About Rajakkad…
Guest Book
Rajakkad
A Garden Hotel
25/11/2023
Merci au team Rajakkad Estate pour ces bon moments. Wonderful natural surroundings - at peace in nature. So much peace to find here and serenity. The staff were attentive and made us so welcome. U Sejour magnifique dans cette cadre mervelleux.
25/11/2023
Lupe- Calme – Raffinement et sérénité Quelle magnifique étape dans cehavre de Paix. Toute l’équipe est attentionnée saviante La cuisine est d’excellente qualité.Merci pour ces heures passées chez nous
Heroy et Ayline
24/11/23
What a fabulous place! We have had a wonderful stay in this very special place. Wonderful location, lovely people and the most amazing food. We could not have asked for more. Many thanks, Many thanks.
J & A Diamond
25/11/2023
A very special place! Fabulous setting – so peaceful! Thank you Robesh & team for making our stay so enjoyable. Great food and hospitality! The friendly team made us very welcome. We will take away many happy memories
M. and C. Ausup
23/11/2023
Thanks to everyon at the Rajakkad Estate for much fine hospitality great food & wonderful ambience. Have enjoyed a restful and peaceful stay on a wonderful walk in the hills. We too wished for a longer stay.
L & G Acernortm, R Levent & J Delauny
23/11/2023
Very many thanks to you Robesh and all the team here for making our stay so very remarkable in this special place – you have so cleverly created finest things people to offer. Such feeling. We learnt a lot and hope we will be able to remember most of what we learnt. Many, many thanks.
R and A Holmes.
21/11/23
To all the 20 odd team at Rajakkad we cannot say in words how grateful we are for your hospitality To Robesh, Sudhan and the wonderful chef we can only say we could not have received better service anywhere else in the world. Previous guests have outlined all the wonderful experiences to be had in this special place in the world. We wish we could have stayed longer.
K and B from Kyneton Victoria, Australia
14/11/2023
Wonderful walks, delicious food, great company and superb hospitality - thank you for looking after us so well Rossie and team. A magical place.
M. and C. Ausup
13/11/2023
You have created something so special here. Everything is just perfect as it is, your warmth & hospitality, the food, the estate with the wonderful house & furniture are antiques, the garden the farm and the walks. Loved every moment from when we arrived after a curvy road and railway trip to when we left for and 8 hour trip to the city that you kindly organised for us. Also our fellow other gusts have made it special - Or as a famous write wrote; Here I slept, As if I had walked The earth a thousand times, And finally made it home.
Thank you so much and keep up this wonderful place
The German and Swiss & travellers Andy, Davy, Cosh, Stephen
08/11/23
What my family and I will take away from Rajakkad isn't just the beautifully preserved home (hotel just doesn't come to mind) the homely and tasty food - what we will take away is how warmly and with great love you looked after all of us. Sincerity in service is never missed and sincerity is what we felt in how Robesh, Sudhan and Crispin took care of us. Rajakkad and your own careers will go a long way because you guys do such a good job of what you do. Best wishes and thanks for everything
Phlagim and family
10/11/2023
Rajakkad Estate is one of these rare places that make you feel at home right away and remind you why travelling is so beautiful and rewarding. It's a place full of love, culture and authenticity - and most important of all: Full of soul. Hope to be back.
Bea's Swiss crew.
08/11/2023
A visit to Rajakkad and meeting Crispin and Robesh (and missing Francis!) is always a delight a pleasure to see the garden in all its greenery. The ambience always calms you and makes you feel happy to be a part of this wonderful world. Thank you to all in the team for taking such care of us.
G. and V. Kodaikanal
26/10/2023
We group of 8 enjoyed. As an architect I really appreciate every detail of this place and the thought and the effort gave in hospitality was awesome. I want to come again to go through the great collection of books in the library. Totally the stay was awesome. Merry walk was really good felt largely re-invigorated. Wonderful stay on behalf of everyone in my group I want to thank one and all here.
Dr Ampamen, Bayala
23/10/23
An oasis of relaxation during and hectic week of traveling from place to place. A much needed rest in a wonderful setting to recharge batteries before the next leg of our tour. Robesh and Sudhan have been wonderful hosts looking after us during our stay and meeting our every need. The hotel is such a welcome change from the manufactured experience expected from more modern establishments. Its charm has left an indelible imprint on our memory that we shall remember with much affection in the years ahead. Finally, thank you to the chef for such wonderful food, both tasty and filling. We leave you with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes.
P and C Millar, Norfolk, England.
09/10/2023
We have had a very relaxing and pleasant stay. The hotel is so tranquil one cannot help but be relaxed. The staff made us feel very welcome and the food was delicious. Thank you.
