Braemore Estate Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Braemore Estate in Southern Travancore, Kerala, India, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities, accommodations, local culture, safety and health, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Braemore Estate

Located in Southern Travancore, in the Indian state of Kerala, Braemore Estate is a picturesque destination that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in natural beauty and cultural richness. The estate spreads across a sprawling 400 acres and boasts of rich biodiversity, offering a plethora of activities and attractions to visitors. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, hiking and biking trails to delicious food, Braemore Estate has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Braemore Estate

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Braemore Heritage Museum
  2. Marthoma-Cheria-Pally
  3. St Thomas Church of Palayoor
  4. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church
  5. Kanyakumari

Natural Attractions of Braemore Estate: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Bonaccord Estate
  2. Peermade Hill Station
  3. Vagamon Meadows
  4. River Crossing at Manimala
  5. Ulupuni River

Hiking/Biking Routes of Braemore Estate

  1. Trek to the waterfalls of Madatharuvi
  2. Bicycle through the estate and adjoining villages
  3. Hike to the nearby tea gardens
  4. Trek through the dense forests
  5. Visit the adventurous sites at nearby areas of Kuttikkanam

Best Things to Do in Braemore Estate: Activities and Tours

  1. Tea plantation tour
  2. Spice plantation tour
  3. Camping amidst nature
  4. White water rafting on the Manimala river
  5. Bird watching at the Bon Accord Estate

Week-Long Itinerary for Braemore Estate

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Braemore Heritage Museum and St. Thomas Church of Palayoor
2 Hike to Madatharuvi waterfalls and Vagamon Meadows
3 Take a tea plantation tour, followed by an evening of camping or bonfire
4 Adventure sports like white water rafting and river crossing at Manimala
5 Bicycle through the estate and visit the Ulupuni River for some quiet time
6 Visit the nearby Peermade Hill Station for a day-long trip
7 Relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings of Braemore Estate, consider fishing at the river Ulupuni

Food and Drink Scene of Braemore Estate

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Puttu and kadala curry
  2. Kerala-style prawn curry
  3. Beef fry
  4. Masala dosa
  5. Kerala-style fish curry

Local Beverages

  1. Coffee
  2. Tea
  3. Spiced hot chocolate with Indian spices
  4. Tender Coconut Water

Where to Stay in Braemore Estate: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Braemore Estate Guesthouse
  2. Spring Dale Homestay
  3. Hotel Honeycomb
  4. Green Gate Resort
  5. Playa Del Portugal

What to Buy in Braemore Estate: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Spices and Tea in bulk
  2. Essential oil refills/massage oils
  3. Handmade tea towels and linen
  4. Traditional garments such as mundus and sarongs
  5. Handcrafted furniture and home decor

Local Culture and Customs of Braemore Estate

The local culture and customs of Braemore Estate are heavily influenced by Kerala’s history and traditions. Visitors can expect to experience vibrant festivals and traditional food and drink scenes, along with the warm hospitality of the locals.

Best Time to Visit Braemore Estate

The best time to visit Braemore Estate is from September to March, which is the winter season in Kerala. During these months, the climate is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the heat and humidity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Braemore Estate

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions
  2. Try the local food and drinks
  3. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and biking
  4. Carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent
  5. Explore the lush green surroundings to the fullest

Don’t:

  1. Litter
  2. Take pictures without permission
  3. Peer into people’s homes, and respect their privacy
  4. Hike without a guide
  5. Disturb the wildlife and ecosystem

Safety and Health

Safety in Braemore Estate

Braemore Estate is generally considered a safe place for visitors. However, it is advisable to take precautions such as hiring a guide while hiking, carrying around minimal cash, and not wandering off the premises after dark.

Health in Braemore Estate

While the estate is surrounded by natural beauty, visitors must be aware of the risks of insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. It’s essential to take all necessary precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved clothes and using mosquito repellent.

Getting to Braemore Estate: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Braemore Estate

  1. Cochin International Airport (123 km)
  2. Trivandrum International Airport (139 km)

Bus Stations Near Braemore Estate

  1. Kottayam (45 km)
  2. Thiruvalla (31 km)

Other Options

Visitors can take a taxi or drive their way to the estate from the nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Braemore Estate

Visitors can hire bicycles or take guided tours and treks to explore the estate and its scenic surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Braemore Estate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Munnar Hill Station (126 km)
  2. Alappuzha (62 km)
  3. Kumarakom (68 km)
  4. Thekkady (121 km)

Conclusion

Braemore Estate is a hidden gem in the lap of nature, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends, there’s plenty to see and do here. From hiking and biking to exploring cultural landmarks and trying delicious local cuisine, Braemore Estate is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.