Briar Tea Bungalows, Valparai

This cluster of tea bungalows is scattered around the working Briar Tea Plantation near the small town of Valparai in Tamil Nadu. With a focus on connecting guests to the environment, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

The bungalows (Sirukundra, Monica, Stanmore and Puthuthottam Annexxe) vary in style, design and service, all with old-world charm and some much more secluded than others. Just ask your India expert which property will be best suited to your needs. 

All are fit with communal living spaces, two to four bedrooms, views of the tea plantation or forest and a butler and staff on hand to look after your bungalow, dining and other needs. If you want privacy we can book out all the rooms in any bungalow.

Local naturalists who have lived in the region all their life and know the area inside out are available at the bungalows for walks or treks. Their English isn’t always great though, so for an additional cost, we can organise an English speaking naturalist for you. It is not advised to explore the area alone, as the tea plantations are in one of the largest elephant corridors in India (particularly around Puthuthottam Annexe) and have leopards in the area.  

If you’re looking to stay on a remote working tea estate in authentic bungalow accommodation with potentially excellent wildlife sighting opportunities, in an area of outstanding natural beauty then these bungalows come highly recommended.  For those looking for luxury, refinement and modern facilities, they might not be for you.