Rainforest Athirapally

Athirappilly Falls is the sort of sight most hotels would sell from a distance. Rainforest Athirapally has just ten rooms, tucked into the Sholayar forest, and each one opens onto the falls and the green around them.

Ten rooms, one waterfall

The tree house is the one people talk about. The resort credits its design to a Swiss architect, who engineered the structure to allow for the needs of the growing tree it stands in; there is no room service up there, and the resort gently advises against bringing small children. On firmer ground, the six Luxury rooms keep things simple — minimalist furniture, a balcony, coffee while the misty falls do the work — while the Premium rooms add an in-room jacuzzi and a bathroom that looks out to the water. The Celestial suite, the resort claims, is the pick of celebrities on their quieter visits; walk-in wardrobe and foot massager included.

Few Indian hotels hand you a waterfall with breakfast.

Tariffs include all meals, and the philosophy is stated plainly: spaces that pull people out of their daily routine. Hand-crafted experiences run from tribal food to firefly watching. The falls fill everything else.