Col & Mrs John Abraham - your local connection in Kerala will ensure you have a memorable KERALA EXPERIENCE. Kerala - "God's Own Country" - a land bestowed with beauty so enchanting that visitors and warriors alike have been attracted to its shores since ages - the warmth and hospitality of its people, the exotic produces of this Spice Garden and the inviting coconut groves that Mother Nature has gifted to its people have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.
You can trek through the mountains, along the streams and deep into the forests, bathe in the wild under the waterfalls, camp in the wilderness of the tropical forests, spend quality time with the enterprising farmers or just do nothing as you take in nature at its best - Welcome to Wayanad -- Welcome to Green Gates.
Spread over the northern half of Kerala, 100 kms from Calicut and 700 to 2100 metres above mean sea level, Wayanad enjoys a cool climate with the peak temperature reaching 32 degree centigrade. The earth is softened by rain through out the year. This magical land is abundant with thick evergreen forests, majestic mountains and many bubbling brooks. The air carries the fragrance of cinnamon and cloves and the hills are decorated with tea garden and coffee plantations studded with silver oak.
Wayanad is within striking distance to five wildlife preserves: Bandipur, Nagerhole, Muthanga, Begur and Tholpatty. These wildlife sanctuaries are home to many species of birds and wild animals. You can sight a spotted deer, a solitary tusker, or the greatest hunter of them all - the tiger.
On a small hillock in the main town of Kalpetta lies Hotel Green Gates. An exquisite hotel furnished with all the essential trappings required for a pleasant stay. The rooms of the hotel are elegantly decorated and the balcony provides a view that is pristine Kerala. The subtle use of native design patterns carefully simulates an ambience for a calm and relaxed stay.
The hotel is a quiet enclave, away from the strains and sounds of modern living, and each and every facet of service seeks to preserve this peace. The service at the hotel is exceptional yet unobtrusive.
Wayanad is a short distance from five wildlife preserves: Bandipur, Nagerhole, Muthanga, Begur and Tholpatty. These wildlife sanctuaries are home to many species of birds and wild animals. You can sight a spotted deer, a solitary tusker, or the greatest hunter of them all - the tiger. [read more]
Evening entertainment at Hotel Green Gates:
In the evenings Hotel Green Gates gets transformed into a veritable kaleidoscope of the culture and heritage of Kerala - get a ringside view of the ancient martial art of Kalaripayettu - watch the extravagant dance recitals of the Korichis and the Kattunayakans. A facet of Kerala every evening. You could even chance your skills with these tribesmen or sit back and watch them dance to please Mother Earth.
Vedic Remedies:
Hotel Green Gates presents an exclusive ayurvedic retreat - Vedic Remedies. Here traditional medicine men will provide the best medication according to the ancient tradition of Ayurveda. Try Shiro-dhara - stimulating massages of the forehead, which will help you, ease the tensions. Or Pizhichil - the massage highly favoured by Kathakali dancers and Kalaripayettu practitioners.
Para-sailing, hang-gliding and ballooning:
At 35 kms from the hotel, strap on a pair of wings and take to the air. An experienced balloonist or a licensed hang-glider will help you navigate the thermals.
Water Sports Sailing down the Kabini:
The Kabini river, with its gentle currents, passes through dense evergreen forests. Sail along the river and enjoy the landscape as it gently unfolds along. You could also become a helmsman with your muscle as engine, punting down the Kabini.
Angling and Mountain biking:
The hotel provides complete gear for you to break away from everyday life. You could go angling at Pookot or better still cycle along tea and coffee plantations, turning into forests tracks or go deep into the jungle.
Options for the serious nature lover:
1.CHEMBARA PEAK: The tallest peak in the range that winds its way through Wayanad-Chembra. 2100 m above sea level, the peak is an exhilarating four-hour trek from the base of the mountain. At 1500 m above sealevel is a crystal clear lake hardly touched by human hands. Camp at the peak with the starry sky as ceiling and the red earth as your bed. A memory you'll cherish forever.
2. KURUWA DWEEP: 950 Acres of lush green forest on the tributaries of Kabini river is an ideal picnic spot. The island is uninhabited. This isolated area is paradise with myriad birds. An ideal site for camping.
3. PAKSHIPATHALAM: The labyrinth of Pakshipathalam is another fascinating trek. Pakshipathalam is the abode of various exotic birds & wild beasts. This is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure-seeking tourist. A nine kilometre walk along winding paths through dense evergreen forests over three hills. The destination is a grotto of caves; created by nature a million years ago. These caves are nearly 12 km long. Your guide through these caverns will be a native adivasi.
4. THOLPETTY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: A wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. Camping out at night in the watch tower in this sanctuary is a memorable lifetime experience. The watch tower is just above the lake, which is the only source of water to all animals. All animals - both wild & not so wild ones - come here to drink water at night..
5. SOOCHIPURA FALLS: 22 km from Hotel Green Gates is Soochipara Waterfalls. Alight from your four-wheel drive and take a two kilometre walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad and find nature at its thundering best. Soochipara is a three-tiered, powerful waterfall. And the cliff face here is ideal for rock climbing.
6. MEENMUTTY WATERFALLS: This trek will take you through the beautiful and bountiful forests of Wayanad. And the place to rest those aching bones is in nature's jewel - Meenmutty Waterfalls, a thundering triple-decker fall.
7. POOKOT LAKE: Natural fresh water lake, surrounded by evergreen forest and wooded hills. Boating facilities, Children's Park and Shopping Centre for handicrafts and spices of Wayanad are arranged by District Tourism Promotion Council. A fresh-water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by Fisheries Department. The Lake is three kilometres south of Vythiri
8. PAZHASSI TOMP: The body of Veera Pazhassi, the Lion of Kerala who organized a guerilla war against the British East India Company, is buried at Mananthavady, which is 32 km north-east of Kalpetta.
9. THIRUNELLY TEMPLE: It is known as 'Thekkan Kasi', of Kerala. It is believed that a dip in the river Papanasini, running crystal clear downhill, washes away one's sins.
10. JAIN TEMPLE: This ancient site was the centre of the spice trade. Here diamonds and pearls changed hands for cinnamon and cloves.
11. CHAIN TREE: It is believed that a British Engineer killed an Adivasi who showed him the path through the ghat to get the credit of finding out the way. The myth is that the soul of the Adivasi started disturbing the passengers and a priest bound the evil soul to the Banyan Tree with an iron chain.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Travellers' cheques, Cash, Tariff includes applicable taxes and service charges. Breakfast and Dinner are included in the tariff.
Col & Mrs John Abraham - your local connection in Kerala will ensure you have a memorable KERALA EXPERIENCE. Kerala - "God's Own Country" - a land bestowed with beauty so enchanting that visitors and warriors alike have been attracted to its shores since ages - the warmth and hospitality of its people, the exotic produces of this Spice Garden and the inviting coconut groves that Mother Nature has gifted to its people have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.
