Spice Village
Luxury Resort
India / Kerala / Thekkady
A Lofty Retreat: Eco Living Close To The Wild
Nestled within the cool highlands of Periyar in Thekkady, Spice Village stands as a tribute to the native Manan tribe within a lush spice garden. This CGH Earth experience mirrors the untamed essence of nature. Embracing the surrounding landscape, Spice Village is an ode to everything spice. From uniquely enriched culinary offerings to immersive spice tours, the aim is to draw guests closer to the land and its people.
Spice Village is a creation born of nature's artistry and vivid imagination. Crafted akin to a village, local materials, engaged native artisans, and woven mountain spirit and traditional wisdom into its conception. While steeped in tradition, this 'village' provides urban comforts without noise, pollution, and other urban encumbrances. The relationship with these hills echoes a symbiotic harmony, inspired by the native inhabitants who have lived in sync with their environment for generations. They've shared self-sustaining systems, tending to organic gardens that grace tables daily with fresh produce.
All 52 cottages in Spice Village have roofs thatched with dry elephant grass, constructed using the Mannan Tribe's traditional techniques.
If there's evidence that comfort can coexist seamlessly with nature, one doesn't need to look further than Spice Village's cottages. No opulent carpets—just coir mats on natural stone floors. Modern bathrooms and interiors, but with a spartan elegance based on simple, indigenous materials, and local woodcraft. Here, artificial air-conditioned spaces make way for naturally cool, well-lit rooms and breezy private porches. Open a window, and along with it, open minds, allowing the forest air to enfold the senses with its symphony of sounds and aromatic scents.
Spice Village offers various kinds of cottages, all inspired and created from local designs and materials. Standard Cottages comprise a living and bedroom with an attached bath and a private sit-out.
Deluxe Cottages offer a living room, bedroom with an attached bath, sit-out, and a private garden. Additionally, a garden cottage with facilities for differently-abled guests is provided.
The swimming pool operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thekkady's altitude of 4400 ft above sea level maintains temperatures between 13 to 20 degrees. Rooms are naturally cooled with fans, and the elephant grass thatching aids in keeping the rooms cool during warmer months
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A La Carte Restaurant -
Dosha Meals Buffet -
Garden -
Garden View -
Hill View -
Multi Cuisine Restaurant -
Non Vegetarian Restaurant -
Property Constellation : Mixed -
Retreat Size- Medium
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Vegetarian Meals
More about Spice Village
Indulge in an epicurean journey celebrating local flavors while sustaining the community with every delectable bite. Across the dining venues, a commitment remains to sourcing ingredients within a 50-mile radius, infusing each dish with the freshest produce from organic farms and daily catches from nearby rivers. This practice not only guarantees freshness and nutrition but also supports local communities while reducing the environmental impact through minimal transportation.At the heart of the culinary ethos lies the 50 Mile restaurant, a culinary sanctuary echoing a devotion to sustainability. Every ingredient gracing the plate is meticulously selected within a 50-mile radius, offering a gastronomic adventure that champions the unique flavors of the region. Immerse in a distinct culinary journey, where each dish narrates a tale of local abundance and culinary craftsmanship, all sourced from nearby farmers.The 50-Mile Diet concept elevates gourmet dining by exclusively using locally sourced ingredients, transforming each dish into a flavorful homage to the surrounding terroir.
Discover the aromatic charm of freshly brewed herbal teas at Spice Village—a sensory delight crafted with rare spices. Each infusion celebrates indigenous flavors, inviting on a sensorial voyage through the natural bounty of the landscape.For an intimate and enchanting dining experience, relish a candle-lit dinner amidst the wilderness—an immersive blend of romance and historical ambiance. Explore the heart of Spice Village's culinary prowess—freshly sourced spices like Karimundan pepper and aromatic cardamom from the fertile lands of Periyar. These vibrant spices infuse dishes with distinctive regional flavors, enhancing every culinary creation.
At Tamarind Restaurant, embrace a harmonious blend of global and local cuisines curated by seasoned chefs. Delight in a meticulously crafted menu that fuses regional specialties with international flavors, promising a culinary journey that transcends boundaries.Step into the Tamarind Tree, a buffet haven, and savor a vibrant spread weaving together exotic spices and aromatic herbs, expertly entwined into modern flavors by skilled chefs. Immerse in bold taste profiles that honor tradition while embracing a contemporary twist.
Relish a leisurely escape at the Garden Cafe, an al fresco oasis catering to tea enthusiasts with an extensive array of teas, spice-infused brews, and delightful short eats. Open throughout the day, it's the perfect spot to unwind amidst the natural charm of the gardens.
Join in at these culinary delights, each with varied timings, ensuring every meal becomes a flavorful celebration of local heritage and global taste.
Nestled within the expansive Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Village is an oasis of natural splendor, spanning 925 square kilometers and boasting a rich biodiversity. The sanctuary, home to 62 mammal species, 320 bird species, and an array of reptiles and fish, is a sanctuary for avid nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience. This haven celebrates indigenous flora like Indian Pennywort, Kalachoo, and Sweet Flag, each cherished for their medicinal properties, seamlessly integrated into Ayurvedic remedies.
Spice Village harmoniously honors the Mannan Tribe's legacy, showcased in the roof thatching of cottages using elephant grass—a homage to ancient building techniques fostering ecological harmony. Here, guests can delve into a world of enchantment through guided forest treks, serene lake rafting, or engaging Pepper Vine Tours, unveiling the secrets of the region's 140 native plant species.
This retreat encourages an Earth-to-Table connection, inviting guests to handpick organic garden ingredients or explore the '50-mile diet,' supporting local communities within a 50-mile radius. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of this sanctuary, seen in initiatives such as handmade paper-making, upcycled furniture, and harnessing solar energy.
