Mundackal Estate, Kothamangalam

Built a decade ago by restoring on a centaury old home at Mundackal Estate over a hundred acres of multi crop plantation. The architecture is a version of kerala style of homes seen across the state modernized by good usage of wall space by using large bay windows, inward cut verandahs and large glass coverage letting in fresh air and light indoors.

We drive from east to enter into the green and placid surroundings where a warm welcome awaits from Jose George and Daisy Jose who make us special at this plantation home stay nestling in the midland of westernghats adjoining the foothills of munnar. The medium pitched tile roofs are gabled at all faces, which artfully blend the traditional kerala architecture. The well spread layout of the bungalow and fine granite masonry is complimented with simple wooden pillars along the eastern side of the porch and southern side of the verandah, the wood paneled ceilings of the porch and the verandahs add grandeur to the home. The gracious verandahs facing the south and the cool corners tucked in them are ideal for you to relax at any time of the day with nothing but freshness all around you.

The inviting interiors are richly furnished with unique wood and brass work; the walls adorn images of the ancestors down the legacies who set foot on this soil centuries ago. The large spans of glass doors let in lot of light and air into the living cum dining from the western side were the garden effortlessly flow into sight. The landscaped lawn around the house has beautiful flowers and coconut palm, which spills over unto the backyard were various fruit trees like jack fruit; butter fruit and creepers like passion fruit canopy the northern side of the home. Tropical food crops and pulses are cultivated sufficient for the house that is served fresh to the guest as part of the menu.

Here just listen to the cleansing rain clatter down beside you, laid back at the verandah or slip into a nap on a hammock while reading a book. Try a hand at the native cooking and feel at home as the hostess teaches the basics of the kitchens of kerala recipes or make friends with nature and dream away at this friendly home.

The first floor is compacted in proportion to the building where four out of five bedrooms are offered and the fifth one is at the ground floor. The well-appointed rooms are convenient for the modern day traveler. Of the five air conditioned bedrooms on at the eastern side is a suite with a balcony. All rooms offer excellent views to the surroundings collage of plantations and tropical trees and spices through its well-ventilated windows.