Hotel Sherlock, Ooty, Tamil Nadu

This former privately-owned summer mansion from the days when Ooty was a British hill station has been fabulously maintained so that it retains all of its original charm from its Victorian façade, brick chimneys in each room, beamed ceilings, polished woodwork and well-maintained lawns, one could feel as if one is stepping back in time. There are nine spacious rooms, each named after an adventure from Sherlock Holmes, two dining rooms, a main living/reception whose mantlepiece, fireplace and furniture are the (refurbished) originals from over 100 years ago, making this a historic as well as convivial place to stay. The approach is up a winding road that takes you uphill to the property and once you're up there, apart from the perpetual mist-sprayed air around you, what you see below is a valley enclosed by hills on all sides. A reminder of what this now busy summer destination was once like. This is a place to do as little or as much as you would like. Within the property itself there is a journey of Mr. Holmes life through photographs, books & excerpts. You can enjoy the gardens with a good book or take a stroll around the gardens. If you want to explore further then walk into Ooty itself to discover the main tourist attractions. Other activities include horse-riding and fishing, a visit to the Tea Factory and Museum, the unique Bee Museum, or the Tribal Research Centre and Museum. Enjoy the exclusive Rose Garden and the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Ooty & Conoor, do the Lakes, or picnic at the sprawling Wenlock Downs.