Nature's Home Ground

Vythiri Resort

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

, Kerala

, India

Vythiri Resort is an exquisite jungle getaway located within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated beneath an enormous canopy of a lush tropical rainforest, journey into nature’s wonderland – in the company of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, flowering plants and butterflies that inhabit the dense Vythiri rainforest.

Set along the slope of a forest clad hill, beside three branches of a sprightly mountain stream that forks as it flows through the 150 acre property, coming together and broadening at the end of the slope, Vythiri Resort is a naturalist’s treasure trove. Beneath an enormous interlaced canopy of majestic trees, stone paved paths fringed by tropical plants lead to brick coloured cottages designed in the vernacular architecture.

A rope bridge across one branch of the stream (sways gently as one gets across) leads to a restaurant and a coffee shop alongside, both overlooking the swimming pool at one end and a sweeping view of the forest all around. Everywhere, the muted hiss of the stream is a continuous serenade. Days usually begin with the rousing melody of a Malabar Whistling Thrush and then the forest comes alive. Bands of foraging monkeys and insects and birds begin their life songs. The day ahead is ripe with possibilities -splendidly plumed tropical birds on overhanging branches, colourful butterflies and the insistent chatter of cicadas, the irresistible lure of the jungle – the incessant throb of nature is the only clock you will need here.

Our Rating: Premium

Property Type: Wildlife/Nature Lodge

Destination

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a part of the Western Ghat range of mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the lush rainforests in Vythiri besides the Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Wayanad and Bandipur national parks. The biosphere contains over 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, about 39 species of fish, 31 amphibians, 3,300 species of flowering plants and 316 species of butterflies – including tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques and nilgiri tahrs.

A discreet hill station located in north western Kerala, Wayanad is set along the higher slopes of the Nilgiri Biosphere, the southern fringe of the Deccan Plateau. Wayanad’s evergreen forests are the most species-rich eco region in peninsular India with eighty percent of the flowering plant species of the entire mountain range found here. The name Wayanad in the vernacular translates to the land of paddy. Visitors will stretches of paddy cultivation interspersed amidst the dense forest cover.

Vythiri, a little hamlet situated in Wayanad is ideal for travellers with a passion for the outdoors and lovers of pristine nature. The landscape is majestic, composed of rugged, lofty ridges interspersed with dense tropical forests, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls and gurgling mountain streams. Numerous outback trails and trekking routes snake through the forests. Visitors will also find delight in the dazzling profusion of endemic flora and fauna. Wayanad is also home to many ancient, indigenous nomadic tribes who still practice their age-old customs and rituals.

The forests also contain the fascinating Edakkal Caves, a Neolithic cave dwelling with Petroglyphs, the only known example in South India and a protected UNESCO Heritage Site.

Accommodation

Built with wooden rafters on the roof and parquet flooring, furnished in wood and fabrics in a palette of earth colours – the accommodations are spacious, equipped with the state of the art in amenities and verandas that look out at fabulous views of the forest – an intimate experience of the surrounding sights and sounds. Available in configurations that range from lofty tree houses situated above the towering canopy higher up the slope of the hill and further down, cottages on stilts overlooking the stream, some equipped with Jacuzzis, others with private pools(temperature controlled) and a set of suites, they are all without exception, elegant and exclusive.

Celestial Honeymoon Pool Villa – Four romantic duplex villas are on offer, each, equipped with a private swimming pool-temperature controlled with covered sun deck on the basement floor and a glass floored bed room on the floor above, along with a small living area. The villas are also provided verandas that look out at with splendid views of the surrounding forest.

Tree House – Comprising of five tree houses (including 1 exclusive child friendly tree house) set high above the lush canopy of the rainforest. The quaint thatch roofs and bamboo walls built by members of indigenous tribes with locally sourced materials, contain all domestic comforts and are designed to utilize….

Pool Villa – Three charming villas are on offer, each, with a private private pool-temperature controlled, bedroom, a sunken living area and a secure children’s bedroom on the top floor. Set beside one of the streams that flow through the property, the villas are spacious, furnished in a contemporary style and private, just right for a perfect family holiday.

Honeymoon Villa with Private Pool – Six Individual Luxurious villas with Private Infinity Pool, overlooking a gurgling stream and the rainforest. The villa contains a spacious bedroom, a pool lounge and spacious bath room, supplemented with services that offer a memorable experience.

Premium Haven – Six Individual luxurious villas with Private Infinity Pool, overlooking a gurgling stream and the rainforest. The villa contains a spacious bedroom, a pool lounge and spacious bath room, supplemented with services that offer a memorable experience that will live in your mind forever.

Vythiri Haven – Exquisite independent cottages beside a stream, elegantly furnished, with spacious sit outs, situated at the end of the slope downstream. The cottages are secluded hideaways set aside from the general areas, ideal for couples and families seeking a little quiet with the gurgle of the frolicking stream and the chatter of the birds for company.

Experiences

Visit a village of indigenous tribals who still follow an ancient way of life.
Tropical rainforest trek: This two hour guided trek is conducted by the in-house naturalist. Guests could possibly spot Nilagiri Langur, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Yellow Browed Bulbul besides a wide range of other species endemic to the Western Ghats and a fabulous array of butterflies.
Guests may take a leisurely walk to a waterfall near the property, anytime during the day.
Cycling – trails wind through the resort and the surrounding forests.
Culinary demonstrations.

Responsible/Sustainable Tourism

The management of Vythiri resort seek to integrate both social and environmental concerns in their operations and in interactions with the stakeholders – the indigenous forest dwellers of Vythiri. Achieving a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives, they have always believed that the resources of the forests belong to their denizens, for their benefit.

Besides training men and women in various operational functions in the resort and providing them with the option of employment, they have also sought to empower them by integrating contemporary design and quality standards in their produce, using them when possible and expanding markets for them. The quaint thatch roofs and bamboo walls in the tree houses here are built by members of indigenous tribes utilizing materials sourced locally.

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Nature's Home Ground

Vythiri Resort