Spice Village

Location : Adjacent to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. 190 kms from Cochin. 145 kms from Madurai.
Getting there : 5 hour taxi drive crom Cochin . 3 1/2 hour taxi drive from Madurai.
Climate : Min 15 C, Max, 30 C.
Accommodation : 52 huts.
Cuisine: Indian and International ( Buffet )
Things to do : Boat Safari, tea and spice plantation visits, tennis, jungle treks, swimming and Ayurveda.

Location - Periyar

Situated at the Harbour mouth overlooking the busy ship channel all rooms boast of a magnificient view of the sea and the Delta. There is never a dull moment out there for boats of every size and color constantly ply these waters not forgetting the mammoth Ocean liners which silently glide past just outside the window. The rooms too are quite quaint and designed in keeping with the rest of the hotel. The eye catching antique " Four Poster " is the center of attraction in the rooms and suites. We have even provided little foot stools to help you climb into bed. The spacious ensuite bathrooms are a luxury with a separate shower cubicle.

The Village

Spice Village is in Kumily, a small settlement three kilometres from Thekkady, the main entrance to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The design of each cottage was inspired by the native tribesmen of Periyar, the Oorali and Mannan, who lived in similar dwellings. Infact, one of the cottages currently being used as an office, is an original tribal hut which has been modified.

Luxorious Comfort

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. ) 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 centre of the village is a swimming pool, surrounded by tropical trees and lawns.
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. Spice Village has an exclusive Ayurvedic clinic, well-equipped for treatments like Pizhichil, Njavarakizhy, Dhara and other natural therapies.

Facilities

The Village offers many other facilities, including a conference hall and games room, complete with table tennis, caroom and chess boards, and a floodlit outdoor badminton court. The highlight, though, is the garden itself, bursting with a rich array of spice trees. Each plant is carefully marked ( giving the English and Latin names ), and there is a botanist at hand to answer any question. The design of each cottage was inspired by the native tribesmen of periyar, the Oorali and Mannan, who lived in similar dwellings. Infact, one of the cottages currently being used as an office, is an orginal tribal hut wihch has been modified

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 the Spice Village, and the best chance of sighting animals is in the early morning or at dusk. It's an eerie sensation passing by the forest branches which poke out from the water, stretching through the mist like dead men's fingers. Many animals come to the water's edge and it is one of the few places in the world where elephants can be observed at close quarters from the safety of a boat.

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. It is only safe to travel at certain times of the day, but your guide will know more about the jungle than the wild animals which roam the savannah grasslands and woods.

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 to see for yourself how the dishes are so carefully made. You could also try your hand with the earthenware pots and pans and make your own variation of the Kerala savouries.
The Kerala fish curry, appam, avial, etc. have a very exotic flavour. The method of preparation is so different that it makes Kerala cuisine very distinct and liked by all. Enough reasons to watch, learn and try for yourself.

The Healing touch at Spice Village Ayurvedic Centre 

Ayurveda, the Science of Life, is almost as old as the Indian civilisation. It's holistic approach, the efficacy of its therapies and the absence of distressing side affects are some of its more salient features. Throughout the world there is a rising awareness of the benefits of natual health systems. Health in the ayurvedic view represents the Harmony of body, mind and soul. It is based on natural principles that inform and animate human life. The Spice Village offers the following therapies at it's Ayurvedic Centre under the guidance of an expert " vaidyan " ( physician ) whom you may consult for a fuller understanding of symptoms and appropriate treatment. It is well equipped with a dispensary and qualified resident staff.