5 home style stays for a south Indian summer getaway

Things to Do

You can walk around the garden where cotton trees and local plants grow alongside vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen. There’s a pool, and plenty of quiet corners if you’re looking to read or write.

Getting There: Fly to Madurai or Trichy, then drive 3–4 hours to the property.

Tariff: From Rs 11,800 ++ per night 

Interiors

The home is now divided into two independent 3-bedroom units—Sunnyside and Woodside—which can also be booked together as a 6-bedroom estate. Skylights, glass panels, and neutral interiors allow nature to remain the focus. Sunnyside features a more contemporary design with elevated decks and views of the Palani Hills, while Woodside retains more of its original structure, including a wood stove fireplace and garden-facing passageways.

Food

Meals are prepared by an in-house cook and can be enjoyed indoors, on the deck, or in the garden. The estate also offers special setups like BBQs and bonfires for group gatherings.

Things to Do

There’s plenty to do for nature lovers. Kodaikanal’s many local attractions are close by: walk or rowboat around the lake, visit Poombarai’s terraced fields and temple, plan a picnic at Mannavanur’s sheep farms, or explore regional sites like the Palani Murugan Temple, Dindigul Fort, or Madurai’s temples and street food scene.

Getting There: 3-hour drive from Madurai airport.

Tariff: Rs 60,000 ++ per night for Sunnyside (3 bedrooms) and Rs 60,000++ per night for Woodside (3 bedrooms)

Interiors

The house retains many period features such as wooden flooring, high ceilings and vintage furniture. A fireplace warms the living room, which opens onto the garden filled with roses, lupine, hydrangeas, and dahlias.

Food

Meals at Milford are planned and prepared by in-house cook Selvan and his team, with menus tailored to guest preferences. Breakfast typically includes local favourites; lunch and dinner can range from Chettinad mutton curry and crispy quail to Kerala-style appams and stew.

Things to Do

From Milford, it's a short walk to Bedford Circle where you’ll find local shops like Kushal Traders (for dhurries), Gaia Pottery, and Moddy’s supermarket (for cheese, tea, and coffee). Tea plantation tours can be arranged. For something more local, Kikui Farms by chef Vishant is worth a visit—guests can explore his community kitchen, sample ferments, and attend weekend farm lunches with advance booking.

Getting There: 2-hour drive from Coimbatore Airport
Tariff: Rs 50,000 for the 4-bedroom bungalow

Interiors

Earthsong is a three-bedroom villa set in a clover-leaf layout around a central courtyard, with large bedrooms, a lounge, and a covered deck. The villa includes a heated plunge pool, and a widescreen movie projector for outdoor cinema evenings. Birdsong is perched higher up the slope. Both villas feature skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows while seating nooks, patios, and shaded verandahs are designed to bring the outdoors in.

Food

Breakfast is served at the villa or at the in-house restaurant a short walk away. The food is a mix of local and comfort cuisine, with options for custom menus.

Things to Do

You can swim, relax by the pool, or enjoy board games and movie nights in the lounge. Plantation treks, bean picking, and ATV rides are available within the estate. Day trips can be arranged to nearby spots like Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri, the Golden Temple in Bylakuppe, and Mandalpatti viewpoint.

Getting There: 2.5-hour drive from Mysore airport

Tariff: Rs 25,000 ++ per night for Birdsong and Rs 50,000++ per night for Earthsong
 

Interiors

The main house has two suites—one on each floor—each with its own living area and a verandah. A second adjoining block, built in harmony with the original structure, houses the hosts’ residence. Traditional techniques like egg-white plastering (once used as a natural moisture sealant) remain intact, and most original materials were retained during restoration.

Food

Meals at Nirvriti are a highlight, with much of the produce—vegetables, herbs, dairy, and spices—sourced from the garden or trusted local farms. Lunch typically features Kerala red rice, vegetable thorans, fried fish, or spiced jackfruit curries, often ending with Ria’s signature desserts like coconut payasam or fruit with tapioca pearls. All meals are prepared by Ria and Suganthi, with customisation for dietary needs on request.

Things to Do

Nirvriti offers a peaceful base to explore the countryside and nearby cultural sites. Local excursions include the handloom community in Thenari, the agraharam enclave at Tathamangalam, and the town of Chittur. For nature lovers, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Silent Valley National Park, and Nelliyampathy Hills are all possible day trips. On select evenings, intimate performances of classical music or traditional Kerala dance are arranged on-site.

Getting There: 1.5-hour drive from Coimbatore airport
Tariff: Rs 18,750++ per night