Have you ever been in the kitchen and wondered where all those different spices come from?
Well, let me tell you – most of the spices in your kitchen come from the spice gardens of Kerala, India. Surprised? Yes, it’s true!
Kerala’s spices, whether it’s cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, or turmeric, are world-famous. To experience the authentic taste and learn how these spices are produced, you need to step out of your comfort zone and take a trip to the spice gardens of Kerala.
To learn more about Kerala’s spice gardens, read this blog. You’ll also have the chance to speak with chefs since it’s not just about the spices – a good chef knows how to use them effectively. And if you’re looking to buy spices, you can also visit spice markets in Kerala.
So, planning your Indian trip to explore spice gardens, it’s highly recommended to take a package from Indian Holiday. I travelled to Kerala with them last time, and my experience was top-notch, so your trip will be hassle-free and memorable.
Most Famous Spice Gardens in Kerala
1. Periyar Spice & Ayurvedic Garden, Thekkady
If you’ve already visited Kerala, you might know that Thekkady is famous for its wildlife and natural beauty. But did you know that Thekkady is also known for its spice plantations?
This spice garden in Kerala is especially famous for its cardamom. Other famous spices in this garden include pepper, cinnamon, and more.
You can learn all about these plants from the farmers who take care of them. You’ll even get a chance to see them being cultivated and processed in factories, where raw spices are turned into the final products.
Several of these spices are also used in Ayurvedic practices, so it’s a good idea to hire a knowledgeable guide who can share detailed information about the practices.
For guides, you can contact the Indian Holiday travel company.
- Famous Spices: Cardamom, Pepper, and Cinnamon.
- Opening Hours: 9 am–6 pm
2. Abraham’s Spice Garden, Thekkady
Another spice garden I visited in Kerala was Abraham’s Spice Garden, which is also located in Thekkady. It is a completely organic garden, and tourists travel from all over the world to see it.
This is not just a spice garden; you can also see flora, fauna, medicinal herbs, fruits, and flowers, among other things.
So, if you are a nature lover, you will also love exploring this garden.
The garden mainly cultivates coffee, pepper, vanilla, and cocoa, along with many other fruits and flowers. Similar to Periyar Spice Garden, this garden also has Ayurvedic herbs for various treatments.
- Famous Spices: Vanilla, Cardamom, and Pepper
- Opening Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm
3. Cinnamon Gardens Spices Plantation
When it comes to a trip to Kerala, visiting Munnar is a must because this hill station in Kerala offers something for every type of traveller. This hill station, covered with tea plantations, also has many spice gardens.
When I was in Munnar, I visited the Cinnamon Garden.
It was a great experience to tour the spice plantation, learn about the different uses of the plants, and see how they are sold and used around the world. My guide from Indian Holiday was highly knowledgeable as he explained everything about the spices and their uses.
If you want to explore the garden to its fullest, plan your visit during the afternoon. It may be a bit challenging to reach the park due to the slightly high temperature, but once you get there, it’s totally worth it.
As there are fewer tourists in the afternoon, you can spend more time with the workers.
At the end, you can explore the inventory. If you’re planning to visit, I recommend setting aside at least 2 hours if you want to get the most out of it.
- Famous Spices: Cinnamon
- Opening Hours: 8 am–6:30 pm
4. Green Valley -Thekkady
Located in Thekkady, Green Valley displays a wide range of Indian spices. There is a garden here that tells the history of the traditional spices. These spices are used to make medicines and to cook in Ayurveda.
You can take guided tours to learn about the cultivation process and the different plants present there.
- Famous Spices: Berries, Turmeric, Nutmeg, Vanilla
- Opening Hours: 8 am–7 pm
5. Karadippara Spice Garden
Karadippara Spice Garden in Munnar produces cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg in well-tended landscapes.
Visitors can learn about traditional spice farming methods.
The peaceful environment makes it a perfect place for photography and relaxation. If you are a photography lover, be sure to visit this garden along with the Cinnamon Gardens Spices Plantation.
- Famous Spices: Cardamom, Pepper Nutmeg, Vanilla
- Opening Hours: 8:30 am–6 pm
In addition to these spice gardens, there are many more you can visit in Kerala. For more information, you can contact Indian Holiday’s travel experts.
Chef’s Favourite Kerala Spices
a) Cambodge
Cambodge is chefs’ first choice when it comes to curries, chutneys, pickles and tenderizing meat. It is made from the dried rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit, more commonly known as Malabar Tamarind.
Medicinal Uses: Because it is rich in hydroxy citric acid, it helps manage weight and has digestive properties.
b) Black Pepper
As I mentioned earlier, black pepper is grown in almost every garden in Kerala. Due to its extensive production, it is exported from Kerala to worldwide.
The spice is used by almost all chefs in India and worldwide because it elevates the taste of a variety of dishes, from salads to curries.
Medicinal Uses: It contains piperine, a substance that improves brain function and digestion and enhances nutrient absorption.
C) Cardamom
No chef can forget cardamom when it comes to making tea, preparing kheer, or cooking biryani. If this spice goes missing from the kitchen, it feels like Indian cuisine just wouldn’t be complete.
Medicinal Uses: It aids digestion, freshens breath, lowers blood pressure, and improves gut health.
d) Cloves
This ancient species from Kerala has been used as a flavouring agent for centuries.
Medicinal Uses: Cloves have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties
e) Cinnamon
A chef uses cinnamon mainly to flavour sweet and savoury dishes because it adds warmth and aroma. You can find this spice in many Asian and Middle Eastern desserts, baked goods, and meat dishes.
Medicinal Uses: It contains antioxidants, supports heart health, regulates blood sugar levels, and boosts circulation.
f) Nutmeg
A spice from Kerala is derived from the seeds of a tree that produces both nutmeg and mace. It’s a favourite ingredient in baking, often added to cookies and cakes to give them a delightful flavour and aroma.
Medicinal Uses: This spice is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It works as a natural sleep aid, helps improve digestion, and promotes overall well-being.
Final Words
Now you have all the info on Kerala’s spice gardens. You can visit one or explore them all—it’s your choice! Don’t forget to buy some spices as souvenirs to take home. When you use them in your dishes, their aroma will bring back memories of your Kerala trip.
So why wait? Talk to the travel experts at Indian Holiday and book your package today. With their package, you won’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation, meals, or swift transfers—everything will be taken care of.
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