Spice Village Thekkady

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Spice Village Thekkady

Periyar Tiger Reserve

, Kerala

, India

Nestled in Kerala’s spice-scented Thekkady highlands, Spice Village was conceived in 1991 at the beginning of a journey by its founder Jose Dominic into lodge sustainability, and now is part of his family’s multi award winning CGH Earth group. His vision ensured it was built from local materials, using native workmanship and traditional workmanship and with a large dollop of ‘mountain spirit’. The 52 spacious cottages on the 12-acre property are modelled on the eco-conscious dwellings of the native Manan tribe.

Our Rating: Premium

Property Type: Wildlife/Nature Lodge

Accommodation

The lodge has 52 cottages for accommodation modelled on the Manan tribe’s sustainable dwellings. The deluxe category cottages come with a garden and large sit-out areas. Furniture has been made of wooden crates sourced from the nearest seaport. Traditional craftsmen were employed to use elephant grass to thatch roofs for the cottages, cooling the rooms even without air- conditioning.

Dining

The atmospheric ‘Woodhouse Bar’ – named after the lodge’s earlier resident and forest ranger A.W. Woods – has a 150-year-old billiards table and a trainer who will teach you all the tricks of the game. Spice Village’s ‘50 Mile’ restaurant offers dishes made of ingredients sourced within a 50-mile radius. ‘Tamarind Restaurant’ has both global and local cuisines, and an amazing buffet spread. Freshly-brewed herbal tea with spice-tinged concoctions is another feature at Spice Village. Organic kitchen gardens produce some fresh veggies.

Experiences

Forest treks, birding and village walks, cultural performances by native communities, and trips to the lodge’s manmade forests are some of the activities organised. Besides cooking lessons from the local tribes, Spice Village’s chefs conduct masterclasses every evening to share secrets from Malayali kitchens. Basketball, badminton, tennis and other games are all played in the resort garden. The Ayurveda centre offers herbal massages and therapies. You can also visit the local interpretation centre. Cool off in the lodge’s swimming pool.

Responsible/Sustainable Tourism

Every detail has been thought through, from the indigenous species of elephant grass used by local artisans to thatch the roofs, pinewood crates sourced from the nearest seaport have been upcycled to furnish the rooms and the waste paper collected from the resort is turned into notepads, menus and luggage tags. Lastly, the Manan community is relied upon to steward the lodge’s organic gardens bringing fresh vegetables, spices and fruits to your tables every day, as well as for their traditional knowledge that inspires this ‘eco-village’ to tread on an a self-sustaining path.

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Spice Village Thekkady