Pepper Trail

Set in a charming 200-acre coffee and spice plantation in the hills of Wayanad, Kerala, Pepper Trail is an ideal place to unwind and indulge in enchanting views. The colonial plantation, Mangalam Carp Estate, was set up by pioneering planter Scotsman Colin Auley Mackenzie in the 1800s. The plantation and its 140-year-old heritage home are surrounded by calming nature, tranquillity, and glorious views of coffee plantations as far as the eye can see.  Stay options also include luxury tree houses nestled on 40-feet tall giant jackfruit trees, accessed by elevated walkways that meander through coffee shrubs.

With only four exquisite suites in the heritage bungalow and two delightful tree houses set on giant jackfruit trees, Pepper Trail promises intimate privacy and seclusion. The estate is dotted with lakes, pockets of tropical forests, picnic spots, an organic farm, and even a medicinal garden.

Location

Pepper Trail is located in Wayanad district in north-east Kerala. It is about 10km from Sultan battery while the Edakkal Caves is15 Km from the property.

Things to know

  • The nearest airport is Calicut Airport (95 km) which is a 3-hour drive from Pepper Trail.
  • The plantation has an impressive bio-diversity of plant species and also has a medicinal garden and organic farm.
  • The private pool villas have temperature-controlled pools.
  • Some of the amenities offered in the retreat include free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and a 20m outdoor infinity pool.
  • The restaurant offers a fixed menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • Children are welcome. Perfect for Indophiles looking to explore the heritage and culture of Tamil Nadu.

 

Restaurants & Bars

All meals are served at the Pavilion restaurant which offers beautiful views of thick verdant foliage amidst the plantation. The vegetarian and non-vegetarian fixed-menu meals are multi-course affairs featuring local fare and authentic Keralan recipes. As guests tuck into means they are visited by exotic avian species like Malabar pied hornbills and rose-ringed parakeets that fly about from tree to tree

Rooms & Suites

Pepper Trail offers independent heritage suites in a lovingly restored 140-year-old colonial bungalow, each with a sitting area, a bedroom with antique four poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. The bungalow has been furnished with antiques and family heirlooms. The indulgent plantation villas let you soak in the tropical scenery in the privacy of your very own pool or garden and Jacuzzi. Away from the bungalow are luxury tree houses nestled on giant jackfruit trees that are as high as 40 ft above the ground and can be accessed with elevated walkways that meander through coffee shrubs. They come with balconies that are great for some armchair birdwatching.

Spa & Wellness

At the end of a long day exploring the delightful outdoors, guests can opt for relaxing Ayurvedic massages and therapies in the Ayurvedic Spa.

Experiences

The 200-acre estate has so much on offer. Guests have the option to go for early morning walks through the spice-scented pathways of the plantation or go on a thrilling safari ride in an open jeep. Languid days can be spent at the retreat’s private lake that offers bamboo coracle rides. And if one can disengage themselves from the sloth that this place oozes, it is highly recommended to try the guided spice-scented plantation walks or sign up for a cooking session with the in-house chef for a demonstration of rich flavours from the region.

For long-stay guests who want to explore nearby attractions, day trips can be planned to Edakkal Caves (3.7 km), Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal Heritage Museum) (5.9 km), and Jain Temple Wayanad (6.1 km).

 

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

In 1932, after the estate was bought over by P. Balram Kurup, a pioneer in the cultivation of rare spice and aromatic plants, with his efforts, the plantation is now home to the most exotic and extensive range of flora in Wayanad. Currently, the estate is managed by the family’s third generation, who continues to preserve the traditional farming methods established by its founders.