SOUTH INDIA - Kerala, Munnar
Ecotones was born out of a passion to bring guests closer to nature. While most hotels and resorts utilize the beauty of nature and the wilderness to sell themselves, there are very few that give back to nature or contribute to conservation in any way. Eco-tourism - responsible travel to natural areas that does not damage the environment, contributes to its conservation, and improves the well-being of local people - is an ethical option and Ecotones attempts to imbibe this culture in its true sense. Guests can indulge in nature-oriented exploratory activities such as bird watching and nature trails or can just sit back and enjoy the scenic view. With activities such as cycling and guided nature walks, we hope to take people one step closer to nature and inculcate an interest for the natural world through observation and learning about its many intricacies.
What is exploration if you do not get a chance to sample the local cuisine? Relish some of the local delicacies of the High Ranges - an overwhelming melange of spices, tubers and meats. We do not offer any exotic or Continental cuisine: we provide our guests intrinsic Kerala food, prepared from locally-sourced ingredients, which also gives them an opportunity to sample regional flavours and delicacies.
The cuisine of the High Ranges is very distinctive. Tubers (yams, colocasias, tapioca) form an integral part of the local diet, served along with spicy non-vegetarian curries, including chicken, pork and dried fish. Learn the basics of some flagship yet simple dishes from housewives or our tribal friends in our cuisine demonstration sessions.
Kappa (a delectable maincourse of steamed tapioca aka cassava) served with the local red chilly-flavored fish curry, inji curry (a ginger-based side dish traditionally served with red rice and other vegetable accompanyments), avial (a coconut-based mix of several vegetables with special hill-side inclusions such as Chinese potatoes or koorka) and local slow-cooked chicken curry are just a few of our many specialities. Let us know in advance if you have any food preferences, and we will whip up a meal that will leave your taste buds tingling and longing for more!