Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Nutmeg- the very mention of these spices fills the air with an exquisite aroma. Kerala is home to many of these aromatic delights. A treasure trove of natural wonders, spice plantations in Kerala are glittering diamonds on the crown of the land of sun and sand.

These spice plantations have been coveted destinations for the big wigs of Europe. Britain, Portugal, France and Holland have made a beeline for these wondrous gold mines and fought hard to establish control. Merchants from China and Arabia have also flocked to these lovely locales.

The cooler climes of Munnar and Wayanad houses many of the spice plantations. Pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom, thyme, basil, mint, vanilla, bay, sage, rosemary, oregano are some of the spices that are much sought after souvenirs from the land of coconuts.

Spices jazz up even the most insipid fare. Besides, healing powers are also attributed to these miracles of nature.

The spice orchards are very popular tourist haunts. They couple as backwater getaways, trips to misty cooler climes and exquisite shopping destinations. Several hotels and palatial resorts are also a part of the smart marketing moves by the ministry of tourism to attract more footfalls.

So on your next visit to the backwaters of Kerala, pay visits to these lovely locales, savor the aroma of spices, stack your bags with packets of delightful aromatic delights, click those shutterbugs endlessly and make your trip an event to remember and cher

Last Updated on 25 May 2011

Plantations in Kerala