King's Cliff

The mansion was built more than a hundred years ago as the residence of Lady Maybn and Lord Reginald, by the hotel's own account, and was a playground for the rich and famous of the Raj era. It now runs as a heritage hotel in the Littlearth Group, on Havelock Road at Pudumund on the edge of Ooty.

Nine rooms fill the heritage building: three Standard, three Deluxe Garden and three Deluxe Bungalow, all with wooden floors, antique furniture, high ceilings and a working fireplace. Some can be combined into a suite. A separate English Country Block 30 to 50 metres from the old house holds the Vista, Club and Signature rooms, contemporary in design, several with private balconies facing the hills.

Earl's Secret, the restaurant, occupies a glass house that locals call by that name and serves Continental, Mughlai and Chinese cooking with a breakfast buffet. As You Like It is the coffee shop, with outdoor seating, pizzas, sandwiches and a bakery counter. Lawns and flower beds run out from the porch. Pets are not accepted.