CGH Spice Village, Periyar [India]
Spice Village is located in the Periyar wilderness, high in the western ghats of Kerala. For centuries, the area attracted voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders kings and merchant princes.
The people are drawn not only by the lure of spices, but by the romance and wild beauty of the land. The Portuguese and the Jews of Cochin visited as traders, turning the natural bounties of the area into wealth. Pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise the Periyar hills became nature's taste factory in the 14th century, as Cochin became nature's harbour, the port of lading for a spice-hungry world.
Spice Village is 1.4 km from KSRTC Bus Depot. It is 108 km from Kottayam Railway Station and 190 km from Cochin International Airport & 145 km from Madurai Airport.
There are 52 individual, tribal-styled thatch-roof cottages with verandahs. Each cottage is luxuriously furnished and spotlessly clean, with attached bathrooms.
There are 2 different categories of cottages.
Standard Villas - There are total 5 Standard villas.
Deluxe Villas - There are total 47 Deluxe villas
Both kinds of cottages at spice village are inspired and created from the local designs and materials. Elephant grass abundantly available in the Periyar Tiger reserve is used as the roofing of these wooden cottages.
Standard cottages are spread over 339.5 square feet while Deluxe cottages are 389 square feet comprising of a bedroom and a living room.
The 50 mile diet : Take heart, you do not have to walk 50 miles to lunch. The name simply refers to sourcing of all the ingredients in your food. Everything comes from within a 50 mile radius of the resort. Locally sourced food not only benefits the local communities, it also helps to reduce carbon footprint in transportation. Of course, a good bit of the food comes from more like 50 yards away. Vegetables are grown in house at our organic farms. And fish comes in fresh from the river. But the real magic in Spice Village cuisine comes from - you guessed it - fresh spices.
The Bar & Library : The Woodhouse Bar was formerly the home of forest ranger, Mr. A. A. Woods. One side is given to a billiards table. For avid readers, the Library and tiger room let you immerse yourself in the history of the Periyar region and its flora and fauna. In the main bar, pictures of wildlife and royalty jostle for your attention, and with the fine selection of spirits on hand, it's easy to transport your imagination to a bygone era. You can almost see Woods himself, gin-and-tonic in hand, calling grumpily for a refill.
A Century-old Setting : Want to feel the old world atmosphere? Then the Tiffin Room is just the place for you. Savour the timelessness of the place while sipping on a freshly brewed cup of tea. Antique rosewood chairs and tables will grip you with tales from 100 years ago. They were picked up and restored from a 100 year old restaurant in the neighboring valley that sadly had to shut down. This is also where you can pick up tips on the use of spices during the evening cookery classes.
Introduction to Spices : The resort’s Naturalist and chef will guide through the region's abundant spice wealth and its uses in cooking.
Pepper Vine Tour : Twice a day, the resort has an hour-long property experience tour highlighting spices and conservation.
Wildlife Slide Show : The Resorts Highlight history, native community tourism and local biodiversity.
Exploring Nature : This activity is perfect for the kids, The resort arrange a walk through the property allowing penning down the botanical names.
Hand-made Paper making : As a local employment initiative, the resort has created a space for waste-paper recycling on site. The same is used as notepads placed in the rooms.
Yoga & Meditation : Regular classes are conducted in the resorts to keep you energized and calm
Sari Demonstration : The staff will instruct you in the gentle art of sari tying, anytime during the working day.
Classical Dance : Enjoy the classical dance performances, like Bharathanatyam, Kutchupudy and Mohiniattam
Bullock Cart Riding : Bullock Cart Ride to the neighboring villages can also be arranged.
Address : Kumily Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685536, INDIA
