We are a couple of women from Coimbatore. We both run our own businesses here. Both of had never been to Munnar. So we decided that’s what we are going to do for 4 days. Friends told us that for the most part, Munnar has become rather crowded and commercial. So we searched for a place outside of Munnar where it’s less crowded. That way, we could also visit some of the attractions in and around Munnar. We got on the internet and found Talayar Briar Tea Bungalow. It is about 18 kms. from Munnar. The entire journey from Munnar is soul quenching with stunning natural beauty. Hills, mountains, small water falls, brooks and tea/coffee plantations with shades of green. When you reach the Bungalow compound, you are literally encircled by mountains and hills; some mist clad. I was in awe of the panoramic view of the mountain ranges.

This is an old colonial Bungalow which has recently been remodelled with all the nostalgic salient features intact. The Bungalow belongs to the Woodbriar Group. The Bungalow is placed ideally within 2500 acres of tea and coffee plantation. Perfect for privacy. You don’t come across anyone other than the plantation employees. This area also borders with Eravikulam National Park, a wildlife sanctuary to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Birds, butterflies and a well kept flower garden is an additional asset to this Bungalow.

In addition, we had a dedicated chef and his service team, spacious, fantastic rooms with fireplaces, large bathrooms and plenty of tastefully furnished common area. The food is memorable, and large quantities.

We were briefed by the guide that ‘Tea’ is the theme here. The next morning we were all set to indulge in the tea experience. We were taken to a tea plantation area close to the tea Factory. We were then given a wicker basket which can be fastened to our back. Then we were given a demo on how to pluck the tea shoots just like how a regular tea plucker would do. It was tricky in the beginning, but we caught on to it. The task was to fill the basket. I think it took us a good hour to accomplish that. That was great fun. Next we were taken to the mini tea Factory. Our tea was subjected to all the tea production procedures like withering, cutting, tearing, curling, fermenting and drying. And we were involved 100%.

Finally they packaged the tea and we got to take it home. This was a marvellous experience. Both of us can never forget that tea production experience. It was educational, thrilling and informative. We would highly recommend this experience.

The following days we spent doing local sightseeing, tea museum visit, Mattupetty dam, Rajamala to see the Tahr and top station. We are absolutely happy that we chose the Talayar Briar Tea Bungalow. An experience deeply etched in our memory. Never had a dull moment.