Jungle Beats Resorts — Hotel in Kerala

A Serene Escape Amidst Nature

I had initially planned a stay at Jungle Beats in August 2024, but due to the unfortunate landslides in Wayanad, I had to postpone. Thankfully, after a bit of persuasion, the resort staff were kind enough to reschedule my booking to the last week of November 2024, which I deeply appreciated.

Location: Nestled in one of the remotest corners of Wayanad, Jungle Beats offers a serene getaway, far from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful stream runs behind the resort, where my son enjoyed fishing—a unique and delightful experience. The setting is truly wild and untamed; I even witnessed wild dogs attempting to hunt a deer and heard elephants in the distance roaming the nearby mountains.

I stayed at the Phantom Villa, which has a minimalist design with metal sheets, wood, and stubs. While the design might not appeal to everyone, it’s a unique experience that perfectly complements the jungle vibe. The surroundings are so tranquil that you easily lose yourself in nature’s beauty.

Food: Before arriving, I was sceptical about the food based on some online reviews. However, my doubts were laid to rest after the first meal. The key is to request Kerala’s authentic dishes. The fish curry, fish fry, and beef roast were incredible, offering a burst of local flavors. Even the vegetarians in my group thoroughly enjoyed their meals.

On the other hand, dishes like fried rice, noodles, or Manchurian didn’t meet expectations—so stick to the chef’s strengths. Chef Hari’s skill in crafting simple yet delicious homemade food is commendable. For an authentic culinary experience, let him guide your menu choices.

Access: Though the resort is remote, access is fairly manageable with just a couple of narrow, rough patches along the way. The natural surroundings are pristine, with no sign of plastic pollution—just leaves, twigs, and unspoiled wilderness.

People: The resort’s staff truly elevate the experience. Friendly and accommodating, they go above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable. I had the pleasure of interacting with Mr. Shiju, the property manager. His knowledge about the local area was invaluable, from tips on fishing in the stream to procuring spices and guiding us to both popular and hidden spots in Wayanad.

What Needs Improvement: The property, now about 10 years old, could use some maintenance. The Phantom Villa, built from steel containers, has rusty joints and mouldy spots that need attention. Additionally, the pillows and bedding could benefit from an upgrade to enhance guest comfort.

Final Verdict: Jungle Beats is a haven for nature lovers, offering an unforgettable experience amidst the wilderness of Wayanad. While the property has room for improvement, its charm lies in its raw, untouched beauty, the delectable local food, and the warmth of its staff. If you love minimalistic living and crave a break from the mundane, this resort is...

First of all i would love to mention Ranches Hospitality. Ranches is a very well known name when it comes to customer service hospitality. . . . . . Place:- Jungle beats resort is situated on the slope of a mountain from the tip to toe in such a way that the property gives you a glimpse of it when you enter the property, and down between the two mountains flows a river where the property comes to it's end having it's last cottage with each one having seperate attached sitout giving you a glimpse of nature soothing your soul. The property i would say is a 4 star property specially being in such a terrain where it's actually very remote from the hustle bustle in between of a jungle which makes it more enjoyable and soothing. Nature lovers are going to love this to the core. The sound of the river flowing beside is audible in the night which comes as a whistling calm sound to ears making the environment more peacefull and a natural meditative music, also the sounds made by birds and insects makes you think this could have never sounded so preety. The cottages are air conditiined and are kept ultra clean and despite being amidst the jungle it is very well insulated from the outside world as no insects and animals enter inside the cottages. . . . Staff:- The staff, from the cheff to the boys working with the resort are very kind and polite and always ready to help and are just a call away whenever you need any help. It's the staff who makes the beautifull property more enjoyable. . . . Food:- As being in a remote area and between the jungke. The food choices are less but it is made sure that the menu contains good quality food for both non-veg and veg lovers. The food is served fresh and hot. The cheff is eager to take request if any alterations are to be done with the dish. For Fish lovers it's a must try as they serve the king fish directly caught fresh from the river beside. From the preparation to taste everything is satisfying. The breakfast which is included in the tariff has to be given a special mention. You need to taste it to feel it. Very good.

I hope you'l enjoy the property and feel the place to it's fullest.

What's more enchanting is the way to the resorts. It's beautiful and scenic in it's own way. . . A special mention:- There are no ATM's nearby so make sure you carry cash as card payment is not accepted due to low tower connectivity though wifi is provided. The prices are affordable as well as more of the homestays don't have butlers and recreational activities like campfire etc

I hope you'l like the review as i tried to cover...

Over all rating 4+

Summary It was a nice place. Nice Staff and tasty food. Enjoyed my stay.

Details: location - The approach road in the last 1km was a bit narrow and a bit inside. The resort has put boards in between telling the way, that was a bit assuring. Last 250mtrs or so was kuccha, but not difficult. My small hatchback was able to reach there easily.

Stay - there are multiple type of rooms. All rooms are non AC except one - romantic Villa. but we did not feel the need of AC. We stayed in Phantom Villa. The word Villa is slightly misleading as the structure had two floors for two guests. So you will have one floor to you not the whole building. Tips - If view is importatnt to you, Sultan's retreat is closest to the stream, Phantom villa also has good view and balcony towards stream. Rooms were neat and tidy.

Food - we have north Indian taste, with that respect , the food prepared was delicious. Quantity was very good. There serving size is probably double the size of other resorts. Rates were also reasonable

Staff - Very nice and caretaking staff. On the day we reached, locals had created some issue with the resort staff. I saw police also came. However inspite of all the pressure, the staff was at its best. Special mention to Siddharta, Avinash, Adarsh were very helpful. Staff helped me arrange for an offroading trip - totally worth it. We enjoyed a lot.

Special feature - there is a stream flowing through resort - clear transparent water with lots of small fish. it was fun playing in it.

cons: Unless you love nature/dense jungle, you cannot enjoy the beauty. Some level of cleaning the landscape would have beautified the place. Lack of open spaces to roam around. Though stream is very good. Apart from the stream, there is noting to do there. Monsoon season has leech problem. it would be good in dry times. - Not a draw back of resort , all natural resorts will have it. Very badly maintained recreation room - you cannot practically use it. Since jungles will have a lot of insects, probably thats the reason all rooms doors / windows were air tight. It will be nice to have some mesh windows to have good ventilation and jungle sounds...