Cardamom Plantation Experience

One of the highlights of the holidays in Idukki was visit to our friend’s Cardamom plantation. Having seen cardamom only in its final dry form, trekking through the rain drenched path and getting first hand information from the Planter himself was an enlightening experience.

Being close to nature has become a rare luxury in today’s world. So it was pleasant to plunge into the seamless lush greenery, feel the breath of fresh air, smell the fragrance of flowers and rain blessed sand and enjoy the music of nature.

The healing touch of nature is undisputed…Reconnect, Relax, Rejuvenate and Reinvent !

Greener cardamoms have more demand in export market.

Once harvested, Cardamom capsules are artificially dried in specially built curing houses, to retain the aroma and green color to the maximum extent possible.

Blooming buds in the pond.

More of wild mushroom sprouting…

Mushrooms growing on the rain drenched logs is a common sight

As we treaded further, the ambient sound of birds, frogs and insects filled the surrounding

During summer the pond water is used for irrigation purpose.

Cardamom requires regular water. To conserve the rain water, the plantation has three artificial ponds.

Due to the labor crunch in Kerala, the planters now rely on Northern states like Orissa to meet the manpower requirement.

It is a labor intensive crop as each capsule needs to be handpicked individually over a period of several months.

Cardamom flowers are small, white with violet strokes on it.

The temperature in Idukki averages at 28C throughout the year which makes it ideal for the cardamom crops.

Cardamom is grown under the shades of tall forest trees. Ideally they need warm moist climate with a uniform rainfall.

Cardamoms plants are low growing bushy tropical herbs, miniature version of bamboo shrubs.