Skip the plastic tourist packets. Buy directly from the source.
1. Wild Forest Honey
The Muthuvan tribes collect honey from deep inside the Shola forests. It is dark, robust, and often unrefined.
Where to buy: Look for the Tribal Society Co-ops or small farmer outlets in the village center. Avoid the roadside hawkers near Top Station who often sell jaggery syrup as honey.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
Vattavada is surrounded by Eucalyptus plantations. The oil here is distilled locally. Ideally, buy 'Wintergreen Oil' (Gaultheria) for joint pain—it is very potent here.
3. Spices & Garlic
Vattavada Garlic: Buy it by the braided bunch. The cloves are smaller than Chinese garlic but pack 10x the flavor.
Pepper: Black pepper grown here is spicy and aromatic.
Support Local: Buying directly from village shops ensures the money goes to the farmers, not middlemen.
