PARADISA PLANTATION RETREAT ,MURINJAMPUZHA
Picture the earth in all its glory. Warm sunny mornings that end cool, starry nights. Birdsong. Greenery. Peace.
The
Maharajas of Travancore chose this setting in the pristine hills of
Kerala for their summer palace. Paradisa Plantation Retreat is also set
against this backdrop, on our organically grown coffee and spice
plantation. This area, renowned for its tea plantations, is on the
ascent to the Cardamom Hills. The Retreat comprises traditional wooden
Kerala houses, placed individually for complete privacy. The tree house
was built by the tribal people of the area. Great care has been taken
in the construction of the Retreat, not to alter the lay of the land,
thereby preserving the original landscape.
THE LEGEND
The
great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, has the five Pandava princes as its
protagonists. Legend has it that the Pandava princes and their wife
Panchali camped at a breathtakingly beautiful site, half a kilometer
from the Retreat, later called 'Panchalimedu'. The remnants of their
stay still exist.
ABOUT THE RETREAT
What
seemed like an impossible dream has come true at Paradisa Plantation
Retreat . Countless others have also been given the opportunity to
fulfill their dream of a perfect getaway, in communion with the best of
nature.
The architecture of the retreat is based on the
traditional Kerala style wooden houses. These have been embellished
with priceless antique columns and artifacts, all personally handpicked
and placed, creating an ambience of quiet cultural richness.
As this is a power deficient area, captive power is used for about two hours in the morning and from dusk to
Ayurveda
'Ayurveda'
means the 'science of life'. It is an ancient system of preventive
medicine, which provides remedies for illnesses and prescribes ideal
lifestyles to prevent the onset of sickness and disease. Excelent
treatments are available at our inhouse ayurveda centre under the
expert guidance of a qualified doctor and his team.
Astrology
Astrology is one of the areas which reflects the mysticism of
Acupuncture
A world renowned physician is available for consultation with prior appointment.
Yoga
Yoga
is an ancient science, which upholds wellness as a state of being where
the mind and body co-exist in complete harmony. Yogic exercises are
designed for the attainment of peace through physical and mental
well-being. Paradisa Plantation Retreat offers you the opportunity to
be introduced to this ancient Indian discipline.
PLANTATION
There
is plenty to do besides soaking up the peace and quiet. A trek through
the plantation is an education. See the cultivation and harvesting of
coffee, cardamom, cloves and pepper. The tea plantations, factory and
the cardamom-processing unit are well worth a visit.
The scenic
countryside invites you to take long walks. The heady combination of
raw nature and the clean air is a potent restorative.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
For
those who need a bit of action, hang gliding, paragliding and powered
gliding can be arranged on request with an instructor in attendance.
The surrounding areas offer great spots for rock climbing and
rappelling. There are many trekking routes to suit the capability of
the novice or the expert.
Less adventurous but thoroughly exhilarating, flying a kite at Panchalimedu lets you rediscover the child in you.
EXCURSIONS
Using
the Retreat as your base, you could visit Periyar Tiger Reserve which
is only 37 kilometers away. Going on a picnic is a great way to absorb
the bounty of nature.
KERALA CUISINE
The
cuisine of Kerala is appreciated all over the world . Our chef will
teach you how to cook any dish on the menu that you particularly like.
Regular cooking classes can be arranged on request.
CULTURAL EVENINGS
To help you unwind at the end of the day performances of Indian classical music will be staged at the restaurant.
Kathakali
is Kerala's legacy to the world of dance drama. Kerala's own classical
dance form is Mohiniattam, the dance of the celestial enchantress.
Bharatanatyam, though borrowed from the neighbouring state of Tamil
Nadu, is widely practised in Kerala. We offer you the enriching
experience of being audience to these performances.
MEDIA REVIEWS
The Abercrombie & Kent Travel Guide 2004, brought out by the Tatler ,
"Kerala has lifestyle karma. This is the
The British Airways High Life Feb 2004 issue, under 52 Best Hideaways
"High in the hills south-east of
The nearest airport is the
The nearest railway station is the Kottayam station.
The Retreat is well connected by road to all destinations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Paradisa
Plantation Retreat is located at Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam - Kumily
road, en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady.
Periyar Tiger Reserve-37 kms
Kumarakom-80 kms
Munnar -135 kms