CAMP NOEL
PAZHATHOTTAM, MUNNAR
USP: Escape to tranquillity
It was an apology of a road. The jeep rattled along a tapering rough strip past little village corners and tea estates. The hovering mist was not making things easy. For a moment you wondered whether the road led anywhere. Then, almost suddenly, through the thickening veil of mist, Camp Noel emerged. The Scottish-designed cottages and the striking, colonial-style clock tower with a weathercock stand majestically, nestled in a green valley, surrounded by hills, tea and vegetable gardens.
At the Camp, I was greeted warmly by the staff. There are eight cottages, spread out on 15-acres of green, verdant land. Each cottages has two bedrooms with spectacular views of the mountains, a kitchenette, and a cosy living space with a fireplace for cold evenings. There are a few rooms in the clubhouse too.
The Camp is absolutely tranquil. There is no mobile connectivity; no televisions in the cottages and no newspapers. Although you may feel a bit lost, you will be in complete relax mode. The lobby of the resort is Wi-Fi-enabled and there are also wireless phones.
The best thing to do here is not do anything. You can pick up a book from the library at the lounge, sit under one of the many trees, watch the birds or if you need to stretch take a walk through the Camp. For the more adventurous, the camp organises treks, village tours and night safaris. You may even be lucky enough to spot a leopard or a gaur. For kids there is the games room where you can play carom, badminton or if the weather holds, a game of football on the beautiful greens.
At Café Venice, the multi-cuisine theme restaurant, tuck into traditional dishes.
(The writer was at Camp Noel at the invitation of the resort.)
How to get there
The resort is 40 km from Munnar town. From the road to Top Station take a diversion at 19th Mile. You need to traverse 12 km, half of it through a rough, bumpy road. It is advisable to drive an SUV or park your vehicle at Top Station and take the resort vehicle.
Things to do
If you feel that you have lazed around for long go on a guided Nature walk, adventure trek or village tour.
For groups, the resort arranges group and team-building activities.
You can go on a night safari and spot a gaur or a leopard, if lucky.
The resort has indoor games, provisions for a camp fire and music.
Tariff
Season (October 1-May 31)
A deluxe club house room costs Rs. 5,625.
A one-bedroom cottage will cost you Rs. 6,750 and a two-bedroom cottage that can accommodate four adults Rs. 13,500. The cost includes all taxes and breakfast.
Off-season (June 1-September 30)
The deluxe club house room costs Rs. 5,060, the one bedroom cottage Rs. 5,625, and the two bedroom cottage Rs. 11,250.
For details, mail manager@campnoel.com or contact 04865-214095, 241444, 214450, 214435.
