WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace

WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace was first built in 1844, when Capt. F. Cotton constructed a bungalow on the large estate. Soon after, it became the summer home of the king of Mysore, who expanded it into a grand Swiss chalet–style palace. By the mid-1860s, it had changed owners and was temporarily called Moonesami, serving as one of Ooty’s first country clubs.

During the British Raj, the palace became a popular getaway for colonial officials escaping the heat of the Madras Presidency. Ooty’s cool climate, hills, and tea gardens made it a favorite spot for both British elites and Indian dignitaries.

In the 1990s, the palace was restored and opened as a heritage hotel under the WelcomHeritage group. Called the ‘Queen of Hills,’ the property continues to be one of India’s most popular hill stations for visitors.

Set against the Nilgiri Hills and surrounded by tea gardens and cardamom plantations, the palace’s architecture reflects its colonial-era prominence, when it served as a retreat for British elites. WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace is designed in the style of a Swiss chalet, with beautiful finishes in Burmese teak. Its grand ballroom, featuring a high vaulted ceiling adorned with ornamental papier-mâché work, is a highlight of the property, while the lobby is decorated with carefully curated artifacts and handmade paintings of past rulers.

The hotel has 19 spacious and well-appointed rooms, all designed as suites. It includes the Studio Suite, Executive Suite, Deluxe Suite, Luxury Suite, Maharaja Suite, and Junior Suite, with different views of the garden, courtyard, and the front lawn. Each room showcases the distinctive character of its history. Guests also have access to a well-equipped fitness center, a library, and wheelchair assistance to ensure comfort and accessibility for all.

At Curry & Rice, the on-site restaurant at WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace, you can taste the flavors of Anglo-Indian cuisine, a mix of Indian spices and British cooking styles from the British Raj. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that highlights this unique fusion. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy a meal by the pool in a calm, welcoming setting. Tables can also be reserved in advance, making it easy to plan a special dining experience. The property also has an in-house bar where guests can enjoy drinks and cocktails.

For those planning a destination wedding in Ooty, WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace offers a perfect setting. Couples can choose from expansive lawns for outdoor ceremonies or banquet halls for indoor receptions.

The Lawn

Venue type and style: Expansive manicured lawn surrounded by lush gardens and scenic hill views.

Capacity: Up to 2,000 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Inside the palace, guests can unwind with a game of billiards or take a relaxed cycling ride around the property. Just 3 km away, Ooty Lake, built in 1824, is surrounded by evergreen Eucalyptus trees. Visitors can enjoy paddle boats, rowboats, or motorboats, and a small railway track alongside.

Nearby, Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri mountains, offers wide views of the Eastern and Western Ghats, with forest trails, Rhododendron trees, and a tea factory close by. Botanical Gardens, 4 km from the palace, cover 55 acres and are divided into six sections. The garden also has a 20-million-year-old Fossil Tree Trunk, which is a special highlight.

For those who love nature and wildlife, Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is home to Bengal Tigers, elephants, Indian bison, leopards, and many birds and reptiles. Popular attractions include the Moyar River gorge, Kallatty Falls, Pykara Waterfalls, Mudumalai Museum, and the Elephant Feeding Camp.

Other Celebrations

For personalized celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, guests can inform the team, who will help plan and coordinate the event. The Board Room is also available for meetings, conferences, or private gatherings, accommodating 35 guests, and is equipped with modern audio-visual facilities.