A marvelous eco-friendly hideaway, Spice Village has about 60 thatched bungalows scattered in a park-like setting. The bungalows aren't air-conditioned but the altitude, breezes, and forested surroundings make them very comfortable. The bar, once the park headquarters for Periyar, has a charming atmosphere and the feel of an old colonial club in the middle of a jungle. The grounds are full of fragrant spice plants and the garden supplies vegetables for the hotel's two restaurants, which offer authentic Keralan dishes as well as other options. There's a lovely swimming pool.