For A Relaxing Getaway With Tea, Misty Mornings And Treks, Salisbury Manor, Near Munnar Is Ace

Salisbury Manor is a homestay located in Marayoor, not too far from Munnar, and it’s like a slice of heaven on earth. Tea, great views and treks make it worth your while.

Set up in the hills of Munnar, Salisbury Manor is a wooden chalet that is straight out of an Enid Blyton book. Resembling a Kerala-style house on the outside with European accents in the form of eaves and slanted roofs, it is very homely and warm. Inside, rooms are just like someone’s home — fuss-free, comfortable and minimal. So don’t go expecting hotel luxury. I check in here more for the spectacular view and gardens, as it’s perfect for families {especially since I have a little daughter}. Since there are four rooms {all en suite} on offer, it’s also lovely to go in large groups.

With nothing but rolling hills of tea plantations and trekking trails, two kinds of people will like this place — the adventurists and the relaxation seekers! It’s also good for those looking to take a break from the city life, and really do nothing but soak in nature. Since there are four rooms {all en suite} on offer, it’s also lovely to go in large groups.

I love to do absolutely nothing here but watch the mist take over the hills and then watch as the sunrises, dissipating the mist slowly. But since it’s mild slopes on the hills, it’s fantastic for trekking. Just wear on your sneakers and go wear the heart takes you — leave a bread trail for the way back, though! It’s also very close to the Marayoor town which has rock paintings, monoliths and waterfalls. Plus, it’s known as the Sandalwood town, so meandering through those forests is quite intriguing too.

About 40 kilometres from Munnar, driving down is a great option, especially since you’ll be able to drive about to explore there. It’s approximately 430 kilometres from Bangalore and that’s 8.5 hours of drive time. Alternatively, fly into Kochi, and drive about 3 hours to Marayoor.