Hidden Gems of South India - Valparai Tea Estates

In my quest for tea estates, I discovered another gem in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. In the middle of a forest, a colonial bungalow surrounded by a few acres of tea plantations. It was the perfect setting for a long-pending family trip. Here is an account of yet another brilliant vacation amidst the flourishing tea plantations of Valparai. 

Do check out my previous post on Sakleshpur tea estates in case you missed it!

Where is Valparai?

Valparai is a hill station in the Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. It is located around 100Kms from Coimbatore and 67Kms from Pollachi. Famously known for the Annamalai tiger reserve, there are quite a few popular attractions in Valparai. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in a hill station that is not as touristy as Ooty or Kodaikanal, Valparai could be your best bet!

The Experience

I booked Stanmore Bungalow for our long weekend trip in January 2018. We were 14 of us with ages ranging from 10-80yrs (That is right! Our grandparents joined us too!). 

Coimbatore to Valparai route is covered with tree canopies and is very scenic. The weather is pleasant for most parts of the year, except during the peak summers.

Booking a Stay at Stanmore

The reservation process is straightforward. I booked the entire bungalow and an additional wooden suite for 12 adults and 2 kids. The bungalow can host a maximum of 10 adults. For most parts, the reservation was conveniently done via email exchanges. The process was very streamlined and the team was accommodative. They own multiple properties in Valparai, but Stanmore offers one of the best views.

Food and Stay

Nestled away amidst forests and tea plantations, Stanmore was like a home away from home. The bungalow was well maintained and the rooms were spacious. The walls adorned with paintings and the rosewood interiors transported us to the colonial era. 

The caretakers were humble and hospitable. They even accommodated food customization to serve the young guests (my notorious cousins) better. All three meals in a day were sumptuous, while the tea was my personal favorite.

The wooden suites are modern and offer exemplary sunrise views. If you are planning to visit Valparai with a smaller group, I would suggest booking one of these as they promise at-most privacy.

Outdoor Activities

Stanmore does not offer sophisticated sports facilities. However, what is does offer is a close interaction with nature. Unlike other tea plantations, this property is situated so close to the forest range that one can hear wildlife noises vividly at nights.

On one of our evening walks in the plantation, we even spotted wild elephants across a stream. The caretakers guided us to ensure we did not disturb them in any way. Here is a picture shot from a far distance. Sorry for the poor quality!

Sunrise view from the wooden suite is beyond description. The sight of golden rays penetrating thick misty fog is enchanting, to say the least. Maybe, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

Wrap-up

My love for tea estates and colonial bungalows is unending. 

Nature walks, spectacular views, endless giggles, and laugh out loud moments - our family trip could not have been any better. After all, in a family, love is spelt time. 

If you are looking for a laid-back vacation with friends or family, here it is, another hidden gem!

Happy Traveling! 😁