Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), South Asia's largest hospitality company, today announced the opening of a new amã Stays & Trails heritage bungalow - Ambika Vilas - in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Located in God's own country, the sprawling villa with three suites is a living legacy built in the early 1900's by a young aristocrat, who served the government and the armies of the king of Travancore.

The beauty of the bungalow lies in its architecture, which blends harmoniously into its surroundings. Based on the principles of an ancient science of carpentry - 'Thatchusastra', which believes that every man-made structure has a life and personality of its own, the interior of the house merges seamlessly into the garden to create a holistic living space.

The center of the house opens up to the skies through small miniature gardens - these courtyards or anganams are typical to Kerala houses. They form the heart of the house, where families can gather to connect over meals, celebrate festivals and socialize. With its sloping roofs with wooden rafters and verandahs that encircle the house, bringing in the sea breeze, the bungalow is a cool haven even during the hot summer months.

Those looking to enjoy authentic local culture while immersing themselves in the history of Ambika Vilas can indulge in a host of curated experiences with the amã Stays & Trails team. Be it embarking on Temple Trails through the grand temples of Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple and Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple; to exploring the Spice Trail of Chalai Market or sampling Chef's local Kerala delicacies made with the freshest of produce, Ambika Vilas has something for everybody.

Adventure lovers can explore the nearby Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot mugger crocodiles and the Royal Bengal tiger while history buffs can enjoy a visit to the nearby 19th century Napier National Museum. Evenings can be spent enjoying long sunset walks on Shangumugham beach.

Located in close proximity of Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Ambika Vilas is the perfect holiday getaway for those looking to discover the breathtaking beauty of Kerala in leisure.