Senses get heightened by the aromatic hills and valleys of Kerala when the journey begins through wandering about the reality of the surroundings adorned by uncountable hues of green stretching over the hills and valleys like a lush green carpet. Be it the Cardamom valleys of Vandanmedu or unending stretches of tea plantations around Chinnakanal, these flavor basins of Kerala boast on providing an experience so enchanting that it is hard to find a second in the country.
From time immemorial, Kerala has been the center of the global spice trade. The history of this place has been shaped by this trade and quite legitimately, Kerala has earned the title of being the Spice Garden of India. Taking some time out to visit these aromatic basins of Kerala will be an unparallel experience almost similar experience of sipping in from the flavor basin of the land.
We will be greeted at the Cochin Airport from where will be the onward journey to Vandanmedu, about 150 KM away. The 4-hour long journey will not be so tiring through the winding roadways in the midst of magical landscapes. Once we will be done with the check-in formalities, lunch and some rest if required, we shall slowly step into the plantation areas and continue to walk around till evening. We may find out some options of restaurants for dinner followed by returning to the hotel for the night stay at Vandanmedu.
After an early breakfast, the day will begin with close observing session on how Vandanmedu turned out to be a housing of largest cardamom plantation in India. Getting mesmerized by the strong essence of the green cardamoms, it shall invigorate minds. Later, will visit the Periyar Lake stretched over an area of 26 sq. km. and providing drinking water to the major towns of Kerala. A casual walk along the villages around the plantations shall provide the gist of the processes from close quarters. The sunset over the green spice land is something not to be missed. The evening shall be spent in leisure followed by dinner and night stay at Vandanmedu.
As we finish an early breakfast, we will head for a full day excursion to Kailasam. Located at a distance of 22 KM from Vandanmedu, the place is known for its ancient Temple of Shiva. Roaming around the place to get an idea of the Yoga and the Ayurveda Principles, followed by the locals is another inspiring move to be taken along with spending more time strolling in the tea plantations. Later we will visit a tea processing factory to get some knowledge about the production pipeline. A visit to the Cardamom Smoke House can be a delightful experience in the midst of roasted cardamoms. On return, of 4-hours in the hotel, a sumptuous dinner shall release the stress for our last night stay at Vandanmedu.
Today, after breakfast, we will be traveling to Chinnakanal, the land of the powerhouse waterfall. Let’s get mesmerized by the impeccable natural beauty of the terrain in course of our journey, as the road passes through undulating plains of tea plantations. After checking into our pre-booked hotel, we shall spend the day in leisure by sinking in the serenity of the place. We may try some local food for dinner then shall return to the hotel for the night stay at Chinnakanal.
Post breakfast, we will go sightseeing in and around Chinnakanal. The Mattupetty Dam, which is essentially a storage concrete gravity dam, is a prime attraction of the day trip. We will visit the Kundule Lake that houses an artificial 4-hour. Later to get a clear view of the terrain we will reach the Echo point. To witness a picturesque sunset, our day trip will conclude with the visit to Pothamedu viewpoint. We will return to our hotel in Chinnakanal for dinner and night stay.
Today will embark on a journey of your lifetime to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in search of the aromatic heaven of one of the finest blends of Tea in the world. Standing at 7900 ft, it is the world’s highest elevation tea garden. We can understand its hugeness by taking a stroll through the huge stretches of flavored shrubs to get lost in the roadways enchantment of terrain. After enjoying an exquisite sunset from the garden, it is time to get back to our hotel in Chinnakanal for an overnight stay.
Today, we will be served with the last breakfast of the tour before our chauffeur drive us to Cochin airport for the rest of our homeward journey.
At zerodegreel
every moment will someday make you look back and want to experience it all over again.
