Chinnakanal, Munnar

A house of God in the green heaven of Munnar

A heritage wood house at the foothills of the Western Ghats, reached only by a private road.

Sunrise over the valleys from Kolukkumalai near Munnar

Kolukkumalai, 15 km away

Wake above the clouds

Jeep safari to the world’s highest tea estate, in time for sunrise at 7,130 ft.

Wooden suite interior at Bethel Varkis Munnar

Wooden suites

European-style suites in solid eucalyptus

Each suite has its own entrance, balcony, sit-out room and hot and cold shower.

Emerald tea plantations around Chinnakanal, Munnar

Tea country

Swim in the green of Munnar

Emerald tea plantations, wooded valleys and the chirping of exotic native birds.

Evenings at Varkis

Bonfires, stars and quiet nights

Gather round a campfire, then sink under a down comforter in your suite.

Front view of Bethel Varkis wood house among the trees

1892Kandathil family heritage

God’s Own Country’s house of God in Munnar

Varkis Munnar is a serviced villa approved by the Kerala Tourism Department: a heritage wood house in Chinnakanal, known as the green heaven of Munnar. The mountain peaks around the cottage are thick with lush bushes and trees, and the view from the top is breathtaking.

The salubrious winds of the valley, the sound of waterfalls and the unpolluted air refresh body, mind and soul. Come and stay in this dreamhouse in the place rightly called the Kashmir of South India.

5thgeneration family hosts

7,130 ftKolukkumalai, 15 km away

25guests max. for retreats

Our story

Three ways to stay in the dreamhouse

Every suite has its own entrance, balcony, sit-out room, corridor and hot and cold shower.

See rooms & tariff

Wooden Suite

European-style suites built from solid eucalyptus logs, with warm timber walls, a private balcony and a sit-out room looking over the valley.

Stone Suite

Bright, airy rooms in the stone-built wing, where the house’s natural pebble masonry meets clean white interiors.

Rock Suite

Cosy wood-panelled rooms with a calm, warm feel, well suited to couples and small families.

Our hospitality starts before you arrive

Tell us what you need and we arrange it, from homely food to jeep safaris and treks.

Kolukkumalai jeep safari

Ride up to the world’s highest tea estate at 7,130 ft in time for sunrise over the clouds.

Restaurant

Traditional Kerala-inspired home food, served beside the stream and natural ponds.

Outdoor dining

Dinner under the lights of the garden pavilion on cool hill-station evenings.

Trekking

Treks to the mountain peaks around the cottage, with breathtaking views from the top.

Polaris riding

Off-road ATV rides for guests who like a bit of adventure.

Bonfire on request

A cosy campfire on chilly nights, with songs and stories under the stars.

Stream-side garden party

Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and fellowships in our lit garden by the stream.

Car hire services

Comfortable cars with experienced local drivers for sightseeing and transfers.

Travel assistance

We help you plan sightseeing and onward travel across Kerala.

A family home, opened to yours

Family tradition

The Kandathil family believed that unity and understanding are what help a family grow. Their family association, Kandathil Kudumbayogam, the first of its kind in Kerala, was registered as a company in 1892, the third public limited company in the state.

Who we are

We are the fifth generation of the Kandathil family and have enjoyed God’s blessings in abundance. The family has produced many eminent people who contributed to the social, economic and religious growth of society.

What we do

We hold great hope for family relationships. Through this house of God, Bethel, we want to serve society with the gifts God has given us, and give a new generation the experience of a lifetime with friends and family at Varkis.