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.
Colonel's Retreat is an exquisite home stay in the enchanting Mavady Hills offering lush greenery, sylvan ambience and unpolluted countryside – also a nodal point to other locations of tourist interest like Vagamon, Thekkady, Munnar, Kumarakom and Alleppey
Visit our Spices Park where you can see at one place all the spices of the legendary Spice Coast of India - Cardamom, Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, Vanilla and Nutmeg growing with gay abandon. The Herbal Corner has a collection of the famed medicinal plants of the region used for Ayurveda. Watch and observe Rubber Tapping and Processing
Swim and bathe in fresh, natural mountain streams that flow through the property
See vermi-compost production and irrigation by rain harvesting.
See elephants at work – or better, ride an elephant to the river and give him a healthy bath – remember to take your camera
Colonel's Retreat is a trekker's paradise with miles and miles of silent countryside and bridle paths leading to distant beauty spots. Savour the serene surroundings as you take in the chirping of birds and the murmur of gentle brooks.
Enjoy monsoon rains from June to October - actually the best of times to be at Colonel's Retreat. The sight and sound of the upper reaches of the cascading Meenachil river in full flow from the balcony of the Retreat is indeed an experience to cherish.
Browse through a fascinating library of books dealing with Kerala's history, culture , flora and fauna.
Birds and Butterflies. A variety of birds can be seen from the lofty perch of the balconies of Colonel's Retreat, while hundreds of free-flying butterflies are hosted in our specially planted garden to conserve local bio-diversity.
A pretty hill station full of tea gardens, pine forests and rolling meadows. A para-gliding centre in the making.
Meenachil River
The upper reaches of Meenachil river flow through Mavady Hills right under the ledge of Colonel's Retreat.
Marmala Waterfalls
This breathtaking waterfalls is truly the enchantress of the jungle. Sliding down the hillocks from a height of over 200 feet, the gushing water has etched over the years a deep pond in the rocks. In monsoon recommended only for the brave.
Illickal Peak
The majestic 6000 feet peak is a challenge to rock-climbers.
Ayyampara Rocks
This 20 acre flat granite is one of nature's marvels. The sunset view and the cool mountain breeze at the rock soothe the nerves.
Poonjar Palace
The Palace is a glorious testimony of the regal opulence and splendour of a bygone era, and the wonder that was India.
Tomb of Saint Alphonsa
This pilgrim centre draws large crowds. Saint Alphonsa, a Roman Catholic nun in the mould of Therese of Lisieux is the first ethnic Indian saint. Miracles do happen here. A must place to visit.
Kurisumala Ashram
A Cistercian abbey started by two famous monks, Bede Griffiths and Francis Acharya, on the lines of the Holy Mountain of Athos where the East and the West meet in their philosophy. The most precious gift of the Christian East was the tradition of mystical theology, its understanding of silence, and prayer of the heart.
Kappakanam Forests
A trek to the periphery of the reserved forests of Kappakanam in the Western Ghats. This is an exciting trip and if you are lucky you will see animals in the wild. Western Ghats is one of the 18 bio-diversity hot spots in the world.
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.