J.Lawghland and S.Burgess
22/10/2023
What a wonderful place. Absolutely love the experience, such a pleasant place and of good memo ries. One of a great place to explore with family and couples. Mainly the food they serve is totally awesome and yummy, we like all the dishes here served and mainly doors?? one so comfortable to stay. Such a good experience. Love this clamess. Thanks for all the services. I’m totally impressed with all your services – one again thanks for the good accommodation and food and care. Lovable Jammu. Mohamad Ichle of S,
09/10/2023
What a wonderful holiday destination. Perfect hosts who catered to all our needs and beyond. Loved eating the locally provided food, going on walks through the forest and chilling out completely. Suddahn and all the staff worked tirelessly for myself and my daughter. My mission is now to tell everyone about this wonderful estate. Thank you
R.Fogarty
09/10/2023
Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Rajakkad who made our stay so relaxing and enjoyable. This is one of my absolute favourite places I’ve visited in India and I’m so glad I could take my mum here. It is such a beautiful, quiet, relaxing setting and I feel very privileged to have been able to stay here. I certainly hope I am back again one day. Thank you. Georgina
26/02/2023
Back in the land of the Gods, fecund with a plantation of nature and love. A total immersion of peace, tranquillity and freedom to be in which is quite a choice. Its like coming home. Our 4th time in 13 years. Robesh, Sudan, Paneer, Jeremy and all the adorable staff, a new delight in the team. If there was anywhere else in the world to spend my last joyful days, it would be here. Friend FF and the orchestral, conference of birds, Bliss
C.H, Oxford
26/02/2023
How I love this place. I love the landscape and the vegetation. I love the cool building and the architecture and fittings. I love the calm garden and the fervent birdies. I love the smiling willing staff and the delicious meals. I love the random evenings of chat and banter making new friendships charming strangers. Thank you. C.P. Oxfordshire
23/02/2023
Darling Crispin and Francis, What a glorious place! The very fabric of the building, the carvings, the wood, the garden, the furniture, the calm and then the situation. The garden is almost beyond words, the terracing within the beautiful stone and the planting: The details - the trees, the underplanting: the different little spaces to lose oneself in: the nursery: the veg garden and the walking in the forest with Sudan - the assault on the senses - sounds, smells, sights, colours, monkeys and a glimpse of bison (maybe) It's a jungle experience I've never had Before. But above all that, comes the hospitality. We started with our intimate dinner for six in the “Puja” followed by more and more riotous and amusing dinners; for fifteen - people who arrived as strangers and left as friends. That in the true wonder and magic of Rajakkad. We will never forget it. With so much love and thanks
K and B.
23/02/2023
This our first visit to Tamul Nadu has been a triumph. Thank you M-A. Without any doubt the highlight has been our visit to Rajakkad, which we will never forget. Our memories will be rich - the birdsong - the peace, the walks, the garden, the laughter at dinner. Thank you
J&P
22/02/2023
What a preferable Stop, stay!! The calm and the company are outstanding and the 'highlight' of our trip. Darling Crispin and very dear Francis - I am at home here. We all are!! Much anticipated and will be very much missed xxx C.
23/02/2023
What is Rajakkad? At first it is an uneven road which rises through its estate to the most beautiful natural garden - only achieved by meticulous planning and sustained by great care, accompanied by its ever changing sound track - the birds - a gift which just keeps on giving - and then the most unique of houses, the warm wood drawing in the afternoon sun - and then the people of Rajakkad - the staff attending to every and any request with a smile, the owners who have nurtured it from the beginning and the guests who have travelled to it from distant places - those are the people who animate Rajakkad who deliver the most wonderful hospitality in the broadest sense, when winter days draw in, and rain falls from leaden British skies we all remember, we will be warmed by that memory, and we will smile. Thank you Rajakkad
J & D
18/02/2023
What a lovely place to stay and recharge the batteries after a wonderful exuberance of South Indian life and temples. The rest in the hammock was a real treat and service, food and company quite lovely. Best scrambled eggs for breakfast! Thank you
L&D.R
18/02/2023
In contrast to the hubbub of South India it left an oasis of peace and calm. The whole pace is gentle, the grub sublime and the beers surprisingly dry? We left feeling privileged to stay here however briefly.
IP & NL.
18/02/2023
From the moment we arrived I was speechless and very surprised of the peace, the beauty, the bird song. It is very nice and interesting to have dinner with all the guests and owners and our first evening was very nice. Lovely and interesting chats. I love the food and a nice glass of wine. I miss it already and I hope to come back soon!
M.N.R Belgium
18/02/2023
What a wonderful stay - my first visit to this beautiful place and already I am longing for a return. The food was amazing, the hike beautiful and insightful, the feeling of love and care contained within the walls of this magnificent palace. Thank you for making my stay memorable. R.M
18/02/2023
Dear Francis, although Rajakkad’s reputation goes before it I still did not realise how incredibly lovely and special it would be. Ancient wood, stone, birdsong and your remarkable garden. Such a feeling of wellbeing is precious.
