The Grand Cliff Resort in Munnar, developed by GF Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, has been awarded the Government of India's 5-star classification after successfully completing the country's official hotel classification process. The recognition places the property among Kerala's highest-rated hospitality destinations and certifies that it meets the highest standards set by the Ministry of Tourism for luxury hotels. 
India's hotel classification system evaluates properties on several parameters, including service quality, operational efficiency, infrastructure, guest facilities, sustainability practices, human resource management and customer satisfaction. The process involves detailed documentation, committee-level assessments and on-site inspections before a property is granted a star classification. The 5-star category is awarded only to hotels that consistently meet the prescribed standards across all evaluation criteria. 
The classification formally recognises the standards that The Grand Cliff Resort has aimed to maintain since its launch. Located near Lakshmi Estate in Munnar and spread across forest, tea plantation and estate land, the property features 68 rooms, suites and villas centred around a Palace Block inspired by European classical architecture, while reflecting Munnar's colonial hill station character. 
The resort offers facilities including an infinity swimming pool overlooking waterfalls and tea estates, a Western spa, sauna, fitness centre, yoga sessions conducted amidst forest surroundings and Eagle Park, an in-house theme park that was developed by nearly 300 artisans over a period of three years. 
Beyond hospitality, the property has also been associated with initiatives promoting responsible tourism. In the past, the officially classified 5-star resort hosted the International Women's Conference on Gender-Inclusive and Responsible Tourism, organised by the United Nations. Delegates from multiple countries attended the conference to discuss safe, responsible and gender-inclusive tourism practices. During the event, Kerala was recognised as a safe destination for women-only travel. 
The resort has also undertaken several community development initiatives in the Munnar region. It has supported tribal communities by encouraging tourism as a sustainable livelihood while helping preserve their traditional homes, cultural practices and heritage. According to the resort, these efforts are intended to protect indigenous knowledge and skills passed down through generations. 
Its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives also include programmes focused on children's emotional and technical development, awareness campaigns on waste management and regular plastic collection drives aimed at environmental conservation. The resort's Green Club initiative focuses on skill development and promoting cleaner and healthier community spaces. 
The Grand Cliff Resort has also hosted international events and visiting dignitaries over the past few years. These include the UN World Women Conference on Sustainable Tourism and Safe Travel. Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stayed at the resort during his visit to Kerala, further adding to its profile as a destination that has welcomed international guests and delegates. 
According to the resort, the Government of India's 5-star classification provides greater confidence for both domestic and international travellers, especially those planning weddings, honeymoons, corporate events and premium leisure stays where service standards and infrastructure are key considerations. The recognition also strengthens the property's position in Kerala's luxury hospitality market while supporting Munnar's growing tourism sector. 
A spokesperson for The Grand Cliff Resort said the classification reflected years of planning and sustained efforts to achieve high service standards and added that the property intends to continue building on this benchmark in the years ahead. 
Located on the Kallar–Mankulam Road near Viripara in Munnar, the resort is close to attractions including Viripara Waterfalls, Guna Cave and the Anakkulam elephant corridor. The property combines luxury accommodation with wellness, dining and leisure experiences for honeymooners, families, destination weddings and corporate travellers. 
Source PTI