Was Kerala named God’s Own Country? Or did they just build it into one? One has to travel there to find out. The South of India has a flavour quite unlike anything that people will ever get to know. Kerala is filled with more than just the romantic backwaters that people have made it famous for. Loaded with virgin beaches, chilly mountains, and wild tropical jungles there’s a lot to be explored. Let’s not forget that this multicultural land is filled with vibrant art forms, festivals, and Ayurveda, and is gifted with the abundance of Mother Nature.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kerala has now become famous for its Plantation Tourism. The- Carmelia Haven Plantation Resort and Spa, is one such property that belonged to the Jose family (the Cardamom Kings of that area). Here, one can be one with nature, adding trekking, fishing, swimming, bamboo rafting, and elephant rides and many other recreations to the experience. A view of the lakes, waterfalls, mountains and fragrance from the spice trees all around create the magic for a picture perfect setting!
And so on to Kumily and then Vandanamedu making way towards a verdant cardamom plantation. The air is crisp and the clouds are inviting, the roads are winding, leading all through a tropical forest landscape. Waterfalls dot the way as afterthoughts, being part of a returning monsoon amidst the lush green scenery. This eco-chic resort comes into view after a 23 km drive from the Periyar National Park (Thekkady).
Widely spread over acres, one steps happily into the slickly done lobby, giving the guest a sense of comfort and simplicity. Buggies take on the transfer through the leisure area, passing through some suites and villas along the way. Gazebos are sighted on the manicured lawns and the unsuspecting guest is taken through an area of beauty that would later act as a refuge for their digital needs. The property follows its eco friendliness by not encouraging WiFi in the rooms thus promoting a semi detoxification of sorts.
The accommodation offers deluxe rooms, deluxe cottages, tree houses, jacuzzi villas and even a cave room. Every accommodation is equipped with flat TVs, kettles, mini-fridges, etc. If the guest is looking for an old favourite – the balcony, the veranda or a hot tub, the resort makes sure that it offers that as well.
The tree houses are the perfect choice for the eager honeymooners and the avid nature lover. Built on stilts, they reach out into the dense foliage, plunging the guest into a world of the birds and the bees. All the cottages and the villas are all vast and elegantly furnished and have access to the leisure areas. The Cave room stands apart from the others and is built like an underground cellar, appropriate for people who love their privacy and who find their peace in seclusion.
The nicest aspect of the resort is that it keeps nature in mind and works well with it, offering solar power and encouraging low wattage with old fashioned lanterns everywhere, taking into account the radiant foliage all around. A curious combination of scents and smells envelop the area. The mix is clove, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg jostling with oranges, mangosteen, jackfruit, rambutan, butter fruit, papaya and rose apple.
In-house activities include tennis, swimming, books in the library, culture shows and tribal dances. The outdoor activities include trekking, guided plantation walks, cardamom factory tour, and fishing. The children-friendly resort has a kid’s park and also has a very active games room. Kolumban, the multi cuisine restaurant, proves to be the focal point of the stay as it offers the guest multi cuisine, but room service can also be enjoyed as a luxury.
Buffet and A’la Carte with recipes from the Syrian Christians from the region are welcome. Nattukoottam, a 300 seater takes care of all the conference facilities. Kerala without ayurveda is not Kerala. The Rithgeham Ayurvedic Spa offers holistic healthcare that encourages physical, mental and spiritual harmony. Non-invasive and non-toxic treatments are used as an alternative therapy. Kerala’s equable climate and the presence of abundant forests, herbs and plants aid treatments to be successful. The following treatments are helpful – anti obesity, stress management, rejuvenate and detox, Panchakarma, Back pain, slipped disc, spondylitis, migraines and sinusitis. Yoga and meditation enhance the whole holiday.
Round and about the plantation resort is Vandanmedu, a village in the Idukki District, an area ideal for sighting wildlife, trekking and a spot of fishing. Anamudi, being the highest peak in India, south of the Himalayas, is right there. The Periyar Tiger reserve in Thekkady is also open to nature and wildlife lovers, for an adventurous stint. Kailasam, which is exceptionally beautiful, is part of the Carmelia Haven terrain, full of tea and cardamom plantations.
A trip through a tea-processing factory and a trip to see how cardamoms are readied through a smokehouse procedure creates some unforgettable memories. The Idukki Arch Dam is just 32 kms away from Carmelia, and has the Periyar River happily flowing through it. The Carmelia Haven Plantation resort is situated amongst all this finery, beckoning to the eager tourist, making a promise of calmness.
Previously published in FWD Life
Image Credits : Maya Lalchandani, Flickr
