Train trip delight at Mango Meadows in Kottayam

Mango Meadows, believed to be India's first agricultural theme park, can now be viewed from a train. The 25-acre property at Ayamkudi, Kaduthiruthi, Kottayam district, offers a mix of knowledge and fun, including exceptionally rare plants, fish ponds, swimming pools, and boating.

It's real hard to find a better place to stay closer to nature. The eco tourism project offers a day's tour, besides resort tour, Ayurveda treatment, and cottages for a comfortable stay.

N K Kurien, who owns Mango Meadows, believes that farming and trees are the heartbeats of life itself. The heavenly abode in the lap of nature has four facilities – farming, entertainment, accommodation, and food.
Kurien has built into the agri park a rare treasure of 4,800 species of plants, 146 fruit trees, 84 varieties of vegetable crops, and 39 types of plantain.

One main attraction is the array of 800 plus plants in the garden, and 500 plus creepers including grape vine. The park is the realisation of 14 years of work that the nature lover put into his dream.

The new guest

All the wonders of the theme park can now be viewed from the train, with a guide on board to provide information to the new generation. The train that can seat 32 people runs on battery and is eco-friendly. ''I'm keen that nature should not be violated at any rate,'' asserts Kurien.

The park charges Rs50 per head for a trip that will cover all the sights, besides taking the visitors to cottages.

The train, which can run on the road and need no rail track, has been brought from Ahmedabad. The loco pilot has been trained in Gujarat. The calm trip through the greenery is a special delight that needs to be experienced.

How to reach

Those coming from the southern parts of the state can reach Ayamkudi via Kottayam Medical College, Neendoor and Kaduthiruthi. Those travelling from Ernakulam should divert from Kaduthiruthi to Ayamkudi.

A guided tour that introduces trees is a must for those who visit the park. Timing 10am to 5pm.