EASY TRIPS

NatureBreak

3 Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala

COUNTRYSIDE CHIC that all good things are worth the effort. Above: The owner’s Periyar Tiger Reserve. Despite the name, It’s an exquisite view from behind the With its six spacious rooms, the boutique home, which doubles the chances of spotting the cat here are up as the common sheer curtains of the four-poster bed – property is a perfect blend of countryside area, at the slim, but the early morning treks through French doors opening out to a private charm and pure indulgence. Elevated eco-friendly the thick jungles and boat rides on the patio beyond which the infinity pool wooden bridges lead to your room; Indhrivanam, picturesque Periyar Lake make it worth reflects the lush green hills. You’re in one luxurious open bathrooms with smooth is minimalistic a visit nonetheless (see Good to Know). of the elegant pool villas at Aanavilasam pebble floors, wrap-around verandahs in design and Not too far away is a completely extremely charming Luxury Plantation House, a seven-acre with views of the plantation and a lovely different but equally fantastic stay option. Below: When in property surrounded by hills. When the living room replete with a fireplace Thekkady, take Indhrivanam has only one delightfully rains arrive, Thekkady is the place to head complete the picture. A short guided the time to sample cosy cottage. to, and not just for the Periyar Tiger stroll around the plantation will have delicious local dishes The property sure lives up to the Reserve, but also for the lovely stay you sniffing cardamom, sampling pepper eco-friendly tag and a chat with the options that have sprung up here. and peeking into byres. owner Sarah over a meal reveals all kinds Aanavilasam is just one such option This is the perfect of interesting nuggets about nature. (closed from May 1 – Jul 15; see Fact File for place to bunk down Work off all that delicious, fresh veg food, all details). Although it’ll take you a while at especially if you’re with a walk along the mapped-out trails, to find it, once you reach, you realise planning to visit the one of which leads through the property’s

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in a bucket at the back and is regularly 1. Head out for stone bridge that connects the rooms GREAT FROM emptied into the composting area. It’s a guided walk to the dining area. When you’re ready through the Kochi, Bangalore really not as strange as it sounds; other plantations to tear yourself away from the room, than having to squat a little differently, explore the working plantation where of Mayapott GREAT FOR you’ll hardly notice the difference. you’ll be taken through the processes 2. Periyar Tiger Escaping the noise If you’re in Thekkady for a romantic Reserve is worth involved in the production of spices and retreat, a lovely option lies hidden a visit for an early- also get to taste some. The early morning GO NOW within a 100-acre cardamom plantation. morning nature trek guided hike up to the surrounding hillock For glorious greenery. Mayapott is perfect for a quiet escape. 3 & 4. Aanavilasam is a must-do here. The seven-odd Luxury Plantation Built around the natural rock formations House, complete kilometre trail winds its way through wilderness to a gorgeous viewpoint. in the area, the structure is divided with an infinity pool, the plantation past a few tiny waterfalls The owners incorporate rainwater by a pretty little waterfall and is perfect for a quiet, to the top where the two of you can settle harvesting, compost all biodegradable meandering brook running the length romantic escape down and enjoy the incredible panoramic products and use dry toilets. Yep, you of the property. On one side are 5. Rooms at views of Thekkady’s hills. Mayapott are read that right. Don’t worry, it’s spacious rooms designed with the huge but cosy completely hygenic and uses sawdust and intention of bringing a bit of the natural WORDS NADEZNA SIGANPORIA water to get rid of waste, which collects beauty indoors. There’s also a quaint PHOTOGRAPHS VINOBHA NATHAN

TURN OVER FOR ALL YOU NEED TO GET THERE VIEW ON VIEW ON CLICK TO GOOGLE MAPS EASY TRIPS THEKKADY, IDUKKI,KERALA ciiis ae aya e season per as vary rates activities, rafs n inradin-house and dinner and breakfast from m ma Mayapott: ind Indhrivanam: season per as vary rates breakfast, with from 15; Jul 6,500 feno ncsaddinner and snacks afternoon V 60 ser House Plantation Luxury Aanavilasam aaiaa d lsdfo a – 1 May from closed Rd; Aanavilasam aana 94 House: lypr d hkualm Kumily; Chakkupallam, Rd, aliyapara na.o;Kdmkzy Vallakadavu; Kadamakuzhy, unnar.com; Closest railhead: from (return fares and IndiGo fly to Kochi from Bangalore Bangalore flyto from Kochi IndiGo and Take 16526 daily Kanyakumari the Express GETTING THERE GETTING FACT SHEET Closest metro: (143km) Closest airport: Closest airport: Closest city: 46023259; hrivanam.com yapott.com ves a set meal for dinner and has ,P5U"Z"N
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MAP: FASHUTANA PATEL