Explore,Experience and Relax in the Spice
            growing country side of Kerala

Haritha Farms, a Keralan family owned eco farm growing spices and tropical plants on the foothills of Western Ghats of Kerala State in South India, welcomes travellers to spend some days in the rural Kerala.

We open our doors to guests to come and stay on our farm, which uses the Indian equivalent of permaculture techniques in growing coconut, pineapple, plantains, spices and other tropical plants and trees.

You can explore the farm, the nearby village or relax with a book from our small collection. You can also take walks down the many paths in the countryside, climb hills, watch the life around and take a dip in the fresh water river in the summertime.

If it interests you, we would be happy to show you the plants we grow and explain the sustainable methods of growing them.

We serve home cooked Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, evening Tea/Coffee and Supper. Food is included in the price.
After Supper you can chat or watch the stars if it is a clear sky.
 

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IS HONORED TO FEATURE HARITHA FARMS IN KERALA.

About the farm

HARITHA (meaning GREEN) is a spice and coconut garden of 2.5 hectares and was established in 1962 growing rubber and coconut. It is situated on a hilly piece of land facing paddy fields and a small hillock. In 1990 we decided to opt for sustainable farming. As a first step, we stopped using all pesticides and weed killers. In 1993 for effective sustainable farming we removed rubber trees, as it is not an
Eco friendly crop.
Plants now include Coconut, Pineapple, Bananas, different types of Yam, Tapioca, spices such as Pepper, Ginger, Nutmeg, Turmeric, other tropical fruit trees and medicinal herbs. In 1993 we stopped using chemical fertilizers and came in the way of nature. The farm also maintains a small number of cows and free range chickens. Our future plans include developing renewable energy sources for the farm. Our endeavor is to develop a role model for economically viable Eco farming. This is nothing but a return to a traditional farming system called ëThe Thodií (Tropical home garden or forest garden). In 1994 the farm was opened to guests to supplement the farm income. In 1996
accommodation was offered to guests. Thus became pioneers in  eco-agri-tourism in South India. The response from the early visitors was inspiring and encouraged us to continue. Now the accommodation is
offered in the newly built cottages, close to the farm house and at the same time ensuring the guests privacy. We take care to keep the number of guests limited so as to serve them better and to minimise the impact on the farm. The Farm can be visited all year round.
Food
We offer a variety of Eastern Keralan specialties and other Indian dishes home cooked with the aroma of our fresh farm grown spices and coconut. The food is mild in taste and is mainly vegetarian. Tropical fruits are also available according to season.
Accommodation
Clean and comfortable rooms with veranda are offered in cottages built in traditional style, using local and recycled materials. Rooms have fan, mosquito net, western toilet and shower.

© Copyright, 2003 by Off The Beaten Path (All rights reserved).