Welcome to a Rendezvous with Mother Nature!
A sanctuary of serenity, Duke’s Forest Lodge is perched at the edge of 95 acres of plantation. With 5 exclusive boutique villas, Duke’s Forest Lodge is nestled at the tranquil foothills of Ponmudi, the nearest hill station to Trivandrum. Blending seamlessly with nurtured and lush agriculture and adjoining reserve forest, an Ayurvedic cure with us creates an atmosphere of rare seclusion and natural harmony.
A vibrant tapestry of tropical abundance, cultivating rubber, coconut, cocoa, pineapple, rambutan, mangosteen, and an array of spices including pepper, cloves and nutmeg, an Ayurvedic cure at Duke’s Forest Lodge is a nature lovers paradise. Inland fish farming and cruelty free traditional beekeeping, also contributes to a holistic experience into sustainable plantation living. A leisurely walk along our winding pathways reveal the rhythms of tropical agriculture and the quiet beauty of untouched nature. Within this rich and nurturing
environment, we craft our own Ayurvedic oils and herbal powders-pure, authentic, and integral to the treatments at Duke’s Forest Lodge, and our sister concern resort Nikki’s Nest.
VILLAS & IT’S FACILITIES
Duke’s Forest Lodge features five stilted villas-spacious, airy, and elegantly furnished-each with a modern bathroom, private balcony overlooking the reserve forest, and a dedicated private Ayurveda treatment space below. Set amidst soothing natural sounds, the lodge offers a king-sized pool by the brook, ideal for relaxation, forest walks, birdwatching and elephant spotting, if you are lucky. The Bison House by the pool serves as a cozy communal space with Wi-Fi and indoor games for guests to unwind together.
FACILITIES AT DUKE’S FOREST LODGE
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Ayurveda
- Yoga Platform
- Indoor Games
- Nature Walks
- Bird Spotting
- Bonfire and Grill
- Plantation Tour
- Rubber Factory Visit
- Visit to our Ayurveda Factory
- Kallar Stream
- Guided Tours on Request
- Interaction With Rescued Dog
AYURVEDA
An Ayurveda cure at Duke’s Forest Lodge begins with a detailed consultation on the day of arrival, helping the doctors to gather all relevant information required to individually chart out your treatment plan.
A mini consultation is held on a daily basis, prior to your treatments – allowing the doctors to bring about any modifications in your treatment plan if required. On the last day of treatment, a “final” consultation is conducted to evaluate treatment progress and guide each guest with lifestyle and dietary modifications that can be brought about going forward.
All external Ayurvedic oils and powders used during the course of your treatment is manufactured under the brand name of Prakrithi Satthwa Oushadhashala – our oil production unit located within our property. Feel free to visit and experience the magical formulation of the oils used for you. Being GMP certified and holding a manufacturing license from the Drugs Controller, a doctor will always be on board to guide you through the process.
OUR AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Talam
Warm mix of medicated oil & powder applied on the crown of the head and allowed to remain for 20 minutes. It is beneficial to reduce Hypertension, Migraine, Stress and Anxiety related problems.
Chavutti Thirumal
Chavutti Thirumal is an ayurvedic massage technique that involves footwork. The masseur uses their feet to offer controlled pressure on the body of the patient, while holding and managing their weight onto a rope. The rope is usually suspended from the ceiling for balance. Unlike other forms of massage therapies, this
treatment aims at deep tissue relaxation which is usually beneficial for enhancing blood circulation, offering deep stretches, muscular relief and removing tension from deeper levels of the body.
Virechanam
Excessive toxins collected in the lower intestine and eliminated through the rectum.
Pichu
Pichu is a treatment for joint pain, swelling and haematoma ( blue / black bruises) related problems. In this treatment a long thick layer of cotton cloth or wool soaked with warm medicated oil, is applied over the affected area. The oil is replaced periodically to keep it warm.
Sneha Vasti
Sneha Vasti is a crucial component of Panchakarma, a comprehensive Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy. This procedure involves the administration of medicated oils and ghee through the rectum to eliminate accumulated toxins and promote overall well-being. It can help address digestive issues by balancing the doshas and improving the digestive fire.
Abhyangam
The whole body is massaged with specific lukewarm herbal oils for about 45 -60 minutes depending on an Ayurveda clients body condition and as per the physician’s instructions. This massage aids in nourishing and re-energizing the body’s tissue, by releasing toxins from our cells. Ultimately gifting us with healthy skin, preventing early aging and relieving various muscular aches and pains.
Dhara
As per body conditions and instructions from the physician, a continuous stream of herbal oils or various kinds of medicated milk or butter milk is gently poured on the forehead of a patient, using a specific technique for about 45 – 90 minutes. Relaxing and re-energizing the central nervous system, the Dhara massage has been demonstrated to be good for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental disorders,
memory loss and certain skin and eye disorders.
Kizhi
Herbal leaves or herbal powders are chopped and applied to the entire body along with hot medicated oils in boluses for 45 minutes. This therapy benefits and aids in the treatment for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondylosis, sports injuries, lumbago and sciatica.
Udwarthanam
Herbal powders are massaged on the whole body using a specific technique for about 30-45 minutes according to one’s body condition and physician’s instructions. This massage has been demonstrated to be useful in reducing weight while strengthening muscles, tightening loosened skin and controlling cholesterol levels.
