Skip the crowds in The Nilgiris and head to these plush destination resorts at Pollachi & Valparai

A favourite hangout for naturalists and ecologists, we uncover the Anaimalai’s magnificent landscapes of forests, crystal reservoirs and some of the region’s most tranquil and plush resorts. 
A panaroma of the Anaimalai range
A panaroma of the Anaimalai range

Serenity resorts

Grand road trip

There is little additional attraction on offer at The Serenity Nature Resort than what its name suggests. But given that it is mathematically located as the shortest distance between two points—Sethumadai and the Anamalai Reserve—any supplementary facade would just be a distraction. Replete with what one could call its own private backyard mountain ranges, the 13-acre land on which the resort is built evokes a nirvana-like serenity amidst the dramatic backdrop of the mountains. Walk past groves of coconut trees along the border of the reserve forest and you are immersed in a moment of splendid escapism.

View finder

A five-minute stroll from the buffer zone of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, this resort-style farm stay is one of the only ones that offers this close proximity to controlled forest land. Featuring six-rooms (three of which are currently under renovation), each view offers a different panorama of the surrounding Annamalai mountains and the farmlands of Sethumadai. “Serenity acts like a gateway for those looking to go to Topslip, Aliyar and Monkey Falls,” shares Chitra Devi, owner of the property. Keeping with the resort’s influence, the dining experience at Serenity embraces local cuisine and offers organically cultivated vegetables from the property’s farm.

View of Serenity
View of Serenity

Breaking ground

With the emphasis on relaxation and oneness with nature, Serenity has a cycling trail that runs through its premises plus curated natural farm tours. “We organise tours on the farmlands of Saravanan Varadharajan, who runs Coimbatore-based Iyyal Organics. Over 10 varieties of vegetables and fruits, including beans, tomato, bitter gourd, snake gourd, pomegranate and guava are cultivated here,” explains Rajeshwaran R, Chitra’s son. This resort is also one of the only properties within the Tamil Nadu region of the biosphere that has a tree-house located on its land.

Rs 5,300 for two, including meals.

Thadam Bungalow

Colonial luxury

A fusion of the century-old colonial styled bungalow with nuances of contemporary minimalism, Thadam Bungalow best describes the many remnants (now turned tourist resthouses) of the British presence in the region. But you’d do best not to slot this 144-year-old villa into one among these ranks. While its story belongs to the beginning of the 20th century when Carwer Marsh and Congre, two representatives of the British Raj, planted rubber in the Kalyana Panthal Estate, local lore has it that the history of the region—Sheikalmudi, goes back to the time of the last Chera ruler, King Kulasekhara Perumal. 

Overview of Thadam Bungalow
Overview of Thadam Bungalow

Panorama city

Perched on the leafy lap of the Valparai Range, more importantly amidst the confines of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, the gardens of the building offer one of the best viewpoints and panoramas of the Sholayar reservoir and the rainforests of Valparai. Blending in, appropriately with the stay’s environ is the library that is well stocked with books on local culture and flora and fauna of the region. An idler’s delight, the three rooms are furnished with large comfy beds and have an entire wall, facing the garden, made up of wooden french windows and are delightful spots for armchair bird watching.

View from the bungalow
View from the bungalow

Twilight on the trail

The brainchild of entrepreneurs Pravin Shanmughanandam, Lingesh Kalinganayar and Nachimuthu Prakash the nature trail is the highlight of the stay here and not just the historic building. “The rainforest remains as fragments embedded within private plantations. The fragments matter for conservation as it remains one of the most significant areas for the Great Hornbill congregation in the Western Ghats,” explains Pravin, talking about the flurry of bird activity that just came to an end. Not dependent on the visual imagery of the landscape to tell its tale, the bird walk is the outcome of years of bird watching. “Anthropod trails in the night also find many enthusiasts," adds Pravin. 

Rs 7,500 for two, with food and accommodation.

Shenbaga Vilasam

Kingdom come

A jewel in the crown of Pollachi is the historic Samathur village. So, a visit to the district cannot be complete without an experience at Shenbaga Vilasam, a family home-turned resort of the Zamindar of Samathur. The history of Samathur gains relevance as this is the former residence of the Vanavarayars who have ruled the region for over 800 years. Retaining its culture and tradition, this regal yet rustic homestay that serves simple Kongunadu food is a pick. However, their collection of art and memorabilia are so impressive that you will struggle to concentrate on your food.

Coco Lagoon

Healing hands

Coco Lagoon, which opened in 2013, is one of those classic stays that offer guests a trip of the entire region of Pollachi within the confines of its fine linens and service on its sprawling seven-acre property. With suites and villas that come equipped with Jacuzzis and a private pool, this village-style resort has been attracting celebrities since its inauguration including, Mahesh Babu, Pavan Kalyan, among others. “Pollachi has the potential to be a major tourist destination. Think of any South Indian movie and at least one sequence is filmed in the region,” explains Maheswar PTS, the MD. Featuring 32 rooms, including two individual villas, this resort has an expansive spa and wellness centre, Vaidya Sutra, that has a loyal following among its star clientele.

Sinna Dorai

Day on the slopes 

Call it a surreal meeting point where the sun, mountains and tea plantations find an observable counterpoint. Framing this natural canvas was the inspiration that spurred the conversion of the residence of the erstwhile Sinna Dorai (junior estate manager) of the British tea plantations into an eco-stay. Furnished with period furniture from the 1920s, this isolated six bedroom bungalow stands amidst 1,500 acres of organic tea fields and overlooks the roti kadai valley, the location of the first bakery in the district.

Pics: U Rakesh Kumar and Pollachi Papyrus

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