Rosewood Ooty Review: A Century-Old Colonial Retreat In The Nilgiris

Disclaimer: We are serious about content integrity. The author spent 2 days at the location as part of a sponsored stay. However, all the information mentioned in the article is completely unbiased and honestly written, to offer valuable travel information to our readers. Read about our editorial policies.  

Winding down the mountain path, I intently listened to the musings of my chauffeur, Mr. Raj, a native of the Nilgiris. We were on our way to Rosewood, a century-old colonial-styled nature stay in Ooty.

As he drove the car, he explained how the British had meticulously planned the hill town amidst endless greenery. It made me wonder what Ooty was like before its modernization.  

When we arrived at our destination, it felt as though the mountains had eavesdropped on my thoughts! I stood before the most gorgeous colonial-styled, red-roofed bungalow nestled amidst the backdrop of the Nilgiris. Finally, this was my chance to relive a golden era that Mr. Raj yearned to return to. 

Now, let me take you through my 2-day stay at Rosewood by Nature Resorts, its serene ambiance, the scrumptious food, and the variety of activities that they offer to their guests. We’ll begin with four major highlights of the stay.

Best Part Of My Stay At Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

# A Memorable Trek To The Toda Village Temple

Rosewood enjoys an enviable proximity to many tourist destinations in Ooty, despite its offbeat location. It is just a 5-minute walk away from one of the most intriguing tourist spots in Ooty – the Toda Temples. While Google might show you a Toda Temple near the Government Botanical Garden, this stunning place near Rosewood is a lesser-known spot. 

Recommended by Mr. Jyotish Vasu, GM of Operations at Nature Resorts, this amazing trek was one of the many activities offered by the stay.

The temples were nestled atop a sacred hillock that overlooked Ooty’s vistas. After our arrival, we were asked to leave our footwear at the base by a member of the Toda tribe, who was guiding a curious group of foreigners. He was narrating the rich history of his tribe, their vibrant festivals, ancient culture, and traditional occupations before showing them the temples.

The entire place had an aura of solemnity, offering a glimpse into an ancient culture, veiled from common sight. Each temple had a thatched conical roof, mud walls with Toda symbols engraved on them, and a tiny door behind which resided their deity. A short, stone wall bordered each temple, clearly demarcating the space beyond which tourists were not allowed. 

Slightly away from the temples lay an offshoot path framed by two stone pillars leading to a forested area. I wondered what magical place lay beyond it, for tourists were barred from entering the space. 

However, the most enchanting sight awaited me at the top of the hillock – a breathtaking panorama of Ooty bathed in the morning sun. Standing there, I immersed myself in the beauty of the hill station and quietly tried to etch the scenery in my mind forever.

Did You Know?

The Toda community specializes in a variety of handicrafts that bear their unique Tribal symbols commonly woven with red and black threads on a white base. They are also renowned for their banana leaf shawl that keeps you warm during winter and provides respite during summer.

# The Mouthwatering Food

Another mention-worthy highlight of my stay was Rosewood’s delectable cuisine, especially the dinner feast by the fireplace. I shall delve into more details in the upcoming sections.

What added charm to my dining experience was the delightful company of Rosewood’s manager Mr. Nagarajan. Since I was traveling solo, he graciously stayed back during my meals and mesmerized me with his timeless tales about the mountains. 

# Interesting Living Room & Common Areas 

Adorned in vintage grandeur, Rosewood created the perfect ambiance for reliving the colonial charm. Antique furniture, metal figurines, embroidered carpets, and a tall brass lamp decorated the reception area, creating a harmonious blend of modern and timeless cultures.

The exotic essence expanded to their living room. It featured a small fireplace flanked by old-wood coffee tables and a vintage dressing cabinet. Some of these tables had a board of chess or carrom placed atop for interested tourists. 

There was also a small bookcase with an interesting array of books ranging from children’s classics by Enid Blyton to adult murder mysteries by John Grisham. They were quite thoughtfully placed for a cozy evening read by the fire. 

The pure white-hued corridor leading to the bedrooms was partially covered with a glass roof and the entire space dazzled in natural sunlight. As I walked through it, two majestic stone relief wall sculptures of Greek women, a white and gold chandelier and a black rotary dial telephone caught my eye. 

