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With an average spending of Rs 7000 per room, tourists are turning up in huge numbers to places like Kerala to indulge in this mystical experience of tree-houses

Money does not grow on trees. Most of us have grown up hearing and believing this age-old adage.

But take one look at the business opportunity that lies in running tree-house resorts and you might just change your mind!

So, what are tree-houses? Well, you might remember seeing these tiny little abodes on the top of tree trunks for children to play in, in a lot of Hollywood movies. Now take this concept one step ahead, and picture your own tree-house resort, located in the midst of a tropical forest, where tourists can come and experience the thrill of being on top of the world! And the thrill just doesn’t end here. Enjoying a breathtaking view, waking up to the sound of chirping birds, watching the sunrise from so nearby and being just so close to nature, are just a few reasons why many a tourists definitely do not want to miss living out this unforgettable experience.

Want to know more about this business? Well, read on to get a feel of what the world would look like a 100 feet above the ground.

Lush green surroundings
In India, tree-houses were mostly built by the tribal community in Kerala, from a long time ago, to protect them from the wildlife. Obviously, with their light structures, made out of twigs and a makeshift roof, they weren’t as posh as the tree-house resorts now. But modern tree-house resorts have been inspired by them to a large extent.

We got in touch with two tree-house resorts in Kerala to tell us more about the business. Located on 55 acres of deep thick plantations of Vandanmedu village, Carmelia Haven is a resort with 26 assortments of rooms that have a tribal theme to them. Their two tree-houses, which are referred to as Erumadam, are built on cardamom plantations.

Similarly, the Green Magic Tree House Resort is situated in the beautiful village of Vythiri of the Wynad district. Wynad is famous for its perennial rain forests and its coffee, tea, cardamom, as well as pepper plantations. Built on 500 acres of forest property, Green Magic Tree House Resort consists of two tree-houses, with two double rooms each and is at a height of 90 feet.

	DARE/view Sector: Hospitality Big idea: Setting up tree-house resorts Initial investment: Rs 15 lacs approximately (not including land) Running Costs: Roof renovation, staff, food facilities Various players in Kerala: Green Magic Tree House Resort (Vythiri), Carmelia Haven Resort (Idukki), Tranquil Tree House Resort (Wynad), B-six Holiday Resort (Munnar)

Why are such resorts only found in Kerala? Says Sherine Kareem, Managing Director of the Green Magic Tree House Resort, "Most tourists come to India not for a luxury stay, but for an adventurous one. They are so bored of city life and its modernity that they want to spend a few days in total isolation, where they can get in touch with nature. Kerala with its tropical rain forests and around three to four months of monsoon is one of the greenest places in India, which is why it becomes a hot destination for setting up such tree-houses."

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