One of the great things about travelling to faraway and exotic lands are the different things you can see growing! Fruits such as mangoes and papaya; fresh spices including pepper, cinnamon and vanilla. If you plan to stay at one of our favourite places, Tranquil Plantation in Northern Kerala, you will be able to experience the coffee harvest!
Tranquil sits amongst a 400-acre plantation that originates from the colonial era of the late 1800’s. It remains a working plantation with coffee as the main crop, inter-planted with pepper and Areca nut.
Between mid January to mid March the plantation buzzes with activity as this is the main harvesting time for both the coffee and Areca nut.
Tribal families arrive in the area for the coffee harvest and remain in the area for 2-3 months during the harvest. After the harvest they will return to their villages.
The coffee is raked and dried in the sun.
There are breath-taking views and unspoiled surroundings at Tranquil and you will find wonderful hospitality from Ajay and Nisha and their family; and some truly delicious home cooking. You can also enjoy some cookery demonstrations and classes with Nisha.
Comfortable rooms include five Garden Rooms that overlook the lush, tropical gardens; a larger Deluxe Room in the main bungalow; a Luxury Suite that has its own private garden – and two Tree Houses which are built 35 ft up in and amongst the trees!
There are 13 different walking trails spanning the 400 acre plantation, with varying levels of difficulty. These range from the Teaser up to the more challenging Braveheart trail. One of the family’s dogs might even join you on your walk!
Afterwards, enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool; there is also a Jacuzzi adjacent to the pool. Ayurveda therapies and massage are available too.
For those interested in birds there are around 127 species here. Look out for the Crested Serpent Hawk and the Racket Tailed Drongo.
If you wanted to venture further afield from the plantation you can visit Muthanga National Park or the Eddakal Caves which have paintings from 3000 BC.
At another time of the year, you might enjoy the coffee blossom at Tranquil. A plantation of white flowers with a heady scent.
