Idukki, the popular spice tourism destination, located in the boundaries of Kerala state, features a prominent place in Kerala’s history. Idukki was looked upon as a major trade center for spices and the entire Kerala region was dependent on it for spice trade. Travelers from around the world have traveled to this place in the quest for trading of some of the finest spices. According to the researchers, the spice trade at this place is as old as three thousand years.
Pepper, the king of Keralan spices, is said to have been originated in Idukki. In Idukki, an extensive cultivation of rich spices like nutmeg, cardamom, mace, turmeric, cinnamon etc. takes place. Pertaining to this fact, the state of Kerala continues to remain as the spice capital of the world.
In the present days, the lands of Idukki are widely used for the extensive cultivation of a wide variety of spices like vanilla, cinnamon, clove, ginger, coffee, garlic, cardamom, tea etc. The Western Ghats of Kerala, along with its tropical forest eco-system, have been recognized to provide a natural advantage for the development of farm/spice tourism in Idukki.
Some of the highest of the Idukki Spice tourism destinations are the Nutmeg tree which are known to bear fruit throughout the year, the Cinnamom plants that are ready for harvesting about three years after planting, the clove trees which begin to bear flowers after 7to 8 years of planting and not to forget the pepper plants that grow best in warm and humid climate conditions.
Among the spices being developed in Idukki spice tourism destination - the Nutmeg tree bears fruit throughout the year, but the peak harvest season is from December to May. Cinnamon plants are ready for harvest about 3 years after planting. Clove trees begin to bear flowers 7-8 years after planting. The pepper plant grows best in a warm and humid climate.
