FAQs

What types of rooms are available in the hotel and what are the different categories?
We have 4 category accommodation in Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Presidential suites : Octagon and Banyan Tree Bungalow
Premium Suites - Sea facing : Heritage Premium
Premium Suites - Partial Sea facing : Heritage Superier
Premium villas - Garden and partial sea facing : Heritage Classic
Standard Rooms - Overlooking the palm groves : Rock Garden
We have 5 Mountain View and 7 Garden View Cottages in Thekkady

Are your hotel rates per room or per person?
Rooms are per night with standard number of 2 adults.

How do I cancel my hotel reservation without a charge?
9th January to 15th April - 45 days prior to arrival
16th April to 30th September - 21 days prior to arrival
1st October to 18th December - 45 days prior to arrival
19th December to 8th January - Non Amendable,Non Cancellable, Non Refundable*
Please note 100% retention will apply post the above mentioned cutoff dates.
*NON-AMENDABLE. NON REFUNDABLE. NON CANCELLABLE (FOR BOOKINGS BETWEEN 19th DECEMBER TO 8th JANUARY)

How many people can stay in one room?
2 adults and 2 children (below 6 years ). or 3 adults.

Do you offer discounts for a group booking?
Group rates or Corporate rates are negotiated with the Sales Department. For more information please call +91 80 4510 4510

Do you have a pet policy?
Pets are not allowed in retreat premises

Is a babysitting service available? 
Yes with prior arrangement

What facilities are available for children? 
On request the following: Movies/ Play station/ Games/ Swimming/ Sand castle building (Kovalam)

Are baby cots available for the rooms? 
Yes with prior intimation

Are "high chairs" available in the restaurants? 
For children yes.

Where is breakfast served and at what times? 
Cafe Samsara is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM for breakfast.

How many restaurants do you have and what are they? 
2 restaurants and 1 bar namely Cafe Samsara - Breakfast and world cuisine : 6: 30 AM to 10.30 PM Essence - Pan Asian and sea food grills : 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM Madira - Our bar : 11 AM to 10:30 PM

What kind of food will I find at Niraamaya? 
At Niraamaya you will find a fine mix of Indian, Continental and Asian food. At all our retreats we endeavour to recreate regional gastronomic experiences. At Niraamaya Surya Samudra and Niraamaya Cardamom Club we use the freshest of ingredients and fragrant aromatic spices true to the area for a taste of the regional flavour.

What is Indian food like? 
Indian food is high on taste and definitely worth trying, however it can get a little too piquant for foreign palates. Although the Indian food served at Niraamaya is toned down a little bit, it may still be a little too spicy for foreign palates. Do let our chefs know the level of spice you can comfortably take and they would be happy to customise your meals accordingly.

Does Indian food cause Delhi Belly? 
Diarrhoea or dysentery contracted from eating Indian food is called Delhi Belly.

Most foreigners at some point complain of a belly ache after eating the spicy Indian food. If its Delhi belly, most times it’ll pass. In case you are on anti-malarial tablets, an upset stomach is a very possible side effect. In case it gets really bad, do not panic, a doctor on call is available at all times at Niraamaya. It is advisable to let the doctor know what medications you are on.

Those guests who are coming from cold countries to a tropical climate like ours, may experience symptoms identical to diarrhoea and vomiting if you are out for long in the tropical sun. Another effect of the tropical sun is a possibility of a sunstroke. To avoid this we advise you to constantly rehydrate yourself.

Is vegan and vegetarian food available? 
Yes our chefs cater to vegetarians as well as vegans. While we have separate menus for vegetarian food, if you want vegan or gluten-free food, please notify the chef before you order. We also serve Jain food.

What fruits are generally available? 
India is a tropical country blessed with a variety of fruits. At Niraamaya, we always try to serve seasonal fruits. Some fruits like Mangoes and Bananas come in over a dozen of sub varieties, shapes, sizes & tastes. You will also find fruits such as Pineapple, Papaya (Papaw), Melons, Passion Fruit, Guavas, Grapes, Apples etc. You can sample Indian fruits with your fruit platter at breakfast.

