Snuggled into the hills of Munnar, Windermere Estate is a refined yet understated plantation bungalow that is surrounded by 55 acres of verdant tea, cardamom and coffee plantations. The home has been passed down through many generations and is now owned and run by Dr Simon and his family; a welcoming team who have greatly improved and added to the property over the years. The rooms are by no means luxurious, but what the lack in luxury they make up for in warmth, cosiness and charm. The Garden Rooms are the most affordable category; these are small and simple but perfectly comfortable with en suite bathrooms. The Cottages are larger and can accommodate an extra bed; some have valley views and others have views of the gardens. Only a few have balconies, which create interconnecting rooms for families. The most elaborate option is The Planter’s Villa; offering 1,200 sq ft. of comfort. These have wooden floors, a sitting area, dining area, and a large balcony. Each room is slightly different due to the historic nature of the property. Food is a real treat here and is served in the wonderful dining area and lounge; this has an open fire and lots of exposed wood. You’ll find both Indian and Continental food on the menu. For many it’s the activities that attract them to this part of the hill country and Munnar is perfectly placed for bird watching and trekking. Windermere also offer an afternoon plantation walk free of charge. We feel this is one of the best options in the Munnar area and we’ve seen it go from strength to strength over the years.
Please note Windermere, like many properties in Kerala, doesn’t have a license to serve alcohol. Guests are welcome to bring wine and beer to be consumed only in the rooms.