Immersive experiences await, from witnessing diverse flora and fauna to relaxing in the oxygenated pool amidst nature's embrace. The Tiger Club, a hub for insightful conversations, complements the Ayurveda Center's rejuvenating therapies and the Woodhouse Lounge's historical charm. Explore the Interpretation Center with family, offering insights into regional biodiversity, while discovering unique local crafts at the gift shop, perfect mementos of this natural paradise. Unplugging from Wi-Fi allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty enveloping Spice Village.
This sanctuary invites visitors to discover a haven of healing guided by qualified doctors, eager to introduce guests to the ancient, side-effect-free wonders of Ayurveda. Offering an array of treatments and traditional Kerala massages, it’s a tranquil initiation or the perfect conclusion to a day at Spice Village.
Embracing the natural environment, CGH Earth harmoniously integrates conservation practices, biodiversity preservation, and organic ingredients into daily living. This holistic harmony extends seamlessly into the architectural essence, fostering a profound connection to nature. This verdant ethos forms the bedrock of the healing process, celebrating the expertise of local communities intertwined with nature for centuries.
Food, often overshadowed in a bustling commercial world, assumes pivotal importance in Ayurveda. Classified based on natural elements and individual body constitutions (Doshas), Ayurveda advocates a mindful, respectful approach to eating. Tailoring specific diets to individual body types, it emphasizes the consumption of fresh, organic food, inviting a deeper, more engaged dining experience.
Understanding individual body constitutions (Doshas) remains fundamental to Ayurvedic principles. It eschews a one-size-fits-all approach, honoring the uniqueness of each person’s physical and mental traits.
Ayurveda urges heightened awareness of bodily signals and cues, crucial for the body's self-healing mechanisms. Neglecting these cues could lead to toxin accumulation, manifesting as diseases. Ayurveda champions mindfulness, aligning daily activities and breathing techniques with inner bio-energies and the environment.
In the Ayurvedic realm, the intricate connection between mind and body takes precedence. It champions holistic solutions for mental well-being, a stark contrast to the chemically induced approaches of modern medicine. By embracing age-old practices like Yoga, meditation, alongside right dietary choices and personalized breathing patterns, Ayurveda nurtures a healthy mind within a healthy body.
Sleep, often underestimated, holds a profound place in Ayurvedic philosophy. An understanding of sleep—its duration, timing, pre-sleep rituals, and dietary considerations—holds the key to overall health and individual constitutions.
Rooted in the belief of a Universal Life Force, Ayurveda intertwines this belief into its therapeutic methods. It encourages recognition of nature’s elements and cycles within our bodies, fostering a deep connection. Guiding individuals to acknowledge these natural elements within themselves, Ayurveda opens pathways to tap into these energies for a balanced, harmonious life.
Rejuvenation Program
Body Purification Program
Stress Management
Weight Management
Ayurveda Immunity Boosting
Year 2022 - 2023
SKAL
CGH Awards-Sustainable Tourism Awards | Category - Rural Accommodation
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
CGH Awards-CGH Earth Experience Hotels & Resorts - Best Resorts in the Tourism Sector
Year 2021 - 2022
Travel & Leisure India's Best Awards
Spice Village-Best Eco Retreat
Year 2019 - 2020
Kerala State Pollution Control Award
Spice Village-Best Environmental Practices Award
India Responsible Tourism Awards
Spice Village-Outstanding Achievement Award
Year 2018 - 2019
Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Awards
Spice Village-Best Culinary Experience
Spice Village-Best Responsible Hotel
Year 2017-2018
RITZ Magazine
CGH Awards-Business Icon Award in the Hospitality Category – Mr. Jose Dominic, CEO, CGH Earth
Lonely Planet
CGH Awards-Award for Sustainable Tourism – CGH Earth
Year 2014 ˗ 2015
National Geographic in partnership with ITB Berlin
CGH Awards-CGH Earth has made it to the final list for world legacy awards by National Geographic in partnership with ITB Berlin. We are one of the 3 selected in the category- Sense of Place.
Condè Nast Traveller
CGH Awards-Jose Dominic, CEO and Managing Director of CGH Earth, is recognized as one of the Movers and Makers of "Make in India"
Stay
The Spice Garden Cottages come with a small little living area and a spacious bedroom with an attached bathroom. The Elephant Grass which has been used to thatch the roof keeps the temperature within the cottage, very comfortable all year round.
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Air Conditioner -
Bed Linen
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Bed Side Lamp
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Blankets Type-Simple Sheet
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Attached Bathroom
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Bed Room
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Chair -
Natural Lightning- Very Good
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Reading Light
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Bathroom Air Fresher
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Manual Door Lock
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Safety Locker -
Electric Kettle
The cottages at Spice Village are inspired from the local dwellings and created from the locally available designs and materials. Elephant grass abundantly available at the Periyar Tiger Reserve is used as the roofing for these wooden cottages.
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Air Conditioner
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Bed Side Lamp
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Bedside Socket
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Blankets Type-Simple Sheet
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Attached Bathroom
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Bed Room
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Chair
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Natural Lightning- Very Good
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Bathroom Air Fresher
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Manual Door Lock
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Safety Locker
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Electric Kettle
WellnessLoka Gallery
Location & Map
Landmark
Thekkady
Nearby Attractions
Spice Plantations
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Mattupetty Dam,
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate,
Munnar Tea Museum,
Top Station
Thekkady JN :1 KM
Railway Connectivity
Kottayam Railway Station : 108 KM
Airway Connectivity
Cochin International Airport :162 KM
