About
Wiltshire Bungalow
History
Tyford Estate is 2900 acres of land at 3400 ft. above sea level, which transcends any visitor into tranquility. It is the oldest estates opened in 1860, by the missionary Henry Baker Jr. who was appointed by the Travancore Rajas on request of Colonel Munro who played a decisive part in opening up of Peermade as a plantation destination. Henry Baker Junior, first planted coffee, but it was abandoned to concentrate on tea plantation, in 1885. One can feel the richness of soil and freshness of green all along the estate which has 3 divisions - Tyford, Vembanad and Fairfield - subsequently consolidated into one - Tyford Tea Estate, now changed hands to the present owners, the Aban Group Ltd in 1993.
The bungalow
The Wiltshire Bungalow was rebuilt on an old bungalow for the conscious modern traveller. The five bedrooms ensuite for guests which are kept in perfect decorum, style and comfort giving a coziness and a homely atmosphere. The view from the eastward facing patio on the south is a sight to behold which soothes the senses. A chain of green clad hills stands bordering the eastern horizon and the valley below is a collage of green tea plantation and red flame of the forest trees. The inviting indoors and its gracious setting are sporting in Victorian-era furniture, modern amenities with large 5 bedrooms to offer.
Activities
- A tea factory commissioned in 1999 with most modern facilities is a few minutes’ walk down the bungalow.
- The Tea experience certainly enhances your enjoyment in one the oldest estate in Travancore of the cup that cheers.
- Drive to the softly purring tea factory to savor the unforgettable aroma of freshly fired tea – a pleasure that both the connoisseur and the layman can relish. In fact, it’s wafted in the air and greets you from over a kilometer away Tasting for the interested with full demo of tea making is available.
- A stroll along the banks of the lakes, waterfalls and rivulets watching the unique flora and fauna which makes one think that he is in the country which is God’s very own.
- A sandwich picnic to Madammakulam in a guided jeep and a short walk across to Erumulachikkallu overlooking the Mundakayam Valley. An evening can be spending for some golfing around at the nine-hole course - good humoredly called the cheapest golf course in the world - maintained by Peermade Club, or a game of snooker or billiards followed by a cocktail party with the members to add some sport to the night
Services
- Great-smelling food is served piping hot. Food served from the routine 'Kitchens of Kerala and Nort Indian'. The menu is set between the guest and the host with controlled use of spices, with homegrown and organic fruits, vegetables and spices finding a place in the cuisines.
- The estate has a dam inside its premises known as Uppukulam reservoir with abundant fishing and angling possibilities and mild trekking areas around.
- The places around Peermade Club which is situated on the Fairfield division is a cute little piece of land to relax away in total privacy
