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CARDAMOM HOUSE
G 307, Athoor Village, Dindigul District - 624701.Tamilnadu South India.


Is owned and managed by a retired British Physician. Here the atmosphere is completely informal and the daily activities of the house are tailored to accommodate our guest’s own personal programs.

“Cardamom House” enjoys a stunning location on the edge of the monsoon dependent Kamarajar Lake which nestles in the foothills of the mountains of the Western Ghats. The close proximity of these mountains exerts a cooling effect to the climate of the area. Birdlife is abundant and we even get the occasional glimpse of a Leopard or Black Panther as they move silently through the undergrowth.

Here you can experience true unspoiled rural and village life at your own pace. Activities such as walking, bird watching, photography and painting are popular but when the spirit moves you, we will help to arrange tours to nearby fascinating places such as the famous Temple City of Madurai or Lord Murugan’s Temple abode at Palani.  The Hill Station of Kodaikanal is but a three hour drive away and is well worth a visit.  To read more details please look under the section " So many activities”

We are a small Homestay with 6 double rooms and a suite which can also be divided into two.  All rooms are named after an Indian Spice or Herb. All face South with superb views of both the Lake and the Western Ghats.  The rooms are cooled by ceiling fans and are simply but pleasingly furnished. They have a western style bathroom / toilet with water heated by eco-friendly Solar collectors.

Early morning tea or coffee is served on the verandah outside your room whilst lunch is taken in “Four Winds” – an area cooled by natural breezes. In the evening you can watch the sun sunk below the Western Ghats as you enjoy Sundowners” on the rooftop Terrace

We are proud of our culinary excellence and, using only fresh produce from the local village market or our own Farm. We cook a wide variety of meals using recipes from around the world.

Our garden boasts a wild profusion of tropical flowers, shrubs and trees whilst apricot, magenta and white Bougainvillea cascade down providing shade to the rooms below. In the evening the sweet smell from the Frangipani trees or Jasmine flowers, hangs in the air! In the middle of the garden there is a small pond where often you will see a cheeky Kingfisher perched on a rock with his beady eye intently watching our fish!But despite being located in the midst of nature, we are also very close to excellent Air, Rail and Road communications.   Refer to “LOCATION & CLIMATE ” for details of how to find us!


“Bird-watching” or “Birding” is fast becoming a popular activity in India and a lot of attention is being paid by birders to our area in particular. A recent visit by a group of what could be called “Professional Enthusiasts” from the United Kingdom reported seeing more than 160 different species just walking around the Lake in a period of just 4 days!  Every morning you can expect to wake to the sounds of a chorus of different birds including noisy  Peacocks.  During your early morning tea you may see many types of Sunbirds or Flower Peckers flitting from bush to bush. If you decide on a stroll down to the Lake, you will be rewarded by the sight of myriads of different types of Water Birds. Kingfishers, Herons, Cranes, Painted and Adjutant Storks - to name but a few which are frequently spotted, plus of course a whole host of Ducks!  Raise your eyes to the hills and don’t be surprised to see various types of Eagles soaring amongst the rocks. The list just goes on and on!

The Bird-life in the cool climate of the hills of the Western Ghats (a short taxi ride away) is different in so many ways from that you will see on the plains. A day trip up into the hills will give you the chance of expanding your sightings even further.

In addition to the Birds, large and small highly coloured species of Butterflies are frequently to be seen in and around our house and gardens. 

“Cardamom House” is really a splendid place for those who enjoy watching birds. It is indeed a “Not to Miss” destination for ‘serious’ and also for the ‘not so serious’ Bird-watchers.


WILDLIFE

By its very nature, wildlife is elusive and difficult to spot. Nevertheless sightings are not uncommon and in just two days some guests saw three Leopards!  The area is not home to Tigers but Bison, Wild Boar, Mongoose and Monkeys are occasionally seen whilst a variety of Chameleons and Lizards are common. Cheeky Chipmunks are everywhere all the time!

INTERESTING WALKS NEAR TO “CARDAMOM HOUSE

STROLL AROUND THE LAKE
This easy and popular walk is best undertaken in the morning before the sun gets too hot. As you stroll along, the track will take you past Coconut and Mango Plantations and many tall Palmyra Palms. This walk will give Birders the opportunity to get close to the myriads of water birds around the Lake borders.

LORD SADYANI TEMPLE

This is a short walk that can easily be taken in the morning or late afternoon. This Temple is of deep religious significance to many Hindus and in August there is a Festival held in the Deities Honour attended by some 40,000 or more Pilgrims.

The Temple itself is situated in a Cave on a hill.  Before you ascend you will also see a large Banyan Tree with a more modest Shrine where many family celebrations are held. These often involve the ritual sacrifice of a Goat – and subsequent serving it up in a very spicy curry!  There are also numerous small Shrines around the area where Farm Labourers stop to pray.

WATERFALL

You must leave early for this walk for it takes around 90 minutes in each direction. The Falls are Monsoon dependent and when in full flood are indeed a magnificent sight.  You can take a cooling swim in a natural rock pool to freshen up before the return walk. If you like Picnics, this is a perfect place for you.

ATHOOR VILLAGE

Probably our most popular excursion! One couple described their trip to the village as being the “- absolute highlight of our trip to India”. We try to provide one of our knowledgeable English speaking Tamil staff to accompany guests. There are many sights to see and photo opportunities, but the chance to meet and talk to the villagers themselves is usually the memory that stays with those who visit Athoor.

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