Here’s our pick of best 5 Boutique Heritage Resorts in South India for a quiet and offbeat holiday. Elegant, quaint, charming and rustic these Hillside Heritage Resorts are indeed ideal havens to spend a relaxed and luxurious holiday. Where else can we see expansive greenery, manicured lawns, impeccable and hospitable service and an old-world charm that is fast becoming extinct?

1) Colonial House near SIMs Park, Coonoor

Wrought-iron tables, carpets of green lawns and a hundred-year-old colonial house that beckons you to the world where courtesy, elegance is fused with aesthetically designed architecture and nature’s wild beauty. This Colonial House Near SIMs Park built in early 1900 has a calm serene beauty that resonates among the beautiful blue hills of Coonoor. The villas at this hillside heritage resorts offer a stunning view of Coonoor while the aesthetics of the villa interior will take you back to the glorious colonial past.

Quaintly furnished with antique furniture and memorabilia, the villa is a quiet haven with a cultured past. A perfect retreat to loll about in the sun-kissed gardens, watching butterflies and telling stories. The in-house restaurant at this hill resort serves Indian, Italian and traditional Tandoor cuisine that specializes in steamed ‘no fries’ cuisine and has a standing ‘no soda’ policy that makes this place a mom’s delight and a perfect heritage holiday to relax.

2) British Style Mansion on Havelock Road, Nilgiris

For those who love all things British, must enjoy a holiday at one of the best heritage resorts in Ooty. Nestled in the confines of Blue Mountains (Nilgiris) away from the bustle of the holiday crowd, this British Style Mansion on Havelock Road presents a world of its own to its visitors. Breakfast in the bed, crisp linen, manicured lawns and misty mornings, now who would say ‘nay’ to that? A holiday home for the erstwhile officers of British Raj, this colonial estate was also a popular venue for many an English couple to tie the knot. Today, one can still see many remnants of its British past within the facility. With nine stately rooms complete with traditional four-poster beds, fireplace, and luxurious baths, this estate offers the best of the Raj’s hospitality.

And if that were not ‘English’ enough for you, this surely will draw your approval – each of the staterooms is named after William Shakespeare’s plays and popular characters. The British Style Mansion on Havelock Road also features one of the finest restaurants in Ooty. If you dig into fine dining, then this would be right up your alley. The lazy historic ambiance, starched napkins, chandeliers, and silverware will enthrall your senses and tempt your taste bud with its Chinese, Mughlai and Continental cuisine.

3) Heritage House on Sylks Road, Ooty

Heritage House on Sylks Road in Ooty stands testimony to the expansive hospitality that was offered during the Victorian era. Built-in 1855 is a perfect heritage getaway that one can hope for in today’s busy world. Dewy mountains, sprawling lawns, misty mornings and cozy rooms with fireplaces will lull you within its cocoon of preserved past. Pleasant, calm and quiet Heritage House on Sylks Road has six en-suite double rooms complete with an antique dresser, fireplace and a four-poster bed that would delight the kids to no end. Quaint and charming the Heritage House on Sylks Road has a beautiful ambiance and offers a lovely accommodation away from the hustle of the city.

4) Traditional Estate Stay at Manjelparappu, Dindigul

If you want to truly marvel at something, then head over to this Traditional Estate Stay at Manjelparappu in Dindigul. An 18th-century heritage villa built in Kerala style nestled amidst the lush forests and coffee estate of Palani hills, this heritage estate offers you a rare glimpse of royal hospitality and southern architecture. The villa has an avenue of royal palms that extends all the way to Palam Palace. The villa is built around multiple courtyards and pools that keep the surroundings cool and serene. The rooms are authentically designed to reflect the heritage of the estate. Quaint and classically designed with touches of much-need modern amenity the estate offers us a beautiful glimpse of the past.

This Traditional Estate Stay at Manjelparappu offers South Indian cuisine with touches of Mediterranean influence. The coffee that is offered here is a talking point among patrons as it is freshly ground from their own estates. The food is prepared from the local farm produce that is grown organically. This heritage estate has a plethora of leisure choices that make it an idyllic place for a holiday. A picnic in the mountains, reading for hours or lounging lazily on the hammock or swimming in the quiet pools or the wild waterfalls… one is simply spoilt for a choice here.

5) Holiday Mansion on Tiger Hill Road, Ooty

It doesn’t get any more perfect than this. This 18th-century summerhouse mansion stands as a fine example of Victorian splendor and makes the settings perfect for a royal family holiday. What could be more exciting than a themed holiday for the kids? Ensconced in mist, the mansion gives us a realistic view of how Victorian England might have looked. With impeccable rooms and scenic surroundings, you will have plenty to occupy your time and mind while you are in residence.

Comfortable and cozy, the ambiance will surely put you in a curious mood to dig out the olden day’s artifacts or at the very least try a pipe of tobacco. The Holiday Mansion offers a variety of cuisine options at the revered Dining Room. This might just be the perfect holiday for your family and to indulge in some playacting while experiencing the very best of the colonial era hospitality.

These 5 Boutique Heritage Resorts offer us a rare glimpse into a past that translates into wonderful memories. These are the memories that will be a treasured in the years to come. So, go on create some memories to cherish.

About SelfRoadiez

SelfRoadiez Travel Solutions Pvt Ltd through our online travel portal www.selfroadiez.com provides integrated self-drive holidays to offbeat destinations within India. We provide exclusive self-drive car rentals to travelers with a choice of multi-city car pick up points in India. We also offer drive holiday packages including accommodation, route planning, and experiential activities under custom travel plans. Thinking of a self-drive holiday? Call us to find out how we can help.