‘India Isn’t a Melting Pot, It Is A Thali’ - Condé Nast Traveller CGH Earth Experience Hotels ˗ February 19, 2016

Jose Dominic heads CGH Earth, which operates ‘travel experiences’ across 16 properties in India. The group has adopted a model in tourism development where environmental sensitivity, community inclusion and adoption of local ethos creates consumer value. “Wherever in the subcontinent we may be located, we draw from the idea of India. In our offerings, we use the healing legacy of Ayurveda, yoga and other inherently Indian philosophies.  Click here

CGH Earth Group Bags the Outlook Traveller Award! September 22, 2016

The CGH Earth Group from Kochi Gets Yet Another Feather On It ’s Cap ! Outlook Traveller had earlier announced the first ever Indian Responsible Tourism Awards 2016 (IRTA) to identify and applaud hotels, homestays, tours operators, and other holiday providers, who are working very hard to make all travel, conscious travel in this country. It included various categories like Best contribution to wildlife conservation, Best innovation by a tour operator, Best for cultural immersion, Best community ˗ based homestay project, Best built heritage conservation and Best RT property. The CGH Earth group, known as the pioneers in eco ˗ tourism, has been awarded the ‘Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Award’ in the Best Responsible Hotel category. Click here

We need to talk about Lakshadweep ˗ Condé Nast Traveller Bangaram Island Resort ˗ November 9, 2016

The first time Mitali Kakkar visited Lakshadweep, she boarded the Tipu Sultan, a ship out of Kochi, and spent nearly a full day sailing east. After pulling? into a couple of the bigger islands, the vessel anchored off Kadmat, and a little boat, the Omana Poo, came to collect her family and take them ashore. The year was 1993, and although Rajiv Gandhi had famously spent a holiday in Lakshadweep a few years earlier, the islands still received only a trickle of visitors. “It was unexplored, totally pristine,” Kakkar said. “I couldn’t believe this was a part of India.” Click here

A quaint getaway, a modern stay-cation, or a glamorous honeymoon - lovers got lots to choose from. Chittoor Kottaram in Kerala is one of them.

As the monsoon rains are ready to provide the perfect backdrop to your romantic escape, we suggest you take a break at God's Own Country. A world of warm, laidback, and elegant hospitality awaits you at Chittoor Kottaram. Resting on the banks of the quaint backwaters of Kerala, the heritage mansion is witness to over three centuries of history. Today, Chittoor Kottaram is the home of Lady Hamlyn of The Helen Hamlyn Trust and she has partnered with CGH Earth to bring this experience to holiday makers seeking privacy.

Chittoor Kottaram in the Luxe List 2017

Brunton Boatyard a nautical blast from the past

Entering the lobby of the Brunton Boatyard, off the traffic-filled streets of Cochin, is stepping into another world. During a recent site inspection of the hotel, a sturdy wood reception desk caught my eye first, a commanding presence in a space designed to evoke the essence of the site's history. Dating to the late 1800s, the Brunton Boatyard was home to the prestigious shipbuilding company George Brunton & Sons. Today the five-star hotel, owned by CGH Earth (formerly Casino Group of Hotels), is both one of the city's finest properties and an exhibition of its South Indian roots. Click here

Why Kerala (India) Is Our New Favorite Place to Escape Winter

The lush state of Kerala, located in the southern peninsula of India, is touted as “God’s own Country.” With such a bold tourism slogan, you can expect the bar to be set pretty high. Well, Kerala does not disappoint. It’s filled with pristine beaches, houseboats floating in clear backwaters, spicy Indian food, and fun-loving people. It’s perfect for a yoga retreat, an adventure holiday, or an eco-friendly vacation. Now that’s a pretty divine package. If you haven’t added Kerala to your travel plans to escape the frigid winter, here’s why you need to do so right away. Click here

Here’s Why KERALA Continues to Be One of the Top Tourist Destinations of India - February 01, 2018

Right from arrival at Kochi, the world’s first all-solar-powered airport, visitors can see a trending move towards conscious living. When it comes to yogic rejuvenation or Ayurveda detox retreats, Kerala has it mastered. Its authentic cultural tourism is an attraction even to Indians from other states. And then there are the spice gardens and languorous backwaters. Above all, serenity and harmony. A week in Kerala is indeed heavenly balm for the weary soul. Click here

