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kEY To ThiS MaGaziNE
MAP: DIPTI CHALKEEASY TRIPS BRIAR TEA BUNGALOWS MEGHAMALAI TAMIL NADU
Indulge in
a satisfyingSouth Indian meal at Briar (^)
Tea Bungalows
FACT SHEET
GETTING THERE
Closest metro: Chennai (580km)
Closest airport: Madurai Airport (160km)
is connected to most metros either directly
or with a one-stop connection. Jet Airways
Air Pegasus Air India and SpiceJet have direct
flights from Chennai (return fares from 2350). Closest railhead: Dindigul Junction (DG; 150km) though equidistant is a better pick than Madurai as it has trains with better timings so you can set off on your long drive to Meghamalai early. From Chennai take the 22651 Palani Express (leaves Chennai Central [MAS] 9.40pm arrives DG 6am; 810 Third AC) and return by the 12638
Pandian Express (leaves DG 9.40pm arrives
Chennai Egmore [MS] 5.35am; 745 Third AC). GETTING AROUND The roads in Meghamalai are run-down so itâs best to hire a 4WD. The estate can arrange for transport to and around Meghamalai. We used and liked the services of Travel Cart (00-91-9447169933; [http://www.travelcartindia.com;](http://www.travelcartindia.com;) 4500/ day for a Tavera).
WHERE TO STAY
Briar Tea Bungalows:
The Colonial-style bungalows (Cloud
Mountain Manalar and Sand River)
overlook the Thoovanam Dam catchment
area and tea estates. With well-maintained
lawns each cottage has a common
living room and dining area adjoining
double bedrooms. The Cloud Mountain
bungalow is most suited for large groups
while the Manalar Bungalow is cosier
(reservations: 00-91-9442202001/
9442634125; http://www.teabungalows.com
[email protected]; Tea Bungalows
Manalar Division High Wavys; Sand River
from 3645 Manalar from 4250
Cloud Mountain from 6320 all prices include breakfast). WHAT TO EAT Meghamalai has only roadside tea stalls at which locals eat but you donât have to worry about stepping out for food as Briar Tea Bungalows offers delicious home-cooked South Indian North Indian and Continental fare customised as per your need. Dessert served both with lunch and dinner includes yummy fresh fruit custard and chocolate pudding. Enjoy thin delectable dosas complemented by fresh coconut chutney rasam and sambhar. If you want a customised dish just discuss it with the chef beforehand so that ingredients can be arranged (breakfast: 8am â 10am lunch: 1pm â 3pm; 400/ person
dinner: 8pm â 10pm; 500/ person timings can be changed to suit your convenience). SHOPPING There isnât much by way of shopping here. You can buy the in-house brand of blended tea ( 120/ 500g).
CLEAN LOO GUIDE
The drive from Madurai Airport
to Meghamalai takes nearly six
hours. Stop for tea and a loo break
at the Green Kitchen Family
TAMILNADUMeGHAMALAI
Chinnamanur
Suruli Falls Meghamalai
IravangalarDam Briar Tea Bungalows
Periyar Wildlife Reserve
Dindigul
Railway Station
Madurai Junction
Railway Station
Theni
Madurai
International Airport
744
744
85
Bangalore Chennai
Welcome
GOOD TO KNOW
à The forest departmentâs gate before
the Woodbriar property opens at 6am
and shuts at 6pm so reach or leave
within this time frame.
à If you donât speak Tamil you could
request the English-speaking manager
to accompany you on sightseeing trips
around the property.
à If you havenât got a jeep hiring one
at the estate is advised for visits
to the tea factory and Iravangalar Dam
as the road is in a bad condition
(1200 for up to four hours). Ã Your vehicle can be repaired at a workshop on the estate (minor repairs only without spares). Restaurant in Theni around 2.5 hours from the airport (00-91-9442091602; [http://greenkitchen.co.in;](http://greenkitchen.co.in;) Cumbum Rd; 7am â 11pm; snacks: 40).
WHAT TO PACK
Rain gear quick-dry clothing leech
socks or very thick socks warm clothing
for nights antiseptic cream/ lotion
SAFETY
While the property is protected by
a solar-powered electric fence (mild
current) which is switched on at night
you should avoid going anywhere close
to an elephant or a bison herd if you see
one. Use salt or tobacco powder to get rid
of leeches (See What to Pack). Donât walk
around at night as wild animals including
leopards have been spotted in the area.
MEDICAL AID
First-aid kits are kept in
the bungalows. Medical ailments are
treated at the Briar Garden Hospital
on the estate which even has ambulances
and an operating theatre (00-91-4546-
232222). Serious cases are referred
to Theni Medical College (www.tmctheni.
ac.in; Kanavilakku Kochi-Madurai-Tondi
Point Rd).
CHILD-FRIENDLINESS
Toddlers can play on the lawns attached
to all the bungalows. Older kids
can be accompanied by attendants
on hikes to waterfalls and dams or for
bird-watching. If they would rather stay
put the property has facilities for chess
carrom and badminton and enough
space for other outdoor or board games
if you carry them. Cable television and
a home-theatre system are also available.
048-049-ET Meghmalai-STAN_R1.indd 35 15/07/16 12:38 pm
websites:
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on that page are active
location:
offers access to
the relevant map
8 June 2015