Bonacaud is known for its breathtaking beauty. Bonacaud was once a majestic tea estate set up by the British right below the Agasthya mountain ranges in Trivandrum.
Bonacaud is very close to Ponmudi hills, taking a deviation at the Theviyode Junction, takes you to Bonacaud. The road forward is fairly rough. Be careful as you drive along this winding road because coming across wildlife is a common occurrence.
As you go on, you might get to see the Peppara Dam in all its grandeur. Getting a good glimpse however is rare as the area is almost always shrouded in a thick layer of mist. The plush green mountain ranges move past your windows and the buildings in the Bonacaud estate stand grimly in the distance.
The journey started with one of my close friends, Rajesh and his wonderful team of colleagues.
Trekking expeditions are quite common in this area and quite a few groups arrive every day to explore the factory ruins and the famous, haunted Bonacaud Bungalow.
The bungalow has a rich but terrible history behind it and is usually the real destination for travelers who visit the area. The road heading towards it has an almost ethereal feel. The sound of crickets echoes all around and flowers keep raining down from the tall trees overhead.
The sound of the waterfalls can be heard even as you make your way, being an area constantly drenched in heavy rain, the greenery is pristine and the ruins lie peacefully, blanketed in thick mosses. It is around this time, that you really begin to feel. The greenery has a dark and underlying sadness to it, almost drawing in anyone who looks upon it, to share in its grief.
The light falls in streaks across the road, alternating with darkness. This stretch of road guarantees goosebumps as you can feel fear mixed with anticipation slowly taking control of your senses.
It is a good idea to get a local to help guide the way ahead to the Bonacaud bungalow. For us the role was taken by our close friend Biju annan, and we call him Makki.
Moving through dense woods with the constant sounds of animals, echoing all around, you finally enter the clearing where the fabled structure stands.
Behind vandalized windows and broken doors, lie the hallowing remains of what was once a majestic British home. The rooms should be entered with great caution because of the possibility of snakes seeking refuge there.
The windows offer a breathtaking view of the forest on the sides. The stories and history behind the place come to life in the rooms.
Do not stay here too long, as you need to carefully make your way back to the road before nightfall.
Getting delayed might mean having to spend the night in one of the spookiest places in Kerala, because the rain in the late evening is unrelenting and unforgiving.
After darkness falls, this ramshackle mansion becomes an absolute horrid place and thus, counted among the creepiest places in Kerala.
The real Story: During British rule, the bungalow was famous for its sprawling tea plantations. On a fateful night the young children of the owner died under mysterious circumstances. After this incident, the couple returned to London.Visitors have reported the frequent wandering of a young spirit in the mansion. The sound of the breaking glass and screaming of a child can be heard during midnight. Claimed by visitors.
When we reached the Bungalow, the climate changed suddenly and we could feel the cool breeze turning into howling wind. The sky changed its color and rain started pounding.
It was evening when the rain had cleared off and it was time for us to say bye-bye to this magnificent bungalow. Haunted or not-haunted, we are going to return again to explore more.
“You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave!"
Photography enthusiasts will find many a good shot, and wildlife lovers will have a lot to see here. I’m attaching some snaps clicked through my old ASUS.
Bonacaud gives every adventurer a unique experience and makes you realize at some point during the trip, the frailty of man and the enormity and magnificence of nature.
The place would remain a paradise for travelers!
Bonacaud is very close to Ponmudi hills, taking a deviation at the Theviyode Junction, takes you to Bonacaud. The road forward is fairly rough. Be careful as you drive along this winding road because coming across wildlife is a common occurrence.
As you go on, you might get to see the Peppara Dam in all its grandeur. Getting a good glimpse however is rare as the area is almost always shrouded in a thick layer of mist. The plush green mountain ranges move past your windows and the buildings in the Bonacaud estate stand grimly in the distance.
The journey started with one of my close friends, Rajesh and his wonderful team of colleagues.
Trekking expeditions are quite common in this area and quite a few groups arrive every day to explore the factory ruins and the famous, haunted Bonacaud Bungalow.
The bungalow has a rich but terrible history behind it and is usually the real destination for travelers who visit the area. The road heading towards it has an almost ethereal feel. The sound of crickets echoes all around and flowers keep raining down from the tall trees overhead.
The sound of the waterfalls can be heard even as you make your way, being an area constantly drenched in heavy rain, the greenery is pristine and the ruins lie peacefully, blanketed in thick mosses. It is around this time, that you really begin to feel. The greenery has a dark and underlying sadness to it, almost drawing in anyone who looks upon it, to share in its grief.
The light falls in streaks across the road, alternating with darkness. This stretch of road guarantees goosebumps as you can feel fear mixed with anticipation slowly taking control of your senses.
It is a good idea to get a local to help guide the way ahead to the Bonacaud bungalow. For us the role was taken by our close friend Biju annan, and we call him Makki.
Moving through dense woods with the constant sounds of animals, echoing all around, you finally enter the clearing where the fabled structure stands.
Behind vandalized windows and broken doors, lie the hallowing remains of what was once a majestic British home. The rooms should be entered with great caution because of the possibility of snakes seeking refuge there.
The windows offer a breathtaking view of the forest on the sides. The stories and history behind the place come to life in the rooms.
Do not stay here too long, as you need to carefully make your way back to the road before nightfall.
Getting delayed might mean having to spend the night in one of the spookiest places in Kerala, because the rain in the late evening is unrelenting and unforgiving.
After darkness falls, this ramshackle mansion becomes an absolute horrid place and thus, counted among the creepiest places in Kerala.
The real Story: During British rule, the bungalow was famous for its sprawling tea plantations. On a fateful night the young children of the owner died under mysterious circumstances. After this incident, the couple returned to London.Visitors have reported the frequent wandering of a young spirit in the mansion. The sound of the breaking glass and screaming of a child can be heard during midnight. Claimed by visitors.
When we reached the Bungalow, the climate changed suddenly and we could feel the cool breeze turning into howling wind. The sky changed its color and rain started pounding.
It was evening when the rain had cleared off and it was time for us to say bye-bye to this magnificent bungalow. Haunted or not-haunted, we are going to return again to explore more.
“You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave!"
Photography enthusiasts will find many a good shot, and wildlife lovers will have a lot to see here. I’m attaching some snaps clicked through my old ASUS.
Bonacaud gives every adventurer a unique experience and makes you realize at some point during the trip, the frailty of man and the enormity and magnificence of nature.
The place would remain a paradise for travelers!
Best place to visit
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ReplyDeleteI LIVE THERE ! iwhent to ponmudi i was shocked to here this
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