The Windermere Retreats is one of the best properties I have stayed in recent times. With an old world charm that makes you fall in love with the lush green hills of Munnar, there are a plethora of activities that you can do there.
It is located in a huge plantation and a trip around it is one of the most pleasurable activities that you can do. Walking down the moss lined stone steps, we discovered beauty in small measures. There are a plethora of flowers that brighten up the green landscape. There is a bit of rain and mist in the air as we use our umbrellas like walking sticks, just like Englishmen.
Cardamom plantation
After walking through the grounds of the estate, we trooped over to the other side of the road where the deep cover of the forests starts. We wander into a thicket of cardamom trees nestled under the cover of evergreen trees. Ansal from Kestral Adventures takes us through the thickets pointing out trees to look at and birds to hear out for.
Check out these amazing pictures of Munnar
A visit to a Tea Plantation
One of the most picturesque photographs to take is standing amongst the tea gardens. The Windermere Estate is nestled amongst such gardens. In fact, there is one right outside the estate which you can visit anytime. If you’re lucky, you might just be able to visit these gardens during plucking time. It is a riot of colours as the tea pickers pick out their daily quota.
Tea Factory
Although the tea garden is apt for clicking pictures, there is no place better than the tea factories to learn about the process of manufacturing tea. Our visit to the Lockhart Tea Factory introduced us to a factory and a process that’s nearly 150 years old. A trip around the factory can end with you buying some of the estate’s finest at their shop. The entry ticket is priced at INR 200 per person.
Tea Tasting
There is no better way to finish off your experience of tea than doing a tea tasting at the Windermere Estate. Senthil from Kestral Adventures will join you and teach you the nuances of tea tasting. There are a few actions that you might find similar to wine tasting like sniffing and swirling in the mouth.
Ornithology
The estate is an ornithologist’s dream allowing him to capture more than 300 different species of birds. With so much greenery around, you might wake up to the calls of a rooster or the cooing of a Malabar Whistling Thrush. Night times are characterized by the sounds of the owls.
The Windermere Estate in Munnar, Kerala is a place made apt for breaking away from the daily dredge of the city life and reconnecting with yourself. With limited network and no television in the rooms, you will be forced to slow down and enjoy the nature.
Image Credits: Snigdha (Salt And Sandals)
