Six years ago, Meeta Prabhu, and enterprising young software engineer, stumbled across a 120-year old bungalow nestled in the hills around Ootacamund, one of South India’s most loved hill retreats. In a radical departure from her profession, she plunged into the hospitality business and spent six months restoring the once dilapidated house to pristine condition and its current avatar – Kings Cliff.

Kings Cliff is a lovely juxtaposition of unnerving faithfulness to the Raj-era and modern comforts. The house is a superb example of the many British-era bungalows that dot the surrounding hills and the façade and interiors reflect the tastes of its erstwhile British owners. Elaborate fireplaces, polished wooden floors, exquisite antique furniture, and plenty of natural light in the bedrooms, make this a delightful place to stay.

With an array of chefs (the five-man army), food is a highlight at the house. English-style food is a specialty – so expect vegetable broth, roast chicken and potatoes – a refreshing change from curries if you have been on the road for long. With a staff of 26 people, expect to be spoilt by Meeta and her team.

Ootacamund or “Ooty” as the locals call it has plenty to offer, as long as you avoid the noisy polluted centre of town. Play a round of golf, go on short walks with a quirky local expert, go on the superb UNESCO-cited Nilgiri Mountain Railway, stay overnight in a secluded log-cabin (owned by Meeta and her husband), visit an organic food shop, or confess your sins in some of the pretty local churches.

Kings Cliff focuses its efforts on water use, waste & energy management – Ootacamund suffers from overdevelopment which has put all the above three issues a big challenge for the town and its citizens.

So if you have images of crumbling grandeur, Raj-nostalgia, and ancient tottering waiters that you find in a gentleman’s club from the outpost – you are in for a surprise!