Are there buffets at Niraamaya? 
We believe in freshly cooked meals (that’s good for you!), instead of mundane cold buffets, hence we do not offer buffets. This is especially over breakfast as we believe it is the most important meal of the day. Gourmet a la carte breakfast is served in courses with open ended add-ons for variety and value.

Is a special menu available for children? 
Yes

Do you have 24-hour room service? 
No, 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Is there a swimming pool in the hotel? 
Yes we have a unique rock cut infinity swimming pool. It also has a kids section. We do have swimming pool in Cardamom Club, Thekkady.

How far is the beach from the retreat? 
The beach is within a radius of 100m. Access to the beach are through the stairs. The stairs to the beach are not advisable for elderly or differently abled person.

How long does it take to get a taxi or car rental from the airport to the hotel? 
Trivandrum (TRV) International Airport, the closest airport to Kovalam is approximately 25 minutes by road. Kochi (COK) International Airport , the closest airport to Thekkady is approximately 4.5 hours drive by road.

Do you have any special packages for honeymoons and anniversaries? 
Yes, please refer to our website at www.niraamaya.in for current promotions and packages in the exclusive offer section.

Do you have a tour desk where I can book excursions during my stay? 
Yes, please reach out to our front desk for assistance.

Do you have special facilities and services available for the differently abled traveller? 
We have buggy service that can be availed to reach any point at the retreat. Unfortunately the terrain of our retreat are such that we do not encourage the differently abled to book with us to avoid any inconvenience to them.

Can the hotel reconfirm my ongoing flight and make arrangements for domestic and international flights? 
Yes

Can I get a massage at the hotel? 
Yes. The Niraamaya Spa is open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

Is a doctor/nurse available at the hotel? 
No

How far is the nearest hospital to the hotel? 
The nearest hospital is a 15-20 minute drive from the retreat.

How far is the nearest ATM to the hotel? 
The nearest ATM is a 10-15 minute drive from the retreat.

Where is the currency exchange? 
FOREX transaction is available 24/7 at the Front Desk

What is the currency in India? 
Indian Rupees (INR)

At what time do the banks open? 
Bank hours are 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays

Are there shops at the hotel? 
Niraamaya Retreat Surya Samudra Kovalam has a retail outlet. Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady does not offer a retail shop.

Can baggage be stored at the hotel whilst I travel to another location in India? 
Yes for a maximum of 30 days.

What voltage do you use in India? 
240 volts

Is it safe to drink tap water in India?

It is advisable not to drink Tap water. Hotel provides 2 bottles of mineral water every day in your room, with our compliments.

What is the weather like at different times of the year?

June to July is considered rainy season. April & May are the warmest months. Rest of the year is extremely pleasant

What should I wear in India? 
Light clothes preferably with cotton fabric, flip-flops and comfortable shoes/sandals

How long does it take to get a taxi from theretreat ? 
Please talk to the travel desk as that completely depends on the demand for taxis and availability on that day.

Can I connect my laptopinthe room?
Free WiFi is available at all our retreats. We strive to provide a fairly good speed that should suffice for basic surfing and checking e-mails. Kerala (Pulinkudi and Thekkady) has still not joined the race on the internet superhighway and so you may sometimes face intermittent reception. Please note, our firewall systems will not allow for heavy data downloads.

What newspapers does the hotel receive and can these be delivered to my room? 
National and local newspapers are available daily and are provided upon request.

Are secretarial and other business services such as translation available? 
Secretarial services such as fax services, typing, photocopying, printing, scanning, local and international calls and ticket handling are available through Guest Services. Corresponding charges may apply. Translation services are available upon request,at a fee.

Are offices available for rent at the hotel?
Meeting rooms are available upon advance request. Corresponding charges may apply.

Tourist Facilities 
Can we book sightseeing tours directly at the hotel?

Yes, You can book at the retreat directly. 
Are there any major excursions near the hotel? And, if so, where are they?

Our recommended activities: 
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam : Visit to Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, The Napier Museum and Art Gallery Trivandrum, Poover backwater cruise. Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom club, Thekkady: Gavi jeep safari in Periyar tiger reserve, Periyar lake bamboo rafting, Adventurous nature walk through the Periyar sanctuary, Tea factory visit. All the activities are managed by Niraamaya Retreats team. You can expect the very best in services