Tea County: magic on the mountain

There’s something about the mountain breeze that clears your mind. You watch everything in your mind’s eye attain freshness like the mist in the air – the memories, the love, the otherwise elusive words. If it is this vital connection with yourself that you seek out of traveling, head straight to Munnar and let your senses drown in the rain and the mist and the fragrance of wet earth. At Tea County, KTDC’s premium hill resort in Munnar, count in the added advantage of pampering to the pleasures of nature.  

Paradise at every turn

The Tea County resort sits on a hilltop with the abundantly endowed landscape of Munnar stretching out all around. Built around two decades ago, the sprawling mansion and the idyllic settings offer the finest introduction to the state’s best-loved mountain getaway. Take a trip to the Iravikulam National Park where mountain goats stand poised on steep slopes, watch sunrise on a misty morning at Mattuppetty, take a stroll among the endless tea gardens in the evening or trek down the hills looking for a Neelakurinji that strayed from the 12-year cycle – Tea County promises a slice of paradise at every turn. Nestled among the rolling hills, the property lets you experience every shade of the whimsical rainforests.

A tale of three rivers

The literal meaning of Munnar is ‘three rivers’. Countless streams, brooks, and waterfalls dot the terrain of Munnar. But what gives the place its name is the joining of Kundalippuzha, Madhurappuzha and Nallathani rivers. The gurgling of flowing water punctuated by the sounds of birds and blue skies that part every now and then to reveal a rainbow – strolls in Munnar gifts you images straight out of a picture postcard. 

The rose garden

600 rose plants greet you at the bespoke rose garden of Tea County. There are over 150 varieties of roses. Anthurium flowers deck up the only suite room in the resort. As many trees as possible were saved when the forest on the property was cleared for the resort; the canopy that shades most of the property is from those old occupants who also lay out a carpet of leaves for you to walk on. 

Sleep like royalty

Warm lights, pleasant drapes, and cool color tones mark the rooms at Tea County. The mansion, standing proud on an eight-acre plot, has a total of 67 rooms – 36 deluxe rooms, 26 premium rooms, four suites and one royal suite. The classifications scarcely matter in a setting of overflowing beauty. All the rooms have balconies with an enchanting view of the mountains – a priceless décor in itself. Coupled with the sumptuous elegance of the Teak wood furniture, the interior designing is simple grace perfected to a T. 

Nisabd and the quiet that charmed Big B

A tale often recounted happily by the resort staff is of Amitabh Bachchan being floored by the charms of Tea County. The superstar had stayed here while shooting for the movie ‘Nishabd’ and was all praise for the tranquil settings. 

A heady cocktail of food and mist

The colonial style dining room is done up in colorful accents with furniture that blends the classic and the modern. Top it with a breathtaking view of the whimsical rain and mist outside the windows and you have the inimitable Tea County dining experience. Not to mention the food that tastes like heaven. Tuck yourself into one of the sprawling sofas with a book in hand, a woolen shawl around you and a hot cup of coffee and you will soon realize all is well the world. 

The year of Neelakurinji

This year, the Neelakurinji is expected to keep its date with Munnar. There is excitement in the air. The flowers always bring visitors galore; and Tea County is all set to receive them, just like 12 years ago.

Don’t forget to take your camera along. Whether or not the blue flowers cloak the hills, Munnar is awash with beauty. You might want to save some on the camera after you heart has had its fill. 

For Booking: 9400008631, Email: teacounty@ktdc.com

To read in Malayalam, click here

Also read: Travel | Beyond Kerala | Places in Idukki