THE MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Short Stay - Western Ghats (Kerala)
About THE mountain SHELTER
The Mountain Shelter is a large and spacious mountain home, situated at a height of 2130m (7000 ft) above sea level. It is located 50 kms from the concrete jungle of Munnar, a place spoilt now by a decade of mass tourism.
Set in splendid isolation with stunning views of the Western Ghat mountains, the accommdation shares its border with the pristine Anamudi Shola National Park. It makes for excellent opportunities to trek into untouched shola (a kind of tree) forests with splendid opportunities for bird and animal sighting.
Formerly a Eucalyptus plantation, The Shelter has been painstakingly self-designed and self-built by the hosts, using discarded timber from the property’s plantation. Originally built as a retirement home, the hosts decided to open up their property to discriminating travellers soon after. The setting is truly in a fairy tale land, with jaw-dropping views and incredible skies. If you want to experience wild Kerala, this is it.
Region
Western Ghats (Kerala, India)
Best Time
March - May & Sept. - Nov.
No. Of Days
Minimum 3 days
Trip Character
Short stay with activities
Altitude
2130 m
Price
INR 5000/ $ 68
per double room, incl. breakfast
For WHOM?
This place is ideal for nature lovers who want a base to explore the parks and wild reserves in the area. People who want to be in the middle of nature, in a subtropical, mountain environmnt will be equally happy here.
WHAT TO EAT
All meals are home-cooked with locally sourced vegetables and meat. All meals are typically of South Indian cuisine prepared by the hosts. Cabbage, potatoes and herbs are sourced straight out of the property’s garden. Barbeques can be arranged on request.
WHAT TO DO
The Western Ghats offer some of the world’s best birdwatching and this place is no exception, with many endemic species that can be spotted and photographed in the garden and surrounding areas. A number of extremely wild trekking routes can be found at short distance from the property, leading through thick shola forest and ending in spectacular panoramic views.
Night safaris for wildlife spotting and opportunities to see deer, gaur (‘Indian bison’), and wild boar can be arranged on request. A farm visit to local strawberry farms or fruit orchards can be arranged upon request. Several national parks are located within 15 to 30 km radius, which makes this an ideal base day trips to enjoy the abundant wildlife.
ABOUT THE PLACE
The Shelter, built entirely of wood and stone, comes with three spacious rooms, each with an occupancy of up to five adults. The rooms have comfortable bedding and duvets to keep the warmth in. All rooms come with unsuited western bathrooms and an indoor fireplace with a rock-work chimney.
A huge attraction is the panoramic views of the great surrounding outdoors, as well as access to the kitchen for coffee, tea etc. The main entrance and patio overlook the orchards and the misty valleys of Idukki.
HOW TO REACH?
The place is located in a beautiful farming village lying on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, 50 kms north of Munnar. Accurate details will be given at the time of confirmation.
