Escape to Paradise: Evergreen Villa, Wayanad's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Evergreen Villa – Wayanad, Where Reality Met Exaggerated Expectations (and Mostly Won!)
Okay, so let's be real. "Escape to Paradise: Evergreen Villa" sounds like something out of a brochure. And, yeah, it is a brochure-worthy spot, nestled in the misty mountains of Wayanad. But my experience? Well, it wasn't all perfectly filtered sunsets and Instagram-worthy poses. It was…human. And that’s what made it good.
Accessibility & The Great "Is It Accessible?" Question:
First off, let's tear down the facade a little. While the website claims accessibility, I’d treat that with a healthy dose of skepticism. Wayanad is, well, hilly. The roads getting there are hair-raising. And while the Villa does have an elevator (yes!), navigating those winding paths to reach it…let's just say you'd need some serious maneuvering skills. If you're relying on a wheelchair, call ahead and get very specific details. Don’t assume; verify. Otherwise, it might be a beautiful, inaccessible view.
Food, Glorious Food (and The Occasional Blip):
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where Evergreen Villa really shines, or at least tries to. The options are plentiful – a 24-hour room service menu (bliss after a long drive!), a poolside bar (Mojitos, anyone?), and several restaurants offering a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. I even spotted a sneaky vegetarian restaurant tucked away.
- The Buffet vs. My Appetite: Breakfast? Buffet. Which, for a food-motivated human like myself, is a glorious battlefield of decisions. Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast…the choices were overwhelming. I went full-on glutton mode, grabbing everything, from dosas to pastries. The downside? Post-breakfast bloat. Totally worth it.
- The "Happy Hour" Illusion: Okay, the “Happy Hour” was a bit…optimistic. The drinks weren’t bad, but the atmosphere felt a little corporate. I was hoping for something more vibey, more… Wayanadi.
- The Imperfect Plate: I ordered a salad one night. Simple, right? Wrong. It arrived with a slightly wilted lettuce. Not a deal-breaker, but it highlighted the occasional inconsistency. Hey, even paradise has its off days.
Cleanliness & Safety: Top marks here. With everything that's been going on, seeing their dedication to Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items eased my mind. It felt genuinely safe, and that's a huge win. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, like little friendly reminders to keep my grubby hands clean. The staff adhered to Staff trained in safety protocol religiously.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation – Did I Actually Relax?
- Spa Day Dreams (And Reality): This is where Evergreen Villa truly delivers on its promise of escape. The Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Pool with view and Pool [outdoor] are all top-notch. The massage, though? Oh, the massage. Pure bliss. I'm talking head-to-toe relaxation. I may have even snored a little. No judgment, okay? The view from the spa was stunning.
- The Gym/fitness – I will admit, it's there, I saw it. I did not, however, utilize it. Blame the delicious food. Blame the spa. I'm a terrible tourist…
- Things To Do (Beyond the Spa): Evergreen Villa knows its audience. The Fitness center is there, but the real draw is the chance to do nothing. Seriously. I spent an afternoon just staring at the Pool with view, watching the clouds drift by. Pure. Bliss.
Internet Access & Tech Shenanigans:
- The Wi-Fi Paradox: Okay, this is where things get a little messy. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boasted. Well…it was "free" and it existed. But the signal strength? Let's just say it was occasionally…ephemeral. I had to venture into the main building for any serious work. Internet [LAN] might be a good option but I did not get a chance to test it. Overall, Internet, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN are all available, but be prepared for some digital hiccups.
Services & Conveniences – The "Stuff That Makes Life Easier":
- Helpful Humans: The staff were generally lovely. The Concierge, very helpful. The Front desk [24-hour] always had a smile. Things like Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Laundry service are all useful. Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless.
- The Little Things (and Some Not-So-Little Things): They had a Convenience store just in case you needed a late-night snack. Room service [24-hour]…enough said. They offered dry cleaning which I appreciated (a sweaty traveler!).
- The "Is It REALLY Necessary?" Stuff: The Business facilities, audio-visual equipment for special events, meetings/banquet facilities, facilities for disabled guests felt a little out of place. They're there, but I don't know who would bring their powerpoint to this mountain paradise.
