"We were hoping to find a place like this all through our trip in India and feel that  Here we found our Shangri-la"SHANGRI-LA..." 
                     - Jeremy Angel, Nagano-Ken, Japan

Stay at an enchanting farmstead, called Vanilla County. Located just two hours drive from the Kochi International Airport, it is set amidst sylvan surroundings and lush greenery at an altitude of 1500 feet. The Meenachil River, made famous by Arundhati Roy in her masterpiece "God Of Small Things", originates near Vanilla County. Here you can explore mountain streams, rubber, coffee plantations, and exotic spice gardens. 

The Estate Villa, is over 55 years old, and stands amidst 150 acres of plantations. It offers a homestay to remember. You get to Stay in tastefully furnished spacious rooms with western style toilets, and can participate in varied activities. 

We very much appreciated the warm welcome, the beautiful room and the lovely setting of the house with its forest and streams. we are very pleased to find so many people taking organic farming seriously and growing diversity of crops. Rani cooked us delicious vegetarian meals."
      - Marion & James Bruges, Bristol, UK

Your hosts, Baby Mathew and his wife Rani are from a eminent Syrian Christian family with long tradition as planters and estate owners. Baby gave up a lucrative urban career to follow his family tradition of organic farming. Rani; a graduate in Home Science is an excellent cook. A variety of Keralan delicacies and other Indian dishes are served. The spices and vegetables as also tea and coffee you get to consume are organically grown at the estate. Guests also have a chance to drink genuine mineral water from natural springs of the mountains.

"I learned a lot about Indian Food, fresh vegetables and Indian Lifestyle"
                                                                     -Ankee , Bad  Grocicudade, Germany

Many come to this charming villa just to relax in the solitude of the mountains. The green canopy & the gurgling streams that spout  from these mountains act as a salve to the tired mind and bodies. What is more, the friendly village folks with their native hospitality makes your stay memorable. However there is plenty to do:

• Discover all about the cultivation of exotic spices, Coffee, rubber, and tea
• Meditate at a nearby "Ashram"
• Learn about Yoga
• Ride an elephant and see them at work
• Trek through mountains
• Bathe in mountain streams and river pools
• Watch birds and butterflies
• Learn about Vermiculture & rain water harvesting
• Explore the countryside on cycles