How to experience the true Kerala

Bored with sterile 5 star luxury? So am I. For a different 5 star experience and a truly authentic taste of Kerala, check out CGH Earth Hotels, the most original small chain of hotels in India. Eco-conscious, local, loveable. Click here

My Quick and Easy Guide to a Great South India Holiday

I love affordable, small and local heritage luxury. I love being spoiled by people who are passionate about sharing their food, culture and traditions. I know there’s plenty of great places to stay in India, but I always find what I love at the CGH Earth Experience Hotels. CGH Earth has gorgeous properties in renovated heritage mansions and traditional architecture right across South India from East to West. Click here

Travel in Pursuit of Wonder

There was a time when a good holiday meant a beautiful destination with great accommodation; trip souvenirs were just a bunch of photographs. Today, travel isn’t just about that; it’s more about where that destination takes you. We no longer want to collect just photographs, we want to hoard memories. Click here

CGH Earth: The best Kerala hotels and resorts

Kerala is often called “God’s own country.” It’s a beautiful, tropical state in South India with palm-tree lined beaches, an extensive system of Backwaters, rolling green hills, wildlife and tiger reserves, and much, much more. Kerala is a soft landing for first time visitors to India, and a gentle respite from some of the more hectic parts of the country. There’s a lot to see and do all over the state. This post is a suggested itinerary based on a 10-day trip I took with photographer Andrew Adams to five Kerala hotels and resorts managed by CGH Earth. Click here

Best places to visit in Kerala, India

In my “Best places to visit in India” series, I’m focusing on Kerala in this post. In January, on a trip to Kerala with CGH Earth, I visited some of the best places to visit in Kerala and discovered some new Kerala destinations – from beaches to Backwaters, from spice gardens to national parks. Click here

Ayurveda, Terapi Kesehatan Dari India Patut Dicoba

India terkenal dengan teknik penyembuhan yang memadukan teknik pemijatan untuk membantu terapi pasien, yang disebut Ayurveda. Teknik India kuno ini merupakan pengobatan holistik yang mencakup jiwa atau kehidupan emosional dan spiritual dalam rangkaian pengobatannya. Click here

Selarikan Minda, Tubuh & Jiwa Dengan Ayurveda

Ayurveda (‘ayur’ bermaksud kehidupan dan ‘veda’ bermaksud pengetahuan atau sains) yang dianggap sebagai salah satu sistem penyembuhan holistik yang tertua di dunia memberi tumpuan pada keseimbangan minda, tubuh dan jiwa dengan pendekatan terapeutik yang menyelami teras personaliti, sifat dan gaya hidup seseorang. Pendekatan kuno ini bukan sekadar satu sistem untuk menyembuhkan penyakit; amalan penyembuhannya juga memberi saranan amalan gaya hidup yang lengkap untuk kehidupan tanpa penyakit. Click here

4 Day Trip in Kerala, India – The Best Kerala Itinerary

I visited India for the very first time, and it was a memorable 12-day tour of South India with Travel XS, starting from the west end of Kochi in Kerala all the way to the east end of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. If you’re looking to visit India, here’s an ultimate guide to 4 days and 3 nights in Kerala with some of the best things to do, restaurants and accommodations in Kochi, Alleppey and Thekkady. Click here

What is new on the menu for India?

At the most basic level, Danish chef Claus Meyer’s philosophy was to introduce love into cooking as a rebellion against the culture of microwaving and the lack of imagination in making food in his country from the 1960s, when women first started to go to work. This thought and the work that went into this, led him to helm the Nordic Food Manifesto in 2002, which gave Meyer the status of founding father of the New Nordic Cuisine. Click here

Mariellen Ward: The 59-Year-Old Travel Blogger On Being Relevant In The Age of Millennials.

