Windermere Estate, Munnar, Kerala Hill Country - Explore & Book
"Perched at 1,600m among vivid green tea plantations and misty blue mountains, Windermere Estate is a nature retreat with a Scottish Highlands feel. Wooden beams and floorboards, terracotta tiles, cheerfully-checked linen and lace curtains all add a warm, homely feel. Ophthalmic surgeon Dr Simon bought this 60-acre cardamom plantation estate in the 1990s and, when he opened the first 4 rooms, deliberately went for a farmhouse-cum-chalet feel rather than that of a hotel. Since then he’s built 12 more cottages and planter's villas, a wooden barn housing a bistro-style dining room, a bright and airy library and yoga space, and an open-sided thatched tea hut. This is a low-key, tranquil place where you can fill your lungs with mountain air through nature walks and barbecues beneath the massive garden boulder, with its 360-degree viewing platform, or unwind with occasional yoga classes in the library. Dr Simon’s own planter’s bungalow sits at the centre of the estate, which can be booked as a whole, and he and his wife oversee hospitality and chat charmingly to guests. Highs The glorious, uplifting scenery provides satisfyingly long walks The views are a great fix if you miss the green, green grass of home – they must qualify as some of the most verdant in India The homely, chalet feel is enhanced by the charming presence of your host and his wife All the rooms are spacious and the cottages and planter's villas are blessed with fabulous mountain views Although this is a world away from the bustle of Kerala's coastal region, it's only 3.5 hours from Fort Kochi; you can also break your journey half-way by staying at charming sister property Windermere River House on the banks of the River Periyar Lows No alcohol licence, though you can bring your own drinks to enjoy in your room The scenery is lush for a reason – clouds and rain are more common than in the rest of India, even outside monsoon season. The power supply can be erratic, but there is a back-up generator A bit of a way from Fort Kochi" - Cathy Teesdale
