Tent stay in Vattavada: what to expect

EKA Forest sits on a slope above Vattavada, the last Kerala village on the high road past Munnar and Top Station. It is a small place: a handful of canvas tents among eucalyptus and pine, a garden, a terrace that looks out over the hills, and a fire that gets lit most evenings. If you are wondering whether a tent stay here is for you, this is what it is actually like.

The tents

Each tent is set on its own patch of ground with a view of the ridges. Inside there is a proper bed with warm bedding, because you will need it. Nights in Vattavada are cold all year, and in December and January they can drop close to freezing. We give you thick blankets, but bring layers anyway. A warm jacket, socks and a cap make the difference between a cold night and a cosy one.

The tents share clean common washrooms with hot water. That is the main thing to know if you are used to hotel rooms. The walk is short, and there is a light on the path, but carry a small torch for the night.

Mornings

Most guests are surprised by how early they wake up. The light comes in through the canvas, the birds start, and on many mornings the valley below is full of mist. Step out with a cup of tea and watch it lift off the farms. On a clear day you can see the terraced fields of carrot, garlic and cabbage stepping down the hills. Vattavada grows vegetables instead of tea, which is why it looks so different from Munnar.

Food

We cook simple home-style meals and serve them in the outdoor dining area. Much of what we cook comes from the farms around the village. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book, and we will plan around them. There are only a few small shops in the village, so it helps to let us know in advance if you want something particular.

Evenings

Once the sun goes down behind the ridge, the temperature drops quickly. This is when people gather around the campfire. On a clear night with no moon, the sky here is properly dark, and you can often see the Milky Way rising over the hills. There is no music system and no party. Most evenings end early, with people heading to bed full and tired from a day of walking.

What there is to do

Honestly, not much in the busy sense, and that is the point. You can walk down through the farms and the old lanes of Kovilur village. You can drive back to Pambadum Shola National Park, a few kilometres away, for a forest walk. You can go to Top Station for sunrise, when the valley on the Tamil Nadu side fills with cloud. Or you can sit on the terrace with a book and not move until lunch.

Connectivity

There is Wi-Fi at the property, but this is a remote hill village and speeds come and go. Mobile coverage is patchy. Jio and BSNL tend to work best. Download your maps and tickets before you leave Munnar, and tell people at home you might be quiet for a day or two.

Getting here before dark

The road to Vattavada passes through the Pambadum Shola forest check-post, which only lets vehicles through between 6 AM and 6 PM. Plan your drive so that you cross it well before evening. We have a separate note on how to reach Vattavada from Munnar and Kochi.

Who it suits

EKA Forest suits people who like cold air, walking, early nights and a bit of quiet. Families are welcome, and so are well-behaved pets if you tell us in advance. If you need an attached bathroom, room service or a lively evening, this is probably not the place, and we would rather tell you that now.

Before you come

Pack warm layers, a jacket, socks, a cap and comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a torch and any medicines you need.
Carry some cash; card and UPI can depend on the network.
Check-in is from 1 PM, check-out by 11 AM.

If that sounds like your kind of weekend, we would love to have you.

Timings, transport and facilities can change – please check locally before you go.