soak in some genuine hill station vibes without fighting crowds of tourists, Upavan Resort delivers. Just pack a light jacket – even in summer, those mountain evenings can surprise you with a chill that feels perfect after Kerala’s coastal humidity.