India, a country rich in its myriad diversity and cultural heritage, is also well known as a land of spices and when it comes to spices, there could be no better state that has the multitude of spice plantations, the god’s own country Kerala. Kerala comes from ‘kera’ in Malayalam, which translates to coconut. So, land of coconuts – Keralam or Kerala.

As soon as we hear Kerala, we envision a territory with picturesque and pristine beaches, beautiful backwaters, lofty hill stations, widespread captivating banana and tea plantations, and hectares of coconut and palm tree groves, dense unfathomable forests and rich flora and fauna

I had the opportune moment to visit God’s Own Country (as it is widely known to westerners like me) Kerala, a while ago. I would specifically like to share my experience in a small village named Thekkady. The experience at Thekkady was exceptional. I always cherished the brainwork to spend my time amidst nature, under the galactic heaven and in between acres of verdant ranches and Harvest Fresh Farm met my these expectations throughout my stay with them. I got introduced to the world of organic farming and even better, farmstay. At first, I was very wary of the hygiene and food concerns; as the places where I spent most of my holidays were one of the best and unblemished places I have ever been to.

Harvest Fresh Farms is a certified organic farm in Kerala set in the heart of the tranquil Cumbum valley, at Lower Camp, girdled by mountains that kiss the clouds with streams gushing down its slopes and lush farmlands. A short 15-minute drive down the windward side of Kumily, Thekkady, Kerala, the Harvest Fresh Farms is an excellent place to detach from the adulterated world and connect with nature. It is a well-maintained organic farmstay with great food. The stay was very gracious and mind refreshing, entirely circumscribed by plant kingdom. It was an insight into the ways of organic farming in India. It was exactly the way shown on their website. By far, one of the best farmstays in Thekkady.

This mind blowing and phenomenal organic farmstay  experience must be on your bucket list this year for following reasons:

Experience rustic life

Harvest Fresh Farms will take you on their farm tour in a tractor. Nothing can get as exciting as hopping in a tractor trolley and enjoying the scenic village life. This farmstay gives you the most enjoyable countryside experience. One can experience the rustic life over here. It has proximity to Periyar national park and lake. Thekkady is also known as spice village, and you would see several organic produces in their garden.

Home away from home

This is the exact place wherein we can never feel home sick. You get a lot of hotel options for Kerala tourism however this farmstay at Thekkady takes you on a different level altogether and is a complete package. It has homely food and hospitality. What else could one ask for in a foreign land?

Indulge in delicious local cuisine

If you want to experience God’s Own Country truly, then dive your senses in regional cuisine. Enjoy the local cuisine here as coconut milk is used to prepare meals. It is a gastronomic affair that one should not miss when at Harvest Fresh Farms. It gives you an authentic feel of India. You can gorge in the fresh produce right from their fields. The food here is served hot and simply amazing. Most of the fruits and vegetables are grown on their farm and harvested fresh for consumption.

Get introduced to organic farming

Thekkady is known for home-made chocolates, and a variety of the fruit plants grown here.  Harvest Fresh Farm in Thekkady is famous for its organically grown produce, which is one of the best places to experience the fruit plantation along with an apiary that produces the finest honey. The local farmers cultivate Pomegranate as their main harvest along with papaya & grapes employing organic farming methods. Organic farming is a more sustainable way of farming and a much greener way of agriculture, and Harvest Fresh Farm helps you understand the entire process. You can acquaint yourself with this knowledge and promote the organic way of living to help reduces the carbon footprint substantially.

Enjoy eco-activities amidst lush greenery

Harvest Fresh Farms conserves the nature and makes use of the available resources in a more sustainable way. This is by far the best place to learn about water conservation, waste management, and soil management. Harvest Fresh Farms has been certified in organic farming which means their farming practices do not deplete the fertility of soil. Harvest Fresh Farm’s Herbal Garden will help you learn the botanical names of various herbs and aid in experiencing the taste, smell, and growing habits; its function and how it can be used in gentle and holistic healing.

Visiting Kerala would be imperfect without visiting Harvest Fresh Farm and make sure you tick this off your bucket list with your friends and family as soon as you can.

The experience you would gain here would be a lot more as compared to the clichéd Kerala Tourism Packages. Isn’t the forethought so thrilling, now start packing your bags and explore every bit of the event itself. Book your Harvest Fresh Farm Stay – www. harvestfresh.in