Cardamom House

A beautiful hill-fringed hideaway, three hours’ drive below Kodaikanal, seven-room Cardamom House overlooks bird-rich Lake Kamarajar (which you can admire from the pool). It's run with love by a retired Brit and local staff, and delicious meals (₹400 to ₹700) are made from locally sourced ingredients. Book well ahead. It's 5km west of Athoor Village, off the Dindigul–Batlagundu Rd.