A riverfront home, where time slows down
Windermere River House sits beside the Periyar River. It stands within two acres of evolving garden on the foothills of the Western Ghats. The land was once a small rubber plantation that now has diverse native and exotic flora
Dr. Simon John is an eye surgeon from Kochi. His journey began in 1997 with a family home. In 2012, he discovered Inchathotty by the river. The narrow road curved through tall trees and silence. A ferry crossed there, before the suspension bridge arrived. He kept returning and found a riverfront rubber plot. Simon’s sons, John and Mathew, helped build the River House. The house opened for guests in 2017. They believe in small scale and personal service.
Rooms are airy and overlook trees and flowers. Handcrafted furniture offers comfort and a Kerala touch. Meals use fresh produce from local farmers and the garden. Recipes follow local traditions and family favorites here.
The standout feature is the living terrace garden with native and exotic flora. Simon moved from a monocrop estate to layered plantings, with fruit trees sharing space with herbs and flowers. Birdsong fills paths that lead toward the river. Shade, color, and scent change through each season.
Guests can walk, pause, and breathe more deeply. The garden reflects care for land and people. It tells a story of patience and hope.
The accommodation at Windermere offers a spacious holiday retreat with four large bedrooms, all finished to a high standard. There are two rooms on the first floor and two on the ground floor, each with a lovely sit-out area to enjoy the views. Both floors have one twin bed and one double bed.
Inspired by plantation homes, The River House exudes a timeless charm. The rooms feature a colonial style design, with handcrafted furniture and thoughtful details.The ground floor rooms open up to the gardens while the second floor have private balconies.
Garden View
4 rooms
2 + 1
430 sq ft
Price Description: The price displayed is the lowest seasonal rates for double occupancy and includes all taxes and accommodation with the meals mentioned below. Prices may change with the season, especially during the peak season months.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Extra Note: Driver’s accommodation can be arranged at the property.
Third Person/Child: Third Person: Rs 4720 (above 12 years), Child price: Rs 2950 (6 - 12 years)
Raahghar Payment Terms: Reservation is confirmed with an advance payment of 50% of the total amount at the time of booking. The balance payment is to be made 7 days prior to check-in.
Cancellation Policy (Indian Passport Holders Only):
In case of a cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstance a credit note will be issued by the property to the guest for the amount paid till date.
The credit note will be valid for use within one year from the period of booking. The guest can redeem the credit note against the amount of any future booking within a year and pay the balance if any as per the rates applicable on that date. This credit note is also transferable and can be used by the guest/transferee only once within the stipulated date.
Raahghar would keep your credit card information secured with us and it won't be charged unless needed.
Kochi International Airport is the nearest, 1.5 - 2 hrs away (56 Kms)
Aluva is the nearest Railway Station, 1 hr 45 mins away (57.5 Kms) . Ernakulam Railway Station is 2.5 hrs away (75 Kms away).
A 3.3 Km drive from Aluva Munnar Road (NH 85), 2.5 hrs drive from Kochi (76 Kms). The nearest town is 12 mins away.
At the Riverhouse plantations and gardens, John Simon planted native and tropical fruiting plants, this has improved biodiversity of the surroundings. Over 120 bird species are found locally, and gorgeous but slightly wild natural gardens surround the property leading down to the river with the Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary close by.
They also treat their food waste and convert it into biogas used for cooking.
Not far from the property, guests get to ride a bicycle or take a stroll on the Inchathotty Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Kerala, built across the longest river in Kerala!
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