Spice Village Thekkady - A Cgh Earth Experience – A Favorite for Families in Thekkady

Spice Village Thekkady is a CGH Earth property designed as a reimagined tribal village, drawing inspiration from the local Mannan tribe. The resort received the Best Eco Retreat award from Travel & Leisure India's Best Awards and an Outstanding Achievement Award from India Responsible Tourism Awards. Guests can tour the on-site water recycling plant, vermicompost facility, and handmade paper-making centre that actively involves visitors in sustainability efforts.

The 56 thatched-roof cottages are built with elephant grass and recycled pinewood furniture, each with a private verandah overlooking fruit trees and herb beds. Rooms have red-oxide flooring, organic toiletries, and no television, encouraging guests to engage with the resort's activities. Deluxe Cottages offer a private garden, while all units include a minibar, bathrobes, and a hairdryer.

The Tamarind Restaurant serves Kerala cuisine heavily flavoured by local spices, with the chef also preparing traditional tribal curries and Western dishes. The on-site organic garden supplies fresh vegetables and spices for all meals, and master chefs conduct daily cooking classes showcasing Kerala recipes. Fifty Miles Restaurant sources all ingredients within a 50-mile radius and holds a German organic food certification.

The Ayurveda centre offers tailored wellness packages with massages, including full body, head, and foot treatments, plus spa/wellness packages. Daily yoga classes are led by instructor Anil, and the resort provides guided nature walks, birdwatching tours with naturalists like Ashly and Maneesh, and trekking in Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Woodhouse Bar features a century-old billiards table, a wide range of cocktails, and evening live music.

The resort sits on 12 acres of spice gardens, a five-minute walk from Kumily town centre and directly across the entry to Periyar Tiger Reserve. The property hosts guided tours of its flora and fauna, including labeled spice and medicinal plants, and guests can spot Malabar giant squirrels, black langurs, and over 40 bird species on-site. An outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, and badminton court are available within the grounds.

Awards: Best Eco Retreat & Outstanding Achievement in Responsible Tourism

Dining: Organic garden-to-table at Fifty Miles Restaurant

Activities: Paper-making, cooking classes, guided nature walks

Wellness: Ayurvedic spa and daily yoga sessions

Wildlife: Direct access to Periyar Tiger Reserve birdwatching

Accommodation: Thatched cottages with private verandahs