Nestled on a 2.5
hectare of sheer farmland, in Kadalikad Village of Kerala,
The
Pimenta offers the ultimate stay to learn and understand
the simple truth of mother nature. Initially conceived as
a self financed economically viable conservation
zone by a local Christian family, this eco-friendly farm
used to be a day visit site for visitors. Later pressure
from travelers forced the owner to set up accommodation
facilities right on the farmland, which is named as ‘the
Pimenta’. A place where people can come
to experience the genuine culture, cuisine and life of Keralan
midlands and learn how the
principles of sustainable and responsible tourism can be
employed.
At Pimenta
every efforts were being made to bring back the old glory
of the midlands when spices, fruit and vegetables of the
place tend to grow in their pure natural habitats. It is
to be noted that establishing a
homestead forest garden (bio organic farming) in their natural
habitat is very different and
more environmentally sustainable than the monoculture of
growing spices and crops in the cleared forest ranges in
the mountains.
In order to maintain its bio-diversity the farm nurtures a range of medicinal herbs. Its vegetation include a variety of crops like coconut, banana, pineapple, various type of yam, tapioca, spices (pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla) as well as other tropical fruit trees along with medicinal herbs.
Set amidst the peaceful surroundings of the farm, overlooking lush native forest and paddy fields are the traditionally styled, clean and comfortable bungalows of Pimenta. All the bungalows have private verandas and are double bedded with attached shower and toilets.
A range of eco friendly measures marks the management of the farm. Natural insulation techniques are used in the form of locally produced clay tiles, bricks and stones. Local building materials are used for construction purposes like wooden doors and windows. CLF lamps are used for efficient utilization of energy in the bungalows.
The food is cooked with the flavor and aroma of fresh farm grown spices and coconut of the bio-organic gardens. It includes a variety of eastern Keralan and other Indian dishes and mostly stuck to vegetarian menus. The coffee served is also a product of the farm along with a variety of seasonal tropical fruits. A small number of domestic cows in the farm help supply the required bio-gas for the kitchen.
