Nature trails in Kerala

Dream catcher Plantation resort, Munnar

With its intoxicating aroma of tea, cardamom and orange, the Dream Catcher Plantation Resort may seem like a fairy tale. Nestled amidst natural beauty, along charming hills, it offers 15 accommodations with interiors that are intricately designed with unique motifs. However, one need not let go of urban luxuries while losing oneself in its rustic charms. The place offers a strong WiFi connection throughout the resort premises.

The resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant is a treat to the senses and the barbecued delicacies served piping hot are a particular speciality. Dream Catcher also has an extensive event calendar with fun-to-do outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, guided plantation tour and birdwatching. In fact, it has some of the most spectacular plantation trails leading to lush forests, orchards and small lakes. When the hiking tires you out, sip orange-infused tea, munch on cardamom-flavored cookies and shop for centuries-old antiques that are just perfect for the vacant spots on your wall.

The best time to visit is between October and December. Monsoons are beautiful too if you don’t mind the humidity.

The cost for a room per night is about Rs 4,000

Rainforest Boutique Resort, Athirapally

Soak in the misty sprays of the cascading Athirapally waterfalls. Look out of the large windows for more than a glimpse of the forest that surrounds you. Rainforest Boutique Resort lets you have  the beauty of nature right outside your window and all the comforts of modernity inside your room.

Let your senses awaken to the chants of the wild and the busy chatter of exotic birds. The boutique hotel set in seven acres of forest land offers you a grandiose experience with the wild. Every mouthful of native delicacies from the restaurant here is accompanied by the song of the falls and the wind whispering through the trees. There’s nothing quite like a dinner in moonlight; try it on the lawns at the Rainforest for an experience you will never forget. Sit out on the lawn, sip your favourite beverage and get munching, even as the night plays out around you.

The experience at Rainforest costs Rs 12,500 a night  throughout the year.

Carmelia Haven,  Thekkady

Looking for a way to branch out (quite literally) on your next vacation? This exquisite eco friendly getaway with tree houses nestled amidst cardamom bushes, pepper vines and the seductive scents of clove and cinnamon will give you a chance to live your fantasies in real life. Wrapped in nature’s many splendored charms, the tree houses in Carmelia Haven, Thekkady will make you feel at home with nature.

Those with an adventurous streak will find much to enjoy here too. The novelty of residing high above the ground, in the embrace of the foliage gives a spectacular view of the plantation below from the wrap around balcony of the cottages. The elegant ethnic themed furnishings and the state of the art amenities are an extra luxury. It’s a perfect blend of rustic charms of nature and modern-day luxuries that city slickers can’t do without.

Monsoon is a great time to be here. But if you’re rather be indoors during the rains, October and February would be ideal for an exotic holiday. You can enjoy a night in the tree house for Rs 14,500

Turtle on the Beach

Is it sand and sun you desire? Then look no further than this exotic beach destination with a bohemian vibe combined with tranquility, typical of Kerala. Watch  sunsets from the balcony of your spacious sea view room. With just 63 rooms, the guest services team at Turtle on the Beach tailors the Kovalam experience to suit your mood. Walk the golden beach or wander off into dense coconut groves. Enjoy a private aromatherapy session or a floral bath. Then have a candle-lit dinner of fresh seafood cooked to your taste or Kerala’s celebrated vegetarian sadya. Their Ayurvedic massages are highly recommended too.

The experience at Turtle on the Beach costs Rs 8,500 from October to December and Rs 14,500 from December to February