For the Kids (or Not So Much):
- I didn't travel with children. However, they have Family/child friendly facilities. The Babysitting service and the Kids meal are nice touches, even if I can't personally vouch for them.
My Room – The Sanctuary (Mostly):
The Good Bits: My room (a Non-smoking haven, thankfully) was spacious and comfortable. Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens – essential elements that made the stay enjoyable. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver.
The Quirks: The soundproofing was pretty good, but I swear I heard the distant rumble of a motorbike now and then. It added character! The complimentary tea was much appreciated. I liked my desk, although I did not use it because I was relaxing!
Room Decorations/Safety/Security Feature all checked out well!
Getting Around – Wayanad Navigation 101:
- The Car Park [on-site] was handy (and car park [free of charge] is ideal). Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Taxi service are available.
Overall: The Verdict?
Evergreen Villa is a special place. It’s not flawless – the Wi-Fi is a bit flaky, the "Happy Hour" needs a reboot, and the accessibility needs serious investigation before booking. But the beautiful setting, the generally excellent service, the delicious food, and the genuinely relaxing atmosphere more than made up for the imperfections. It’s the kind of place where you can actually escape…even if reality occasionally peeks through. Would I go back? Absolutely. Knowing its flaws, I can plan accordingly. And that’s the sign of a truly memorable getaway.
Unbelievable Ohrid Luxury: Villa St. Sofija Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for Evergreen Villa Wayanad? It's gonna be less "perfectly planned vacation" and more "slightly chaotic but ultimately unforgettable adventure." Expect detours, unexpected downpours, and my general inability to stick to a schedule. Consider this your warning!
Day 1: Arrival, Agony, and the Promise of Paradise (Maybe)
- Morning (like, REALLY early): Flight to Kozhikode (CCJ). Ugh, airports. The people, the smells, the perpetual anxiety about losing my luggage. I swear, I always pack just enough to be over the weight limit. Finally, the relief of touching down.
- Mid-morning: The drive to Evergreen Villa. Let me tell you, 4-5 hours in a very spirited taxi with a driver who seems to think he's auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie? NOT for the faint of heart. We weave through traffic like a caffeinated squirrel, windows down, the air thick with the scent of exhaust fumes and jasmine. I arrived, mostly intact, and my lungs are screaming.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Evergreen Villa. Okay, initial reaction: breathtaking. Seriously. Green, green, green everywhere. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and… cardamom? Is that cardamom? Wait, is that a monkey? Because, OH MY GOD, a MONKEY! (Cue enthusiastic flailing and the immediate desire to adopt a primate.) Settling in. Unpacking. Contemplating the sheer volume of laundry that's about to be generated. The villa itself is gorgeous, rustic charm meets luxurious comfort. Except for the slightly dodgy wifi. Argh, the modern world!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: A walk around the grounds. This is where things get interesting. I stumble (literally) over a hidden path, get momentarily lost (surprise!), and end up in front of a small, hidden waterfall. Pure magic. Then, disaster. I attempt a selfie with the waterfall and… SPLASH. Phone now undergoing an emergency rice bath. Learn from me, dear reader: waterproof cases are a necessity. Dinner at the villa. The food is incredible, bursting with flavor. I overeat, as one does.
Day 2: The Spice Route Shuffle and a Lesson in "Chill"
- Morning: The plan was to go spice farms. My brain's screaming "I want to smell all of the spices!" so this is happening. We get a tour, but they're all a blur. I realize I'm more interested in buying the spices. Seriously, I need to smell the actual nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom, which is already giving me the best smells. I buy way too much, I'm gonna smell great, and my luggage will weigh a ton.
- Afternoon: The Banasura Sagar Dam Debacle. This place. The sheer scale of it is mind-blowing. We hired a boat, and the view was stunning. Stunning! Until… the boat started sputtering. Like, dramatically. We're stuck in the middle of the lake, with the engine coughing and wheezing. Panic begins to set in. (I am a terrible boater.) Luckily, the boatman is a local legend with more humor than good sense. He spends 20 minutes tinkering with the engine, offering us tales of Wayanad folklore, and eventually… it starts. Whew!.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The actual relaxation part. Sitting on my balcony, drinking chai, staring out at the mountains. I notice how many stars there are. This is why I came. No light pollution, just the vast, inky blackness of the universe. The perfect spot for contemplating the meaning of life (and the impending laundry crisis).
