We restored a 1930’s British built bungalow within our smallest estate - Talayar at Munnar, Kerala and took our first baby steps into Eco Tourism. We believed then as we do today, the enormous capacity of tourism to uplift the local social economy.

The bungalow, which came to be known as the Talayar Valley Bungalow, had all the trappings of the British era. Wrought iron bath tubs, Doulton wash basins, Shanks flush tanks, in built fireplaces in all rooms, brass adjustable light holders - all within large rooms and even larger bathrooms. The experience was subtle and non hotel in every sense. The success was dramatic and astounding. More importantly the guest comments were hugely motivating.

Today we have spread the Eco Tourism word with our brand Briar Tea Bungalows across all our tea holdings. Being among the largest tea plantation companies in South India, we decided to restore and share as many bungalows with guests as we can and currently have a total of 20 rooms spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, in Valparai, Meghamalai, Nilgiri - Wyanad and Munnar, amidst lush forests in the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are amongst the 25 biodiversity hotspots that the world recognizes. This chain of hills is not only rich in its historical and cultural heritage but is also home to endemic plants and animals. At least 40% of the 10,000 or more species of living organisms that live in the Western Ghats are found nowhere else in the world.

The private forests surrounding the Briar Bungalows are a wildlife mecca, home to at least 9 species of amphibians, 18 species of reptiles, 66 species of birds and 29 species of mammals. Many of these are endangered specie protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Among amphibians are 5 species endemic to the Western Ghats, including Melanobatrachus indicus, a species rediscovered recently after nearly 100 years. Among reptiles are 14 species endemic to the Western Ghats, including the flying lizard Draco dussumeri and the shield-tail snakes (Uropeltis spp.). Of the 49 species of rainforest birds, three are endemic species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill and Nilgiri Flycatcher. Other rare and endangered species including the Great Hornbill and the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl have been sighted. Of the mammals, 3 endemic species occur - Lion Tailed Macaque, Nocturnal Brown Palm Civet and the Malabar Spiny Dormouse. The Nilgiri Langur, Asian Elephant, Wild Dog and Leopards use these fragments too. The New Garden Forest area is unique, as it is home to two troops of lion-tailed macaques numbering a total of 82 individuals who use the rainforest and adjoining tea garden area in our Puthutotam Estate, Valparai.

We have been singularly focused on achieving our Eco Tourism goals - training local estate workers in hospitality skills, maintaining conservation practices by creating bio – diversity areas and wildlife corridors within our gardens, educating estate workers in preserving a plastic free atmosphere and most importantly, never forgetting the `big’ picture - the welfare and happiness of each and every worker within our plantation.

So join us on this journey…. www.teabungalows.com