The Story of Three Hills Resort
Imagine a land blessed by the golden hand of history, shrouded in the timeless mists of mystery, and flawlessly adorned in nature’s everlasting splendour. Wayanad, with her enchanting vistas and captivating secrets, is a land without equals. And in her embrace, you will discover something way beyond anything you have ever encountered.
Three Hills Mountain Resort is an ayurveda Heritage Stay nestled amid the luxurious greenery of a coffee plantation and nestled on the lap of the Western Ghats. , It has all the elements necessary for the rejuvenation of the body and mind. Wayanad is considered one of the honeymoon destinations in south India. On one side is the Chembra Peak, one of the highest peaks in Kerala and on the other side is the Manikkunnu Hills, a divine mountain known for the sacred presence of God Vishnu with a tiny jungle shrine.
One can view the clouds flowing across Chembra Peak which is clad in a thin cover of mist for most of the time. We integrate traditional Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with international wellness experiences, fitness and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonize energy. Our property lies amidst 10 acres coffee plantation, about 2 Km from Kalpetta, the capital of Wayanad. It’s a 'Nalukettu' traditional Kerala home architecture with a huge herbal garden hosted by Ayurveda Doctor.
Ever since we opened our doors in 2018, we had one goal in mind: offering our guests comfortable, affordable and all around exceptional accommodation. Threehillscounty covers every aspect of your stay: central location, cosy beds, delicious food and superb services. Take a look at our site to learn more about us, and book your room today!
Over the hills and far away…
Wayanad is a district located in the northeast of the Indian state of Kerala, at the southernmost tip of the Deccan Plateau. The literal translation of “Wayanad” is “Wayal-nad” or “The Land of Paddy Fields”. It is well known for its dense virgin forests, majestic hills, flourishing plantations and long-standing spice trade. Wayanad’s cool highland climate is often accompanied by sudden outbursts of torrential rain and rousing mists that blanket the landscape. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.
History
Wayanad is also known for its indigenous tribal population. The tribes of Wayanad have inhabited its forests for thousands of years, and some of their traditions live on to this day. When the state of Kerala came into being in 1956, Wayanad was a part of the Kannur district. Later in 1957, South Wayanad was added to Kozhikode Thamarassery Churam (Ghat Pass) district and North Wayanad remained with Kannur. By amalgamating North Wayanad and South Wayanad, the present Wayanad district came into being on the 1st of November 1980. Wayanad is landlocked by the Calicut, Mallapuram and Kannur districts of Kerala, the Kodagu, Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka, and the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The district is centred upon three major towns: Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and the district headquarters, Kalpetta.
Wayal-Nad
The land of paddy fields
Paddy is cultivated in Wayanad’s plains where the soil and climate is perfect for its growth. Paddy fields are called “Wayals” in Malayalam, and thus the name Wayal-nad.
Footprints in the sands of time…
Wayanad’s rich history stretches back to the Neolithic Age, with the Edakkal Caves being one of the earliest signs of human settlement to be discovered. There are signs of an organized human civilization here that existed centuries before the coming of Christ. Even though very little is known about these ancient settlers, the cave paintings at Edakkal, the burial sites discovered around the caves, and the ancient earthenware found within are definite proof of their existence
Flavours from beyond…
Wayanad, being part of Malabar, shares the same flavour palette with the cuisine of North Kerala. The cuisine of Malabar was influenced by the varied tastes and ingredients brought in by traders from Greece, Rome, Arabia, and Portugal. This was blended with the local cuisine to give birth to a unique food platter. In Wayanad’s case, the presence of a tribal population also contributed to its distinctive style
Misty mornings at tea estates
Wayanad’s cool climate and its double monsoons were perfect for spices like pepper, cardamom and ginger. These spices were usually traded from the nearby ports controlled by the Zamorin of Calicut. Between the 7th and 15th centuries, Arab merchants supplied Indian spices to the West but took care to keep their source a closely guarded secret. They would create a sense of mystery by withholding the origins of their wares and would ensure high prices by telling fantastic tales about fighting off fierce winged creatures to reach spices growing high on cliff walls.
Assorted Spices
After Vasco da Gama successfully discovered the route to India via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498, Portugal gained a monopoly on the spice trade that served it wonderfully for some time. During the 16th century, over half of the revenues of the Portuguese government came from Western African gold and Indian spices, with the spices being more valuable than the gold. But it was not to last for long and by the 1580s, Venice was increasing its pepper imports rapidly at the expense of Portugal. By the 17th century, the trade came into the hands of the Dutch, who held it zealously till the British took over. The struggle between the Western European powers of France, Spain, Portugal, Great Britain and Holland for control over the spice trade endured over three centuries.
