CARDAMOM COUNTY
We are a nature retreat bordered on one side by the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve and its lush highland forest and wetlands ecosystem. On the other side we are bordered by a vibrant spice-trading community typical of the hill stations above the Malabar coast. Walking distance from both the entry to the Periyar and our village neighbors, we also welcome you to simply relax at the resort.
You can see what other travelers think of Cardamom County by visiting
We have three categories among our 44 rooms,
PERIYAR COTTAGE rooms face the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
COUNTY COTTAGE rooms view our all-natural spice gardens.
SUITE ROOMS provide the widest range of views from both bedroom and living room.
All of which are outfitted to prepare you for the next day'whether that will be an active day trekking in the Periyar Reserve, a relaxing day at Ayura, or a culture-spanning day negotiating a spice purchase. The best preparation is comfort. Our guests have been telling us for years that there must be something in the mountain air here that gives them such deep sleep and sweet dreams. We believe that state-of-the-art bedding helps too, but we never dispute the value of fresh mountain air.
The hot showers are one of the luxuries nature provides, due to our location in the heart of one of the most important watersheds in India'we harvest and store that water, heating it with renewable energy sources including solar for the majority of rooms. We are on a mission to demonstrate the importance of water and energy conservation, so rooms are equipped with keys that turn the electricity off when you depart, and other simple choices you can make to keep your stay as green as possible.
Ayura is our Green Leaf certified wellness center, where we offer an introduction to Ayurveda, an ancient way of life that promotes healthy living. Ayura provides stress-relieving therapies, but not the same as you might find in a spa in resorts in other parts of the world.
Ayura's mission is educational as much as it is therapeutic. As good as you will feel upon completion of a session with our staff, you will feel even better when you are back home with a new way of thinking about health and simple daily routines. Routines that will improve the overall quality of your life and which include yoga, meditation and occasional massages with Ayurvedic essential oils and scrubs.
Start with a multi-day introductory package if you have never had the opportunity to experience Ayurveda before. We also offer more advanced packages during the monsoon season when Ayurveda is considered most effective from late May to early September.
Ahead of your visit, if you know which type of package you would like to know more about, we will be happy to provide preliminary consultation at your convenience. Our doctor does not make house calls (at least not outside Kerala) but we will be happy to arrange for him to call you to discuss your needs and interests related to Ayurveda.
Together with our physician, masseurs/masseuses, and pleasant ambience we work towards offering lifestyle counselling, dietary prescriptions, and lasting ways to achieve enhanced self-awareness.
We view Ayurveda as a traditional means of achieving holistic wellness, but with modern applications that ensure you leave Ayura happier and healthier than when you entered.
CARBON-NEUTRAL ACTIVITIES
The conservation tourism experience includes a number of activities that can allow direct interaction with the local community and the special Periyar environment. We have classified the list of activities into Carbon Neutral and Carbon Plus to help you make a responsible choice.
Nature Walk : An interpretive 4 to 5 km hike through diverse habitats of the reserve, this half day outing offers an excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
Jungle Patrol : These 3 hour hikes allow visitors to participate in the nightly patrols along the fringe zones of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. By participating you will be helping to protect the forests of Periyar.
Border Hiking : This challenging, full-day trek takes guests deeper into the reserve, allowing further opportunity for animal sightings and interaction with the environment..
Bamboo Rafting : This all day program combines traditional rafting and range hiking through some of the richest forest tracts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Tribal Heritage Visit : A tribal museum visit is followed by a tour through the tribal hamlet situated within the periphery of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, accompanied by a tribal guide.
Periyar Tiger Trail : This overnight program is unique in being conducted by a team of ex-poachers who turned protectors of the reserve.
Bullock Cart Ride : Conducted by a group of people previously engaged in sandalwood smuggling who now understand there are greater benefits from sustainable activities.
Elephant Park : Visit to an exclusive home for elephants to experience and learn about the life of the domesticated pachyderm.
CARBON-PLUS ACTIVITIES
Conservation tourism, albeit not entirely free from adding to the carbon footprint
Full-day jeep safari : The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. Overseen by trained locals it is an outstanding trekking experience.
Grampi tour : Also known as Paranthupara (eagle rock) Grampi has breathtaking views of rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests and trekking trails lending an exquisite charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Gavi tour : With picturesque locales and magnificent wildlife reserves, Gavi is ideal for activities such as trekking, night safaris, wildlife watching and outdoor camping overseen by trained locals. The road leading to Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations and hence perfect for a full-day jeep safari.
Plantation Tour : The tour offers an excellent opportunity to see medicinal plants and buy garden fresh spices from the plantation.