Canada born, award-winning travel blogger at Breathedreamgo.com, Mariellen Ward is a digital storyteller who whips up delicious stories around her extensive travels in India, abroad and those around being a solo traveller. By Charu Chowdhary Click here

On Pondicherry’s Platter

A writer eats his way through haute Indian cuisine, regional firecrackers, and organic fare in the coastal town. Click here

4 Day Trip in Kerala, India – The Best Kerala Itinerary

One of the best ways to explore a new country is by going on a road trip, and that’s exactly what I did for my trip to South India which included a 4 day trip in Kerala. Click here

Kerala Backwaters

There is about 1000 km of lakes, rivers and canals criss-crossing Kerala providing irrigation, transportation and communication. These stretches of water, just inland from the Arabian Sea, are the backwaters. Pam and Jeff talk about their experience at Spice Coast Cruises, CGH Earth’s houseboats. Click here

Tantalising Tamilnadu

Legend-steeped Tamil Nadu pulsates with over 100,000 temples. Think millennial architectural marvels whose soaring tops dizzyingly stack sculpted divinity, deities from the tremendous pantheon of Hindu gods.

50 amazing ambassadors of sustainable travel

From introducing solar power at airports to training vulnerable women to become guides, here are 50 people striving to make a difference to the world Click here

20 simple ways to go green in 2020

Segregating your waste? Carrying your tote for grocery shopping? Switching to a bamboo toothbrush? There’s more to be done. Here are 20 easy yet impactful ways for you to make a difference Click here

This wellness retreat in Gokarna is the perfect escape for weary city dwellers

A big house. A small coterie of friends. And a well-paying job. I had everything going for me. But deep inside, I felt that urban life was whizzing past me without acknowledging my existence. I needed a sense of fulfilment and a place of solace that only nature could provide. And my quest led me to CGH Earth’s SwaSwara Click here

Top 10 Hotels for Romance — India Dreamy stays that couples love.

Best Sea facing view Hotel in Fort Kochi - “100% true hospitality ” Click here

Indulge In Holistic Healing At These Wellness Retreats & Spas In India

Translating to ‘your inner voice’, SwaSwara doubles as a place to refocus and recalibrate oneself. Aligned to this ideology are the various wellness offerings. Click here

Moonlit Cycling, Poetry and Other Meaningful Things to do in Fort Kochi.

It wasn’t love at first sight when I first visited Fort Kochi some 8 years ago. Merely passing through the city, perhaps the riot of sights, sounds and smells overwhelmed my senses. Click here

Tilar Siro, a new beach resort in Havelock, is all about the island life

When the Great Andamanese people arrived on Havelock thousands of years ago, they named it Thilarsiro—the land that emerges from the sea. Though the language of this indigenous community is now extinct, CGH Earth’s newest outpost in the Andamans’ Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep)—named Tilar Siro—is a hat tip to the culture of the island’s original inhabitants. Click here

The best new Island Hotels to visit in 2022

On Havelock Island in India’s Andaman archipelago, Tilar Silo opened this spring with 25 treehouse-like rooms set amidst lush jungle overlooking the ivory sands of Vijaynagar Beach. These islands boast some of the world’s best diving – Jacques Cousteau himself was a fan. Click here

Live the best of island life at Tilar Siro in Havelock

‘The land that emerges from the sea’ or Thilrasiro, as the Great Andamanese tribal people first called it when they arrived on the Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep) thousands of years ago. Today, CGH Earth‘s newest beach resort stands here to tell the story of the island through its myriad experiences. Click here

6 Luxury Heritage Hotels That Are Not In Rajasthan Chittoor Kottaram

The Rajah of Cochin derived sovereignty in divination and constructed a temple for his family deity in the quiet hamlet of Chittoor near Kochi. Realizing the need to stay close to this temple, he soon built a manor just fifty yards away. Simple, elegant, and regal—it housed an entourage that would cater to him on his visits. Today, this exquisite manor is known as Chittoor Kottaram, operated by resplendent luxury brand CGH Earth. Click here

Vasudha Rai on a transformative wellness journey in Kerala

Our first stop is Prakriti Shakti, a naturopathy clinic atop the Panchalimedu Hills, part of the densely forested, mountainous Idukki district. This is a wellness centre for purists—its minimal, elegant structure was built on-site with materials sourced locally. Glass panels bring in warmth and light, with views across the valley. Click here

Three magic stories that created a Naturalist aspirant Wayanad Wild

In May 2022, we stayed in another property called Wayanad Wild, a CGH group hotel. This is situated at the top of a hill, and about 40 Kms from After the rain. We’ve been regular customers of CGH, and we’ve heard rave reviews about Wayanad Wild. So, our expectation from this property was high. Click here

