| Traversing the muddy, bumpy and rocky roads, the | | | | state. Everything, including the walls, floors and the |
| compact MUV Chevrolet Tavera headed towards | | | | fences were built in mud and clay, which contributed |
| Vythiri Resort, one of the most reputed resorts in the | | | | heavily to the eco-friendly ambience of the resort. The |
| Wayand region of Kerala, India | | | | 13 year-old resort is located in 150 acres of coffee and |
| From the Karnataka border, it took us only two and a | | | | cardamom plantation, surrounded by the tropical |
| half hours to reach the Vythiri resort, thanks to those | | | | forests. The nippy climate of this region from June to |
| well paved roads, which turned horrible as we | | | | January attracts regular flock of tourists from western |
| deviated to one of those pocket roads from Vythiri, a | | | | countries. |
| small town on the way. But the balmy surroundings | | | | The pond adjacent to the cosy spacious lounge, set |
| just coming out of the morning mist was soothing in | | | | against a fabulous reception desk (with alert and |
| contrast to the jerky drive. The comely forests, the | | | | pleasant receptionists) was quite an invitation. Playful |
| cool air fresh with the mixed flavours of tropical leaves | | | | fish were having a hid e n’ seek in the muddy |
| and the creaky notes of crickets accompanied by a | | | | waters. We had booked the cottage two days back |
| chorus of jungle frogs welcomed us on the country | | | | over phone. As soon as we checked in, a boy |
| road. | | | | ushered us in to our cottage. We followed him past a |
| Despite the great scenes around, the cruel road | | | | basketball court and a row of cottages named Paddy |
| continued to take us through fresh torments at every | | | | Rooms. |
| turn. We grew more and more impatient to reach our | | | | Kudeeram cottages |
| destination and take some rest. | | | | Our twin room cottage (No 309) faced a small chirpy |
| We took a sharp curve, drove past a mud plastered | | | | stream. Each cottage was arranged with two |
| fence and landed right in front of the resort, which | | | | spacious rooms in two separate floors. The floors |
| looked like an earthen palace drawn in a mid-tone | | | | could be clubbed together to accommodate bigger |
| canvas. After a brief enquiry, the security personnel | | | | families. The neat and highly hygienic room dispensed a |
| showed us the parking slot with a pleasant welcome | | | | fresh new fragrance, thanks to the perfume essence |
| smile. The entire architecture of the resort is in | | | | taken from a special grass which could also be used |
| traditional Kerala style with aPadipura at the | | | | to keep away mosquitos, leaches and other insects |
| façade that signified the cultural richness of the | | | | from the surroundings. |