Anugraha
If you were charmed with Arundhati Roy’s Aymenem House in The God of Small Things, this two-bedroom villa will likely evoke the same response. Constructed more than a century ago, the property, nestled in Aymanam, can host up to a party of six. The food served is a traditional Syrian Christian fare (think vazhachundu), though you can catch your own fish at the man-made pond — they have rods stacked up. Bookings for the property reopen from January 2020.
Where : Aymanam, Kottayam, Kerala
Price : ₹21,000 (for double occupancy), per night
Details : anugrahakerala.com
At The Tamara, Kodaikanal
The Tamara, Kodai
Though repurposed to accommodate two restaurants, a ballroom, and other such amenities, this 53-suite luxury resort stays true to its monastic past — a 19th century retreat for sick priests. The thick granite walls, iron pillars, and stained glass windows are a throwback to the days gone by, even as the interiors house a temperature-controlled swimming pool.
Where : La Providence, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Price : ₹10,000 (for luxury suite), per night
Details : thetamara.com
At Pepper Trail, Wayanad
Pepper Trail
Set in a pepper and coffee plantation which dates to 1874, the main feature of this property is the two-storey colonial bungalow. Now converted into two self-contained suites, the restored structure features heirlooms and antiques that belong to Collin Auley Mackenzie, who built the original house. While at the property, do not forget to take the pepper trail and pick up some of the native spice.
Where : Wayanad, Kerala
Price : Starts at ₹13,000 per night
Details : peppertrail.in
At Gravityville, Ooty
Gravityville
A 1936 colonial villa which was once a retreat for the personal physician of the Maharajah of Mysore, this homestay has retained its original frame, while giving it a quirky twist at the same time. For instance, the age-old chairs in the dining room are offset with a bright yellow long table to give the space a pop of colour. Or there is the bar cabinet that is as old as the four-bedroom house itself.
Where : Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Price : ₹9,000 (per night)
Details : facebook.com/GravityVille
At SaffronStays Kurinji Estate, Kodaikanal
SaffronStays Kurinji Estate
This homestay, built in the 1930s, sits on 9-acre estate which has won the Best Garden award in Kodaikanal four years in a row. Originally a 1930s Tamil Brahmin house built in the Thanjavur style, the structure retains the exteriors, right from the stone and brick walls, to Mangalore tiles on the roof. You could take a guided tour, or enjoy a picnic by the side of a man-made pond on the property.
Where : Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Price : ₹5,500 per night
Details : saffronstays.com
Published - November 08, 2019 06:30 pm IST
