Wallwood Garden

Nestled in a peaceful area of Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, Wallwood Garden is a heritage property with an interesting history. It was founded in the 19th century by a Scottish Major General and was initially named Blair Athol after the village where he came from in Scotland. The property was then sold to a British couple at the end of World War I and became a boarding house before being acquired by the tea giant Lipton, and later by other plantation companies. Today, it belongs to Matheson Bosanquet, continuing its long association with the tea industry.

The estate was eventually restored and transformed into a boutique heritage hotel under the Neemrana Hotels group, offering guests a stay that evokes the charm of Coonoor’s tea-estate lifestyle.

With its colonial history, Wallwood Garden's architecture is in the British colonial style, with high ceilings, wooden floors, fireplaces, and wide verandas, all set overlooking expansive gardens. What also makes a stay here special is that you get unparalleled views of the pomological garden. That said, each room at Wallwood Garden is named after trees and plants found in the Nilgiris, adding a meaningful touch to the property's beauty.

Named Cherry Blossom, Silver Oak, Camphor, and Red Cedar, the rooms boast views of either the garden or valley and are fitted with single or double beds. The rooms have white walls complemented by the colorful bedding, curtains, and the dark hues of the furniture. Meanwhile, the garden or valley views provide a welcome pop of color.

Wallwood Garden offers its guests a warm and homely dining experience that complements the charm of its colonial setting. Meals are served at the dining hall, which has large windows that overlook the garden and trees. Like other properties from the Neemrana group, the cuisine reflects the region’s character. For Wallwood Garden, the dishes served feature traditional Tamil dishes alongside Anglo-Indian flavors, Italian, and Continental staples. Guests can make special meal requests in advance, allowing the kitchen to tailor the dining experience to personal tastes.

On festive occasions like Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the property offers a special gala dinner (at an added cost) to make your stay even more special. With a relaxed, garden-side atmosphere and delicious local dishes, dining at Wallwood Garden is designed to feel less like a commercial restaurant and more like a home kitchen.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Located in the scenic town of Coonoor, Wallwood Garden brings you closer to a different side of Tamil Nadu. Filled with tea plantations, gardens, and viewpoints, there's plenty to do and see here. Just 10 minutes from the property, the Pomological Garden hails as one of the three experimental gardens and research centers for the State Agricultural Department. You can find pomegranates, apples, plums, and apricots, a sight to behold in spring.

For stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills, check out Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint and enjoy fresh air and picturesque views of the hills and even Catherine Falls. There's an INR 15 (0.17 USD) to INR 50 (0.56 USD) fee depending on whether you'll bring a camera, but the views from the Dolphin's Nose are a must-see. But if you're looking for a free place to visit, Rallia Dam is perfect, whether you want to enjoy the mountain views or spot squirrels on a trek near the dam.

More than just a place to stay, Wallwood Garden can also be the setting for special gatherings. The indoor venue can host small events and conferences, accommodating up to 20 persons, whether it's U-shaped seating, classroom seating, or theatre seating. For those celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or a personal milestone, you can also check in with the staff for any personalized services or recommendations to make your day even more memorable.