#149 - MEKKARAI TREEHOUSE
- treehcav
- Jun 1, 2024
- 1 min read
LOCATION: Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India.
DATE: June 2024
MATERIALS: Acacia auriculiformis structural beams and staircase stringers. Variety of hard wood internal and external floor planks. Plywood ceiling covered by thick plastic sheet and green net.
The Mekkarai Treehouse was built for the Mekkarai Amusement Park in the hills of Tenkasi, nestled in the South Indian Ghats along the Kerala border. This quiet region is known for its cool climate, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls—an atmosphere very different from the warmer Tamil Nadu lowlands and coastal districts.
Designed as a bold alternative within South Indian tourism, the treehouse offers visitors a refreshing break from conventional concrete stays. It invites guests to reconnect with the natural environment: perched on a hillside near waterfalls, trekking routes, and vibrant wildlife, where local legends still speak of glowing leopard and tiger eyes in the night.
Family-friendly and located within the amusement park, the treehouse pairs adventure with comfort, with activities such as horse riding, climbing, and other outdoor fun just steps away. Built on a sturdy mango tree above a gentle stream, it features a comfortable staircase leading to a sheltered landing platform, and from there to a spacious deck overlooking the hills. Inside is a compact, cosy room with a comfortable bed, a kitchenette, and a bathroom equipped with a Western toilet and warm shower—everything needed for a snug stay among the treetops.
The structure uses a blend of locally grown hardwoods, including Acacia auriculiformis, prepared in our workshop and transported to the site by lorry. Antique and uniquely shaped windows add character, giving the treehouse its warm, handcrafted aesthetic.
