Carmelia Haven, Vandamedu South India

Carmelia Haven is a distinctive spice plantation resort situated 4,000 ft above sea level in the village of Vandamedu on the Western Ghats. The lush green countryside of Vandamedu is internationally known as the world’s largest producer of cardamom. Carmelia Haven is situated just half an hour from Thekkady, about 70 kms from the Munnar hills to the north, 200 kms from Cochin Airport to the south-west, and 140km from Madurai Airport to the east in Tamil Nadu.

'Carmelia', which is the botanical name for Cardamom, is as close as you can get to experiencing the exotic aromatic spices of Kerala. Situated at the centre of a 55-acre estate scattered with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg; fruit trees including mango, banana, papaya, orange, and pineapple; and even acres of tea, Carmelia Haven is a must for those interested in cuisine and the flavours of Kerala. Stay in a tree house on stilts amidst tall spice bushes and wake up to the exotic aroma of cardamom, cloves and nutmeg; enjoy tasty Kerala rice and curries and a cup of cardamom Chai (tea); visit the plantations and the factory and learn of these valuable crops, or venture off to the mountains on an adventurous trek. Bird watching is rewarding with numerous species including nesting parrots and hornbills.