An old estate, cradled by clouds and coffee
The family home of the Simon’s was originally purchased in the late 70’s from the original Scottish owners of the tea plantation. Dr. Simon John from Ernakulam, Kerala wanted a place to go to in the hills and the plantation home with its quant setting caught his attention. The idea of opening this for guests came a little later and the first five rooms of the retreat were constructed. The foreigners visiting Munnar, who wanted something different to a hotel, took an immediate liking for Mr. Simon’s place. This prompted Dr. Simon and his son John to take the Windermere Retreat to its present form.
Being one of the first hotels in Munnar, the Windermere retreat can hardly be called a hotel. The 18 rooms are beautifully constructed over a ridge around the main family bungalow which makes the rooms feel as being an extension of the family home. Every space in the retreat has an essence of the Simon family, with crocheted work from John’s grandmother adorning both the rooms and open spaces in the retreat or the furniture that comes from the family’s heritage home. The restaurant and the library are in one unit which gives a feeling of an old English wooden outhouse. In the winters the meals are served around a fireplace after which retiring to the quiet of the library wrapped up in a warm layer is a perfect ending to a day at the Windermere Retreat, Munnar.
A total of 18 rooms are in four categories but all of them are spacious with the minimum area of plus 500 sq ft. They are constructed in units with each one having two to four rooms. The path to the rooms is well lit and even in monsoons they have easy access.
Each room is designed for a serene atmosphere. The ground floor setting ensures easy access to lush surroundings, while a private sit-out area in each room invites immersion in nature's tranquillity. Adorned with handcrafted solid wood furniture and natural cotton fabrics, these rooms exude timeless charm and a connection to the region's heritage.
Garden View
8 rooms
2 + 0
355 sq ft
Meticulously designed for an elevated stay amidst nature's breathtaking beauty, these upper-floor rooms redefine tranquility. Each room is a testament to our commitment to blending comforts with a closer connection to nature. Thoughtful design includes a private balcony inviting you to immerse in natural surroundings.
Garden View
500 sq ft
2 + 1
8 rooms
These unique rooms offer a secluded escape close to the original Planters Bungalow, ensuring an intimate connection with breathtaking mountains and estates. Wake up to a dramatic sunrise view, unwind on your private balcony and sun deck, and revel in the warmth of wood flooring. These rooms feature a small area with a work table, a spacious bathroom, and one side adorned with ceiling-to-floor windows for a connection to nature.
Garden View
2 rooms
2 + 1
950 sq ft
Price Description: The price displayed is the lowest seasonal rates for double occupancy and includes all taxes and accommodation with the meals mentioned below. Prices may change with the season, especially during the peak season months.
Meals: Breakfast
Extra Note: Extra Bed per person charges is applicable for one extra bed only in Estate & Planters rooms.
Third Person/Child: Third Person: Rs 4,000 (above 12 years), Child price: Rs 2,500 (6 - 12 years)
Raahghar Payment Terms: Reservation is confirmed with an advance payment of 50% of the total amount at the time of booking. The balance payment is to be made 7 days prior to check-in.
Cancellation Policy (Indian Passport Holders Only):
In case of a cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstance a credit note will be issued by the property to the guest for the amount paid till date.
The credit note will be valid for use within one year from the period of booking. The guest can redeem the credit note against the amount of any future booking within a year and pay the balance if any as per the rates applicable on that date. This credit note is also transferable and can be used by the guest/transferee only once within the stipulated date.
Raahghar would keep your credit card information secured with us and it won't be charged unless needed.
Kochi International Airport is the nearest, 3 hrs away (107 Kms).
Aluva is the nearest Railway Station, 3 hrs away (109 Kms). Ernakulam Railway Station is 3.5 hrs away (126 Kms).
20mins from Munnar town (6Kms), 3.5 hrs drive from Kochi (127 Kms).
There is a deviation from Munnar on the road towards Cochin, after which the road gets narrow until you approach the last 200 metres of plantation road that leads to the property. There is plenty of parking around the reception from where you would be guided towards your rooms.
The Vantage Point at Windermere is intensely private, accessible exclusively to their guests, via a rough-hewn stairway carved into the boulder at the centre of the property. When you reach the top, you’ll find a private balcony with a 360 degree view of the Western Ghats, perfect to watch the sunrise & sunsets.
Water is used from a natural spring at the property & is used cautiously. Solar energy is used extensively.
Food waste is sent to the in house bio-digester & is converted to biogas & manure for the garden & plantation. A sewage treatment plant treats soiled water, which is then used to water the coffee plants.
The property lies atop a hillock. Construction was done with little disturbance to the rock formations & trees. The materials used for the building where government auctioned wood, earthy tiles & fabrics from handlooms - all locally sourced.
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