Day 3: Cave Adventures, Tea Breaks, and Mosquito Mayhem
- Morning: Edakkal Caves. (Get ready for this: A hike up a rocky trail. It's steep. My legs are screaming. I curse the person who invented stairs.) But the cave carvings? Stunning. Absolutely mind-blowing. These are ancient! I feel like I'm walking through history, which is pretty cool until the next set of stairs appear.
- Afternoon: Tea plantation tour. Ok, I'm a bit of a tea snob, I admit it. But Wayanad tea? Sublime. The air is cool and clean, and the views are breathtaking. We learn about the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to the final product. The tea tasting is the best part; I have four cups and probably need to slow down, because the caffeine.
- Evening: Mosquitoes. They have declared war on me. And they're winning. After a delicious dinner, I retreat to my room, armed with a can of bug spray that probably violates every environmental regulation. But hey, survival of the fittest, right? I read until my eyes droop. I finally manage to go to sleep.
Day 4: Waterfalls, Wallowings, and Wayanad's Wonderful Weirdness
- Morning: Meenmutty Waterfalls. This morning (after a breakfast of too many idlis), we hiked to Meenmutty Falls. I've always loved waterfalls. I was like, "OMG, it's just like a postcard!" But it was a little further down than I thought, and it was HOT along the way and I did have an existential crisis during the hike, but WOW, the falls! We swim in the plunge pool. It's cold, pure, and exhilarating. Then I'm covered in sweat, also, so I still need a shower.
- Afternoon: We visit the Soochipara Falls, the place is also called the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. I find the nature to be soothing and peaceful. It's quiet. It's perfect. I sit and just watch the water pour down the rocks.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: An unexpected detour: A local market. The colors, the smells, the chaos! Pure sensory overload in the best way possible. I try some strange (but delicious) fruit, and I buy a bunch of quirky souvenirs that I'll probably regret later but, hey, memories!
Day 5: Departure and a Plea for Return
- Morning: One last sunrise over the mountains. One last chai on the balcony. One last deep breath of that fresh Wayanad air. Saying goodbye to Evergreen Villa is genuinely hard. I feel rejuvenated, slightly sunburned, and utterly in love with this place.
- Mid-morning: The drive back to Kozhikode. This time, the driver is slightly less reckless (or maybe I'm just inured to the chaos). One last chance to soak in the scenery.
- Afternoon: The flight home. I sit on the plane, already planning my return. Wayanad, you messy, beautiful beast. I'll be back.
Okay. That's my attempt at an honest, messy, and hopefully entertaining itinerary. Remember, this is just a suggestion. You're here to make your own adventure!
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Escape to Paradise: Evergreen Villa - Wayanad's Hidden Gem... or Is It? Let's Get Real.
Okay, spill the beans. What *actually* is Evergreen Villa? The website makes it sound… idyllic.
Alright, let's cut the crap. Evergreen Villa *is* nestled in those lush Wayanad hills. Think… green. Loads of it. They're not lying about that part. It's a collection of standalone villas, each with its own little slice of jungle, so yeah, privacy is a definite win. The website's photos are pretty, but trust me, they Photoshop the CRAP out of those mosquitos. More on that later. It's rustic, charming in that 'we're-trying-to-be-eco-friendly-but-also-running-a-business' kind of way. Expect a mix of gorgeous views and the occasional wonky door that sticks. And yes, the air DOES smell amazing after a good monsoon – it's practically intoxicating.
Is it REALLY a hidden gem? Or just… hidden?
That depends on your definition of "hidden." It felt pretty damn hidden trying to find the place at 3 AM after a delayed flight. The road leading up there? Let's just say my rental car developed a personality. Hidden from the tourist hordes? Yes. Hidden from civilization entirely? Almost. Prepare for a bumpy ride. And don't be surprised if your GPS gives up the ghost and starts muttering sweet nothings in a language you don't understand. That feeling of finally arriving, though? Pure relief...followed by an intense desire for a cold beer (which, thankfully, they provide, even if you have to ask a few times). The "gem" part? Yeah, there's beauty. Lots. But the "hidden" part? They're not kidding.