PC and LC. Devon
18/02/2023
What a wonderful place to stay. Rare to find a place that is so different. House, garden, staff and food all exceptional. It will be one of our best memories of India
G&A
18/02/2023
What a wonderful place so tranquil after our busy last few days! Staff are so attentive and the food is just amazing. Sorry to leave this special place.
S&D UK.
18/02/2023
La beaute de la jardin exquisite - c'est un Eden remarkable
JJB
17/02/2023
What a treat to finally be here and see Jeremy's amazing home. Thank you for a delightful peaceful few days in this most special place
AW & MV
16/02/2023
What an amazing place! A little bit of heaven on earth. Everything was perfect- the setting, the garden - the views, the warm welcome not to mention the food. We are sorry to be leaving and hope to return.<
Lw and Diane Cardiff
14/02/2023
'A hidden Gem' is such an overused expression but this is a hidden gem! We love the building, the beautiful surroundings. The friendly staff, the soothing atmosphere - oh, I forget to mention the great food! An extra spice was the two day musical entertainment to celebrate ear piercing in the village.
A & F. France
13/02/2023
Thank you for the wonderful experience we loved this estate and each one of the team here. The stay though brief was very enjoyable, we will be back.
BG and wife Bombay.
13/02/2023
Thank you for the most marvellous stay. The peace and tranquillity is remarkable and the relationship between Rajakkad Estate and the surrounding environment just perfect.Congratulations
L M & S.S Cornwall
11/02/2023
Love it, love it, love it. Don’t want to leave, everything is perfect. EVERYTHING!!! Met some lovely people over supper on both our nights here. An inspiring peaceful wonderful place. Can’t wait to return. Present of Marmite for your gorgeous bread.
B.M. London.
02/2023
A fabulous retreat with some exceptional plants and wildlife. The guided tour with Sudan (apologies for spelling) was mesmerising. A tip - let Sudan take your camera and click away. He will find birds you could not see with the naked eye. All stuff amazing. C & K wish you all good luck and thank you for a wonderful stay.
02/2023
I have been coming here for many years especially to write books. Landed here a long time ago and never got tired of it. You have become my friends forever. This is the magic of some blessed encounters. This place is a wonder and a treasure that will always remain in my heart. Love
C. Paris.
08/02/2023
Where to start with this perfect little hotel paradise! Its truly a slice of heaven. I arrived feeling somewhat peaky but I have never been better looked after! I was spoiled rotten. Recovering in the gorgeous, thoughtful gardens, reading in the hammock, listening to the birds, eating the incredible food - so many memories. I've loved every second. Thank you to Robesh, to Sudan and to the whole team for looking after us so well. Big up Paneer the chef - wow you are a talent! I should also mention the awesome walk we did with Sudan where we learned all about the plants, the spices, the birds, the animals and we saw two types of monkey!! The best thank you - we hope we will be back soon. I xxx
10/02/2023
These two nights were planned as 'downtime' in the middle of our hectic two week Tamil Nadu tour - what a lovely property - to be awakened by the chirping of birds, the food was fabulous, the bed and pillows comfy, hot water, what more could you want. My husband the gardener enjoyed the tour with Sudan. We even met the goats and the dhobi. It was worth the steep ascent.
H&D K, California
08/02/2023
We love this hidden gem, its beauty, tranquillity, uniqueness and history. The staff are all so caring and we agree the two guided walks we had with Sudan were both special. Amazing food, wonderful soft drinks and a garden after my own heart. Big thank you and I hope to send you many more clients…..x
30/01/2023
What a wonderful building with a faxination history. We have thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing stay, the food was excellent and stimulating company. Unique!Thank you.
A&A.
30/01/2023
Rajakkad a place just overwhelming Paradise! We enjoyed our stay very much thanks to the excellent tream. The garden, the house, the food – all done with love + taste.
R +J
30/01/2023
I’m seeing the third incarnation for the first time. Magical! I’d been to the first incarnation in Kerala, and the second in TN. Nov I’ve done the trinity.
S.H.
30/01/2023
A very special place, beautifully silent and crisp clear air are wonderful eclectic bunch and fantastic food. Hope it doesn’t change
M.R., England
30/01/2023
Totally love this place. The sounds, smells and views plus the amazingly comfortable sheets. The great company over dinner. I hope to be back.
N.R., Sussex
29/01/2023
Three wonderful nights in this beautiful place. It really is magical. Made even more special by Robbie and his brilliant team. Thank you.
27/01/2023
Five fantastic and unforgettable days here! Amazing food – very nice people looking after us and a magical garden and farm.. Somewhere to totally relax, and a place to return to in the future I hope. Thank you very much.
