A Bungalow, Some Tea And You!
Staying in a bungalow is an experience in itself. You feel like the king or queen who is sitting primly in their palace and soaking in the luxury which otherwise you may miss. However, when that luxury is enjoined with the aroma of tea leaves, the picturesque mountain and hills and the old world charm, the end result is a magnificent tea bungalow. Here are 5 of the best tea estates in India that you should visit.
Ging Tea House, Darjeeling
This tea house was built in 1864 and is supposedly one of the first tea bungalows of a colonial tea planter. It is a luxury tea retreat in Darjeeling and the high point of the bungalow is the heritage aura and the private gardens which abound around it. You have the option of choosing from one of the six prettily named rooms with wooden flooring and period furniture. Once you step out of the room, the breathtaking Himalayan range welcomes you and the evenings can be spent near the fireplace with a glass of wine, billiards, books and the piano.
Wild Mahseer, Sonitpur Assam
This little known yet amazing tea retreat in India is appropriately named because the wild in the name can really be experienced here. There is the Kaziranga National Park, Nameri National Park, Dolphin Watching, Walking and bicycle trails and tea plantation that will quell your thirst for lush greenery. The accommodation includes Heritage Bungalows, Golden Tips Bungalow, Silver Tips Bungalow and Second Flush Bungalow. Each and every bungalow is cozy and warm with all the modern amenities that a city dwellers needs.
Sinna Dorai Bungalow, Tamil Nadu/Kerala
When you want to run away from the hustle bustle of city life and lose yourself in the extraordinary magnificence of pristine beauty, then make a trip to the Sinna Dorai Bungalow without much ado. Be it the birds or the wildlife, all the three bungalows at Anamallai Hills, Mangorange and Kadamane are extremely artistically build in the 1900s. The first bungalow stands amidst the mountain range of the Western Ghats and overlooks the Roti Kadai — the first bakery in the district. The second one is situated in the 2,500 Carolyn Estate.
Talayar Valley Bungalow, Munnar
Just 18 Km from Munnar, the journey to Talayar Valley Bungalow is picture perfect and when the journey ends, you will feel a hint of sadness. However, the bungalow compound nestled within the heart of hills and mountains makes up for it with the 360 degree panoramic view and the 2500 acres of tea and coffee plantation. Mornings can be spends in exploring the surrounding areas and local sightseeing places, trekking and photography field trips. In the evenings relax with a book, bonfire and Bar-B-Q. All in all, it is one of the best tea retreat in India.
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
The location of the tea states is the standout reason why one should visit the place. The plantation is situated on a hillock above the banks of River Rungeet with the Kanchenjunga mountain range benignly looking over it. Currently managed by the Prakashes, they are known as the ‘Chaiwala Family’. There are various suites and rooms available that are tastefully decorated while keeping the local spirit alive. While the day is spent in the tea trails, hiking trips, fishing and beauty treatments, evenings are reserved for books, tea and music that help you to soak up the solitude even more.
Tea retreats and tea bungalows are steadily and very rightly gaining prominence and importance nowadays. Therefore while other rejuvenation and relaxation options are dime a dozen, do experiment and go for a relaxing trip to a tea bungalow.