What are the rooms *actually* like? The website has, shall we say, a curated aesthetic.
Okay, the rooms. They’re… comfortable. Notice I didn't say luxurious? They've got that 'rustic chic' vibe, which translates to "barely-there plumbing" and "charmingly uneven floors" in reality. My villa (Villa 3, if you're curious) had a four-poster bed that creaked like a grandpa's knees, but honestly, after a day of trekking, I could have slept on a bed of nails. The bathrooms? Think exposed brick, the kind that looks cool on Instagram until you're trying to shower and wondering if that spider is judging your showering technique. The water pressure? Sporadic. The hot water? A precious commodity you have to beg for in the mornings. But, and this is a big but, the views from the balcony? Unforgettable. Worth the occasional cold shower, maybe. Just… maybe.
Food! What's the deal with the food? Everyone raves about the home-cooked meals. Give me the inside scoop!
Oh, the food. Right. Okay. The home-cooked meals...they're...a mixed bag. On the one hand, the spices are incredible. Authentic Kerala cuisine, definitely. They make a mean *appam* (rice pancake) and the fish curry is something else. Seriously, the flavors explode in your mouth. Pure heaven. On the other hand, my stomach staged a minor revolt after the first night. Perhaps I ate too much? Perhaps my delicate Western digestive system wasn't prepared for the spice level? Let’s just say, the bathroom became my second home for a few hours. Pack some Immodium, people. And for the love of all that is holy, don't skip the breakfast. The idlis? To die for. Seriously. Worth the risk. Just maybe go easy on the sambar.
What are the activities like? Is there any actual *escape* involved?
Escape? Yes, absolutely. From the relentless pace of modern life, definitely. From your phone signal? Mostly. There are treks through the jungle. They're… intense. Come prepared. My legs screamed for mercy after the first one. They offer guided hikes, though the guides seem to know the jungle better than they know English. Expect lots of pointing and head-nodding. You can visit waterfalls (amazing!), spice plantations (smells divine!), and all sorts of temples and historical sites if you have the energy. Or, you can do what I did – collapse on your balcony with a book and a beer, listening to the cicadas, and pretending you're a sophisticated literary type. Both are valid forms of escape, I reckon. Just remember the sunscreen and the bug spray. And maybe a good chiropractor afterwards.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful? Annoying? Non-existent?
The staff? Mostly helpful, in a very understated, "we're-here-if-you-need-us-but-we're-also-busy-with-a-million-other-things" kind of way. They are, however, very good at bringing you more chai. (Seriously, the chai is addictive). Don't expect constant hand-holding. It's more like, you ask for something, and it eventually appears, maybe with a slight delay. English isn't their first language, so patience is key. A smile and a few basic Malayalam phrases go a LONG way. I found them to be friendly and genuinely trying to make your stay pleasant, even if communication was occasionally a bit… challenging. They kept the place clean, brought fresh towels, and always greeted me with a smile. And the guy who fixed my perpetually-wonky showerhead? Absolute legend. Tip him generously.
The biggest drawback? What *really* annoyed you? Spill the tea!
The biggest drawback? Without a doubt, the MOSQUITOS. They are relentless. Vampires. They feast. I swear, I woke up one morning looking like I had chickenpox and was questioning my very right to exist due to the itchiness. Forget your fancy imported bug repellents; they laugh in the face of DEET. You need industrial-strength stuff. Wear long sleeves and pants, even in the heat, unless you want to spend your entire vacation scratching. And close the damn mosquito nets *every night*. And even then...they find a way. One night, I swear, I heard one buzzing around my head, taunting me. It was a war. I won...but at what cost? A whole bottle of Benadryl and the complete annihilation of one particularly persistent bloodsucker.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Hmmm… That's a tough one. Despite the mosquitos, the questionable plumbing, and the occasional spicy digestive consequences, there's a part of me that really *wants* to say yes. The views, the peacefulness (when you're not being devoured by insects), and the sheer remoteness… it has a certain charm. I think5 Star Stay Find
