Abraham's Spice Garden — Attraction in Kerala

A Truly Enriching Experience at Abraham's Spice Garden, Thekkady

My visits to Abraham's Spice Garden in Thekkady have been nothing short of exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with an interest in nature, especially plant enthusiasts. Having had the pleasure of visiting twice, I can confidently say that the true highlight of this experience is Mr. Abraham himself. This organic spice plantation, established by Mr. Abraham's grandfather in 1952, is a family-run endeavor, and Mr. Abraham has personally nurtured many of the plants and trees over the decades.

The garden is beautifully integrated right into his home's backyard, giving it a wonderfully authentic and personal feel. It truly resembles a "wild overgrown jungle," showcasing nature's reality in this fertile climate. This intimate setting allows for a very hands-on and engaging tour. What truly sets this place apart is the incredible variety of native and cultivated plants he nurtures, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region and the fertile climate of Thekkady, Kerala.

Mr. Abraham is an absolute fount of knowledge. His expertise on each plant is evident, and he explains their uses, properties, and even their intricate ecological roles with remarkable clarity. What makes the experience even more special is his genuine enthusiasm. If you show even a glimmer of interest, he reciprocates with incredible detail and captivating anecdotes, making the learning process truly enjoyable.

During my visits, I was fascinated by the unique facts he shared and the diverse array of plants we encountered. The garden is home to many of the world's most beloved spices, including Cardamom, often called the "Queen of Spices," and Black Pepper, the "King of Spices," which grows as a climbing vine. He explains how these are cultivated and processed, even detailing the 24-hour drying process for cardamom pods. You'll also learn about Cinnamon, derived from the bark of its tree, and Clove, the dried flower buds of the clove tree. It's truly eye-opening to see how Nutmeg and Mace both come from the same fruit of the nutmeg tree.

Beyond the famous spices, Mr. Abraham introduces visitors to other intriguing plants like Vanilla, a tropical orchid that often requires hand-pollination, and staple root spices like Ginger and Turmeric. He also cultivates Coffee and Cocoa plants, providing insight into their growth cycles. I learned about the fascinating Miracle Fruit, which temporarily alters your taste buds, making sour foods taste sweet. He also shared insights into intricate plant-insect relationships, such as a specific plant that serves as a home for tiny insects crucial for pollination, and explained the role of micro-sized honeybees.

The garden also features a variety of medicinal plants, including Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Curry Leaf Plants, both common in Indian households for their culinary and therapeutic properties. You might also spot plants like Lemongrass, used for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. He has a particular fondness for Jackfruit trees, which were among the first planted in his garden by his father and grandfather in 1952, known for their resilience and ability to provide sustenance even in times of drought. His explanations delve not just into identification but also cultivation methods, medicinal values, and scientific facts, making the tour highly educational.

Overall, a visit to Abraham's Spice Garden is an incredibly good and informative experience. It's not just a walk through a garden; it's an educational journey guided by a passionate and knowledgeable expert. For anyone with a love for plants, or simply an eagerness to learn about the natural world, this garden and Mr. Abraham's guidance are an absolute must-do in Thekkady. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the...

During my recent visit to Thekkady, I had the pleasure of exploring Abraham's Spice Garden, and it was an absolute delight! Nestled amidst the lush greenery, this garden is a hidden gem that offers a truly unique and enriching experience.

One of the highlights of my visit was discovering an extraordinary variety of flora that I had never even heard of before. The garden is a treasure trove of exotic plants, spices, and herbs, each with its own distinct aroma and medicinal properties. Walking through the garden, I marveled at the vibrant colors and fragrances that surrounded me, creating a sensory feast for the senses.

What sets Abraham's Spice Garden apart is not just the remarkable diversity of plants but also the interactive tour experience. Led by the charismatic Mr. Abraham himself, a 71-year-old with boundless energy and knowledge, the tour was an absolute delight. His passion for the garden and his in-depth understanding of each plant were truly inspiring. He shared fascinating insights and anecdotes, making the entire experience educational and entertaining.

One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to try raw nectar and fruits right from the garden. It was a delightful experience, tasting the pure and natural flavors of the produce. The freshness and quality were exceptional, a testament to the care and dedication put into maintaining the garden.

Abraham's Spice Garden is not just a place to visit; it's an oasis of happiness. The tranquility and serenity that envelops the garden is infectious, and it's impossible not to feel a sense of joy while exploring its wonders. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a spice lover, or simply someone seeking a unique experience, this garden will leave you with a heart full of happiness.

I highly recommend a visit to Abraham's Spice Garden for anyone visiting Thekkady. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty, learn from a true expert, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the plant kingdom. Thank you, Mr. Abraham, for sharing your passion and creating an...

A Must-Visit Experience at Abharam Nursery

Abharam Nursery is an absolute gem and a must-visit spot on your local to-do list in thekkady. The owner is incredibly kind and passionate, taking the time to explain various spices, how they grow, and the history behind the farm — which was originally started by his grandfather. It’s truly inspiring to see how he has nurtured it into one of the largest spice farms today.

The tour is both educational and interactive. You get to touch, smell, and even taste a variety of spice leaves and flowers — clove, peppermint, kodampuli, and tasting the fresh cardamom directly from the plant!

This is in contrast to my earlier visit at Haritha Farm, which was recommended by an auto driver. That visit lasted only for 15 minutes, focused only on the benefits of Ayurvedic plants, and ended with a strong sales push for overpriced oils and medicines.

A word of caution: Many auto drivers and guides tend to push tourists toward certain farms where they earn commissions from your purchases. You can find the exact same branded products in the local market at 40–60% lower prices.

For just ₹150 per person, we spent over an hour (closer to 1.5 hours) exploring the farm, and every minute was worth it.

Abharam Nursery doesn’t try to sell you any products at the end. There’s no pressure, no marketing — just pure passion and genuine sharing of knowledge.

If you’re looking for an authentic, educational, and memorable spice farm experience, skip the commercial traps by guides, jeep & auto drivers just head straight to Abharam Nursery. It’s a truly unique experience that you’ll enjoy the most and if you miss this spot then it...