Where the mountain tops meet the sky, you’ll find the unique rural district of Wayanad. Nestled in a picturesque plateau in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a destination renowned for its mesmerising landscape characterised by mist covered mountains, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling tea and spice plantations. A haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, Wayanad offers a plethora of trekking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and serene lakes such as Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam. The region is steeped in history and culture, with ancient temples, a large tribal population, and archaeological sites dotting its terrain. You can also delve into Wayanad’s vibrant cultural tapestry, experiencing traditional art forms, mouthwatering local cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Which naturally brings us to Ananterra…
We find ourselves here in a twist of fate. Even the most well-thought-out plans sometimes face an unexpected issue. A two-day trawl through accommodation in Wayanad, and, of course, we settle on the first tab we opened on our laptops. A lesson in life to go with your initial instinct.
After three days in the heat and humidity of Kozhikode, as we travel by car up through the nine hairpin bends of the road to Wayanad, it feels like entering a different world: setting the tone for our stay. Located amidst coffee plantations, rice fields, tall areca palms, and a working farm, the Ananterra resort certainly offers the ability to relax and unwind.
When it comes to travelling to India, people often joke about the journey being a quest for self-discovery- about finding yourself. Ananterra proposes the opposite. It is a place where you can easily lose yourself and track of time. A place where you can explore. A place where you can enjoy a game of badminton, or table tennis or get thrashed at Carrom (in our defence some of us were Carrom virgins!). A place to sit quietly and enjoy the silence, nature, and local wildlife.
From the moment you arrive, the team go out of their way to make you feel at home. Nothing appears to be too much trouble from swift room service to the slightly more random request to cook with the resort’s Chef… yes, Krish!
Built on a natural slope, the villas have been constructed with as little impact on the environment as possible. All of the buildings are made with local or reused materials, including mud excavated from the site itself. They also make use of age old techniques of rammed earth and adobe blocks. With just five villas currently on site, (another five will be completed in 2024 across the road), a crowded resort is not a concern. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and blend beautifully and seamlessly with their surroundings… just don’t be surprised to find yourself taking a shower with a friendly gecko!
A buffet, continental or Asian breakfast is available every morning at the property. We’ll try not to make this too much into an appam appreciation post! Additionally, you can also opt for lunch or dinner packages. Based on the somewhat secluded location of the resort, opting for the dinner package is recommended. Although choosing not to allows you the flexibility of Ananterra’s à la carte menu, as opposed to the set menu. A showcase of South Indian cuisine, the menus change daily depending on available produce. We should also state that alcohol is not served on the premises, due to Kerala’s strict laws.
You can view a sample menu of the set package below:
A refreshing dip in the pool is undoubtedly the best way to start the day off, or to end it watching the sun disappear below the horizon.
Surrounded by coffee plantations, Ananterra is a working farm that, yes… you’ve guessed it, produces its own coffee. With the coffee cherries picked and dried on site, and processed and stored locally off site, the resort has its own branded blend of Robusta and Arabica filter coffee.
A true highlight of our trip in January 2024, it was a pleasure to spend time in what can only be described as a retreat that made us feel valued and welcomed.
On that note, and at the risk of channeling our inner Judy Garland and breaking into a verse of ‘Over the Rainbow’, a trip to Ananterra in Wayanad promises an unforgettable journey filled with natural beauty and the discovery of dream landscapes… ‘way up high’.
If you’re looking to find out further information about travelling to Wayanad and the Ananterra resort in Thekkumthara, or would like to enquire about our Keralan Karavan discounted rates, please contact us via the form below:
Ananterra Resort, Poolakkandi Road, Thekkumthara, Wayanad, Kerala 673124