Carmelia Haven: In cardamom country

Vineeth Nambiar General Manager Carmelia Haven

As you wind up your way up the Thekkady - Munnar road, the wooded terrain clears to reveal a breathtaking spectacle of rolling tea and cardamom plantations. You have entered Vandanmedu, where you leave reality behind and step right into fantasy.

To a person whose interests include spices and hill produce, Vandanmedu is an international destination in its own right. Perched 4000 ft above sea level on the Western Ghats, this verdant little countryside is the world's largest producer of cardamom. Also located here is Carmelia Haven, where you can celebrate your life on your own terms, at your own pace and to top it all you can enjoy a pot of cardamom tea!

To describe Carmelia merely as a holiday resort would be a gross understatement. Nature seems to be so fond of this enchanted land, she has showered all her charms upon it. Words cannot describe its mystic beauty. This magical land of beauty is spread across 55 acres of plantation including cardamom, pepper, clove, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon etc apart from some captivating greenery and gorgeously landscaped gardens. As you stroll through the greenery, you can feast your eyes on clusters of trees bearing a variety of succulent fruits like pineapple, mango, banana, orange etc. The glorious tradition of hospitality is best reflected in the elegant luxury and liberal amenities of living at Carmelia. Right from the management personnel to the estate staff, everyone here are imbued with a sense of service and a heartwarming smile to their guests.

"Vandanmedu has been the capital for spices trade in Kerala. Last season saw many tourists coming in and asking for plantation tours. Here at Carmelia we have special packages for this and as our premises are huge, the guests can enjoy this without going out of the property", says Vineeth Nambiar, general manager, Carmelia Haven. Nambiar who has taken charge of this property just recently comes with vast experience in the hospitality trade. He was earlier with Hotel Surya, Thiruvanathapuram. "With the opening of many new properties in Thekkady, competition has become stiff and only the best in the industry will survive. Carmelia, no doubt has the experience and dedication to compete in this competitive market', he added.

Some of the activities here include, ayurvedic therapy, elephant safari, boat ride, plantation tours, tea factory visit, cardamom curing centre visit, jeep safari, fishing, trekking etc.