Live the Planter’s Life at Lockhart Bungalow
Wake Up Amid the Misty Hills of Munnar’s Oldest Tea Plantation
Looking for respite from the hustle of daily life or from the sweltering heat of summer? Munnar’s historic Lockhart Estate offers the perfect escape for weary souls, with 1500 acres of pristine tea gardens, crisp morning air and a charming bungalow that transports you to simpler times.
Surrounded by the verdant Western Ghats, CGH Earth’s Lockhart Bungalow immerses guests in its rich history and breathtaking scenery, promising blissful isolation from the cares of urban life. So unwind from your screens, stop and smell the tea leaves and embrace the true essence of the planter’s way of life.
Unique Activities
Partake in the Estate’s Tea-Making Craft
At Lockhart Estate, experience the tea-making journey, not just as a spectator but as an active participant. Over the course of three hours, this activity takes guests around the estate’s lush plantation. Stroll through rows of greens rustling under a cloud-scudded blue sky, creating a picture-perfect setting for your idyllic vacation.
During your tour, you will be greeted by local tea pluckers immersed in their craft. If you want to get your hands dirty, join the friendly workers as they teach you leaf-harvesting techniques passed down for generations.
Combine this tour with a Lockhart Tea Factory visit to watch how the leaves you pick with experienced tea pickers get processed into the final products. Explore the factory’s history, uncover tea production secrets and enjoy a tasting session of signature blends.
Catch a Glimpse of the Region’s Diverse Fauna
Munnar’s high altitude, unique climate and rolling montane grasslands are a haven for rare wildlife, making it every nature enthusiast’s dream.
With 500-plus species of endemic and migratory birds, Munnar is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Discover this vibrant avian life with a 90-minute guided birding tour. At dawn, set out with your binoculars and follow the symphony of chirps deep into the shola forests. Your guide will help you spot the Nilgiri flycatcher, Palani chilappan and black and orange flycatcher, along with colourful butterflies like the red disc bush brown and Palni fritillary.
For more memorable adventures among these dense canopies, join a herping tour led by a local naturalist. This expedition invites you to witness mysterious amphibians and reptiles in the thrilling cover of nightfall when they are at their most resplendent. Follow your guide’s instructions to spot both regional and endangered species, such as the shrub frog, Jayaram's bush frog, Kalakkad gliding frog, galaxy frog and the large-scaled pit viper.
Lodging
Stay in a Charming Bungalow
Carefully restored by CGH Earth, a hospitality group committed to responsible tourism, this expansive bungalow from the 1940s oozes old-world charm. From the patterned tiles and cool stone walls to the ornate furniture, decor and draperies, every corner transports you to the bygone days when it was a cherished summer retreat for plantation owners.
While preserving its heritage, the property doesn’t skimp on modern comforts like free Wi-Fi, BBQ facilities, an airport shuttle and laundry services. Ideal for families or large groups of travellers, this bungalow comes with three double rooms that promise unbelievable vistas of Munnar's beauty. Each of these spacious rooms has a cushy four-poster bed, a dining area, a comfy seating nook, a work desk and a walk-in shower.
Wake up every morning to the sun’s rejuvenating rays streaming through large, double windows that open to beautiful tea gardens, providing the perfect start to your day of exploration or relaxation.
Dining
Savour Delicacies With Spectacular Views
Dining at the Lockhart Estate is a memorable treat for both the palate and the soul, offering gourmet meals alongside stunning hillside panoramas. The on-site restaurant boasts a team of skilled chefs who never fail to impress with their gastronomic delights.
Ring in the day with a hearty breakfast of sausages, sandwiches, fruits and a spread of other continental and traditional dishes paired with a soothing cup of the estate’s signature tea blends. Morning and afternoon meals can be served out in the tea gardens against the backdrop of sloping tea plantations and clear skies.
While delicious meals are always available at the restaurant, you can also don your chef’s hat and grill up some tasty bites with the property’s BBQ facilities.
Sustainability Story
A key philosophy of Lockhart Bungalow CGH Earth is maximising experiences while minimising footprints. This commitment is evident in daily practices such as eliminating single-use cutlery and bottles, recycling waste, and using 100 per cent renewable electricity and energy-efficient fittings.
With a keen focus on uplifting local economies, a portion of their revenue is dedicated to promoting community and sustainability initiatives. They also foster local collaboration and partnerships, with most of their staff, tour guides and activity leaders being natives of the area. This coexistence offers guests an authentic experience while contributing to the community’s economic growth.
Come, discover the beauty of slow travel at Lockhart Bungalow, where history and sustainable hospitality seamlessly blend to ensure every aspect of your stay enriches both the land and its people.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Lockhart Bungalow
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