Banyan Tree Farm | Rooms & Pool

We recently stayed at Banyan Tree Farmstay, and unfortunately, the experience was far from what was advertised. The photos on the website are highly misleading—they show the owner’s private bungalow, which is completely out of bounds to guests. While the property is decent and basic, it certainly doesn’t match the facilities advertised. We expected to stay in the charming heritage farmhouse shown online, but despite there being only two families (ours included) during our stay, we were placed in newly constructed, unfinished basic rooms. These rooms still had construction markings (arrows and numbers) on the walls, with exposed piping visible. To make matters worse, there was no toothpaste, and towels weren’t changed. The so-called "dining area" turned out to be a basic outdoor mess-like area, far from the nice, inviting space we saw on the website. The gym, which is supposed to be available, was in terrible shape—and surprise, it's actually the owner’s personal gym! Even the swimming pool and other facilities (cinema room, cosy dining area, living room area, etc.) were gated off behind a “Private Property - Entry Restricted” sign, as they were the owner’s private areas. Since the owner wasn't there during our stay, we weren’t allowed to even view any of these areas. There’s nothing much to do nearby, which is expected. The trek they offer is just a walk through the coconut plantation. I would be perfectly happy with such activities, if the place were AS ADVERTISED, i.e. nice and inviting so I can spend an afternoon in. Unfortunately, the areas where we could access were quite the opposite - very basic, uninspired, and lacks any charm. I really wish I had read the reviews before booking because this experience was extremely disappointing and felt like a complete cheat. I would’ve been okay with basic accommodations if the facilities were as advertised, but sadly, that wasn’t the case. Be aware before booking—you won't get what you see on the website.

We stayed during 26-28 July, 202. The location of the property is awesome flanked by huge mountains on three sides, a water stream flowing through the property giving you a private access.. Rooms were neat and well maintained..Hospitality was also great with warm reception shown by owner Mr Prabhu , Senthil the manager and Saravanan the Attendant . Even walking inside the massive 2800 acre property is good enough to relax and mingle with nature. Breakfast and Lunch provided from owner’s home tasted extra good due to the home cooking done.. A fantastic swimming pool to have a safe and energetic swim. Well maintained and clean. What could improve? 1. Coffee and Tea were made with too much diluted milk that lacked taste 2. Choice of food for Dinner - Avoid heavy masala and oily food.. Serving Parotta, Seasoned idiyappam , kuruma is a definite No. Suggest adding Vada and Coffee/Tea to BF menu., 3. Only BSNL and Airtel are available. The WiFi provided often disconnected as it was linked to direct power. Link that to UPS to provide uninterrupted WiFi also.. Summary- Great place, warm hospitality and fabulous memories to carry back home.

I am certain this is the only "terrible" rating I have ever given on TripAdvisor...I couldn't even imagine what would warrant that rating until we arrived here at the Banyan Tree. I wish I had read the reviews before booking this but instead I looked at the website and saw a property with lovely wooden buildings with the described heritage and charm surrounded by a farm filled with trees and plants of all kinds. However, when we arrived, we were shown to our rooms in a recently constructed concrete structure and provided just basic furniture and completely absent of charm. There was space for a small fridge but no fridge, no extra chairs, just the minimum needed. The bathroom offered shampoo, towels and nothing else. It turns out there are other rooms in a wooden building, not sure why they were unoccupied, but we learned that most of the photos on the website were taken at the owner's private residence. Throughout our room was evidence of recent construction and recent guests including construction dust layers in the toothbrush holder, handwritten marks on the tile, a layer of dust and dead bugs on the headboard, smears on the mirrors and dirty tea mugs. Additionally, there was no service on the second day to refill our water bottles, empty trash and replace toilet paper etc. We had to ask for every single thing and even then we didn't get all that was needed. (as a point of reference the four of us have traveled extensively in India and stayed at locations without electricity or toilets that provided a bucket of cold water for bathing, but it was also what we expected and didn't mind at all) We asked the manager if we could go wander the grounds and explore and he said no, we were to stay in our rooms and relax until dinner (this was at 2pm). Finally our driver called the owner to say there were some concerns and the owner came over to speak to us. He told us things that weren't true such as the manager was new to the job and didn't know what he was saying. When we looked at reviews we could see he had been there at least a year. We felt like we were being told what the owner thought we wanted to hear. Being lied to and deceptive advertising doesn't make for a positive experience. He did offer to show us around and we had a pleasant walk around the farm.  The website also noted the owner was a food connoisseur. At a farm stay one expects to be eating mostly food grown on the farm, this was not to be true. Our meals consisted mainly of lentils and potatoes and the chicken was more bone than meat. No special local dishes or unique meals were provided. The flavors were good but not anything one would expect from a noted connoisseur. The final evening we were served apple crisp which had a piece missing and the dough was partially raw. One of our companions has a serious food allergy and at the first meal an attempt was made to accommodate that (and they knew well in advance from our tour company) but after that minimal to no attempt was made an

I’m afraid our British agency made a mistake sending us to the Banyan Tree. Set in 3,200 acres of beautiful farm land, Mr Prabu rules like a wealthy land owner. Why have a Homestay? He had one staff, who confided that he only had three days off a month. He did everything for us, luggage, breakfast, tour of farmland (not Mr Prabu). Supper mediocre, breakfast excellent. Mr Prabu didn’t even come to say goodbye. We did not meet arms Prabu… no internet in rooms. They were surprised it didn’t work!!!!!! Atmosphere nil. We were the only ones staying and as reported by another reviewer, our driver was not offered anything to eat or drink. I think he spent the night in the car. Not happy.

Very worst room and it’s cost too high The Rooms are very similar to lodge but it cost 10k per night and per room. There is no professional staffs and chef for cooking owner’s wife use to cook and for housekeeping one old lady use to clean food was terrible very limited dishes in the menu there is no entertainment and moreover they are very money minded once we entered first time they asked for the full payment and during checkout stupid useless guy is coming and asking the money for water bottles (daily 2 water bottles provided for room) This banyan tree is cheating the people my humble advise not to visit this place and waste the money

Had more expectations but its a letdown and humiliating. Worst food and Worst environment. Very Unprofessional treatment and expensive. Wasted a long drive with my friends. It's not a resort at all. Highly avoidable

Banyan Tree Farm stay is an old school resort with no foundation about food and hospitality industry. RUN on the mill hyped Resort organization. Inconsistent resort not even homely. Flaw filled venue with the ambiance and hospitality. Attitude owner and son in the location. Do not know hospitality and humanity-Only Income. They do not have specialized housekeeping people, Chefs for cooking and people Management staff. Do not expect anything from this spot.- Humiliating, Disappointing and Depressing spot to experience. Highly Avoidable.. There are lot of options in Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud or neighboring state Kerala.