West Downs - The Heritage Resort

While stories of West Downs - The Heritage Resort's origins have been lost to time, we can glean from its memories and mentions that the estate has existed since the late 1800s, serving British soldiers and officials in Colonial India as a place for recuperation. The cool, high hills of Ooty provided the perfect place to gradually adjust to India's much warmer climates. Mentions of West Downs were even included in the book Ootacamund: a History, written by Frederick Price at the request of Lord Ampthill, Governor of Madras. During the 20th century, West Downs was owned by The Commonwealth Trust Ltd., then later purchased from them in 1991 by its current owners.

Since West Downs - The Heritage Resort was founded in the 1800s, it bears a distinct Victorian bungalow style of architecture, creating a blend of British Colonial grandeur and native Indian practicality. The buildings of the resort are designed with open spaces and wide windows to take advantage of the cool mountain air and beautiful scenery, while high ceilings and fireplaces ensure indoor temperatures are kept comfortable through the year's seasons.

All accommodation types offered by West Downs are purposefully designed to exude an aura of old-world elegance. The York Rooms and Derby Rooms are equipped with seating and bedroom areas featuring period-style furnishings and fixtures. The Victorian Suites are grander, embodying the luxury of 19th-century England. In these chambers, you'll find antique-style furniture, chandeliers, vintage mirrors, and lace-screened beds.

Commonwealth Restaurant

The signature restaurant of West Downs, the Commonwealth Restaurant offers all-day with a variety of wonderful cuisines. Enjoy a feast filled with South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Intercontinental items, carefully prepared by professional culinarians. Aside from the indoor dining hall, guests can also arrange for alfresco settings, as well as special dinners such as candlelit tables or refreshing picnics.

100 - The Bar

A relaxing,lounge-like space where guests can try a variety of delectable beverages, including cocktails, mocktails, and regional teas.

Bonfire Dining

Enjoy a jolly time dining alfresco with your friends and family, accompanied by a crackling bonfire. Similar to a campfire picnic, this evening experience lets you immerse in Ooty's beautiful forest setting while enjoying the delectable fares of Commonwealth Restaurant and 100 - The Bar.

Let the Queen of Tamil Nadu's Hill Stations be the setting of your dream wedding. Celebrate your ceremonies of blessed union at West Downs' Westbury Banquet Hall along with up to 100 of your friends and family. The capacity can even be extended for up to 700 guests should you decide on a different kind of reception. Catering will be handled by the resort's skilled culinary team, while planning and decoration are in the capable hands of West Downs' partner services. Reach out to the management via email or through their website inquiry form so they can tailor the perfect wedding you've always wanted.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Travelers to Ooty can enjoy a wondrously beautiful mountain setting filled with majestic vistas, verdant greenery, and fresh, cool, and clean air. As Tamil Nadu's beloved Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty also stands out from other towns with its heritage landmarks. Travelers who would like to start getting to know more about Ooty should visit the Government Museum, where exhibits and artifacts of Colonial and Pre-Colonial Ooty are showcased. The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum are where you'd go if you want to learn more about the region's tea industry, particularly if you're very fond of the beverage.

Among Ooty's nature spots, Ooty Lake in the center of town is one of the most accessible. The artificial lake was made in 1824, also making it part of the hill station's colonial heritage. Today, it is a popular spot for boat rides and waterside picnics. Ooty is also home to several botanical gardens, particularly the Karnataka Siri Horticulture Garden, the Government Botanical Garden, and the Government Rose Garden.

For more modern attractions, Ooty has an amusement park called Thunder World. Within it are various family-friendly rides, a dinosaur park, and a wax museum. There's also the Thread Garden, an artificial garden made up of thread, canvas, and wires, meant to depict a fairy-like realm.

West Downs gladly welcomes not just weddings, but also other types of celebrations and gatherings at their Westbury Banquet Hall. The venue can be prepared for conferences, private parties, and other kinds of special ceremonies and events. For couples or families looking to celebrate on a smaller scale, the management can arrange for private tables at an outdoor venue or within the Commonwealth Restaurant.