This is not just your usual homestay. The house is beautifully situated overlooking fabulous gardens and panoramic views, with many species of birds paying regular visits. Chris and his staff are welcoming, knowledgable, entertaining and fabulously hospitable. There are several walks of varying lengths and difficulties for those who are keen, and the staff or the friendly local dog will happily accompany you - the trip to the local village of Athoor was particularly interesting, and I am looking forward to trying on the locally purchased sari. The food is varied and always delicious (with the odd rum cocktail a welcome addition!), and the water comes fresh from under the hills so is safe to drink (and quite tasty).

I traveled alone to Cardamom House and couldn't have felt more at home. It was the perfect place to have some quiet time, and most of my days were spent sitting on the verandah writing, watching the birds and chatting to the other guests who all hailed from different countries and were also a joy to get to know. I was woken up by the birds every morning which makes a pleasant change from the binmen back home.

If you are planning on traveling through Tamil Nadu anywhere near here and want to escape for a while this is the ideal place. A car is helpful for any longer trips away from the house but by no means essential (I managed fine without one). The whole stay was great value, both financially and personally, and will stay with me for a long time. I would go back every year if I could.

A very relaxing couple of days watching fabulous wildlife around Kamarajar Lake. Within a few minutes spotted 3 stunning types of Kingfisher. Very good and attentive staff with a great chicken curry one night. Nicely tucked away with no through road and just able to chill.

We had a lovely relaxing two days at this little tropical paradise. This is when the relaxation part of our holiday really kicked in. Cardamom House is lush with greenery, open, simple and homely in design, and the views of the lake are stunning. What made our stay most comfortable (apart from the really comfy hard beds) was the warm, friendly local staff who all speak impeccable English and are most generous with their time and knowledge of the area. Heading up this band of caretakers is Englishman Chris Lucas who is full of character and laughs. A very nice man who is very passionate about looking after his guests. One tends to forget how important this quality is and lacking in bigger resorts.

The food was fantastic - the best roast chicken dinner I've ever had. Dinners and breakfasts were especially generous. The homemade bread and marmalade is not to be missed. Fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juice in abundance and 3 courses at every meal! Warming, healthy soups as well .Lunches are vegetarian and quite light. The Indian lunch better than the western one. Suggest you check that the daily menus are to your liking, which they will be happy to alter to suit you. Best to speak up and let be known your likes and dislikes in advance as they are very accommodating.

But best of all, we were able to bring our Labrador who was just adored and fussed over by everyone. Indian resorts are notoriously pet unfriendly but this place opens their arms to furry friends. Our Lab got the royal treatment with lots of treats from the kitchen and tons of cuddles from all.

There's not a great deal to do here but to just sit back in a comfy chair, watch the hundreds of birds, go for a swim in the lake and nice long walks after sumptuous meals. Sounds like heaven to me. We went in November so the weather was perfect. I suspect it will be very hot in summer as the resort is surrounded by mountains which block the breeze.

A great little weekend getaway to totally disconnect from the hustle and reconnect with yourself.

An oasisof peace surrounded by natural beauty with the imposing western ghats reflected in the still waters of Kamarajar lake. Extremely comfortable and homely, with abundance of flowering plants,and interesting wildlife; a naturalists dream. The local people are, warm colourful and welcoming; Chris is an intelligent and entertaining man and his fabulous staff felt more like friends. Our time here was precious and we are still reliving and reassessing the experience. A fantastic place for artists, writers or anyone with an interest in rural India and its society.
Hope to return.