Silver Oak @ Kailasapara Estate- An escape to Tranquility !!!

Silver Oak @ Kailasapara Estate- An escape to Tranquility !!!

To begin with, a strenuous drive through the unfamiliar terrains of the Idukki high ranges, in the night hours did not please me much, being desperate to hit the bed after a long and tiring day with name sake sleep the previous nights. Cursing on a late start , we were behind schedule by a good 3 hours and the winding roads did literally presented me a real “uphill task” but deep inside I was banking on Arsitotle’s words -Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet !!!!

Being unfamiliar with the location, I was constantly in touch with the guest house and each time I announced my arrival at a certain point he was pleased to add another 20 kms adding to my worries. And for those who want to be sure of the routing here it is. Mundakayam- Kuttikanam-Kattappana-Puliyanmala-Nedumkandam-5km on munnar road and turn right after the small church on the right.

Route Map

 

Finally we reached the entrance of the plantation around 9.30 pm and were escorted to the guest house , and the short drive through the cardamom plantations and the emerging visuals of our abode ignited my interest and expectations.

The guest house supervisor Mathukutty was at the doors to receive us along with the care taker Uday and helped us settle down. The weather was cool and Taylor made for a person coming from the sultry and humid central Kerala of mid April .

A quick wash and change and after a cup of cardamom flavored black tea ,a sumptuous  home cooked dinner, local menu as per our request was awaiting us, well laid out and needless to mention, very delicious too. The chicken curry, the masala flavored buttermilk and the other accompaniments were more than enough for the few hungry tummies. However to me, the highlight was the raw mango & carrot juliennes pickled in vinegar on which I was literally freaking out on .

Around 7.30 am opened my eyes and caught a glimpse on the outdoors, the green carpeted tea & cardamom plantations, the calm water body running along the border, the majestic view of the green mountain ranges , the wooden benches in the balcony overlooking the green lawn was reason enough to jump up and to rush out of the room getting hold of my camera, and the intention was clear….. not to miss out a single moment at this paradise, the rest was as usual… lights  camera action !!

Uday was waiting with piping hot tea which recharged both body and soul.  And then came a fine breakfast simple yet sufficient.Soon after went around exploring the house a newly constructed guest house, with good quality teak wood as its skeleton. Large windows, spacious verandahs, fire place , attic, partly rocky walls and glass roofs presented it the look of a typical colonial house, very tastefully designed.

It was time to get into the activity zone. The first mission was to reach atop the near by kurisu mala ( hill top with a holy cross). The safari on the 4 wheel drive jeep was quite adventurous and sent some shivers through the spine , went it muscled past through the edges of the rocks on to the next rock and where no such thing called a road existed. The 10 minutes drive was engaging and the hill top presented a birds eye view of the region also the guest house. Despite being noon time, never felt any heat as the breeze was strong and soothing which held us back from returning. I Bet, this could be an even tempting outing in the evenings.

While  we returned ,the oarsmen were waiting to take us through the small manmade lake nearby. The water level was low and couldn’t go far. It was just nice and nothing spectacular. The kids might enjoy it.

Spent some more time at the guest house before leaving, more photographs in the bright day light.

The spacious bed rooms with large windows and plenty of wood work was more than what we could ask for and were off to a comfortable sleep without any further time to ponder on the day’s proceedings. Total of 3 bedrooms in the ground floor , one much smaller than the two and one more in the first floor which can be provided upon request. The first floor room is a class act with partial glass roofs, bar counter, mini library and a floor level bed. The room is used by the house owner during his visits but let out to guests on request.

The bathrooms were very spacious with shower cubicles and came with the most modern accessories and fittings. The living room, common for all inmates again was stylish with an LCD TV, sofas and fire place with an adjoining dining room without partition.

Kitchen again was well equipped, microwave, toast maker, refrigerator  and also had a full fledged washing machine to its credit for those who didn’t want to wash their dirty linen in public !!!!

  

I would rate this as an ideal spot for honeymooners and also for the peace seekers. Away from the maddening city life and thankfully...devoid of mobile phone networks. 2 nights stay here would certainly have its positive effects on you and surely recharge you. The pleasant weather helps you maintain your cool and the gentle breeze caressing the cardamom plants keeps refreshing you every now and then. Relax in the verandas with a book in your hand, allow the breeze to  pamper you and just get immersed in tranquility and just forget the rest. The Life here is on a slow lane and best enjoyed slowly.

Silver Oak is a brand new product hardly 2-3 months old and part of the Carmelia Haven family (owners of the spice routes houseboats at Alleppey & Carmelia Haven at Vandanmedu near Thekkady). For trade enquiries contact Mr. Rojes Joseph +91-9400005314 email : sales@carmeliahaven.com )