When: Anytime

Length of stay:  Any length

Number of guests:  The bungalow is spacious and can accommodate up to three families

Fee: (as of Feb. 2006) The tariff includes food and accommodation for a night. (Contact the host directly for final price quote).

THE BUNGALOW:
The Bungalow, called Vanilla County Estate bungalow, is over 55 years old and is spacious with its 5000 square feet interiors. The Estate Bungalow is set amidst 150 acres of rubber and other spices gardens. Needless to say, it is furnished tastefully and has spacious interiors. A variety of Keralan delicacies and other Indian dishes are served. The spices and vegetables used are grown within the grounds of the estate and organically grown. The fresh filter coffee and tea served are the offerings of the estate's  own plantations. While  bottled mineral water is available, guests also have an option to drink genuine mineral water from natural springs of the mountains, boiled and filtered.

LOCATION:
Vanilla County is near the origin of the Meenachil River at Vagamon, in the Kottayam District of Kerala, set amidst plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber. It is two hours by car from the Kochi International Airport.  If arriving by train, the nearest rail station is Kottayam, 55 Kms away. 

The road route from Kottayam:
Kottayam-Palai-Erattupetta-Teekoy-Mavady estate-Vanilla County.

The road route from Kochi:
Kochi-Muvattupuzha-Thodupuzha-Erattupetta-Teekoy-Mavady estate-Vanilla County

THINGS TO DO:
Vanilla County is special to those who would like a holiday to wish away their worries & 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 will receive you with open arms and make it a truly remarkable holiday. The excellent cuisine carefully prepared in the Syrian Christian style using the locally grown spices is a treat waiting for you!

We also offer many other activities to those who come here:

• Spices Garden Visit
• Visit to nearby Ashram (a meditation centre)
• Yoga
• Elephant Rides
• Trekking through the nearby mountains
• Bathing in the mountain streams
• Taking part in the farming activities
• Birds & butterfly watching
• See Vermiculture & rain water harvesting
• Possibility of seeing elephants at work
• Cycling through the villages around Vanilla County

PLACES TO SEE:

• Vagamon, an enchanting hill station on the Idukki-Kottayam border, dotted with tea gardens and meadows is one of the best hill stations of Kerala.
• Meenachil River, made famous by Arundhati Roy in her masterpiece "God Of Small Things", originates near Vanilla County. 
• Illikal Peak, is the origin of the River Meenachil and   is a mythological site. Local belief has it that a bird brings the mythical herb atop this mountain to whosoever seeks eternal life! The natural  menhirs atop the mountain takes on a mystical meaning  to those who view it from afar. A climb to the top is a rewarding experience to trekkers as well as to those who wish to see the origin of one of Kerala's life giving rivers. 

• Maramala Waterfalls, a scenic stream and its breathtaking waterfalls are together referred to as "Enchantress of the Jungle" in the local lore. Sliding down the numerous hillocks, this gushing water has etched out over the years a deep natural pond amongst the rocks.

• Poonjar Palace, the ancient kingdom still draws the crowds to marvel at an era gone past. It is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. The present day Munnar was a small principality under these rajahs till hey were given out on lease to the British tea companies two centuries ago. 

•  Ayyampara, or Five Rocks, a 30-acre rock formation is a favourite haunt for those who wish to see some spectacular sunsets.