The interesting fusion of earthy and white tones complemented by the decor, transformed the corridor into an enchanting space that would surely beckon the tourist to pause and admire. 

# A Romantic Bonfire

Upon special request from guests, the staff of Rosewood set up a crackling bonfire in the premises. The lush green lawn illuminated by the golden haze of the bonfire created a romantic ambiance on the cold December night. 

Glowing in the light of the fire, the British-styled bungalow was a spectacle in the dark – a 100-year-old legacy narrating tales of a bygone era. 

The Room At Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty 

The nature stay has a total of four rooms each named after a tree – Silver Oak, Blue Gum, Pine, and Cedar. Each room measures around 200 sq ft and can easily accommodate a family of three. 

I stayed in the Blue Gum room, which featured a king-size bed with a dramatic upholstered headboard. It was flanked by two side cabinets that offered extra storage space apart from the large wardrobe in the corner. The room also had a large bay window that allowed ample ventilation and natural light to filter in.

A grand dressing mirror hung from the wall adjacent to the bed, reflecting the warm lighting of the room. It created the perfect cozy ambiance that allowed me to unwind after an adventurous day of sightseeing.

Amenities

The room also featured a large HD TV, a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, and a tray offering various tea varieties and coffee. Adding to the luxurious experience was a free Netflix subscription and high-speed WiFi. These interesting add-ons would surely be loved by tourists who are big on OTT shows. 

The Washroom

The washroom was clean and spacious. It featured a shower cubicle and a beautiful white sink cabinet that blended functionality with modern elegance. A pair of white bath towels were neatly stacked on the towel racks.

The toiletries were from Nature Resort’s own brand and included two bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste, a comb, a shaving kit, soap, shampoo, and handwash. A thoughtfully curated selection that fulfilled basic necessities. 

Cleanliness At Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

The property was spic and span with no trace of dust even on the common furniture or the decor items placed in the living room. Apart from keeping the hotel clean, the staff was also focused on maintaining the lawn that sprawled before the bungalow. The flower beds were daily tended to by professional gardeners and the outside area was decorated with seasonal blooms.

Food & Drinks At Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

It is fair to say that Rosewood’s in-house restaurant, Jacaranda, offers a culinary extravaganza that lingers on the palette and stays etched in the memory. Each dish reflected the passion and skill of their chefs creating an ultimate dining experience. 

On a side note, I wish to tell you, that I spotted Mr. Nagarajan’s car dashing out of Rosewood around 4.30 pm while I was enjoying a quiet read on the porch. About an hour later, he returned with bags full of fresh Ooty vegetables. Later, I was humbled to find out that the vegetables were freshly bought to prepare dinner for the guests! Nature Resorts’ commitment to serving healthy food was truly impressive.

Here’s a list of all the delicacies that I enjoyed during my stay:

Mulaguthanny Soup: This was a Sri Lankan delicacy prepared with pepper as the main ingredient. A dash of warmth spread through me as I took a swig of this immensely flavorful preparation. A must-have during cold winter nights.

Red Cabbage Rainbow Salad: Myriad flavors unfolded on my palate with the first bite of the salad. Mildly seasoned with lemon, honey, and pepper, this gorgeous fusion of colorful vegetables highlighting seasonal tastes marked an appetizing start to the meal. 

Sesame Honey Chicken: Who can resist the wild temptation of honey chicken? I loved the nutty crunch of roasted sesame seeds generously sprinkled on my all-time favorite starter. 

Fish Rissoles: These fish cakes were the yummiest and I remember taking slow bites to ensure that they didn’t get over too quickly. Coated in a light batter they were crispy on the outside while buttery soft and flavourful on the inside.

Yellow Coconut Rice: Thengai Sadam (coconut rice) is a delicious South Indian delicacy that is frequently prepared at our home — a specialty of my mom-in-law’s. Having it far away from home, the dish still exuded the same warmth and happiness. Comfort food you’d say?

Chapatti & Dak Bungalow Chicken Curry: This was an interesting culinary preparation from Rosewood’s Dak Bungalow Menu that is priced at INR 875/per person (vegetarian) and INR 950/per person (non-vegetarian). The dish originated during British rule in India. 

Originally, Dak (mail) Bungalows were rest houses for the English mailman who would deliver mail on horseback. Later, the Dak Bungalows provided accommodation for English officials. The Dak Bungalow Chicken Curry traces the influence of the Colonial era on Indian food. 