Haunting tales and vengeful spirits…
It is a story that can be traced back to the Colonial era, to a time when a relatively young East India Company was exerting its growing influence. The local legend speaks of Karinthandan, a member of the Panniya tribe of Wayanad. Back in those days, the way to Lakkidi was a secret route into Wayanad, known only to the local tribesmen. The British wanted to seek out a passage to Wayanad, and it was Karinthandan who provided them with this knowledge. But once they had what they came for, they executed him in an area that was previously used for ritual animal sacrifice. The story goes on to say that this area became the haunt for Karinthandan’s vengeful spirit. After several disturbing incidents, a ritual was conducted, and his spirit was bound to a chain. This chain was tied to a Ficus tree, and there are claims that the chain is apparently growing along with the tree. The Chain tree has since become a shrine to Karinthandan and his memory. He is considered to be the first martyr of Wayanad and rituals are conducted in his honour every year.
Abode of the gods…
The ancient Hindu temple of Thirunelly sits in a picturesque valley, surrounded by dense forests and mountains. It is known as “Dakhin Kashi” or the “Varanasi of the South”. Legend has it that the shrine was built by Lord Brahma (The Creator) to please Lord Vishnu (The Preserver). The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be over a thousand years old. The ancient architecture incorporates 30 granite pillars and an aqueduct. The holy mountain stream, Papanassini, is located close to the temple and is said to wash away the sins of a lifetime. The Shiva Temple at Thrishillery is intrinsically linked with Thirunelly. In fact, holy rituals performed at Thirunelly are considered complete only after an offering is made at Thrishillery.
The adventure trail…
Wayanad is a haven for adventure and nature tourists. Wayanad’s cool highlands and riveting landscapes make it a trekker’s paradise. Treks are usually of moderate difficulty and could take about 1-5 hours. These treks take you through Wayanad’s most picturesque and adventurous spots. Camping, kayaking, rock climbing and boating are some other to explore Wayanad to your heart’s content. Picnic spots scattered across Wayanad are another great way to kill time with your folks, and even better for a quest for solitude and reflection. Other activities like mountain biking, off-roading, and 4x4 jeep racing are also actively pursued here. Recognising Wayanad’s mostly untapped potential as a major adventure sports centre, the DTPC has set up some exciting adventure projects like the Wayanad Adventure Camp and Priyadarshini Tea Environs.
Highland Realms…
Standing at 6730 feet above sea level, the Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, and one of its most sought-after trekking spots. It is part of the Wayanad range of the Western Ghats and is located 8km south of Kalpetta. Trekking to the top can take up to 2 hours. One of the major attractions here is the heart-shaped lake located on the way to the peak. The Chembra Peak area is also home to a wide variety of orchids and other flowering plants, making it a great location for a scenic nature walk and even a natural research expedition
Untamed & Untouched…
In terms of the percentage of forest cover with total geographical area, Wayanad district has the highest forest cover in Kerala with 83.3%. Wayanad’s forests are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the 20 reserves in UNESCO’S World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The region is home to around 3000 species of flowering plants, nearly 300 species of birds, 60 species of amphibians, and 34 species of large mammals. It was the first biosphere reserve to be established in India.
The land and its people…
The people of Wayanad have a warm welcoming nature and share a special bond with their land. Agriculture and tourism are the two major professions pursued. Malayalam is the most widely used language here, but most government and tourism officials have a working knowledge of English and Hindi. Even though Wayanad is the least populated district in Kerala, it has the highest tribal population. Each tribe had its own special trade and purpose. The Kurichiyas and Kurumas have a strong martial history, the Uralis are primarily an artisan tribe, while the Kaatunayakans were considered the chieftains of the jungles. Even now the tribals are experts at extracting valuable forest resources, and their weapons, art forms and handicrafts are major attractions for tourists. Their ethnic food recipes, like dishes made from forest leaves, bamboo and paddy crabs, are also very much in demand.
Home of the Monsoons..
The double monsoons bring an abundance of rainfall to Wayanad. The south west monsoon hits Wayanad during the midsummer months, and the north east monsoon usually blows over during the winter. Torrential rain, rousing mists and the unruly wind give Wayanad a wild glamour during the monsoons.
The spirit of Wayanad lies in its historical, cultural and natural treasures. It is the home of the monsoons, and the land of the emerald hills. An abode of age old legends and fallen heroes, where the first vines of history, superstition and wild adventure sprouted and took hold. Here, the dawn of civilisation burst through with its first golden rays, and kept shining for an eternity. Wayanad, it seems, is a blessed land in many ways, and when in Wayanad, we too can share in its blessing.