Detox Covid blues: India’s rich travelling to exotic and secluded locations to boost immunity

Other luxury wellness destinations such as CGH Earth Wellness that owns ayurveda and naturopathy centers like Kalari Kovilakam, Prakriti Shakthi, SwaSwara in Gokarna, and Bengaluru-based Ayurveda resorts Soukya Ayurveda and AyurvedaGram, too, are attracting rich Indians for their detox and holistic health programmes. Click here

Why Active Holidays Amidst Nature Are Exactly What You Need In 2022

Travel doesn’t end when you reach your destination; it’s just a stopover on your holiday journey. To get an intimate experience of the place, you must go out and explore the forest, swim in the river, sail across the lake, climb up the mountain, and dive into the sea, to get to know the heart and soul of the destination. These are the adventures you will remember and cherish for years to come. Here are some of the experiences waiting for you in the hills, backwaters, beaches, and rainforests of South India and the Andamans. Click here

Namaste!

Luxus für die Seele – das sind die vier ökologisch und sozial nachhaltigen CGH Earth Health Retreats im südindischen Bundesstaat Kerala, die für einen harmonischen Einklang von Körper, Geist und Seele sorgen. Click here

YOGA URLAUB INDIEN SwaSwara

Enthält Werbung* In einer grünen Oase der Entschleunigung erwartet dich im Süden Indiens ein Yoga Urlaub, der dich bis in die Tiefen deines Köpers entspannen und verändern wird. Durch die heilende Kraft von Ayurveda, die beruhigende Wirkung von Yoga und einer vollwertigen Küche werden Körper und Geist sowohl von Innen und als auch von Außen gereinigt. Lass deinen stressigen Alltag in weite Ferne rücken, und begib dich auf eine Reise zu dir selbst… Click here

TANTALISING TAMIL NADU Mantra Koodam

This new sanctuary nested in opulent paddy fields opens to a shrine set on a tree-lined temple tank. Cottages and bungalows scatter across preened gardens. Bathrooms with open-air showers thrill while the pool splashes urbanity upon the emphatic rural experience. On the restaurant’s gardened verandas relish vegetarian maharaja thalis whose compositions weave in nuanced flavours as intricate as the famous silk saris woven around here. Then the Mantra tea kadai charmingly recreates a village tea shop with complimentary local snacks. Discover fabled Kumbakonam Degree Coffee prepared fresh tumbling coffee across filters held a metre apart. Click here

SWASWARA Goa, India SwaSwara

Ascoltare il suono della propria voce: è questo il significato della parola Swaswara, che da il nome al centro ayurvedico in cui siamo state per otto giorni. Click here

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THIS BACKWATER PARADISE IN KERALA Coconut Lagoon

Picture a tranquil, tropical oasis with exotic foliage and dreamy backwaters. This idyllic locale is Kerala, situated in southwestern India – not what you would expect from a country known for its riot of sounds, sights and crowds. Kerala is laid back and serene. It’s especially alluring at Coconut Lagoon Heritage Resort and Ayurvedic Spa, a CGH Earth Hotel set in a sheltered cove in Kumarakom bordering Lake Vembanad – Kerala’s largest backwater lake. You can only get to this jewel of a retreat by boat, which adds to its charm. Click here

Experience the Unexpected at Spice Village Spice Village

An eco-living experience in a re-imagined tribal village next to the Periyar forest, Spice Village is modelled on the dwellings of the native Manan tribe and exudes the raw spirit of unblemished nature. Click here

A Holiday that Heals Body, Mind and Soul SwaSwara

SwaSwara combines the ancient techniques of Ayurveda and yoga with the tranquility of Om Beach to offer the perfect getaway for a solo traveller. Click here

Relax into India the Easy Way at Palais de Mahe Palais de Mahe

First time visitors to India, or those winding down from a busy work life will welcome the ease and familiarity of French Colonial styled Pondicherry on the East coast of Southern India. Click here

Go Deeper in Pondicherry at Maison Perumal Maison Perumal

Get to Know Pondicherry’s Other Personalities in CGH Earth Style Click here

A Rich and Relaxing Tamil Temple Experience at Mantra Koodam Mantra Koodam

Travelers across South India often plan a stop to see the ancient Chola Dravidian architecture Brihadishwara Temple at Tanjuvar. However also on the Hindu pligram trail is Kumbakonam where CGH Earth’s Mantra Koodam is offering an alternate Tamil temple experience in affordable luxury. Click here

