Munnar, Kerala Holidays, India

The bungalows built by British tea planters in the 19th century are without doubt some of the loveliest houses in southern India. Placed on high balconies with splendid views over valleys of rolling tea estates, most nestle amid flower gardens and lawns where Memsahib and the children used to while away sultry afternoons while the Burrasahib was on tour.

The present owners of the ivy-covered Tallayar Valley Bungalow, above Munnar, have preserved the building’s original feel, with open hearths and an old-fashioned “rack library”, but added smart designer furniture. This is somewhere to escape the world in stylish comfort. Liveried staff are on hand to serve home-cooked meals in the 1930s dining room – or outside next to a roaring fire if you prefer.

Our opinion

An erstwhile tea manager’s bungalow and now small boutique hotel with sweeping views of tea plantations, Talliyar Bungalow is one of the nicest places to stay in Munnar.