Set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala, Spice Village is an unprecedented tourist destination, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy South India's wildlife and beauty. The village lies just outside Periyar Tiger Reserve, and a stay here is the perfect way to appreciate and respect the environment. This is a place for anyone who loves nature. If you are looking for a place to fill your lungs with fresh mountain air, to savor the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves or to watch young elephants drinking at the water's edge, you are most welcome to Spice Village.

Throughout the village, the atmosphere is relaxed and enchanting. We can arrange for an exhilarating water safari across Lake Periyar, a visit to a nearby coffee plantation, even a trek deep into the tropical forest. The design of each cottage was inspired by the native tribesmen of Periyar, the Oorali and Mannan, who lived in similar dwellings.

Accommodation

A number of creature comforts have been added, however, to make your stay a luxurious one. The rooms are spacious and furnished with simple sophistication: terracotta tiled floors, wooden beds and chairs, and whitewashed walls. To preserve the environment, the furniture has been crafted using pine from Cochin's historic docks.

Accessories

There is also a telephone, a fan, an en suite bathroom with hot running water, and an efficient laundry service. A verandah runs round the entire cottage, and each dwelling is set in its own land. At the center of the village is a swimming pool, surrounded by tropical trees and lawns.

Cuisine

Overlooking it is a buffet restaurant, which serves a wide range of traditional Indian and international cooking. As you would expect, spices play their part in a menu which changes daily. The Keralafish curry, appam, avial etc. have a very exotic flavor. The method of preparation is so different that it makes Kerala cuisine very distinct and liked by all.

Ayurvedic clinic

Spice Village has an exclusive Ayurvedic clinic, well-equipped for treatments like Pizhichil, Njavarakizhy, Dhara and other natural therapies.

Recreations

Water Safari: There are several ways to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The most popular is by boat, which allows visitors to watch animals drinking at the lakeside. Two hour trips are booked at Spice Village, and the best chance of sighting animals is in the early morning or at dusk.

Forest Treks: It can be arranged for you to venture deep into the tropical forests. Accompanied by a tribal guide, you will be dropped off by boat at the far end of the lake, from where you proceed on foot, quickly leaving behind the crowds.

Cookery Demonstration: For those who want more than just a taste of the delicious Kerala cuisine, cooking classes are held by the chef every evening. You get a chance to see for yourself how the dishes are so carefully made.

Ayurvedic Treatment: The holistic approach of Ayurveda, the efficacy of its therapies and the absence of distressing side effects has made it the most sought after medical remedies. Health in the ayurvedic view represents the Harmony of body, mind and soul.