Kerala Architecture has been Bangalore'd

Ayurvedagram Resort Whitefield, an Ayurvedic treatment centre and resort in Bangalore is a glowing tribute to the traditional Architecture and cultural heritage of Kerala.
A trip to Ayurvedagram can take us back to God's own Country, the way it was a century ago. The resort has Nalukettus (houses with four blocks built around a courtyard), Kovilakams (palaces) Manas & Illams - the cornerstones of what we know today as 'Kerala Architecture'.
The architect couple Ravi and Minu (of Ravi and Minu Architects, Bangalore) who implemented this awe-inspiring project, translocated these heritage homes of Kerala as it is to Bangalore and recreated the old world grandeur to the minutest detail. The resort also has all the high tech gadgetry and creature comforts for the discerning customer giving them the Best of both Centuries !

The Reception

Aranmula Palace -  The Grand Reception 

Built by the Aranmula Royal family in the mid 18th century, it was the mother palace of the Aranmula Royal House, which migrated from Madurai to Kerala.
The gabled roof, corridors, the Nalukettu style and predominantly wooden character represent the stylistic perfection of medieval Southern Kerala Architecture. The building has a closed inner courtyard with beautiful wooden pillars and exquisite carvings. The large foyer has a carved wooden ceiling and radiating rafters in the roof structure.
Today this magnificent building is used as the Reception and houses the doctor’s consultation rooms.

Aluva Pushpakam

Traditional Kerala houses where Nambiars lived were called Pushpakam and Aluva Pushpakam was originally located on the banks of the river Periyar at Aluva, Central Kerala. This is a typical Nalukettu which belonged to traditional Nambiars with exquisite carvings on its wooden walls and ceilings. The inner Atrium (inner Courtyard) ensured continuous flow of fresh air even during hot humid weather, typical of Kerala.

Aluva Pushpakam

Bedroom of Aluva Pushpakam

The most impressive feature of this bedroom is minute detailing to recreate old world charm, all the way to the black round electric switches, the wooden switch board, the terracotta tiles, the antique rosewood cots and the not too loud curtains that blend perfectly with the original wooden windows from the traditional home. Impeccable !

Muhamma Mana

Muhamma Mana is what we call our Harmony Suite. This 75 year old cottage is made of teak and rosewood and sits in its own garden with a walled compound. It was built for a well-known musician by a local king as a reward and consists of 2 rooms and 2 bathrooms.

Ambara Mana

Ambara Mana is a twin cottage similar to Muhamma Mana but without a compound wall. It is dated over 73 years old and comprises of 2 Heritage rooms; each of the rooms has an enclosed bathroom with a private garden. This is a rectangular structure with rooms that open into a common sit out at the entrance.

The bedroom of Ambara Mana

The bathroom of Ambara Mana

A perfect blend of antique and modern. The door, the mirror, wooden panel and terracotta tiles adds to the antique look. This is how antique one can get in a bathroom, since back then there were no plumbing or sanitary-ware.  The ceramic wall tiles and sanitary-ware maintains the creature comforts of our modern lifestyle 

The Poet’s Cottage

Nallamuttam Tharavadu is an independent cottage made of teak and rosewood, was once owned by a renowned 19th century poet in Kerala, Sri Nallamuttam Padmanabha Pillai.  An L-shaped house, along one arm of the house is a foyer supported on highly ornate pillars and carved ceiling.

The sit-out leads to the richly carved entrance through which is a small sitting room. This used to be the poet’s library.

The bedroom has traditional vaulting roof and walls made of pure wood

The Restaurant

The restaurant with clay tile roof and antique furniture

The Yoga Room

Kuroor Mana is an architectural splendor and is used as the cultural and recreation centre with its magnificent hall. This traditional hall is adored with massive pillars with beautiful carvings.

An Open Bathroom

The Lounge

To me, this traditional lounge with unique rosewood sofas, rocking chairs and a swing was the icing on the cake.

The architect and the promoters of AyurvedaGram has achieved nothing short of an architectural miracle by transplanting, restoring and preserving these centuries old heritage homes of Kerala and passing it on to the current and possibly the next generations to come!