In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, vast areas of the Western Ghats were cleared to make way for planting spices, coffee and eventually tea. This led to the building of colonial bungalows for the planters, their managers and families.
The three Sinna Dorai’s bungalows (in Anamallais, Mangorange & Kadamane) are examples of such bungalows; clusters of residences named after the assistant managers (‘Sinna Dorai’ in the local parlance) of the tea plantation.
The architecture and design of Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow in Anamallais (Valparai) emulates planters’ homes of late 19th century. Stone walls, airy verandas, high ceilings and a decidedly vintage charm define the ambience of the bungalow. Books, artefacts and décor is reminiscent of colonial times.
A grassy, well-manicured patch in front of the bungalow has a bench at the edge that overlooks the valleys below. The sophisticated ambience of a planter’s home is a window into a once popular world of refinement with polished silver, bone china and mahogany four-poster beds. Sensitively renovated to add new bathrooms, the main house still has the original wooden flooring intact, working fireplaces, a typewriter, and gramophone and other period memorabilia.
Experience the authentic life of a planter in a charmingly unhurried world without Wi-Fi, infinity pools, television and buffet meals as you are welcomed in to a bygone era. Wake-up gently to birdsong, venture out on bracing morning walks in the company of butterflies and possibly a serendipitous brush with wildlife in their habitat, partake a lazy afternoon tea in wide sunny verandas and savour delicious home-styled meals served with the gracious hospitality estate homes are renowned for.
The Sinna Dorai’s Bungalows are easily accessible from both Bengaluru and Kochi and combine well with other properties like Malabar Escapes in Kerala as well as Pepper Trail in Wayanad and Dvara Siruvani in Coimbatore to form part of a longer Southern India exploration.
