11 Spice Plantation Tours in Kerala Worth Experiencing

6. Kottayam & Nearby Plantation Stops

Kottayam sits between the plains and the hills and is a practical base for short plantation visits. Farms in this district often practice mixed cropping—rubber, coconut, and spices—so visitors see how spice cultivation fits into rural livelihoods. Plantation visits here are typically organized as half-day trips from nearby towns, offering practical demonstrations of pepper trellising, spice drying, and small-scale processing. Kottayam’s mix of crops makes it useful for travellers who want to understand how spices are grown alongside other income sources, rather than as mono-crops. The region is also convenient for travellers connecting from Kochi or Alleppey, making Kottayam a strategic stop for those who want a sample of plantation life without a multi-hour hill drive. Aim to visit between October and March for steady weather and active farm work.