making meaningful connections
The God's Own COuntry Experience
Discovering the real rural India
The God's Own Country Experience
These high southern hills with spectacular views across the Western Ghats have had a wealth of culture, plantations of pepper, coffee, tea, and a lifestyle all of its own. And today there is much of it to be slowly and gently discovered. For many Kerala in general, and this area of the Wayanad Hills in particular, is ‘God’s Own Country’. Nowhere in India, perhaps worldwide, is there such a balance between the science of knowledge – that delivers nutritional and financial well-being – and the art of living that provides the quality of life that so many, not least those leading city lives, search for. We invite you on a short break to Mothakarra where you can decide for yourself.
Mothakkara Guesthouse
We trust you’ll be delighted with our exclusive guesthouse that was designed and built in a traditional style, and now owned and run by villagers in the delightful hillside village of Mothakkara.
The three simple bedrooms have en suite shower rooms with plenty of hot water. There is a communal room for relaxing and eating as well as meeting villagers informally. But how you spend your time in the village is very much up to you and your interests. We get you started, however, with a guided village tour that gives you a flavour – not to say a tasty sample or two – of village life, the surrounding area, and the range of activities you can choose from. Many local activities are included, but you can add paid-for activities according to your interests in advance, or book locally, subject to availability.
Gentle exploration
The Banasura Hills are covered with thick, little visited forest, so you can explore them on shady paths by bike or on foot, with or without guides as you choose. Relax by tumbling streams, or get more active by trying archery, an ancient skill still practiced here to this day. At around 1,000 metres, Mothakarra enjoys comparatively cool temperatures perfect for relaxing, being active, and growing a huge variety of produce – and our guesthouse and guides are ready and waiting to enable you to make the most of it all. Do as much or as little as you wish. Above all, relax. There may be no better place to switch off and just be.
In nearby Thrikkaipatta meet village women weaving beautiful bamboo handicrafts that enrich the village in every sense. Stroll through flourishing plantations, and recognise the soothing fragrance of lemongrass. Sit and discuss the ways of the world with the Kurichiya indigenous tribal people where upto 60 of them live harmoniously as one family. If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of the festivals, such as Thira Mahotsavam organized by the Kurichiya community, you’ll see for yourselves how unique Mothakarra is, and how strong the sense of community and enduring culture.
Getting here
Mothakkara lies at 1,000 m up in the Wayanad Hills of northern Kerala. It is a small village in Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad District, located 22 km west of Kalpetta, the district headquarters.
Your guide will meet you at Kozhikode (Calicut) or Thalassery rail station for the 2.5 to 3 hour transfer to Mothakkara.
Transfers from elsewhere are available on request, and we can also arrange for train journeys. Book in advance for our negotiated rates.
Why combine a stay here with a cruise along the Kerala backwaters on our very special houseboat?
The God's Own Country
3 Night Stay-
Private room with twin beds, and private facilities
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3 meals a day featuring locally grown and caught produce
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• guided tour of the village taking between one and three hours depending on you
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Guides for local activities
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GST
HOLIDAY PRICES
3 NIGHTS
PARTY 2
PARTY 3-6
Per person
Prices coming soon