Into the Spicelands

A journey to the origins of Aroma, Culture, and Community

High in the Western Ghats, where clouds drift low and the earth breathes the scent of rain and roots, lie the verdant hills of Wayanad and Idukki — home to some of the world’s finest spices and the people who have nurtured them for generations.

Ekathra’s Spice Trails invite you to go beyond the market and into the living landscapes of spice cultivation — to walk where pepper vines climb ancient trees, where cardamom bursts from forest shade, and where cinnamon curls in the warmth of the sun.

Your journey begins with a guided walk through spice plantations, led by local growers and indigenous communities who intimately know the land. Along the way, learn how each spice is cultivated, harvested, sorted, and preserved — all through traditional, hands-on methods. Feel the textures, inhale the fragrances, and listen to the stories behind every seed and pod.

The experience extends into the surrounding villages, where you’ll walk along winding lanes lined with thatched homes, community gardens, and open kitchens. Stop by a local tea shop and sip on freshly brewed cardamom tea, made just the way the locals like it — simple, aromatic, and full of warmth. Visit small village spice shops, where locals trade in freshly harvested produce and share insights on how these spices are used in daily life — for food, for health, and for rituals.

Throughout the day, there are meaningful opportunities to interact with the people of the region — from farmers and women’s cooperatives to members of indigenous tribes who have long served as the forest’s stewards. Their relationship with the land is not just agricultural, but cultural and spiritual — a way of life passed down through generations.

This is not just a spice tour — it is a journey into the heart of Kerala’s hills, its scents, its stories, and its people. One where nature, tradition, and community come together to create a truly immersive, grounded, and unforgettable experience.