What we say

Standing in Harivihar’s entrance hall, I felt wonderfully cool interiors and instinctively looked around for air conditioning – but there wasn’t any. The cool was the product of traditional architecture, building materials and Vastu. You see, it was originally built to house the children of the royal family who were sent away to school in Calicut – nothing but the best for them.

When Dr. Srikumar established his neurology practice in 1999, his father-in-law advised demolishing this 170-year-old building. However, he had the foresight to go against those wishes and painstakingly restored it instead, maintaining 80% of original furniture and creating a welcoming, simple yet elegant five-bedroom stay. We believe that the least environmental impact occurs when utilizing an existing building, and the impact is even less when that building was traditionally designed to work with the elements rather than against them.

Their sustainability credentials are impressive: an Ayurveda garden with indigenous medicinal plants, vermicompost systems, rainwater harvesting through the traditional bathing pond, and 90% local staff (80% women). Rice comes directly from farmers, showcased in their fascinating ‘Rice Menu’ featuring organically grown indigenous varieties, while local artists practicing traditional art forms are actively promoted.

The property focuses on wellness and Ayurveda, the food is vegetarian and wholesome, and the atmosphere naturally lends itself to relaxation and rejuvenation. But it’s also a great base from which to explore Calicut and what an unexpected treasure trove that city is!

Our three words:

Welcoming | Wisdom | Restored

Philippa…

Hotel Story

When Dr. Srikumar established his neurology practice in Calicut in 1999, his father-in-law advised demolishing the old building to construct a modern home. Instead, Dr. Srikumar fell in love with the heritage structure and devoted his resources to painstakingly restore what would become Harivihar.

Harivihar, meaning “abode of the divine,” centers on holistic wellness through authentic Ayurveda, transformative yoga, and nourishing cuisine that heals mind, body, and spirit. This owner-managed, 170-year-old royal mansion seamlessly blends Kerala’s traditional Vastu architecture with modern comforts. As an Ayur Diamond accredited center and Kerala Tourism Diamond classified property, Harivihar offers personalized Panchakarma therapies in an atmosphere where history lives alongside authentic cultural immersion.

Perfect for those seeking slow-paced rejuvenation, guests experience life in an ancient Hindu home while indulging in pure vegetarian cuisine sourced from local producers. The intimate, laid-back ambiance creates an exclusive wellness retreat where tradition and transformation converge, offering a genuine taste of Kerala’s timeless healing heritage.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 57/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 5
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 10
  • Wastewater Recycling: 3
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 10
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • 80% of the furniture used was repaired and maintained aesthetically.
  • The gardens in the premises are well stocked with local plants, trees, flowers and flora.
  • The premises also has an Ayurveda garden displaying rare and indigenous herbs and medicinal plants.
  • Carbon footprint is minimised as all purchases pertaining to the daily operations are sourced locally.
  • Rice is bought directly from farmers to support livelihood. The property also displays a ‘Rice Menu’ offering organically grown indigenous rice varieties that are directly purchased from the farmers.
  • The garden displays a vermicompost where waste from the garden is converted into manure. Food waste also is converted into organic manure which are used for flowers and plants.
  • 80% of the staff are ladies and 90% of the overall staff are from the locality to support the local community.
  • The traditional bathing pond in the premises is conserved. The pond also is a source for rain water harvesting.
  • Local artists and performers who practice traditional artforms are promoted.
  • The paintings and artefacts used in the rooms and common areas are locally sourced.
  • LED bulbs are used to minimise electricity consumption.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 57/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 5
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 10
  • Wastewater Recycling: 3
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 10
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 10
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • 80% of the furniture used was repaired and maintained aesthetically.
  • The gardens in the premises are well stocked with local plants, trees, flowers and flora.
  • The premises also has an Ayurveda garden displaying rare and indigenous herbs and medicinal plants.
  • Carbon footprint is minimised as all purchases pertaining to the daily operations are sourced locally.
  • Rice is bought directly from farmers to support livelihood. The property also displays a ‘Rice Menu’ offering organically grown indigenous rice varieties that are directly purchased from the farmers.
  • The garden displays a vermicompost where waste from the garden is converted into manure. Food waste also is converted into organic manure which are used for flowers and plants.
  • 80% of the staff are ladies and 90% of the overall staff are from the locality to support the local community.
  • The traditional bathing pond in the premises is conserved. The pond also is a source for rain water harvesting.
  • Local artists and performers who practice traditional artforms are promoted.
  • The paintings and artefacts used in the rooms and common areas are locally sourced.
  • LED bulbs are used to minimise electricity consumption.

EXPERIENCES

Interaction with local artisans
Ayurveda treatments & Yoga Classes
cookery classes
story telling guided walks
kalari visits

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is approximately 45 minutes by car from Harivihar, with direct connections from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Dubai. The airport offers both domestic and international connectivity, making it convenient for wellness travelers.

BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station (also known as Calicut Railway Station), approximately 8 km from the property, connecting to major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kochi. The station is well-connected with express trains to all major Indian cities. Pick-up services from the station can be arranged by the property.

 

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Calicut International Airport 25 Km 45 Minutes
Kozhikode Railway Station 8 Km 20 Minutes
Kozhikode Beach 12 Km 25 Minutes
Wayanad 75 Km 2 Hours
Cochin 185 Km 4 Hours
Mysore 120 Km 3 Hours
Munnar 220 Km 5 Hours