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Set on a working coffee and spice plantation near Sultan Battery among the jungles of northern Kerala’s Wayanad District, Tranquil Resort is a lovingly restored 1930s plantation bungalow offering wonderful authenticity and an inspiring boutique homestay experience. Your hosts, Victor and Gini Dey and their family, are completely charming, and have created a peaceful, friendly and relaxing sanctuary prefect for enjoying the delights of rural South India, enjoying an Ayurvedic massage to the sound of birdsong or exploring the ecological treasures of the Malabar rainforest.
There are just nine rooms and suites at Tranquil, all extremely spacious and fitted out with polished wooden floors and comfortable modern amenities. Five rooms are situated in a garden annex, and there is a deluxe room in the main house and a luxury suite with its own private garden positioned close to a lovely swimming pool. But the showstoppers at Tranquil are the two magnificent treehouses where, if you book early enough, you can spend your nights up in the jungle canopy and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Kerala rainforest. Meals are enjoyed communally on the open-sided deck of the main house and are a highlight for many who stay, featuring superb home-cooked local cuisine, and plenty of chances to get to know your fellow guests or chat with your delightful hosts Victor and Gini.
A number of trails wind through the estate at Tranquil, offering glimpses into the growing and production of coffee and pepper, as well as the ecological riches of the rainforest. One trail leads to a cave daubed with prehistoric rock art going back at least 8,000 years. Birding is first rate at Tranquil, and nearby Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary provides further wildlife spotting opportunities, including elephant, bison, wild dog and even tiger.
We think Tranquil Resort lives up to its name, and a stay at Tranquil is in essence all about escaping the modern world, slowing down and surrendering to the extraordinary peace of rural South India. If you want to combine an authentic plantation experience with a touch of luxury, there really isn’t anywhere quite like Tranquil in northern Kerala. Although the two treehouse suites are justifiably popular, we’d highly recommend booking early to secure a stay in one of these for unforgettable nights up in the jungle canopy. The atmosphere at Tranquil is extremely convivial, and best suited to those who enjoy a little socialising. Your hosts Victor and Gini and their dogs are very much the heart and soul of the property, while the home-cooked Kerala food is simply delicious. We’d recommend a stay at Tranquil either as an opportunity to re-charge the batteries in a gorgeous natural environment, enjoying Ayurvedic treatments and relaxation by the pool, or, if you feel like exploring, getting to know the workings of an authentic plantation and spotting birds and wildlife on one of the jungle trails. Tranquil also makes an excellent link between the national parks of southern Karnataka and the palm-fringed beaches of the northern Kerala coast.
Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.
Northern Kerala and southern Karnataka are fast becoming the destinations to visit, a blend of history, culture, coffee hills, wildlife and fantastic beaches.
Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch.