Pepper Trail

Pepper Trail is a charming, secluded hideaway with 200 acres of tea, coffee, and spice gardens that make up the Mangalam Carp Estate. It is an excellent, affordable base from which to discover Wayanad. At the heart of this intimate plantation retreat is the thoughtfully restored 140-year-old colonial bungalow that was once the private residence of Scottish planter Colin Auley Mackenzie and has been brought up to date to meet the needs of modern-day travellers.

Accommodation at Pepper Trail comprises two spacious suites within the main bungalow and two rustic-style tree houses tucked amongst tall jackfruit trees. All four rooms are tastefully decorated with period-style furniture and antiques and designed to offer sublime views of the surrounding estate. Dining at Pepper Trail is a treat, and guests can choose traditional Keralan or Continental cuisine served in the restaurant set high amidst the trees. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool and a spa, and activities include guided walks through the spice-laden trails that take you through the retreat, coracle rides on the retreat’s private lake and interactive cooking lessons. Guests staying at Pepper Trail should be aware that this retreat does not have a licence to serve alcohol, so guests are encouraged to bring their own.