Set in the cool highlands of Thekkady, close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Village is a distinctive Ayurveda and nature retreat inspired by the traditional dwellings and way of life of the indigenous Mannan community of the Cardamom Hills. Surrounded by spice gardens, forests and the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, the resort brings together Ayurveda, nature, local culture and responsible living in an experience that feels more like staying in a mountain village than a conventional resort.

The property sits at an elevation of around 4,400 feet and is designed to work with its natural surroundings rather than dominate them. That philosophy extends from its elephant-grass-thatched cottages and locally inspired architecture to its organic gardens, renewable energy systems, waste-reduction initiatives and locally sourced cuisine. For travelers seeking Ayurveda in Thekkady, Spice Village offers the opportunity to combine personalized Ayurvedic care with fresh mountain air, forest experiences, yoga, meditation and a deeper connection with Kerala's natural and cultural heritage.

About the Center

An eco-luxury ayurveda retreat in the Cardamom Hills, Spice Village was conceived as a tribal village reimagined for the modern traveller, drawing inspiration from the traditional homes of the Mannan people who have lived in the forests and hills of the region for generations. The idea was to create a retreat where contemporary comfort would exist without overpowering the landscape or disconnecting guests from it. The result is a low-impact property where cottages, gardens, pathways and communal spaces blend naturally into the surrounding greenery.

The resort's story began with a former ranger's home on a misty ridge in the Periyar highlands. The site had fruit trees, herbs and flowering plants, and the vision was to build a resort around the character of the place rather than clear it for construction. The architecture at Spice Village is one of its defining features. The cottages are modelled on traditional Mannan dwellings, with elephant grass used for the thatched roofs, natural materials, local woodcraft and airy private verandahs. Interiors are deliberately simple, using coir mats, bare stone floors and wood rather than elaborate finishes. The design keeps the cottages naturally cool and well ventilated, allowing the sounds, scents and atmosphere of the surrounding forest to become part of the experience.

The resort's approach draws on the traditional understanding of the local communities and their long relationship with the ecology of the Cardamom Hills. Even its self-sustaining fish pond was inspired by similar systems used in tribal villages.

Sustainability at Spice Village is woven into everyday operations rather than treated as an add-on. Around 75% of the property's power requirements are met through solar energy, while 250–400 kg of food waste is converted into vermicompost for the resort's vegetable and herbal gardens. The property has also replaced packaged drinking water with RO-treated water served in reusable glass bottles, significantly reducing plastic waste.

The organic gardens provide fresh vegetables, fruits and spices for the kitchens and are tended with the help of local farmers using traditional methods. The resort also sources many of its requirements from the surrounding community, supporting local farmers, guides, artisans, women-led groups and members of the Mannan community. Even the furniture reflects this philosophy, with recycled wood from packaging crates being repurposed for use within the cottages.

This long-standing commitment to responsible hospitality has earned Spice Village recognition including the Kerala State Pollution Control Board's Environmental Protection & Sustainable Practices Award, Travel + Leisure India's Best Sustainable Hotel/Resort award and the TOFTigers John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge.

The setting also makes nature an active part of the stay. Guests can explore the property's gardens and ecological initiatives, join naturalist-led walks and bird-watching activities, visit the organic farm, or venture beyond the resort for guided forest treks, bamboo rafting, spice plantation visits and other experiences around Periyar.

Food

Food at Spice Village is closely tied to its location, its spice heritage and its commitment to local sourcing. Almost all ingredients are sourced within a 50-mile radius of the resort, helping reduce food miles while supporting farmers and producers in the surrounding region. Many vegetables, fruits and spices are grown on the property's own organic farm, while fresh fish is sourced from nearby rivers.

Tamarind is the main restaurant, serving Kerala cuisine flavoured with the fresh spices for which Thekkady and the Cardamom Hills are known. The Woodhouse Lounge takes its name from A.W. Woods, a former forest ranger of the Periyar Reserve. The lounge offers drinks and light bites and houses a historic 150-year-old billiards table.

Guests staying for the Ayurveda package receive vegetarian Ayurvedic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dietary choices aligned with the programme.

Why Book Through AyurUniverse?

For nearly a decade, AyurUniverse and Spice Village have partnered to provide guests with a personalized wellness journey from the moment they plan their visit until they complete their stay. From pre-arrival online doctor consultations, a hassle-free booking experience to airport transfers, insurance assistance and on-ground support, AyurUniverse ensures every aspect of the guest experience is carefully coordinated.

Backed by over 10 years of expertise as a trusted wellness platform and thousands of successful Ayurveda bookings and satisfied customers, AyurUniverse also offers dedicated wellness advisors who guide guests through every step, including pre-arrival consultations with their in-house Ayurvedic doctor or the center's therapist and personalized treatment planning.