The Windermere Estate – A Hilltop Munnar Boutique Hotel Set in a Cardomom, Tea and Coffee Plantation

The Windermere Estate Munnar is not just a place to stay, it’s a destination in itself. This boutique hotel in Munnar is located 5,000 feet above sea level, where rolling hills cradle you in silence and sweeping tea gardens whisper stories of a time gone by. As you drive up the winding road just 15 minutes from the heart of Munnar, the estate begins to reveal its quiet magic. Set within a 60-acre cardamom, tea, and coffee plantation, the Windermere Estate perfectly marries rustic charm with understated luxury. The estate and boutique hotel has been built around the natural rock formations and ancient trees, it’s a retreat where nature isn't curated, it is embraced and cherished. From the original Planter’s Bungalow that is still the home of the owners, to the handcrafted chalets that have been placed carefully across the property, everything is designed to make you feel at home. What truly sets the Windermere Hotel in Munnar apart is its commitment to slow living. Life here flows to the rhythms of rustling leaves, distant bird calls, the changing of the seasons and the crisp breeze that carries the delicious aromas of fresh cardamom and roasted coffee. The stay experience at this Munnar boutique hotel is immersive, guests can stroll through the estate’s lush plantations, share stories over a cup of homegrown Arabica coffee, or settle under the estate’s iconic boulder for a quiet evening with friends, old and new, around a roaring bonfire under the stars. Meals at Windermere in Munnar are a soulful blend of Kerala’s culinary heritage and Anglo-Indian nostalgia served with care and warmth in intimate, in-house dining spaces. What began as a plantation founded by Travancore-era pioneers, and lovingly nurtured by Dr. Simon John and his family, has blossomed into a serene haven of warm, familial, and professional hospitality. Today, the Windermere Resort Munnar welcomes guests from around the world, travellers seeking authenticity, comfort, and the rare luxury of true peace. With the estate’s roots deeply embedded in the heritage of Kerala’s high ranges, the Windermere Estate invites you to step into a space where hospitality comes from the heart, architecture is born from the land, and each moment is both grounding and gently indulgent. This is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with a slower, more meaningful way of life. Whether it’s the mesmerizing views that it could be said echo the scenery of the British Lake District that the estate’s name reflects, or the quiet charm of the property’s thoughtful design, the Windermere Estate Munnar is a tribute to time, tradition, and the timeless beauty of the Western Ghats.

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The Windermere Estate – Where Farmhouse Charm Meets Thoughtful Comfort

At the Windermere Estate the rooms are an extension of the landscape. Crafted with a deep respect for the environment and a clear intention to foster rest and reflection. Each of the 18 rooms is designed chalet-style, with architecture that follows the contours of the land rather than imposing upon it. Guests have the choice of three distinct room types: Garden Rooms, Estate Rooms, and the luxurious Planter’s Rooms. No matter what your selection, the room interiors echo the simplicity of plantation life with terracotta tiles, whitewashed walls, natural wood furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views you’ll never want to look away from. The Garden Rooms at Windermere Retreat Munnar are cozy sanctuaries tucked into the lush lower level of the chalets. Perfect for couples or solo travelers, they offer an intimate connection to the estate’s greenery, with private sit-outs for reading, birdwatching, or enjoying a peaceful cup of tea. The Estate Rooms, slightly larger, offer more space to unwind. These rooms are ideal for small families or friends traveling together and can accommodate an extra guest. Some even feature interconnected balconies, providing an inviting option for groups seeking both privacy and closeness. The crown jewel of the accommodation, however, is the Planter’s Room. With hard wood floors, expansive balconies, and sun decks that invite the morning light, these suites provide panoramic views of the hills and tea gardens. It’s here that you’ll feel most connected to the soul of Windermere Resort Munnar, a blend of heritage elegance and contemporary comfort. No matter the room category, every guest at Windermere Hotel Munnar enjoys the same thoughtful amenities with full bathrooms with walk-in showers, pedestal fans or heaters on request, and personal touches that speak volumes about the estate’s attention to detail. At Windermere Munnar, rooms are not simply spaces to sleep, they are carefully considered habitats that reflect the values of the estate, elegant simplicity, warmth, and a deep-rooted connection to the land.

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At the Windermere Estate, Experience Munnar Beyond the Guidebook

The Windermere Estate offers far more than just serene views and charming rooms, it is a gateway to a deeply immersive experience in Munnar’s landscape, biodiversity, and culture. For those with a spirit of exploration and a love of nature, the Windermere Estate is a living, breathing ecosystem waiting to be discovered. And a stay here combines beautifully with a deeper discovery of India’s many fascinating destinations, with the best way to enjoy these being on a carefully crafted Secret Retreats travel itinerary in India, where every detail is taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy each fascinating and relaxing moment. Guests can begin their journey with a Nature Trail Walk through the cardamom plantations guided by the in-house naturalist. These gentle walks reveal the estate’s rich flora, ancient trees, and the shy, delightful creatures like the Malabar giant squirrel that call it home. Each evening, under the soft glow of the setting sun, stories of the land come alive as you walk, observe, and learn. Beyond the estate, a stay at Windermere Munnar connects guests to the UNESCO-protected Western Ghats. Located within easy reach of Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Windermere Estate makes for an ideal base for eco-conscious travelers. Whether you’re trekking to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, spotting the Great Grizzled Squirrel in Chinnar, or cycling through tea villages with 500 ft elevation gains, the options are abundant. Activities are curated with care, always keeping in mind the importance of low-impact travel and a meaningful connection to nature. For culture seekers, a visit to the Srishti Project, which empowers differently abled artisans, pairs beautifully with a nearby tea factory tour offering an enriching glimpse into the people and processes behind Munnar’s most iconic exports. And yet, for many, the most cherished moments at the Windermere Estate Munnar are found not in movement, but in the serene stillness that awaits in moments in nature. Festivals are also celebrated with grace and intimacy, from the Onam harvest festival and its floral carpets, Sadhya feasts of delicious vegetarian dishes, and celebration of Hindu culture, to Christmas dinners and soft-lit Diwali evenings. Every experience at Windermere Resort Munnar is rooted in the principles of slow travel and genuine hospitality. It’s about stepping away from the fast lane and embracing a lifestyle where every detail from food to views, from people to places is savored. At Windermere Hotel Munnar, activities aren’t scheduled distractions, they’re invitations. Invitations to go deeper, to learn, to reflect, and to remember that the best journeys are the ones that awaken all your senses. Whether you’re here for nature, heritage, culture, or simply to breathe deeply and sleep well, Windermere Munnar is ready to welcome you with open arms and the quiet promise of something truly special.

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