In the middle of a meddlesome work day, we often daydream about running away from the dreary workplace, pack our bags, and flee to a quaint mountain retreat where we can slacken in the lap of nature, sniff the fresh air, rejuvenate with a cup of tea (or coffee), and listen to the melody of raindrops falling on the roof. Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow in Valparai fits the bill perfectly. It is the ultimate getaway for that long-awaited break in the hills, and the ideal way to channel your cottagecore aesthetic.
Off the beaten path, Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow is tucked away amid tea gardens in Valparai. Set up during the dawn of the 20th century, these British-style bungalows are a flawless mixture of old-world charm and idyllic destination, where you can get a taste of the plantation life. The rooms are furnished in a vintage décor style, while the in-house kitchen adheres to a farm-to-table principle. It is a calm oasis, where a mobile network is non-existent and even the wi-fi is sketchy. To your heart’s content, you will drift off to la-la land while watching Hoopoes prancing and peacocks dancing.
Where is Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow located?
This heritage bungalow is situated in Valparai, a quaint hill station of the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It lies at an altitude of 1,059 m above sea level on the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats. It is also part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
History of Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow:
The chronicle of Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow starts from 1858, when Lord Harris, the Governor of Madras Presidency, sent Dr. Macpherson, the Inspector General of Hospitals, and Dr. Cleghorn, the Conservator of Forests, to scout the southern range of the Annamalai Hills. Their journey was challenging as the duo had to walk six days straight to brave the treacherous terrain from Pollachi to Akkamalai. Thankfully, such a gruelling journey is a thing of the past. Now, it is barely a two-hour drive from Pollachi to Valparai. The road has 40 hairpin bends, and the drive is nothing short of a natural roller-coaster.
In 1896, Captain E.G. Windle tried his luck with a coffee plantation. He was assisted by Messer Marsh and Congreve. They hired Moplah contractors, cleared forests, and also experimented with tea, rubber, and cardamom. Finally, they decided to go forward with tea.
In 1982, the Murugappa Group acquired this tea estate from the English and Scottish Wholesale Co-operative Society. At present, the estate grows 555 acres of organic tea and 1215 acres of traditionally-grown tea.
The Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow in Valparai is part of a series of British Colonial residences which previously belonged to the ‘Sinna Dorai’ or the deputy manager of the tea estates during the British era. It was one of the first homes built in Valparai back in 1929.
Bungalows and Rooms:
In Valparai, Sinna Dorai has bungalows at three places –
Rotti Kadai:
‘Rotti Kadai’ means bakery shop. This three-roomed bungalow is named after the first bakery of Valparai. It dates back to 1923.
Upper Paralai:
This century-old bungalow sits atop the Iyerpadi Hill in the Anamalai range. From its vantage point, it offers a panoramic view of the tea estate as well as of the Valparai vista.
The main bungalow has two heritage rooms. The other four rooms in two cottages with their own verandah were also old buildings converted.
Laced with vintage aesthetic, the bungalow oozes old-world charm. The halls and rooms are decorated with antique pieces, while the walls are covered with vibrant paintings of the birds seen in Valparai. It also houses a library with a vast collection of classics and history.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and follow a minimalist furnishing.
Moulmein House:
This four-room planter’s bungalow was constructed in 1927. Surrounded by forest, its gardens are frequented by Nilgiri Langurs and, if luck approves, the Great Indian Hornbill.
Food in Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow:
At Sinna Dorai, you will be revelling in the delights of local cuisine. For breakfast, you will be served traditional Tamil fare such as wafer-thin and crispy Dosai, Idli, Coconut Chutney, and a hearty bowl of Sambar. They will be accompanied by fresh fruits, a cup of steaming tea, and eggs of your choice.
At lunch, the table will be filled with a plethora of dishes, including Thoran (finely chopped vegetables with coconut), Rasam, curry leaves-tempered daal, Poosanikkai Mor Kootu (ash gourd in yoghurt and coconut curry), Mushroom Kuzhambu, and Masala Fish Fry.
