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Villas with a view

PHOTOS: SOMA BASU

For a breath of fresh air At one of the Rhapsody villas

RHAPSODY HOLIDAY VILLAS KUTTIKANAM

USP: For a burst of excitement

The story of this property is different. Five friends working with the Asianet Cable Network in Kottayam fell in love with the place, Kuttikanam, near Thekkady. They purchased four acres and built independent summer retreats entirely for personal use. But a busy work schedule did not allow them to enjoy the luxury and so three years ago, they hit upon a bright idea. The five private summer cottages were converted into the "Rhapsody Holiday Villas" and the friends announced their arrival in the hospitality industry.

With not much competition around, business picked up in no time and now the friends are feverishly working on adding another 15 cottages. The best part about these small, colourful cottages is that they offer privacy in a green and healthy environment. There are several facilities and services offered too. And all of it comes at an affordable price.

What you can do on this serene hillside that is adjacent to sprawling green tea estates - at an altitude of 1000 MSL - is simply enjoy the sight of the sun playing hide and seek with the clouds and the mist. The temperature here remains constant between 10 and 20 degree Celsius 24 x 365.

The villas are a perfect blend of Kerala architecture and modern day luxury. Each two-room deluxe villa has a well-equipped kitchen, a sit-out, a living room and dining space, complete with a comfortable range of furniture, a hammock, a television set with satellite TV connection and STDISD facility. Each villa is painted in a different colour and has a separate name. The bright yellow villa is called `Rhapsody Fusion', the rose-coloured one, `Rhapsody Synergy', the orange one, `Serene', the red one, `Melody' and the dark maroon one, `Harmony'.

There are separate rooms for drivers or personal attendants who come with the guests. If you are in relaxation mode and don't want to enter the kitchen, you can rely on the chef. He will lay out simple and tasty fare for you at the "Rhapsody Resto". What is guaranteed is that the meals are freshly cooked with items purchased on a daily basis. Let your kids loose in the Rhapsody Recreation and they will have enough to keep themselves engaged from kite flying to volleyball, badminton and basketball to a host of indoor games. A bonfire can light up your spirits on a wintry evening or on advance notice to the management, a cultural show can be arranged too.

Tariff

A 2-bedroom villa costs Rs. 2600 plus taxes. An extra bed costs Rs. 400. Free for children, aged below five.

Off-season, single bedroom occupancy and special package rates are available on request. For details contact 0481-2582363 or 9387464881 or email to rhapsodyvilla@yahoo.com

How to get there

Kuttikanam is in Idukki District, Kerala. The distance from Thekkady is 37 km, Kottayam 70 km, Munnar 105 km, Kochi 140 km, Madurai 170 km and Thiruvananthapuram 210 km.

Nearest Airport: Kochi, Railway Station: Kottayam

Things to do

Mountaineering and trekking are the best options. Amrita Medu and Kokkad Hills are the highest points in Kuttikanam, so enjoy some fresh air. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities here. Take the hotel guide along and check out the nearby waterfalls (Valanganam), a natural pond (Madammakkulam), the forest areas of Wagamon with its winding roads and steep valleys, an old church built by the European planters, and the summer palace of Sri Chithira Thirunal, a magnificent structure in teak, that brings back memories of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. Those interested in wildlife, can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is close by.

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