Windermere Estate

Sitting on Observatory Hill, high in the Palni Hills, Windermere Estate is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by a cardamom estate. The 360 degree views from this wonderful little retreat are truly awe-inspiring and you often find yourself looking down on the clouds below you, but when the clouds disperse, the Western Ghats open up before you.

Windermere, famous for its unique ambience and charm was established in the 19th Century. With rooms in the farmhouse and separate cottages which look over the valley below, Windermere Estate consciously avoids anything hotel-like. There is no reception, and home-cooked meals are served in a dining room with kitchen at the far end. The owning family live in the old planters bungalow and their friendly staff will take you off on long walks in the hills or private cardamom estate. It is very much a place to experience the hills at their best as the peace and solitude up here is second to none.

Local sites and attractions include the Eravikulam National Park which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the Anamudi peak located in the southern region of the park. There is also the Tea Museum in Munnar where you can experience the art of tea making and Marayoor where you can visit the caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age. Thoovanam waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.