Lost in the riverside jungle, 10km northeast of Kumbakonam, this is a wonderful retreat from temple-town chaos. Comfy modern-rustic, Chettiar-style cottages are fronted by porches with rocking chairs, and have open-air showers and carved-teak doors. Cooking classes and trips to local silk weavers, traditional fabric painters and wax-casting sculptors are offered. The exquisite restaurant is Indian gourmet.
Mantra Koodam
Top choice in Tamil Nadu