Amongst the lesser-known and untouched hill stations that Kerala has to offer is a quaint little hillside town named Vagamon, neatly tucked in between the city of Kottayam and Idukki district. Here, lush green estates and hillocks sprawl to the very horizon and Vagamon undeniably makes for the perfect weekend getaway, particularly for those looking to go off the grid and reconnect with nature.
Nestled between Mavady Hills in this region is a 76-year-old property that is now converted into a heritage homestay. Vanilla County is a Dutch-style heritage home that has been passed down from generation to generation within the Valikapen family who presently run the homestay.
Built in 1947, Vanilla County hosted guests from abroad for over 25 years well before travel and tourism became prominent in the region. The eight-roomed bungalow still retains the old-school charm of the rose and teakwood furniture that it was originally built with. The views are particularly delightful during the Kerala monsoons which last for anywhere between 3-5 months starting June.
True to its theme, the menu at Vanilla county is also authentic to its local surroundings. Traditional homemade Kerala cuisine is what’s available and it is freshly prepared by the hosts themselves who are trained, professional chefs. A significant portion of the ingredients is also sourced directly from the plantation and the forests nearby making it an exquisite farm-to-table experience.
For those looking to do a little more than just unwind and relax, Vanilla County offers a range of local immersive experiences from spice trails, nature hikes, or even an early morning trek to Vagamon’s Hills.
If you wish to know more or book your stay, click here.
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