Staying at The Brunton Boatyard, a Fort Kochi Heritage Hotel – India Brunton Boatyard

One of the things that I look for when I travel is places and experiences that connect me to the culture and history of a destination. This comes in a variety of shapes. It could be a local dish, a journey by public transport or staying at a historic place. This is why I was so excited about my stay at the Brunton Boartyard, a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi that is steeped in local history in more than one way. Click here

Heed the Call of the Wilderness Wayanad Wild

Cascading, misty hills. Magical rainforests. The sounds of the wild. Fall in love with natural wonders at Wayanad Wild. Click here

Live the Timelessness of Chettinad Visalam

Chettiar legacy. 19th century mansions. Spicy cuisine. Journey through an era when you stay at Visalam. Click here

Invoking the spirit of God’s Own Country Coconut Lagoon

When you think of Kerala, you conjure up images of coconut groves swaying in the breeze, houseboats drifting across backwaters, vast paddy fields enshrouding verdant villages, and vibrant cultures thriving in colours of the land. To capture this essence of a state blessed by nature, needs a special kind of place. And Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom has managed to do just that. Shrouded in the lyrical legacy of the destination, it takes you to Kerala of the magical past. Click here

Responsible Travel in Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon Kerala Coconut Lagoon

The words “Kerala Backwaters” are likely to conjure up images of dreamy, tranquil floating with not much to do, or simply, messing about in boats in one of the most picturesque parts of Southern India. There’s a certain irony in their name though, for – far from being sleepy backwaters – parts of Kerala’s famed waterways have become touristed en-masse. To a certain extent this self-acclaimed “Venice of the East” is afflicted by many of the same problems as its distant Italian cousin. Click here

Education for the benefit of nature Spice Village

The hotel group CGH Earth begins its environmental education projects at an early stage. On Earth Day, Spice Village invited schoolchildren and gave them a tour of the resort’s premises and its sustainable and eco-friendly measures. Click here

Team ELLE schoot een modeserie in India en ging er ook meteen op verkenningstocht Bangalore en Kerala doe je zo. Marari Beach

Picture dit: douchen in de buitenlucht met een kikker aan je voeten, in slaap vallen bij een krekelconcert, mediteren, een ayurvedische massage of een yogasessie aan de kalme vloedlijn van de zee. Marari Beach is een strandresort waar je het fijne gevoel hebt bij te dragen aan een betere wereld terwijl je zelf ultiem geniet. ‘Ecology, Community, Culture’ is de missie van het resort en die missie vind je terug in details, zoals duurzame glazen waterflessen en potjes van aardewerk met shampoo en lotion in de badkamer. Click here

WHERE TO STAY IN FORT KOCHI Eighth Bastion

A few minutes away from the CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard in Fort Kochi is another hotel branch of CGH Earth Hotels. This is the CGH Earth Eighth Bastion. During the sunset, I remember doing a lovely walk from the fishing nets to the beach and after a bit finding myself in this second branch of CGH Earth Hotels in Fort Kochi. Click here

WHERE TO STAY IN KOCHI : THE BRUNTON BOAT YARD BY CGH Brunton Boatyard

Walking around the Fort Kochi already tells a good sum up of the history of Cochi. They have the still-standing the oldest church built by Europeans, St. Francis Church; the 500-year old Portuguese Mansion, the Vasco house; the Dutch’s bastion-turned-museum, the Bastion Bungalow; and the former elite club of the British, the Cochin Club. Click here

Chettinad Guide: Magnificent Mansions, Peppery Cuisine, and Antique Markets - National Geographic Traveller India Visalam ˗ April 17, 2015 Visalam

Over a century ago, daily life in the villages of Chettinad in eastern Tamil Nadu would have been very different. The sounds of women’s anklets, the laughter of children, the aroma of freshly-ground spices would have filled the imposing mansions of Chettinad built around the 19th and early 20th century. The region comprises some 78 villages, dominated by the prosperous Nattukotai Chettiar community of businessmen and bankers. Karaikudi is the region’s principal town. Click here