The picturesque hamlets of the Western Ghats don a graceful ambience during monsoon. The verdant tea estates and the spectacular farmlands in Wayanad gleam in delight when the cool rain showers touch them. Monsoon is the best time of the year to enjoy the misty mornings and the cool weather in Wayanad. The Parisons estate Bangalow at Thalappuzha is an iconic structure that boasts of the regal colonial architecture. It is often touted as one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial estates in Kerala. The Bangalow is surrounded by mesmerizing tea plantations, verdant hills and a tranquil atmosphere, ensuring you a luxurious stay. The Parisons Estate Luxury Bangalow offers a unique experience that lets you enjoy the distinctive nature of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala.
Structure from the past
Built in 1900 by the British, the Parisons Estate Bangalow is 124 years old. It was built as a residence for the vice president of the estate. The Bangalow was run by the English and Scottish Company even after India attained independence. However, in 1972, the Company had to sell the estate to a business establishment based in Kolkata as the plantation rules had changed. The Kolkata company managed the estate Bangalow for three years before it reached the hands of ABT Group. The Bangalow was then closed down for a year. It was from them that the Parisons Group took over the iconic estate. Around 1200 employees work in the estate. Interestingly, most of them are third-generation employees who have dedicated their lives to the estate. The estate acts as a grand township with all the facilities including a hospital and a school. The Parisons Estate Bangalow stands in the Tavinjal panchayat which is the biggest panchayat in Kerala.
Haven of tranquillity
The grand Bangalow stands in the middle of a beautiful estate that sprawls in 4000 acres. Its six rooms have an area of 550 sqft each. The incredibly spacious lawns exude splendid vibes. Meanwhile, the furniture pieces are exquisite as they are as old as the Bangalow. Moreover, the Bangalow has a swimming pool, gym area, sauna, steam bath and a cycling track too. Besides, the guests could enjoy indoor games like snooker, billiards, chess and carroms in the clubhouse. From the dining area, you could catch a glimpse of the mist-clad Muneeshwaran Hills. Adventure lovers flock to these hills for trekking and to enjoy the thrill of off-road driving. Muneeshwaran Hills are just three kilometres away from the Bangalow.
The guests could drive up the hill in their own vehicles. However, two-wheelers wouldn’t be allowed beyond the parking area. Powerful four-wheelers are the perfect vehicles to enjoy an adventurous ride here. There are thrilling trekking trails from the estate to the Muneeshwaran Hills. The menu at the estate focuses on Kerala cuisine, especially non – vegetarian dishes. However, the Bangalow manager Binoy says that food could be specially prepared as per the preferences of the guests.
Factory Visit
The guests could enjoy a tour of the tea factories to watch the various processes of making tea powder from freshly plucked tea leaves. Parisons has two tea factories at Thalappuzha. Tea dust is made at one factory while tea leaves are prepared at the other. The trip to the tea factories from the estate offers a fabulous experience. Interestingly, machines that were imported from Scotland are still used at the factories. Not just the machinery, even the factory structure was pre-built in Scotland and brought here. The machinery and other equipment were transported in ships until Thalassery and then brought to Thalappuzha via road.
Kozhikode-based Parisons Group took over this estate around two decades ago. The Group owns 4000 acres of tea estate in Thalappuzha. Not just tea, but rubber, coffee, oil palms, pepper and tropical fruits are also grown at the plantation. Meanwhile, the marketing and sales of the Bangalow is handled by Abad Group. Guests could book rooms at the estate via Abad’s website. The check-in is usually at 1 pm and check-out is at 11 am. The package includes dinner and breakfast. There are three twin bedrooms and three large bedrooms in the Bangalow. Besides, the nearby Chirakkara Bangalow, which is just 2 kilometres away, has four rooms. However, Chirakkara Bangalow doesn’t have swimming pool facilities.
The guests who check – in here could use the pool at the Parisons Estate Bangalow. There is a difference of just Rs 1000 in the charges of both the Bungalows. The guests could either book a room or book the entire Bangalow which could accommodate up to 18 people. You could book a room at the Thalappuzha Bangalow for Rs 14,000 per day while it would cost Rs 13,000 at the Chirakkara Bangalow, excluding GST. An additional Rs 2500 has to be paid for the extra bed.
Tourist destinations
Muneeshwaran Hills are just 3 kilometres away while Bavali and Panamaram are 25 kilometres and 21.3 kilometres away respectively. The iconic Kuruva Island (23.8 km) is also a major tourist attraction. Thirunelli (32.7km) is a beautiful destination often visited by tourists. Meanwhile, the Banasurasagar dam is 30 kilometres away from the Thalappuzha estate Bangalow. Adventure lovers can enjoy trekking at Pakshipathalam. However, you should book your spot for the trekking trip that begins from Thirunelli.
Route
From Kozhikode, you can reach Thalappuzha via four mountain passes. Driving through these passes is going to grant you unique sights and experiences:
Kozhikode – Thamaraserry – Padinjarethara – Mananthawadi – Thalappuzha (Thamaraserry mountain pass)
Kozhikode – Perambra – Kuttiadi – Kunjom – Valadu – Thalappuzha (Pakradalam mountain pass)
Kozhikode – Mahi – Panoor – Kuthuparamba – Nedumpoyil – Periya – Thalappuzha (Nedumpoyil mountain pass)
Kozhikode – Mahi – Panoor – Kuthuparamba – Nedumpoyil – Kottiyoor – Palchuram – Boys Town – Thalappuzha (Palchuram mountain pass)
Driving is easier at the Thamarassery and Nedumpoyi mountain passes. These roads constructed by the British are wide and have rubberized tarring. The other two mountain passes are steep and curvy. But, the distance to the estate is less. Meanwhile, Tamaraserry and Palchuram passes offer the most beautiful views.
