Anakkara

Anakkara (celebrated across India as a pioneering model spice tourism village and the enchanting agricultural gateway connecting Kumily to Munnar across the high ranges of Idukki), situated along the scenic NH 183 highway corridor just 12 km north of Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the state's most idyllic, authentic, and culturally rich plantation countryside retreats.

Spanning a verdant highland geographic plateau approximately 3,000 feet (915 meters) above sea level, this charming agrarian grama panchayat was officially developed by the Kerala Tourism Department and India Tourism as a premier rural agro tourism model village, encircling rolling emerald cardamom plantations, terraced tea hills, black pepper orchards, and organic homestays situated around the cascading mountain streams of the Sahyadri ranges.

It's the home of the famed Aruvikkuzhi (Chellarkovil) Waterfalls where mountain streams plunge dramatically over steep rocky cliffs into the Tamil Nadu plains below, centuries old spice farms offering hands on experiences in harvesting green cardamom, harvesting black pepper spikes, and peeling cinnamon bark, traditional village homestays offering authentic Syrian Christian and traditional Kerala plantation cuisine (such as Appam with vegetable stew, tapioca with fish curry, and jackfruit delicacies), gentle country cycling trails winding through aromatic spice lanes, and a soothing rural atmosphere where the gentle rustling of silver oak canopies and the crisp mountain breezes create pure peaceful rejuvenation.

It represents a rich agro tourism, village spice farming, and Western Ghats eco retreat sanctuary where rural hospitality, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall hydrology, spice harvest culture, and mountain freshness unite in Anakkara grama panchayat.

Located along the Kumily Munnar highway (NH 183), it sits just 12 km north of Kumily (Thekkady), 105 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 140 km from Madurai International Airport (IXM), and 145 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by regular KSRTC buses, private cabs, and self drive cars.

The Model Agro Tourism Spice Village

Anakkara was specially designated as a model tourism village to promote direct traveler engagement with local farming communities.

Nearly every family household in Anakkara cultivates rich spice gardens featuring cardamom, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and turmeric.

Truth is, spending a morning cycling along the quiet, spice scented country lanes of Anakkara feels worlds away from busy city life.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls & Chellarkovil Viewpoint

Aruvikkuzhi Cascades: Located just 4 km from Anakkara, these cascading waterfalls tumble over rocky ledges into deep green forest pools.

Chellarkovil Ridge: The adjacent ridge offers sweeping views of the plains of Theni and Cumbum in Tamil Nadu, with dramatic coconut groves below.

Authentic Plantation Homestays & Farm Food

Plantation Homestays: Welcoming local homestays allow travelers to stay directly within sprawling private spice and coffee estates.

Traditional Cuisine: Savor delicious home cooked meals prepared with organic farm vegetables, freshly picked herbs, and garden fresh spices.

After exploring the tranquil spice village of Anakkara, tour the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady, visit Abraham's Spice Garden, or continue scenic road trips toward Munnar in Kerala.