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About us
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The present owners of Downton Heritage hail from a background of planters who
have diversified in to banking and industry. Augustine Kayalakakom is the
Chairman & CEO who takes care of the Bunglow and the cardamom plantation
around it.
Our Mission
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Sustainable and responsible
tourism is a desirable activity with an obligation to protect the environment. At Downton we look upon nature to co-exist close enough by living, let
living and help living in harmony with the surrounding forest.
Best Season
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October - May is the best time. For elephant watching, the hotter months of
March - April are excellent. With the grasses shorter, the other animals too are
more easily seen.
General Climate
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Winter : 15oC
Summer : 31 oC
Night temperature can fall very low occasionally.
The southwest monsoon lasts from June to August/September, with maximum rainfall in July-August. High rainfall also occurs during the northeast monsoon in September-October.
Things to Remember
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Waterproof clothing should be carried because rain is always a possibility in a 'rainforest'. If you are walking in the forest especially in the heavy rains, be mindful of leeches. Wear boots, socks, long trousers and full-sleeved shirts. Tobacco snuff smeared on your shoes could be a possible deterrent. Salt helps get them off your skin. Guests are cautioned not to go near wild animals or venture out far from the Bunglow without a guide.
Reaching Downton Heritage
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The nearest airports are Kochi
(190kms), Trivandrum (220kms) and Madurai (170kms). Travellers from Trivandrum,
Kochi, Kumarakom and Alleppy may come to Vandiperiyar via Mundakayam and
Kuttikanam along N H 220 and turn right at Connemara Tea junction. From there,
head towards Vallakkadavu check post and proceed almost 15 K M to find the
Downton Estate road turning left. Travelers from Munnar and Madurai may come to
Vandiperiyar via Kumily and turn left at Conemmara Tea
junction and proceed as directed above. There is road access from Pathanamthitta
via Moozhiyar, Kakki, Kochu Pamba and Gavi, but the road conditions are not
satisfactory. The nearest Railway station is Kottayam (110kms).
Disclaimer
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Though wild animals could
be sighted throughout the year within the estate periphery, one should
not expect the predictability of urban life in the wild.
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The rooms are not
air-conditioned; there is no landline telephone connectivity or internet
and no television in rooms.
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Mobile phone coverage is very
weak. But on certain locations there is good signal strength.
> Hosts' family members may not be available always.
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Augustine Kayalakakom is Chairman & CEO of
Downton Heritage who takes care of the Bunglow and the cardamom plantation around it.
Augustine can be contacted at this number:
0091 9847067833
We can be contacted in advance for
reserving your stay in Downton Heritage.
Email booking would be the best means
to
ensure your place here.
Contact Address:
5, Continental Gardens, Kowdiar
Trivandrum, India 695 003
Mobile: 0091 9847067833
Mobile: 0091 9495966766
Phone: 0091 471
2316365
Email:
venadconductors@gmail.com