In the evening, you can relish tea and crispy pakoras while watching a mesmerising sunset.
For dinner, you will once again savour Tamil dishes such as Avarakkai Poriyal (flat beans stir fry), Cauliflower Poriyal, Parotta, Rasam, along with Soups, Daal, Paneer, and Chicken curries.
After every meal, delectable desserts such as Chocolate Brownie and Banana Crumble are served, the recipes of which have been handed down by generations gone.
Every dish was prepared with utmost care, served with warm smiles, and tasted delicious. During our stay, we eagerly looked forward to the next meal and kept guessing about the dishes.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the room fare.
Activities offered in Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow:
The heritage bungalow also extends immersive activities in nature’s lap:
Birding: A guided tour to spot the vibrant birds that call Valparai their home. Birding is conducted in two slots – 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM. The price varies according to the time taken. An hour of birding will cost you INR 250 per person, while a half-day venture is INR 2500.
Short hike: A guided 30-minute short hike in the tea estate. There are four slots – 7:30 AM, 11 AM, 4 PM, and 5 PM. The charge is INR 150 per person.
Long hike: A guided one-hour or longer hike in the tea estate and surrounding forest. It is done in three slots – 7:30 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM. Price starts from INR 250 per person and goes up by the hours involved.
Walk or drive to the stream: This is conducted in two slots – 11 AM and 3-30 PM. The drive costs INR 250 and the guided walk INR 750.
Evening drive: This is an exciting drive on the estate roads. There is only one slot at 7-15 PM. The fare starts from INR 1000 and depends on the number of persons.
Our experience at Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow:
We made the colonial era Upper Paralai our home for two days. The road leading to the bungalow is backbreaking; however, we excused the bumpy ride thanks to the pride of peacocks prancing in the tea estate. As we reached the bungalow, we were drawn into another world – the picturesque and idyllic world of tea plantations. As far as our eyes could reach, we saw charming tea-covered hills. Stacked up one behind the other with mist covering their tops.
The old-world charm of the bungalow mesmerised us, and so did nature. We woke up to the melancholic whistles of Malabar Whistling Thrush, watched spotted doves and hill myna waddling across the garden, witnessed a peacock dancing to impress its partner, and a green forest lizard sunbathing. The myriad calls of countless birds soothed us, while the greenery was a welcome respite from the humdrums of routine life.
Important FAQs:
How can I reach Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow?
- By air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore, located at a distance of 105 km. Coimbatore is fairly well-connected with prominent Indian cities. From Coimbatore, you can take a 3-hour road trip to Valparai via Pollachi.
Alternately, you can reach Kochi by air. Kochi is around 150 km away from Valparai, and the scenic journey will take you through the Sholayar Forest Reserve. From Kochi, this route reaches Valparai via Chalkudy.
- By train: Pollachi is the closest railway station (64 km from Valparai). The 22651 Palakkad Express runs daily between Chennai and Pollachi. Several local trains also ply from Coimbatore to Pollachi.
- By bus: Tamil Nadu has excellent bus connectivity. From both Coimbatore and Pollachi, you will get frequent state-run buses to Valparai.
How can I book a room here?
Rooms can be booked from the official website of Sinna Dorai’s Bungalow.
What is the room rent?
Bungalow rooms cost INR 14,000, while cottage rooms are INR 17,000. Price includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Rooms are complimentary for kids up to the age of 5. Triple occupancy is not allowed.
Is parking available?
Parking is available. Also, accommodation and food for drivers can be booked here at a nominal rate.
Which places in Valparai are worth visiting?
Take a walk in the tea and coffee estates, watch the antics of the Lion-Tailed Macaque, go birdwatching and spot Malabar Whistling Thrush or Great Indian Hornbill, visit the Aliyar and Sholayar Dam, and hike up the Monkey Falls.
