Superior Hotel
India

Windermere Estate
Munnar

Windermere Estate, Monnar, India
Windermere Estate, Monnar, India
Windermere Estate, Monnar, India
Windermere Estate, Monnar, India

Highlights

  • Scenic Location: Perched at the edge of a lush cardamom and tea plantation, Windermere Estate offers breathtaking views of Munnar’s verdant hills, mist-covered valleys, and sprawling tea gardens. The estate’s elevated location allows for cool, fresh mountain air and spectacular vistas, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
  • Colonial-Style Cottages: The estate’s charming cottages are designed in a colonial style, featuring wooden beams, rustic interiors, and cosy fireplaces. Each cottage is spacious, comfortable, and elegantly decorated with traditional elements that reflect Munnar’s rich heritage. Large windows and private verandas allow guests to fully appreciate the stunning natural beauty surrounding the estate.
  • Nature Walks and Treks: Windermere Estate is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering guided nature walks and treks through the estate’s expansive plantations and the surrounding forests. These walks allow guests to explore the biodiversity of the region, including native flora, birds, and wildlife, while learning about tea and cardamom cultivation.
  • Locally-Sourced Dining: The estate prides itself on offering a farm-to-table dining experience, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that highlight the flavours of Kerala. Guests can savour traditional Kerala dishes prepared with organic vegetables, spices, and herbs grown on the estate, paired with home-baked bread and fresh fruit. The estate also caters to special dietary needs with personalised menus.
  • Tranquil Atmosphere: Known for its peaceful and serene ambiance, Windermere Estate offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its secluded location, surrounded by nature and free from city noise, it provides the perfect setting for relaxation, meditation, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
  • Personalised Hospitality: Windermere Estate is renowned for its warm and attentive service. The owners and staff take pride in offering personalised care, ensuring that each visitor feels at home. From providing expert local advice to arranging bespoke experiences, the staff’s dedication to guest satisfaction enhances the overall experience of staying at this boutique estate.

Good to know

How to get there

Windermere Estate in Munnar is approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) from Cochin International Airport (COK), which is the nearest airport. The drive from the airport to the estate typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The scenic route winds through the Western Ghats, offering beautiful views of the countryside and tea plantations along the way.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Windermere Estate in Munnar. The estate offers a family-friendly environment, with spacious cottages and plenty of open spaces for children to explore. Families can enjoy nature walks, outdoor activities, and the serene atmosphere of the estate. While the estate focuses on peace and relaxation, it can also provide a memorable and enriching experience for children, allowing them to connect with nature and explore the surrounding tea plantations.

Giving back

Windermere Estate follows a thoughtful sustainability policy that focuses on preserving the natural environment, supporting the local community, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Here are the key aspects of their sustainability efforts:

  1. Eco-Friendly Architecture: The estate’s cottages are built using locally sourced materials that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The design ensures minimal impact on the environment while maintaining traditional Kerala architecture.
  2. Water Conservation: Windermere Estate implements water-saving measures, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient water usage systems, to reduce wastage. This is particularly important in Munnar, where water resources must be carefully managed.
  3. Locally Sourced Food: The estate promotes farm-to-table dining, using fresh, organic ingredients from local farms and their own gardens. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supports local farmers and suppliers.
  4. Minimal Plastic Use: Windermere Estate aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics by offering eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable water bottles and biodegradable packaging, in an effort to minimise environmental impact.
  5. Waste Management: The estate follows responsible waste management practices, including composting organic waste and recycling. They also encourage guests to follow sustainable practices during their stay.
  6. Supporting Local Communities: Windermere Estate actively engages with and supports local communities by employing local staff, sourcing materials and food locally, and promoting local crafts and traditions. This helps boost the local economy and preserves the cultural heritage of the region.
  7. Nature Conservation: The estate is located in the heart of a lush natural environment, and they work to preserve the surrounding biodiversity. Guests are encouraged to respect the environment, and the estate offers nature walks and educational experiences about the region’s flora and fauna.

How to spend your time here

At Windermere Estate in Munnar, you can spend your time enjoying a combination of nature, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Here’s how to make the most of your stay:

1. Nature Walks and Plantation Tours

Explore the estate’s lush tea and cardamom plantations with guided nature walks. Learn about the cultivation process, spot exotic birds, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys.

2. Trekking and Hiking

Embark on scenic treks or hikes through the Western Ghats, where you can witness breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. The estate offers guided treks for all levels, including the popular Meesapulimala trek, which provides panoramic mountain views.

3. Relax and Unwind

Spend time relaxing on your private veranda, enjoying the views of the mountains and tea plantations. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the cool mountain air, is perfect for reading, meditating, or simply unwinding.

4. Birdwatching

Munnar is home to a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Spot rare and colourful birds, such as the Malabar whistling thrush and Nilgiri flycatcher, around the estate and nearby forests.

5. Tea Tasting and Learning

Participate in a tea-tasting session to learn about Munnar’s famous tea production. Discover the different types of tea, from fresh green to strong black tea, and understand how they are grown and processed in the region’s plantations.

6. Cultural Immersion

Visit nearby villages to experience local life and culture. You can explore markets, meet artisans, and observe traditional Kerala customs. This provides an enriching way to connect with the region’s heritage and people.

7. Farm-to-Table Dining

Enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals at the estate’s restaurant, featuring fresh, organic ingredients from local farms. Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine, including traditional dishes made with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables.

8. Visit Local Attractions

Take short trips to nearby attractions such as the Eravikulam National Park, known for its rare Nilgiri tahr, or visit Mattupetty Dam and Anamudi Peak, the highest point in southern India. These excursions allow you to explore Munnar’s natural beauty beyond the estate.

9. Photography

Munnar’s landscapes provide perfect opportunities for photography. Capture the rolling hills covered in tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene sunrises and sunsets that make the estate and the region visually stunning.

10. Stargazing

The clear, unpolluted skies at Windermere Estate make for an excellent stargazing experience. Spend your evening gazing at the stars, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the night.

Why we love Windermere Estate, Munnar

Walking through the stunning scenery and tea plantations you’ll very quickly realise how wonderfully fresh the air is in this corner of India, it’s just so incredibly refreshing.

Auriole Potter

Specialises in

Asia, Australasia & The Middle East
Windermere Estate, Munnar, India

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