Getting back to the dinner table, this particular dish made me very nostalgic. Potatoes form an integral part of the Bengali Chicken Curry recipe — an ingredient that I dearly miss in the chicken preparations of Tamil Nadu. The Dak Bungalow Chicken Curry at Rosewood, with its succulent pieces of chicken and slices of potato, evoked memories of the Chicken Curry prepared by my mom.  

Custelbrun: This innovative dessert was a Desi spin-off of the popular caramel custard. The X-factor was the infusion of Rose water, which lent a distinct taste and aroma, creating a delicious, melt-in-the-mouth treat.  

Pineapple Mint Cooler: While this was served in the beginning, I saved it for the end for a sweet minty culmination to a multi-cultural dining experience.

Restaurant Timings: 

Breakfast: 8 am – 10 am 

Lunch: 1 pm – 3 pm

Dinner: 8 pm – 10 pm

All of Nature Resorts’ hotels use locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients to prepare food for their guests. The resort chain is strictly against the use of frozen items and promises to give all a healthy dining experience.  

Activities At Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

I believe that hotels/resorts that engage with their guests and offer them immersive activities to enrich their travel experience, transcend from being a mere accommodation to a destination by themselves. Hence, I was truly impressed by the wide range of recreations offered by Rosewood. 

• A Visit To The Toda Temples

This is an activity we recommend for tourists of all ages. The temples are close by and the trek is fairly easy even for senior citizens. The activity offers you a glance into the lives of the Toda Tribe — an indigenous people of the Nilgiris. 

An interesting aspect that I noticed during the trip was that despite the modernization of the Toda community, they harbor a deep reverence for their tradition and culture. So while the Todas no longer live in huts, some of their concrete houses had a conical, arch-like entrance that was symbolic of the Toda huts. 

• Bonfires At Night

A dance around the bonfire on a December evening in Ooty sounded exhilarating. So when the staff invited me to join the other guests who had requested it, I immediately agreed. 

Looking back, this surely counts as one of the most cherished memories of my stay. We stayed back till before dinner time, singing, talking, and sharing unending travel tales.

• Dinner By The Fireplace 

If you’re traveling to Ooty during the winter, a dinner by the fireplace would make for a memorable experience. The resort readily arranges it when the weather gets too cold or upon the request of their guests.

• Indoor & Outdoor Games

Rosewood offers various indoor games carrom, chess, ludo, and others. While their well-manicured lawn serves as the perfect space for outdoor games like cricket and badminton.

• Breakfast At The Lawn

Rosewood offers a spectacular vista of the surrounding mountain range from its lawn. Coupled with a view of the valley dotted with vibrant-hued houses interspersed by patches of cabbage and carrot plantations, breakfast on this lawn is an unforgettable experience. 

• Birdwatching 

The Nilgiris is one of the best destinations for photographers and birdwatchers alike. With a wide variety of endemic and migratory birds inhabiting the regions, birdwatching in the morning is an enthralling activity.

• Library

Rosewood’s little bookcase was a treasure trove for a bibliophile like me. It featured an amazing collection of fiction and non-fictional books along with children’s books, and encyclopedias. 

If you find a book of your choice, I recommend taking up a spot by the fireside or occupying the grand wooden sofa near the reception for a peaceful read.

• Swinging On The Hammock 

The lawn at Rosewood had two hammocks. One of these were strategically placed for enjoying a breathtaking view while swaying under the shade of a tree. This was one of my favorite spots in the hotel where I whiled away my idle hours. 

Other Amenities & Services At Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

• High-speed WiFi
• HD TV
• Netflix
• Tea/Coffee Maker
• Minibar
• Bathroom slippers
• Room Heater
• Free Parking
• Airport, railway station, and bus stand transfers (paid)
• Car for local sightseeing (paid)

Location Of Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

The nearest airport to Rosewood is the Coimbatore International Airport, located at a distance of 88 Km. The closest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station (52 km). From here, you can request a paid pickup service to the hotel. 

You can also take the toy train to Ooty from the Mettupalayam station for a memorable scenic tour. However, the travel time is around 4-5 hours. 

Overnight sleeper busses are also available from Chennai, which drop you at the Hotel Sarkar Palace bus stop, located just 10 minutes away from Rosewood. 

