Serai

Karnataka


Set in a coffee plantation that backs onto the park, this luxurious resort has gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired villas (some with private pool) that are in harmony with the natural surroundings. Thatched-roof rooms feature elegant touches such as copper bathroom fixtures, stone-wall showers and wildlife photography on the walls. Its glassed-in restaurant and infinity pool both maximise outlooks to the Nilgiri Hills.

Packages that include a treatment in the spa, a mountain-bike ride and a guided walk with a naturalist are available.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Karnataka attractions

1. Bandipur National Park

5.82 MILES

This park covers 880 sq km and was once the Mysore maharajas’ private wildlife reserve. It's noted for herds of gaurs (Indian bison), chitals (spotted…

2. Elephant Camp

6.95 MILES

In mornings and evenings you can see the reserve's working elephants being fed at the elephant camp just east of the Mudumalai reception centre, where you…

3. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

7 MILES

In the foothills of the Nilgiris, this newly enlarged 765-sq-km wildlife reserve is like a classical Indian landscape painting given life, with chital…

4. Botanical Gardens

15.26 MILES

Established in 1848, these pretty 22-hectare gardens are a living gallery of the Nilgiris' natural flora. Keep an eye out for a typical Toda mund (village…

5. St Stephen’s Church

15.38 MILES

Perched above Ooty's centre, immaculate pale-yellow St Stephen’s, built in 1829, is the Nilgiris' oldest church. It has lovely stained glass, huge wooden…

6. Nilgiri Library

15.64 MILES

This quaint little haven in a crumbling, earthy-red 1867 building houses more than 30,000 books, including rare titles on the Nilgiris and hill tribes,…

7. Rose Garden

16.01 MILES

With terraced lawns and over 20,000 rose bushes of more than 2000 varieties – best between May and July – the Rose Garden is a sweet place for a stroll,…

8. St Thomas' Church

16.16 MILES

Set between trees at the eastern end of Ooty Lake, simple St Thomas' dates back to 1870.