What to know before you go?

- Located at 6,000 feet in the Western Ghats near Kotagiri, offering a serene retreat surrounded by tea plantations, misty hills, and lush greenery — perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty

What we love:

- One of the things that stands out to us is how seriously they take sustainability. They've really committed to creating an eco-friendly retreat, with a strong focus on zero-waste living. It’s refreshing to see a place that prioritizes both comfort and environmental responsibility, making sure guests can enjoy their stay while minimizing their impact on nature

-The food is another huge highlight. They have this amazing "farm-to-fork" philosophy, where a lot of the meals come straight from their own organic garden. Everything feels so fresh and natural — it’s not just healthy, but you can really taste the care and love they put into growing their own food

About the property:

When life feels hectic, we all yearn for a place to slow down, relax, and recharge. PrakritiLaya, nestled in the heart of Kotagiri’s lush tea gardens in the Blue Mountains of the Nilgiris, offers the perfect escape. Nature’s serene beauty invites you to leave behind the stresses of daily life and immerse yourself in tranquility. Wake to the soothing melodies of birds, inhale the fresh, unspoiled air, and let the peaceful surroundings restore your mind, body, and spirit. Whether practicing yoga, savoring wholesome vegetarian cuisine, or simply curling up with a good book, every moment at PrakritiLaya is designed to rejuvenate.

Arun welcomes you to PrakritiLaya. With over six decades of family experience in sustainable agriculture and tea planting, Arun pursued a degree in Horticulture and a postgraduate degree in Ecotourism. Growing up surrounded by nature, he realized his childhood dream of creating a zero-waste, sustainable homestay in the Nilgiri Hills. They discovered a heritage bungalow built in 1905, nestled among tea plantations near Kotagiri, perched over 6,000 feet in the Western Ghats. After carefully renovating the bungalow to preserve its charm, PrakritiLaya now offers guests a rejuvenating stay, inviting them to be part of the journey toward sustainability and zero-waste living.

For those seeking adventure, the nearby Longwood Shola Forest (with permission) offers a thrilling exploration of its wild beauty. Guests can also enjoy curated experiences like Tea Trail walks, Eucalyptus and Pine Plantation treks, and more. With natural wonders such as Catherine Falls, Kodanadu View Point, and Rangaswamy Pillar & Peak nearby, PrakritiLaya is not just a retreat — it’s an opportunity to rediscover the essence of nature. PrakritiLaya is derived from the Sanskrit term meaning "absorption into nature," where Prakriti means "nature" and Laya means "to dissolve." This reflects our commitment to immersing ourselves in and preserving the natural world. At PrakritiLaya, the rooms are designed to be a seamless extension of the surrounding natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of comfort, tranquility, and sustainability. Each room is thoughtfully crafted to provide a peaceful retreat, where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature.

The interiors reflect a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, with handcrafted furniture, earthy tones, and natural materials that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Expansive windows offer breathtaking views of the lush tea gardens and the mist-kissed hills of the Nilgiris, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the serene landscape. Whether you choose a cozy room for a peaceful escape or a spacious suite to enjoy panoramic views, every detail is curated with care to enhance your stay. The rooms are designed with eco-conscious practices, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly experience. At PrakritiLaya, you’ll find not just a place to stay, but a sanctuary where nature’s beauty and comfort come together to offer a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience.

At PrakritiLaya, the team is dedicated to providing wholesome, organic, vegetarian cuisine made with love and care. Their "farm to fork" approach ensures that much of the produce used in meals comes directly from their own organic kitchen garden. Guests are invited to participate in harvesting fresh vegetables, which are then cooked and served according to their preferences. In keeping with their commitment to sustainability and zero waste, many of the ingredients are homemade, with spices and condiments sourced directly from farmers, eliminating the need for plastic packaging. The farm-fresh offerings include vegetables, herbs, milk, black pepper, boiled unpolished Ponni rice, Jeeraga Samba rice, and coconut. By choosing healthy, organic ingredients, PrakritiLaya ensures that every meal is not only delicious but also nourishing for the body, mind, and the planet. The vegetable garden is a regular source of veggies & herbs for our kitchen. We encourage our guests, especially children, to indulge in vegetable gardening and get their hands soiled. This gives a connection with Mother Earth and creates awareness amongst the younger generation. Cabbage, Broccoli, Carrot, Beans, Radish, Potato, Lab Lab, Beetroot, Spinach, KnolKhol, Turnips, etc., are some of the common vegetables you will find in our garden depending on the season. Herbs & condiments like Green Chilly, Coriander, Spring Onions, Fenugreek, Mint, Celery, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Basil & Thyme can also be found in our garden.

The Ornamental Garden
The maintenance of our garden is one of our top priorities, providing a colorful and soothing environment for guests to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. Care is taken to ensure that our garden is blooming throughout the year for you to take in the vibrant colors. Our lawns are well-manicured and serve as a peaceful spot where you can relax with your favorite book or simply unwind, soaking in the sounds of nature. Children can also enjoy fun activities on the lawns. For those who wish to meditate, the 100-year-old Araucaria tree provides a serene spot for reflection.

While staying at PrakritiLaya, guests can enjoy a range of immersive experiences. The Tea Trail Walk offers a guided tour through the tea gardens to discover the charm of tea production. A Tea Factory Visit allows you to explore the tea-making process in the Nilgiris, complete with a fresh cup of tea and a complimentary tea packet. For nature lovers, the Nature Walk is an interactive and adventurous 90-120 minute trek, followed by a refreshing drink. The Bio-Diversity Walk takes guests on a 3-4 hour early morning trek through the Sholas of the Western Ghats, where you can learn about invasive species and the Nilgiri Biosphere. Finally, the Toda Mund Visit offers a unique opportunity to experience the culture, daily life, and traditions of the Toda tribe, including a traditional meal and a visit to their ancient temple.

The property also has a variety of activities to enhance the guest experience. Guests can unwind at the Mini Library, selecting from a curated collection of books while enjoying a hot cup of farm-fresh tea by the garden. For some friendly competition, Board Games like Pallankuzhi, Chess, Carrom, Scrabble, Pictionary, Jenga, Snake & Ladder, Ludo, Chinese Checkers, Business, Waste Warriors, and Rapid Rumble are available. Those seeking outdoor fun can enjoy Lawn Games such as Trampoline, Children’s Cricket, Football, Badminton, Frisbee, and Hopscotch. Yoga & Meditation enthusiasts can find peace and serenity amidst nature, using yoga mats available for use and picking tranquil spots in the garden or tea gardens for a session. For bird watchers, Bird Watching offers a chance to explore the vibrant birdlife around the property, with guidebooks in the mini library and binoculars available for rent.