Windermere Estate Munnar

Perched 5,000 feet above sea level amidst the mist-covered hills of Munnar, Windermere Estate feels less like a hotel and more like a quiet hill retreat shaped by nature, simplicity, and the slow rhythm of plantation life. Spread across a 60-acre cardamom, tea, and coffee estate in the heart of Kerala’s Western Ghats, the boutique property is surrounded by rolling tea valleys, ancient trees, crisp mountain air, and the comforting aroma of coffee and spices carried through the breeze.

Originally founded during the Travancore era and later nurtured by Dr. Simon John and his family, the estate has evolved into an intimate 18-room boutique stay while still retaining the warmth and informality of a family home. The original Planter’s Bungalow, still occupied by the owners, remains at the heart of the property, while the guest rooms were slowly built over the years around the existing rock formations and trees. The architecture follows the natural contours of the hill rather than reshaping the landscape, creating a stay experience that feels deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Accommodation includes Garden Rooms, Estate Rooms, and the larger Planter’s Rooms, all designed chalet-style with terracotta floors, handcrafted wooden furniture, whitewashed walls, and large windows framing uninterrupted views of greenery and hills. Private balconies, sit-outs, and sun decks invite guests to slow down and fully take in the silence and beauty of the high ranges. The rooms reflect the rustic charm of old plantation homes while balancing it with understated comfort.

Life at Windermere revolves around nature and quiet immersion. Guests can wander through cardamom plantations and tea gardens on guided nature walks, spot Malabar giant squirrels and birdlife across the estate, enjoy bonfires under the property’s famous boulder, or spend slow afternoons reading in hammocks, by the library, or overlooking the hills from the pool. Trekking, cycling tours, tea factory visits, and excursions to Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary allow travellers to experience Munnar beyond the usual tourist trail.

Dining here feels deeply personal and home-style. Meals are served course-by-course using fresh local produce and ingredients sourced from the estate gardens and nearby markets. There are no elaborate buffets or formal menus, only thoughtful dishes inspired by Kerala’s culinary traditions and Anglo-Indian influences, served with genuine warmth and care. Evenings often end at the gazebo with coffee and snacks or under the stars with barbecues and conversations that stretch late into the night.

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AddressWindermere Estate, Munnar, Kerala, India

Price Range Per NightStarting from approximately ₹12,500 per night.

Closest Airport & How To ReachCochin International Airport (COK) is approximately 110 km away, around a 3–3.5 hour scenic drive through Kerala’s countryside. Private airport transfers can be arranged.

Best Time To VisitSeptember to March for cool, pleasant weather ideal for trekking, plantation walks, and exploring Munnar’s tea gardens.

Reservations:

+91-4865-230 512 / 978 | info@windermeremunnar.com

Website: Windermere Estate