N.G. & K. G., Guilford, Sussex
26/01/2023
Thank you for a wonderful experience in your beautiful cosy house. Such a relaxing place to stay in – an exuberance of Nature. Fabulous company.
S + G. C., Suffolk, U.K
26/01/2023
Tremendous and wonderful, a magnificent place to treasure in the memory. I hope to return soon.
H. H., England
23/01/2023
The minute we arrived at Rajakkad to an “exquisite” late lunch in the garden I knew I wanted to extend our stay. The house, the hospitality and the nature around it reflects the India that I love – we had meals where we were able to observe the extraordinary wildlife, and night of wild conversation at the communal dinner table – unforgettable.
F.G., York
22/01/2023
Magnificent place, the heart of nature, thoroughly enjoyed the stay, wonderful for a change, Thank you for all.
Belgium
22/01/2023
A lovely stay with very engaging company.
N. B., Belgium
22/01/2023
A magnificent Residence – a unique moment! A place where one reconnects with Nature- everything adding up to a gentleness.
H.C., Arradon, Belgium
22/01/2023
Such a nice story/stay/Plantation walk was stunning and the house amazing.
A&J, Slovenia
20/01/2023
We have had an extraordinary, wonderful couple of days at Rajakkad, what a glorious place, we have loved it.
M.L. Frome, Somerset
22/01/2023
I was enchanted by my three night stay. The palace is a magic place and I met interesting and intriguing people. But then this is the kind of place conducive of such encounters – May it last forever.
P.T., Bosham, West Sussex
20/01/2023
What a beautiful place, brought to life after three years slumber. We were given a marvellous tour by the hugely knowledgeable and informative Head Gardener. A short, sweet and wonderful visit.
A.K. Frome, Somerset
29/01/2018
There are no words to describe Rajakkad sufficient to do it justice. The location, the
accommodation, the food – and most of all the amazing staff are superlative. Eat
your out La maison de Quatre Saisons!
Les and Chris Chandler, Yorkshire
26/01/2018
What a special place! We were made to feel at home immediately. The staff team is
amazing and your gardens are spectacular. Will return!
Steve and Edna, New York
26/01/2018
A wonderful visit, garden taking shape under the watchful eye of the ‘English
Gardener’. A good ‘romp’ through the estate to a hazy high point. Gastronomic
delights all round.
Richard and Jackie Scott, Lincolnshire
25/01/2018
Peace and healing amid living greenery and extravagant birdsong. And so back to the
world where hopefully the memory will accompany me always.
Celia, Europe
24/01/2018
A slice of heaven. Thank you Jessie and Francis for sharing your house.
Val Ryan, NZ
24/01/2018
The grandest of times, so relaxing, beautiful and peaceful. Thanks for your hospitality.
Hilda, NZ
23/01/2018
A truly amazing place, just loved my stay.
15/01/2018
I defy anybody not to be captivated and seduced by this unique place. We will regard
Madurai as a prison sentence afterwards. Many thanks.
Gordon and Hilary, Dumfries and Galloway
13/01/2018
What a wonderful place made even better by the people that helped us all the way.
The knowledge of Sudhan was amazing, all the plants and brids.
The whole team made us feel ‘at home’ and a few days that we can always remember.
Rob and Sally, UK
10/01/2018
Such a wonderful place, a real gem of Tamil Nadu.
David and Carrie
08/01/2018
Wonderful place, so different from the rest of our trip.
Susanna and James
06/01/2018
What a stay. Fabulous place. Thank you for creating such a place in this world. What
can you ask for, peace, nature, beauty and incredible people. Next time will not
come alone. It has to be shared.
Jean Marc
04/01/2018
We had a blissful time amongst the trees and clear air of Rajakkad. Thank you to
everyone for making it such a wonderful and memorable experience. We hope to
return someday soon.
Gary and John, Clapham
03/01/2018
This was a magical stay in a totally magical place. We felt transported to a different
realm. We loved the extraordinary attention to detail, but equally were entranced by
the whole vision and unique atmosphere; which can only be a reflection of this
place’s creators and those who continue the work here. Many thanks for sharing it
with us mortals! We will be back, but for longer!
Adam, Nicoline and Alexander Gatehouse
02/01/2018
We have had a magical time here in this beautiful, tranquil estate. We have eaten
like kings and queens, danced with the Bollywood set, celebrated the best New
Year’s feast and fireworks ever, woken to birdsong, seen our first bison, watched
flying monkeys, wandered in misty mountains and met the most devoted, attentive,
thoughtful and charming staff ever. A special thank you to Robie for making our stay
unforgettable and to Sudhan for the walks.
Kate and Christophe
01/01/2018
You arrive after a long drive slightly stressed and exhausted… you leave completely
relaxed and reenergised. Thank you for all your hospitality. A wonderful building
with beautiful people.
Sally & Andrew, UK