ABOUT US

From Padi to Paradise: Our Story Unfolds in the Wilderness!

In 1993, the founders of Vythiri Resort discovered a pristine 150-acre stretch of untouched land in Wayanad. Back then, this beautiful region was known only for its sprawling plantations and agricultural economy, with no hint of its potential as a tourist destination. The region’s economy was driven entirely by agriculture, with no other significant sources of income.

Within this lush landscape stood six row houses, locally known as 'padi’, where coffee plantation workers lived. With no electricity, only kerosene lamps ('ranthal' in Malayalam) illuminated the evenings. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the forest urged an early nightfall, calling everyone to retire for the night.

Over time, friends and families of the founders began visiting regularly, enchanted by the impeccable beauty of the place. This sparked an idea—to share this hidden gem with others. In 2000, we expanded by adding 12 more villas, officially creating our small resort with 18 cosy stays.

Fast forward to 2020, Vythiri Resort evolved further. With new facilities like a swimming pool and additional accommodations, we now offer 36 villas and cottages. What began as a humble retreat for local coffee plantation workers transformed into a beloved getaway, especially for honeymooners and the bustling IT crowd from Bengaluru. As the IT boom took off in the early 2000s, many young professionals started seeking peaceful weekend escapes, and Vythiri quickly became a favourite. Thanks to their referrals, word spread quickly, and our little slice of paradise soon became the talk of the town.

Our marketing journey began in Bengaluru, expanded across South India and Central India, and eventually reached international visitors. Our commitment to eco-tourism in Wayanad set us apart. We have always believed in preserving the environment, so our cottages and villas are carefully placed to avoid cutting down trees. We embraced a ‘no TV, no AC, limited network’ approach—a concept that guests found unusual at first but that ultimately won them over, allowing them to fall in love with the digital detox and deep connection to nature. One of our proudest moments was when India Tourism featured our iconic tree house in their eco-tourism campaign at Copenhagen Airport during the 'World Climate Change Summit' on December 7th to 8th, 2009. It was a huge honour to represent India’s dedication to sustainable tourism on a global stage.

Our impact goes beyond the resort. We’re deeply woven into the local community, creating both direct and indirect employment.  From jeep drivers who lead guests through the hills to Calicut artisans who create our handmade decor, each role supports our sustainable vision. We source groceries from nearby markets and fresh produce from Sugandhagiri village. Staying true to our eco-friendly roots, we utilise reused materials like coconut shells and bamboo to craft unique art pieces, lampshades, and furnishings—all while maintaining high quality.

Vythiri Resort is not just a place to stay—it’s a journey we’ve taken together, hand-in-hand with nature and our community.