Sinna Dorai, the erstwhile term for an Assistant Manager of a South Indian tea plantation. The place gives you the taste of authentic plantation life at one of its three bungalows: a charmingly unhurried world without Wi-Fi, infinity pools, television and mile long buffets. Welcome to a bygone era where people had time for each other. Venture out on bracing morning walks with just the birds for company; perchance, have a serendipitous brush with wildlife in their habitat; partake of a lazy afternoon tea in the wide sunny verandas; savour delicious plantation home fare that is served with the gracious hospitality that estate homes are renowned for; and finally, retire for a restful night’s sleep in one of the elegantly appointed rooms of the classic heritage home. Experience life, as it should be lived!
ANAMALLAIS
The bungalow is situated in the Anamallai Hills, a mountain range in the Western Ghats that spans Tamil Nadu and Kerala states of South India. The name “Anamallai” derives from the Tamil/Malayalam word ‘Ana’ meaning elephant and ‘mallai’ meaning hill, thus Elephant Hill. Of 1940s vintage, the six-bedroom bungalow stands amidst acres of organic tea fields overlooking the Roti Kadai (literally Bread Shop) valley, the location of the first bakery in the district!
DESTINATION: Valpara is a plantation area at about 100 kms from Coimbatore and 185 kms from Cochin. The region is surrounded by Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, teeming with wildlife and birdlife. Valparai offer stay at traditional plantation estates bungalows – an experiential getaway.
ACCESS:
Pick a Picnic
Set foot on a pre-arranged trail with a delicious picnic hamper that the staff will pack for you. The picnic is either to a hilltop or to a waterfall near us. You can come back in time for tea, which will be laid out for you in a manner that would impress Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who introduced that time-honoured institution known as the ’Afternoon Tea’!
Go with the wild!
Chat with the local conservation experts and visit their information centre close by. The Anamallais are home to an abundance of wildlife – panthers, gaur (Indian bison), lion-tailed macaques, wild boar, Malabar squirrels, hornbills and scarlet minivets. Bring along a pair of binoculars and and set out bird watching. Enening dedicate to listening to people’s tales of unexpected elephant visits!!
Trial the Tea
Unravel the mystery that goes into a cup of tea. See what it takes to manufacture one of the world’s most popular beverages, second only to water. Follow the journey of two leaves and a bud and the meaning of crush, tear and curl. Pick a few leaves and make some tea yourself!
The package includes:
* Stay at Plantation Bungalow with all Meals
* Bird / Wildlife Watching l Tea Visit
* Day Excursion with Picnic Lunch
* One child up to 12 years free
* Air-conditioned Transportation from Down Town Kochi
Tour package does not include:
GENERAL INFORMATION: