Teanest Coonoor Review: Where Nature’s Allure Meets British Charm Amid Tea Estates 

Disclaimer: We are serious about content integrity. The author spent 2 days at the location as part of a sponsored stay. However, all the information mentioned in the article is completely unbiased and honestly written, to offer valuable travel information to our readers. Read about our editorial policies.  

A thick mist slithered in, shrouding us in a veil of white, as we drove on the winding roads of the Singara Tea Estate in Coonoor. We were guided by the sepia-toned halo of our car’s headlights. An old Tamil melody played in the background, further romanticizing the journey. 

We were en route to Teanest by Nature Resorts, a charming retreat amidst the verdant tea plantations of Coonoor. When we landed at the gates of the nature stay, a mild chill, petrichor, and big smiles welcomed us. A dream-like stone-walled, turret-roofed colonial bungalow stood before me, embraced in verdant greenery, exuding a timeless charm of a bygone era.

It became clear that the dramatic weather was part of nature’s grand design to unveil one of the most breathtaking retreats in the hill station. I was told that the mansion once belonged to the manager of the tea estate during the British rule – an esteemed position held by the privileged now existent in tales from a bygone era.

Now, let me take you through the enchanting experience of my stay here, the delightful delicacies I indulged in, and the adventures that lay ahead. 

Best Parts Of My Stay At Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

#1. Chance Encounter With A Herd Of Indian Gaur

An early morning bird-watching session with their naturalist guide, Mr. Yeswanth Kumar, transformed into an exhilarating wildlife encounter when we spotted a herd of Indian Gaur grazing amidst the tea gardens. Unperturbed by tourists stopping to click photos, they emerged and disappeared in silence like inconspicuous sentinels of the forest. 

#2. The Tea Tasting & Tea Menu

Teanest Coonoor offers a special tea-tasting session for the guests. As a prelude to experiencing their tea menu, we were first enlightened on the local varieties and other aspects of tea making by Mr. Yeswanth. 

Sitting on their lawn, enwrapped in the vast expanse of tea gardens, I thoughtfully sipped 6 tea varieties while learning to appreciate the subtle differences in their taste and texture.

The last time I savored such exotic blends was at Buddies Cafe, Ooty. At Teanest, I learned more about harvesting conditions, varieties, benefits, and brewing instructions. 

The insightful session was followed by their Tea Menu dinner – an exquisite curation of delicacies, each crafted with a unique tea infusion. I shall elaborate more about it in the upcoming sections.

Did You Know?

To extract the delicate flavors of fine-quality tea, it must be steeped in water heated to no more than 70 degrees Celsius. Coonoor’s special Winter Frost Tea is harvested during the peak winter season. The frosted tender leaves are plucked before sunrise, which lends the tea a unique floral flavor.

 

#3. Rejuvenating Walks Within The Property

Teanest Coonoor is nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations interspersed by tall silver oaks and indigenous flora, giving the impression of a forest retreat. I recall taking frequent strolls on a paved road that meandered through the verdure leading from one property to another. 

During one such walk, I met a gorgeous Rhodesian Ridgeback and his owner from a neighboring property that shared boundaries with the stay. As we walked the trail together, she shared enchanting tales of the mountains, her travels, and amusing antics of her beloved fur baby. 

#4. Warm Staff Members & Service

Owing to regional employment, the stay had an ensemble of employees who shared a genuine love for the property and served the guests with passion. I often spotted Teanest’s manager Mr. Nelson personally attending to visitors. 

Despite his busy schedule, he kindly gave me a tour of the property and even offered to drop me off at my next destination when autos were unavailable late in the night. Further, the limited number of rooms ensured swift, personalized service, with the staff always available to meet the needs of their guests.  

The Room At Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

Teanest Coonoor comprises three splendid 80-year-old colonial bungalows, two located within the same premises and one at Teanest Annexe (750 m away). Together, they have a total of 9 rooms, each named after a tea variety – Lemon, Green, Golden Tips, Silver Tips, Chamomile, Lemon Grass, Hibiscus, Rosemary, and Basil. While I was hosted in the Rosemary Room of Teanest Annexe, my dining and recreational activities were often arranged at the older property. 

The colonial vibe of the room took my breath away. A 350 sq. ft. spacious haven tastefully decorated with vintage furniture welcomed me in a cozy embrace. The room’s charm lay in its artful weave of period decor and modern comforts. 

An antique dressing table with drawers and a dual-sided mirror caught my fancy. It appeared older than the other handcrafted pieces adorning the room, standing in a corner like a silent witness to the changing times. 

While the red floor and bakelite switches spoke of British grandeur, the large HD TV with a Netflix subscription lulled me to sleep after an eventful day. 

The room encompassed a dressing area that led to a spacious bathroom. A glass partition separated the bathing area which featured an overhead shower. A range of exotic toiletries bordered the wash basin consisting of a pair of bamboo toothbrushes, a shaving kit, shower caps, comb, glycerin soaps, shampoo, and hand wash. 

Other amenities included high-speed WiFi, a tea table featuring a limited tea collection, coffee, an electric kettle, complimentary fruits, and a jar of yummy Ooty Varkey (the local snack).

Outside the room, the manicured lawn spread like a lavish rug, bordered with multi-hued floral beds that beckoned birds and bees throughout the day. I spotted Jungle Babblers engage in spirited debates, and sparrows foraging for an early worm. A Tabby kitten strolled in lazily at lunchtime and patiently waited for a little leftover snack. 

TWT Tip: For shopping enthusiasts visiting Teanest, a shelf in the lounge area showcases beautiful handmade cards and colorful pottery by a local artist. You can easily purchase any item that catches your eye by scanning a QR code mentioned against it.

Food & Drinks At Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

Teanest promises a farm-to-fork experience for all its guests. They do not store their ingredients in freezers, and the day’s produce is freshly purchased from the local market. They also have an organic garden where herbs like basil, rosemary, celery, mint, thyme, lettuce, and lemongrass are grown under the expert care of their local gardeners. 

Here are some of the best dishes we tried during our stay: 

Lunch

White Sauce Pasta & Fruit Custard

Famished after a long journey, the warm cheesy flavors of the pasta revived my spirit, like basking under the early morning sun. The custard was delicious, mildly sweet, and generously filled with a colorful assortment of seasonal fruits. 

Tea Menu (Dinner)

Orange Pico Tea Smoked Kettle Broth Soup

Warm and heavenly, the broth enveloped my senses like a cozy blanket on a chilly December night. 

Flowery Orange Pekoe Organic Tea Smoked Chicken Salad With Pickled Tea Leaves

As exotic as its name is, this marked a fresh start to the meal. A healthy combination of organic veggies and tender chicken pieces with occasional surprises from pickled tea leaves and a mild lingering taste of Orange Pekoe tea.

Filet Of Seer Fish With Organic Pickled Tea Leaves & Herbs

Fish and herbs are a match made in heaven, but it was the pickled tea leaves that added drama to the platter. The delicate rapture of flavors asserted the freshness of the fish, immersing me in culinary ecstasy.

Tea Braised Chicken Brochette

Paired with Teanest’s special organic Rosemary tea, the soft, succulent pieces of fresh chicken melted in my mouth, complementing the romantic fire-lit ambiance. 

Tea Braised Chicken Spaghetti With Olives Paired With Frost Tea

A yummy main course with subtle undertones of Frost tea infusion, it satiated my craving for a hot bowl of pasta on a cold wintry night. 

Tea Custard Topped With Chamomile Tea Compot Paired With Nilgiri Black Tea

This dish was the star of the meal. The bold taste of the Compot blended perfectly with the sweetness of the custard, creating an intriguing tea-flavored masterpiece. The textured pungency of Black tea accentuated the custard’s unique flavor and aroma, resulting in an alluring caramelized appearance.

Green Tea Lemongrass Sorbet

A healthy twist to the well-loved dessert. But I found it a little too sweet for my aging taste buds. 

Price: Tea Menu (Veg) – INR 875 per person

Tea Menu (Non-Veg) – INR 950 per person

Buffet Breakfast 

The morning buffet showcased an array of local and continental delicacies. Some of my favorites were Sweet Coconut Ragi Upma, fluffy Medu Vadas, Idly, Sambar, Coconut and Kara (spicy) Chutney, and Filter Coffee (served in traditional brassware).

Note: The stay also serves Vegan delicacies on special request. 

TWT Tip: Teanest Annexe also has a dedicated kitchen and a dining area. However, we recommend heading to Earl Grey at Teanest, the establishment’s glass-covered, fine-dining restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations. 

Activities & Other Services At Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

1. Bird Watching & Tea Estate Walk

We set out for our trek around 7 am, delayed slightly by the winter mist. But Mr. Yeswanth’s intriguing tales about the Nilgiris kept me captivated throughout the journey. He recognized distant bird calls, followed the sound, and guided me to the exact spot where I could observe them with his binoculars. 

He was like a living encyclopedia of wildlife inhabiting the Nilgiris. He told me of a panther family that lived close to Teanest Annexe, but never ventured towards the human settlements. He also mentioned the Jungle Babblers, native birds that move in groups of six or seven, thus commonly referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters’.

As we pushed through the dense foliage hiking up the slopes of the Singara Estate, a herd of Indian Gaur walked into sight like actors entering a stage. Drowsy-eyed, munching on weeds growing around the tea plants, they were completely oblivious to the tea workers around them. It unfolded a fascinating scene of coexistence that was strange to the urban eye.

2. Tea Tasting Session

This is a complimentary offering for all guests who opt for their tea-themed dinner menu. Led by Mr. Yeswanth, you get to explore different tea varieties and learn the nuances of tea making. 

3. Dinner By The Fireplace

Coonoor’s chilly weather is best enjoyed with a cozy meal by the fireside. Heeding to Mr. Nelson’s suggestions, I decided to indulge in Teanest’s iconic tea-infused delicacies by a crackling fire in their common living room area. 

4. Library

Teanest boasts a great collection of books that meets the tastes of both young and old bibliophiles. You can pick one from the old wooden bookshelf and settle down by the fireside. Or cozy into a couch by one of the bay windows overlooking the lawn.

I found my perfect spot in a bamboo swing at the second mansion, nestled below the first property. Savoring sweeping views of the surrounding tea plantations, I lost myself to reverie in the backdrop of melodic bird calls, and a gentle trickle of a stream nearby. 

5. Children’s Play Area

The nature stay had a dedicated play area for children behind their restaurant. It was beautifully decorated with flower pots and featured baby slides and colorful animal rockers.

6. Bonfire

The nature retreat also arranges for bonfires at the request of their guests as long as the weather’s favorable.

7. Indoor & Outdoor Games

Teanest Coonoor offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor games like chess, carrom, badminton, and others that will keep you engaged during leisure hours.

8. Workspace Amidst Nature

During my chats with the manager, I learned an intriguing fact: many corporate workers book the stay to work remotely amidst serene nature. And some of these bookings last for over a month! To accommodate such guests, the retreat features a grand gazebo in their manicured garden, reserved especially for office work. Work from home redefined, you’d say? 😎 

9. Local Sightseeing (Paid)

The stay arranges for paid transport if you’re planning a local sightseeing trip around Coonoor. Nature Resorts also offers a variety of tour packages that are tailor-made to suit your preferences.  

10. The Lounge At Teanest

This charming area deserves a special mention. The expansive living room or lounge of Teanest Coonoor exudes the vibes of an aristocratic colonial mansion. Its meticulously curated vintage furniture and decor adds character to every corner of the room, reflecting the artistic finesse of the mind behind it. 

Oversized couches flank the building’s majestic bay windows, serving as a picturesque frame to the panoramic vista of distant mountains. It creates a perfect nook for self-reflection and deep conversations.

The tables by the fireside are reserved for indoor games during the day and double up as dining furniture in the evening at the will of their guests. Behind the reception desk lies an elegant tree-shaped decor element, which displays local tea varieties, staying true to the central theme. Amidst it all are a bookshelf, a collection of paintings depicting the Badaga tribe, transistor radios, and vintage Hurricane lanterns, each infusing the space with local flavors and charm. 

Cleanliness At Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

The popular retreat experiences continuous footfall throughout the year and you’ll always find the local ladies diligently at work. Their frequent moping ensured the floors were dry despite incessant drizzles. An aged gardener swept away the fallen leaves from the pathway that led to the restaurant while greeting all with a light-hearted cackle. 

All three bungalows were well-maintained with no trace of dust. All in all, the uphill cleaning tasks were managed discreetly under the expert supervision of the property manager Mr. Anthony Nelson. 

Location Of Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

The serenity of the location makes Teanest Coonoor a destination in itself. Major tourist attractions near the stay are Sim’s Park and Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, and Benchmark Tea Factory in Coonoor. 

You can also plan a quick getaway to the popular hill station of Ooty located just 23 km away. If you are looking for stay options in Ooty, check out our reviews of Nature Resorts’ other magical properties – Willow Hill, Ooty and Sleeping Beauty, Aruvankadu. 

The nearest airport to Teanest Coonor is located in Coimbatore, about 73 km away, while the Coonoor Railway Station is just 4.5 km away from the property. Bus services to Coonoor are available from Chennai and Ooty.

TWT Experience Summary Of Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

As a traveler, I deeply respect proprietors who restore heritage properties, rather than create luxurious Lego blocks that take from nature to provide artificial pleasure. Many of Nature Resorts’ stays such as this one, as well as Teanest Nightingale and Rosewood are colonial bungalows converted into gorgeous nature stays to provide an immersive travel experience.

Apart from their endeavor to preserve these architectural marvels, Nature Resorts’ adherence to sustainable initiatives was impressive. Classy glass bottles decked their vintage coffee tables, replacing the mundane plastic ones. 

Efficient lighting created magic in the evenings while vibrant endemic blooms enchanted the mornings. Locally sourced produce made its way to the kitchen and was later converted into culinary masterpieces that celebrated the local cuisine.

Inclusivity checklist:

✅Kid-friendly

✅Family-friendly

✅Couple-friendly

✅Eco-friendly

✅LGBTQ+ friendly

✅Disabled-friendly

✅Vegan-friendly

✅Restaurant

✅Farm-to-fork

✅Outdoor Seating

✅WiFi

✅Netflix

✅Room heater

✅Children’s Play area

✅Games

✅Bonfire

✅Nature activities

✅Local sightseeing (paid)

✅Airport transfers (paid)

✅Car parking

Check-In Time: 1 pm

Check-Out Time: 11 am

Price Per Night: INR 6650-8930 (exclusive of tax)

Booking Link From The Official Website: Teanest & Teanest Annexe

Frequently Asked Questions About Teanest By Nature Resorts, Coonoor

1. Does Teanest Coonoor adhere to sustainable tourism practices?

Teanest and other Nature Resorts’ properties follow several sustainable tourism practices that enhance one’s travel experience while nurturing the environment. From efficient waste management, installing power-saving technologies, sourcing local ingredients to minimizing the use of plastic within the premises, the brand allows you to immerse in nature with a clear conscience.

2. What are the best tourist places in Coonoor?

Some of the popular tourist attractions that you can explore in and around Coonoor are Sim’s Park and Lamb’s Rock, Laws Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Tiger Hill Cemetery, Droog Fort, Kattery Park, and Benchmark Tea Factory, Madras Regiment Museum. 

3. Does Teanest Coonoor have a restaurant?

Yes, Teanest Coonoor’s in-house fine-dining restaurant, Earl Grey is a favorite among visitors. Covered in glass, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding tea gardens and Nilgiri mountains. Some of its must-try delicacies include Teanest Gourmet Club Sandwich, Kurumba Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, Crackling Paneer Bhajis, Teanest Special Thai Lemon Ginger Veg Soup, Caesar’s Salad With A Twist, Toofani Gobi Chilli, A Subzimela, Khatta Meetha Tamarind Rice, Honey Drizzled Noodles, and Carrot/Beetroot Halwa. 

4. What is the best time to visit Coonoor?

Coonoor enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is between October and April. 

 

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