If you’re planning a local sightseeing tour during your stay at Rosewood Ooty, here’s a list of the main tourist attractions:

• Government Botanical Garden 
• Rose Garden
• Stone House 
• Toda Temple
• St. Stephen Church
• High Hill Tea Garden
• Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden
• Tamil Nadu Tourism Ooty Boat House
• Doddabetta Peak
• The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum
• Emerald Lake (Nature Resorts offers a tranquil stay by the Emerald Lake as well)

For a more detailed sightseeing guide, check out our article on the best tourist attractions in Ooty.

Other popular tourist destinations near Ooty are Aruvankadu (15 Km), Coonoor (19 Km), Kotagiri (29 Km), and Masinagudi (29 Km). Nature Resorts has other luxurious properties located in these hill stations, in case if you’re planning a quick trip from Ooty. Check out our detailed reviews on Sleeping Beauty, Teanest Nightingale Annexe, Solitude, and Wild Pastures for more information. 

If you’re looking for fine dining options near Ooty, check out our review on The Culinarium.

TWT Experience Summary Of Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

Staying at Rosewood was an experience of its own. The colonial green, red and beige hues of the bungalow seamlessly blend with the misty surroundings of Ooty, creating a sense of tranquility that’s easy on the eyes. 

It brings to life one’s dream of the ideal summer house — a deep front porch decked with exotic blooms, overlooking the most precious view of the Nilgiris stretching out into the horizon. 

Steeped in history, every corner of Rosewood transports you to an era of colonial opulence. Even their food menu is a trip to the past that explores the evolution of Indian cuisine during British rule. 

To sum it up, Rosewood is a luxurious heritage stay in Ooty that offers a harmonious weave of modern comforts and period elegance.

Inclusivity Checklist: 

✅Family-friendly

✅Kid-friendly

✅Couple-friendly

✅LGBTQ+ friendly

✅ Disabled-friendly

✅Wheelchair-friendly

✅In-house restaurant

✅Complimentary Breakfast

✅Vegan-friendly 

✅Budget-friendly

✅Eco-friendly

✅Outdoor Dining

✅Free Parking

✅ Nature Activities

Check-In Time: 1 pm

Check-Out Time: 11 am

Price Per Night: INR 4741 (exclusive of tax)

Rosewood’s Website: Booking Link

Location: Rosewood – Ooty by Nature Resorts 

Contact: +91 – 8088855855, 07710029815

FAQs About Rosewood By Nature Resorts, Ooty

1. What are the shopping destinations near Rosewood Ooty by Nature Resorts?

Popular shopping destinations in Ooty near Rosewood are:

• Tibetan Market (woolens) – 3 Km
• Tribes India (tribal handicrafts) – 2.8 Km
• The Tea Factory & Tea Museum (teas, spices, and herbal oils) – 6.2 Km
• Charring Cross (general shopping) – 2.7 Km
• King Star Chocolates (best homemade Ooty chocolates) – 2.6 Km
• Buddies Cafe (artisanal teas) – 2.8 Km

2. Does Rosewood Offer any tourist packages?

Rosewood offers an Eternal Romance Getaway Package that includes activities like candlelit dinners, bonfires, and local sightseeing trips. For more information on packages, you can directly call the reservation desk at +91 – 8088855855 / 07710029815.

3. Does the restaurant at Rosewood have a vegan-friendly menu?

Jacaranda, the restaurant at Rosewood features a multi-cuisine menu that includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. They also prepare vegan-friendly and gluten-free dishes on special request from their guests. 

4. What are some of the signature dishes of Rosewood? 

Some classic dishes that you must have during your stay at Rosewood are Crackling Bhajjis, The Royal Club Sandwich, Rich Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Honey Glazed Potato, Zingy Chilli Mushroom, Fish Fingers, Chilli Fish (South Indian), Cottage Cheese Shashlik, Creamy Chicken Served With Coconut & Peanut Rice, Pasta Arabiata, Ground Chicken Bolognese, Rustic Bhindi, Nilgiri Veg Korma, Methi Murgh, Ootacamund Chicken Nilgiri Korma, and Carrot/ Beetroot Halwa. Their Dak Bungalow menu which is available in both veg and non-veg are also a must-try.

 

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