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Live the plantation life in the Nilgiris

Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow-Mangorange

Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow-Mangorange

Pandalur
, Tamil Nadu
, India

The plantation bungalow is reminiscent of the colonial architecture and décor from the early 19th century, with wide airy verandas, high ceilings, vintage furniture, fireplaces and spacious rooms. The accommodation is plush yet understated, offering restive corners to unwind.

The Western Ghats had an enduring footprint of British officers in late 18th century, where they were seeking respite from the hot plains and economic opportunities cultivating spices and coffee. Finally, many of them settled on tea, thanks to the cool climes of the Nilgiris and around. Many plush and sprawling plantation homes propped up for the managers, staff 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 profusion of green and perfect atmosphere to unplug from the city life is the single most reason to stay at any of these bungalows.
The Sinna Dorai’s bungalows are easily accessible from both Bengaluru and Kochi and combine well with other properties like Malabar Escapes as well Pepper Trail in Wayanad and Dvara Siruvani in Coimbatore to form part of a longer Southern India exploration.
Our Rating: Mid-Range
Property Type: Plantation

Destination

The Mangorange plantation in the Nilgiris was born, as others in the region, at the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th. It was the era when British officers were exploring the region for cultivation – spices, coffee and finally settling on tea. The English and Scottish Joint Wholesale Society Ltd. acquired tracts of land in the Pandalur and Devala area and began planting tea in 1916. Today the estate is spread over 2,500 acres of tea with two factories. In the middle of the lush green estate lies a sprawling plantation bungalow with three rooms, that can make you time travel over a century back.

Plantations in the Nilgiri-Wayanad district were first opened in 1845 by Mr. James Ouchterlony. Initial attempts at coffee failed due to pest infestation and salvation came in the form of a gold rush in 1874, when as many as 41 companies were floated in England to prospect for gold in the area. This boom was short-lived and the focus shifted back to coffee and by 1916 tea was being exclusively planted in the estate. Not much is known about the origins of why the area is called Mango Range except for the rather large mango tree near the Peria Dorai’s (Manager’s) Bungalow. This Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow dates back to 1918 and its three bedrooms stand in its original form in the 2,500 acres Carolyn Estate.

Accommodation

There are three rooms for guests in the sprawling plantation house. The spacious rooms are equipped with vintage furniture, fireplaces, a reading desk and modern comforts. The real charm lies in keeping the connection with nature intact at all times via the large verandas around the bungalow. Since all the rooms are part of the bungalow, it is an excellent option for a large family or group to take up.

Dining

Food is one of the biggest highlights of the stay with International and Indian cuisine cooked to perfection and served in the main dining hall for all guests. The best of homely and nutritious food comes together with some special recipes of the host. Keep ample room for desserts.

Experiences

Relax on the veranda or the garden and lose yourself to the mountains. Once you have soaked in your picturesque surroundings and explored the tea estate you may fancy an immersion in the natural history of this region in the form of a visit to the nearby Mudumalai and Bandipur National parks. And you may just chance upon a herd of elephant, known to roam freely in this region.

Perfect For nature lovers who will love the immersion in stories of elephants crossing the estate, spotting birds and keeping eyes and ears tuned to the delightful sounds of nature.

Why we love this place

Staying the middle of a plantation has its perks – you get to pluck your own tea leaves, and wither, cut, tear, ferment and dry them for your own cup of chai. That’s apart from living the plantation life.

Our Recommendation

This is a truly refreshing location. Stay amidst vast tracts of green with tea plantations all around and the vintage charm of a colonial plantation home. We suggest staying for at least 2 or 3 days to really take in the surrounds and unwind.

Can’t find a suitable itinerary that features a destination, experience or accommodation you fancy? All our group tours and holiday ideas can be personalised, or we can create a tailor made itinerary for you.

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Our Accommodation Ratings

Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)

Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)

Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)

Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)

Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)