Nasyam
In each nostril, drops of medicated oil or herbal juice are administered in an aim to help eliminate toxins from the head, and neck region and aids in curing migraine, sinusitis, chronic cold, chest congestion, cervical spondylosis and facial palsy. Undergoing a Nasyam therapy assures lightness of the body and head, helping one sleep better.
Njavara Kizhi
The whole body or any specific part is made to perspire by the application of medicated herbal Rice packs externally in the form of boluses tied up in muslin cloth. This process is done by two masseurs for 45 to 60 minutes for 7-14 days. This treatment is good for all types of Rheumatism, Pain in the joints and certain types of skin diseases.
Tharpanam
In a cleaning process of the eyes aiming to give cooling effects, the Tharpanam therapy involves placing medicated ghee in the eyes around a boundary of herbal paste for 15 – 30 minutes, depending on body conditions and physician’s recommendations. This form of treatment aids in the prevention of cataract and strengthens the optic nerve.
Ksheera Dhoomam
A fomentation process with medicated cow’s milk that helps in treating facial paralysis and speech disorders, cervical spondylosis, spastic disorders and neurological problems. In this treatment medicated milk is heated and the steam is passed over the face and tongue for 15 – 30 minutes per day for a period of 7-14 days.
Pizhichil
Here Luke warm medicated oil is applied on the body of the patient by two masseurs in a special rhythmic way for about 60-90 minutes per day, for a period of 7-14 days. Oil soaked linen is squeezed by hand and rubbed smoothly over the body of the patient by masseurs on either side. This treatment is indicted in stiffness of joints and limbs, paralytic conditions and vata dominant conditions as well.
Sirovasthi
In a close fitted leak proof cap with black-gram powder, medicated oil is allowed to rest on a patient’s head, while maintaining constant temperature conditions throughout, for specific periods of time, as per one’s body conditions and physician’s instructions. Sirovasthi is normally suggested when there is an indication of loss of tactile sensation, facial paralysis, sleeplessness, experiences of dryness in the nostrils and throat and instances of increased intraocular pressure, severe chronic headache, multiple sclerosis and parkinsonism.
Vasthi
Vasthi karma procedure plays an important role in aiding the treatment of an array of health disorders, especially in the Panchakarma style of Ayurveda treatments. Herbal oils or herbal extracts are applied throughout the rectum, purifying the body and maintaining health and longevity. This technique is normally used for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Centring clients during an Ayurveda cure, Duke’s offers yoga and meditation to aid the healing process. We believe practicing yoga is the pathway to de-stress, develop strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga and meditation is conducted from Monday till Saturday, based on the requirements of our clients. The style of yoga we teach follows the Sivananda guidelines and practice.
DINING
Rooted in our philosophy of serving wholesome and nourishing cuisine, Duke’s Forest Lodge places great care on creating individually crafted meals with love and precision. Guided by the timeless Ayurvedic principle of considering ” Food as Medicine “, each meal is prepared by our kitchen in consultation and with recommendations from our Ayurveda Doctors (Vaidyas).
Through careful coordination between our doctors and kitchen, each dish is prepared to include ingredients complementing the specific dosa type, addressing nutritional requirements, allergies and diet concerns of each of our guests. Served in portion sized copper platters and bowls, our meals are tenderly cooked using locally sourced ingredients, with produce harvested from our own pesticide free, farm garden whenever possible.
While focusing on individualistic patient care, we aim to transform the dining experience at Duke’s Forest Lodge into an immersive culinary journey. With every dish unfolding the medicinal benefits, history and cultural stories woven into local ingredients, and traditional spices, highlighting their connection to health and wellbeing. In doing so, we hope our guests leave with ancient Ayurvedic food wisdom and health secrets gained, to share with family and loved ones.
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
At Duke’s Forest Lodge, every step we take is guided by respect for the earth and its creatures. Our environmental practices are not just duties – they are heartfelt rituals that celebrate sustainability, compassion, and balance.
Caring for pathways: We lovingly clean the road leading to the Lodge, ensuring guests arrive through a welcoming, pristine stretch of nature.
Awakening awareness: By sensitising the local community, we nurture a culture that values clean air, clear water, and mindful living.
Banishing plastic: Single-use plastics have no place here – we embrace natural alternatives that leave no scars on the environment.
Guarding the riverside: We clear away unwanted articles that drift downstream, sending them
to recycling plants so the river can sparkle freely.
Harvesting purity: Our orchards thrive without pesticides, yielding fruits that are as wholesome as the soil they grow in.
Farm-to-table feasts: Meals are crafted with ingredients from our own farm, carrying the freshness of the land straight to your plate.
Recycling with purpose: Almost every unwanted item finds a second life, transformed into something useful and meaningful.
Sheltering souls: Rescued dogs find a loving home here, reminding us that compassion is the truest form of sustainability.
Animal-friendly haven: Our property is a sanctuary where animals roam freely, safe and respected.
Respecting the forest: We honor the silence of the woods, never disturbing it with loud music, allowing nature’s own symphony to prevail.
Natural nourishment: At our fish farm, jackfruit, banana stems, and leaves replace artificial feed, keeping the ecosystem pure.
Cruelty-free honey: Our honeybee farming is gentle and ethical, producing sweetness without harm.
