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TIMEOUT

Invited to tea

Photos: K. Ananthan

A touch of the Raj Enjoy your cuppa here

RUNNYMEDE GUEST HOUSE

USP: A great escape for those who get drunk on tea

Jacaranda trees, a stream, the possibility of a mountain train chugging past, and the fact that it is named after the place where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215, make Runnymede an interesting getaway.

But be warned, the Ritz it is not. Still, once you get there, interior decoration is the last thing on your mind. Few things can match a jacaranda in bloom, and the daubs of violet on a canvas of tea estates has you sighing with pleasure.

A comfortable, clean, three-bedroom bungalow welcomes your grime-ridden self.

Once you have chosen your room, flop down and have a nap like none other, only marred by an overly-chirpy bird and the occasional spritz-spritz of the lawn sprinkler.

The nicest thing is, Runnymede is not so far from Coonoor and the regular tourist haunts, you may want to visit. Yet, it is set aside from the rush and roar of the town. If it is only unwinding you have in mind, then sit back under the mentioned tree, and have yourself a cup of tea.

Speaking of which, do request a tour of the Glendale Tea Factory. It is fascinating to observe the metamorphosis of the green tea leaves you see all around you into the stuff we spoon out of packs. The tea estate goes back to 1860. The factory that stands there today is of course state-of-the-art. Tea fragrance swamps you as you enter. Watch in awe at the effort that goes into your cuppa. At the factory, everyone is more than happy to answer your questions. There is a collection of books for those who want to know the history of Nilgiris tea (Ask to read ‘Tea Poetry’ compiled by Pearl Dexter. It is an anthology by poets, for whom the cup of tea is the muse). If you want, you could pick up the best of Nilgiris tea here to take back home as gifts. They come in attractive packaging.

Runnymede is perhaps one of the very few (may be the only one) tea estates that has a railway track running through it. And, the cheery hoot and the sound of the toy train, smoking funnel and all, just adds to the magic. You can tell your kid that it is Thomas the Tank Engine who is passing by. You could make your way through the tea bushes and walk along the railway tracks, to wave at the passing train.

Surrounded as it is by so much of greenery, bird watchers could get lucky. Elephants and bison drop in too, we are told. So, if you have a couple of days on hand, go on and enjoy the Runnymede experience. There is a cook on board you can discuss your food preferences with. If the well-equipped kitchen tempts you to put on that apron and wield the ladle, you could do that too.

Runnymede is easily accessible, comfortable, and just the place to regroup and recharge, before you hit the dusty plains once again.

PANKAJA SRINIVASAN

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