It’s that time of the year when the clouds come crashing down and nature is at its magical best. To enjoy the rains, we decided to drive to Nilgiris with Mangorange in mind. Belonging to the Parry Agro group, the property is located amidst the estate that spreads over 2,500 acres in a place called Pandalur along the Gudalur – Wayanad highway. We had traveled on this road earlier when we drove to Wayand the previous year. So, instead of taking the regular route via Sultan Bathery, we took a detour to arrive at Gudalur. It turned out to be one of the most picturesque road trips we have experienced in South India.
The sky was overcast throughout the journey and the rains had turned the parched land lush green, every passing mile. Especially the forests of Bandipur and Mudhumalai, presented a vibrant visual palette. We drove further and took a right at Gudalur to find ourselves in the tea country. The mountain air was nippy but the last few kilometers from the highway to the bungalow were just splendid. The winding roads inside the Parry Agro estate, through the expanse of green on either side, lead us to the property.
One ought to give it to the British for having chosen the best spots to build their residences. We soon arrived at the Sinnadorai’s Bungalow and as we scampered out of the vehicle, a steady drizzle of rain and lashing winds greeted us. We found a cute little bungalow under the canopy of a huge pine tree. A stunning, expansive view of the mountains and tea gardens flanked the retreat on all sides. We instantly found the place charming and exclusive.
Mango Range only had three rooms but each room is large with its own sit-out / veranda and a fireplace. The anteroom was spacious and elegantly furnished. Antique furniture filled the property including the dining hall. It did not take much time for us to fall in love with this place.
We had plans for sightseeing after lunch but intermittent rain meant there was no scope to drive around so we chose to sit down with a book in hand. It was lovely to sit in the veranda, listening to the sound of falling rain. In the evening, with the breeze holding the rain clouds in check, we stepped out for a stroll in the estate. We walked around the estate inhaling the cleanest of air and watched the mist slowly descend from the mountains and encircle the estate around in a soft blanket before returning to our room for the night.
The next day, we woke up to the mellifluous calls of the Malabar Whistling Thrush. As the rains continued to pour, we sat in the verandah, sipping an excellent cuppa and listened to the sweet melody of the “whistling schoolboy” that filled the monsoon air. It was then we realized there’s yet another reason to visit properties like Mango Range during monsoons – to do nothing.
Here, you form a bond with the place that is surrounded by nature’s bounty and spend some quiet time soaking in all the monsoon spectacles that unfold up in the hills to return refreshed and energized for work back in the city. Just like anywhere along the Western Ghats, Monsoon in the Nilgiris is a magical experience.
It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the charms of Mango Range, an old bungalow that has been renovated to welcome guests with a delightful cocktail of Colonial charms and contemporary travel comforts. With wildlife havens like Bandipur and Mudumalai nearby, Mango Range beckons another visit, post-monsoon, with plenty to see and do!
For reservations:
Write to: pollachipapyrus@gmail.com (or)
Call: +91 91235 55031 or +91 83443 30416
