Sanawara - eco tourism at its best

A recent stay in Sanawara,(www.sanawara.com) in the Western Ghats, the northern most tip of Kerala, showed me how ecology and sustainability are practised, not preached. Hosts, Manju and KJ Parel, welcome you into their home and make you feel like old friends. The house, recently built in traditional Kerala style, is surrounded by flowering plants, shrubs and trees, inside and out. Fruit and vegetables come from the garden and farm, fish from the sea, 35 km. down the hill. Everything is seasonal, fresh and delicious.

Serenity slips over you as you drive up to this peaceful haven. KJ, a Keralite who loves his roots, can tell you about the history, culture and traditions of the area. There are many activities: hikes and treks into the forest, observing wildlife, especially birds, ob visits to nearby villages or to Bekal Fort, perched on the cliff side, with an opportunity to scramble over the cliffs and then relax on a quiet, sandy beach.

For 'time out' Ayurvedic massages can be arranged, in a purpose-built space, using the traditional methods, on a traditional teak table and the traditional fireplace for the oil treatment.
Try it out, there's something for everyone concerned with nature, our planet - and a very pleasant break in today's hectic life. Another advantage, it's one of the best offers of value for money you could find.