7 cosy stays in the Nilgiris

For history buffs and garden lovers

Built in the 19th century by a Scottish Major General from Blair Athol, this stately home has seen many lives—from a boarding house run by a British couple to a property owned by Lipton Tea and now Matheson Bosanquet. Wallwood still carries the quiet elegance of a planter’s home, with high ceilings, carved beds, antique desks, sepia portraits, and bay windows overlooking lush gardens. Persian rugs, creaky floors, and a cosy drawing room with mismatched armchairs and a fireplace evoke a sense of timelessness.

Each of the nine rooms—six in the main house and three in the annexe—is individually styled with vintage lamps, floral prints, and colonial charm. Breakfasts of Tamil and Anglo-Indian fare—dosas, stews, puddings, and cutlets—are served in the dining room or on the lawn.

For a colonial bungalow experience near the golf course

Just a short walk from the Ooty Golf Course, this 4.5-acre British-era bungalow channels Downton Abbey charm with fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, and manicured gardens. Once a retreat for British officials, it now offers travellers a taste of slow living.

The bungalow has four rooms—a main suite, a family room, and two separate suites, ideal for groups or families seeking privacy with shared spaces. Interiors feature high ceilings, arched windows, four-poster beds, and cosy common areas filled with books and vintage charm. The garden, lovingly tended by the resident gardener, has won awards at the Ooty Flower Show. Meals are home-style Tamil, Sri Lankan, and English fare, served in the dining room or around a bonfire.

Good to know: Strong Wi-Fi makes this a great workation spot.

For design-led travellers who want heritage without compromise

Perched on Marlimund slope, this six-room heritage home by CGH Earth’s SAHA Experiences blends 19th-century British architecture with modern comforts. Sloping roofs, gables, and porches nod to its colonial past, while interiors feel fresh and refined. Fire-lit drawing rooms, polished wood floors, and curated bedrooms with soundproofing, Wi-Fi, and work desks offer warmth and quiet luxury. Meals are a highlight—heritage Tamil and Anglo-Indian dishes are served in the dining room, lawn, or gazebo. Thoughtful touches include organic toiletries, fresh teas, and a well-stocked library.

Good to know: Close to Ooty’s main sights. You can also catch the Toy Train from nearby Coonoor for a scenic ride.

For panoramic views and boutique villa vibes

On a clifftop just six kms from Sim’s Park, The Xanadu in Coonoor is a boutique three-bedroom villa with landscaped gardens and valley views stretching to the Mettupalayam plains. Full-length windows frame shifting light, while high ceilings and an open-plan design add a quiet grandeur. Ideal for solo travellers, families, or groups, you can book individual rooms or the entire villa. Each room is spacious and thoughtfully styled; the premium room even features a jacuzzi with a view. Shared spaces include a cosy living room with board games and a smart TV, sit-outs for birdwatching or stargazing, a mini library, verandah, and lawn for picnics or candlelit dinners. Breakfast is fresh and complimentary. A curated à la carte menu offers home-style comfort food and indulgent extras like a barbecue under the stars.

7. The Observatory, Kotagiri

For mindful minimalism, antique charm, and slow, quiet days

Kotagiri is Ooty’s quieter, contemplative cousin and home to The Observatory, a three-bedroom European-style villa designed for stillness. Built by Preetha Chandrasekaran and Kartik Iyer using 90% repurposed materials, the home centres around a striking glass A-frame by architect Vikram Devraj, framing misty views of the Mettupalayam plains. Inside, restored colonial-era antiques from Dhakshini Antiques set a mellow, elegant tone. Three bedrooms, cosy lounges, reading nooks, and wide verandahs invite slow living. Wildlife is abundant—bison, deer, even black panthers have been spotted nearby—and the area is also a birding haven.