At Seethavanam, every experience is an invitation to slow down, listen, and reconnect with the land. Set at the foothills of the Nelliyampathy range, our wilderness farm stay is a soulful escape for those seeking meaningful activities in Kollengode and nature-bound adventures away from the usual tourist trail. Whether you’re tracing the rhythms of the farm, walking through forest edges alive with birdsong, or exploring nearby Kollengode sightseeing spots like Seetharkundu Waterfalls and the Mandakini Lake viewpoint, every moment unfolds like a page from your own Kollengode itinerary. Here, time moves with purpose, measured not by hours but by the quiet joy of discovery.
A lot of the experiences at Seethavanam revolve around the private lake within the estate, known as Lake Mandakini. Legends tell of an ancient river that once crisscrossed this very land, flowing with the life and rhythm of the forests. Over centuries, the river settled into what is now Lake Mandakini, named after a celestial river from the epics. It is said that during the time of the Ramayana, when Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana wandered these southern forests in their vanavasa, the water here mirrored the same sacred calm of Mandakini in Chitrakoot. Geologists studying the terrain have found traces of this lost river system, suggesting that remnants of a prehistoric watercourse once cut through the Palakkad Gap, right within the Seethavanam estate.
Today, the lake remains the heart of the landscape. It reflects both history and myth, holding within its still waters the quiet memory of time — a natural sanctuary where the story of Seethavanam begins anew each day.
The calm waters of Lake Mandakini offer the perfect setting for a quiet morning of fishing, one of the most rewarding activities in Kollengode. The lake and nearby streams are home to freshwater species such as tilapia, mrigal carp, and catla, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters flowing down from the Nelliyampathy hills.
Guests can try their hand at traditional rod fishing or simple line casting from the banks, surrounded by the soft rustle of trees and birdsong. Once you make your catch, the experience continues in our farm kitchen. You can prepare your fish with freshly plucked herbs, local spices, and vegetables grown at Seethavanam. Choose between a rustic clay-oven roast or a light pan-fried recipe infused with coconut oil and curry leaves.
Fishing at Lake Mandakini is more than a pastime. It is a slow, mindful ritual that connects you with nature and rewards you with a meal straight from the land and water that surround you.