gINKgo I RARE Newsletter I Vol 17
Season’s Greetings.
In the RARE Community, plantation stays are an experience we love to talk about, not only for the stay experience but also to understand the ergonomics of the plantations be it Tea, Coffee or Spice. This week the collection we have put together for you has this one thing in common – they are all plantation stays. Well most of them. Behold the picturesque Glenburn Tea Estate, with a brief stop at the Glenburn Penthouse in West Bengal, to the scenic Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow in the Western Ghats to the charming Windermere Estate and Windermere Riverhouse in Kerala.
Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata, West Bengal
The Glenburn Penthouse is a pleasant surprise in the city of Kolkata. It is a discrete, elegant residence in the heart of historic Kolkata, with spectacular views of all her iconic landmarks; from Victoria Memorial to Eden Gardens, the lush green expanse of the Maidan and the majestic Howrah Bridge over the river Hooghly
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Glenburn Tea Estate's Boutique Hotel is a product of the loving restoration of a two century-old colonial bungalow on the family estate in Darjeeling. Blend this with 1600 acres of plantation, stretched of private forest, quaint tea-picker villages, myriad bird and butterfly species, two sparkling rivers with Trout and Mahseer – you can imagine why Condé Nast Traveller describes Glenburn as “a little corner of heaven... and almost as remote"
Sinna Dorai's Bungalows
Anamallais, Valparai, Tamil Nadu
The Anamallai (Elephant) Hills is a mountain range in the Western Ghats that extends between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. A four-hour drive from Coimbatore, this six-bedroom vintage Sinna Dorai’s bungalow dates back to 1896, and stands amidst acres of organic tea fields overlooking the Roti Kadai (literally Bread Shop) valley, the location of the first bakery in the district. Experience the authentic life of a planter in a charmingly unhurried world.
Sinna Dorai's Bungalows
Kadamane, Kadamane Tea Estate, Karnataka
Need R&R? Just over five hours from Bengaluru is the Kadamane bungalow that was built in 1930 as a twin house for the two Sinna Dorais (assistant managers) who planted all the tea that surrounds it. Hike the many trails, enjoy picnics in scenic spots and ofcourse visit the tea plantation and factory. A highlight of staying here is taking a 4X4 ride of a lifetime on unseen trails or be adventurous and take a night drive and experience the sounds of nature
Sinna Dorai's Bungalows
Mangorange, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
Lose yourself in healing vegetation of the Nilgiris – and only five hours away from Coimbatore. Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow’s Mangorange dates back to 1918, and is the perfect plantation retreat to retreat to! Soak in the picturesque surroundings, lounge in the gardens or explore the tea estate and the natural history of the region. And if you are lucky you may have a few elephants dropping by to say hello!
Windermere Estate, Munnar, Kerala
Let nature dictate your life. Windermere Estate sits on the crest of a hill, surrounded by panoramic views of the breath-taking green hills of Munnar. A working plantation, the breeze carries the aroma of coffee, cardamom and tea. Look out for rare birds and butterflies, take rambling walks, soak in the pool or just cosy up and read.
Windermere Riverhouse, Neriamangalam, Kerala
