Name: Munnar
Rating: 3.4

High Range Club, Munnar Overview

High Range Club is a recreational club which is located on the outskirts of the town of Munnar in the south Indian state of Kerala. It is located in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats amidst rolling hills with lush green tea plantations. Launched in the early 20th century, the club still has an aura of the bygone British era. It is open for bookings throughout the year for tourists with many activities and amenities to ensure the visitors have a memorable stay.

One must explore the club area to know more about its history and the experience of staying here for a few days will only take you closer to feeling regal with their top-class hospitality and service. The High Range Club is just about two kilometres away from Munnar.

The property has many artefacts and objects dating back to the British era. There are certain rules that guests need to follow while on the club premises, but rest assured that these rules will only make your stay here memorable. So, put on your best attire for an afternoon at the lounge or your best tie for dinner on a Saturday evening or your fabulous activewear most suited for a game of tennis in the club. You are sure to feel like you belong here and will look forward to every activity at the High Range Club.

Facilities at High Range Club

Gymnasium: The property houses a gymnasium for all its guests to sweat it out during their stay.
Children's Play Area: A special play area is maintained for children. Your kids can spend some time here and even make some new friends.
Indoor Sports: Guests can indulge in sports like Squash, Table Tennis and Billiards which most find perfect for socialising.
Outdoor Sports: For the ones who love to be out there in the open, a game of Golf, Tennis or Basketball could just be the sport for you.
Recreational Activities: Guests can go Trekking or exploring the marvellous Tea Plantations by the stream flowing nearby. Book worms can bury their heads in a sell-out book at the Library or those looking for some entertainment could spend some time in the Audio/ Video Room.

High Range Club Rules and Regulations

1. Formal and Semi-Formal dress code is to be followed in the club.
2. Collarless T-Shirts, sandals or chappals are not allowed in the public areas of the club.
3. Men need to wear Jacket and Tie after 7:00 PM on Saturdays.
4. Appropriate sports gear is mandatory while using sports facilities at the club.
5. On certain occasions, the dress code is notified well in advance.
6. Banquet meal times need to be adhered to.

History of High Range Club

The High Range Club was initially known as The Gymkhana Club started in 1905 with an amount of INR 2,500 that the gentlemen planters of the Kerala High Range borrowed from Kanan Devan Hills Produce Co. Limited. It was the first Gymkhana for the workers of the company and was also known as the Coolie Gymkhana. The location where it was started is where the impressive Golf Course exists now. The club was formally set up with proper fixtures and furniture in 1910.

The High Range Club was one of the first planter's that was built for residential purposes and the first club to get electricity connections. With passing years, numerous clubs from all over Indian were affiliated to it. The premises suffered severe damage due to the 1924 floods, but it was repaired, and the club started functioning soon after.

An armoury was built next to the club during the crucial years of Freedom Movement in India, which was seldom used at the time. It, however, served as a cellar to store liquor during World War II. In 1987, the armoury building was opened to provide accommodation for visitors. The club also opened up a Games Room and Recreational Lounge soon after.

Best Time To Visit High Range Club

The best time to visit High Range Club is between September and May as the weather is pleasant with the temperature ranging from a maximum of 26 degrees Celcius and a minimum of 11 degrees Celcius. June through August are the monsoon months when the region receives an average rainfall of 460 mm.

Tips For Visiting High Range Club

1. Book your rooms well in advance.
2. The management is very disciplined and punctual.
3. Private vehicles can be parked next to the rented cottages.

How To Reach High Range Club

The club is just about 3 kilometres from Munnar and can be reached by road via NH85. Local transport Busses, Auto-rickshaws and Taxis are easily available from Munnar for tourists to reach the club.

Those travelling by private vehicles can take the Munnar-Udumalpet road and head towards R.O. Junction via General Hospital Road. A left turn needs to be taken from the R.O Junction to get to NH85. From there, the High Range Club is about 2 kilometres away.