This is an unusual hotel. It advertises a "health spar", which was a separate building with six or seven exercise machine, which appeared to have been unused for a while. Unfortunately the boiler for the steam bath was in pieces in the garden, but was being worked on. There was a small swimming pool in an attractive garden, with turgid green water that was not over-tempting.

The overall impression inside was of a dark building, with dark wood panelling and brown fittings and furniture. The dining area consisted of several cubicles separated by dark wood panelling, with no windows, except for the breakfast area in a small conservatory. Because of its remoteness amongst the mountains it probable caters for Indian rather than European tourists.

We were welcomed by the ever-cheerful manager, and promptly given the top floor suite at no extra charge as the hotel was virtually empty. The suite consisted of a large, clean and comfortable bedroom with a balcony which overlooked fields and towards the mountains. The was an extensive sitting area outside the bedroom, and a huge bathroom extending into the distance, at the end of which was a separate lavatory, all in good order.

The food was substantially Indian, and very good - large dishes of "chilly" chicken, of fresh-water fish curry with big portions of vegetable rice. For breakfast we had porridge one day and then a specially prepared Keralan breakfast eaten in the fingers next day.

The patron arranged a guide and driver to take us to the Chittar National Park and beyond into Tamil Nadu through some really exceptional scenery. He provided enormous packed lunches of rice, curried chicken, onions, peppers, chappatis and plenty of water, the meal being wrapped in banana leaves. We were treated in royal fashion.

The hotel is situated about 40ks east of Munnar, where the tourists seemed to stop and come no further. The route is winding and slow but passes through wonderful mountain and forest scenery, with waterfalls reaching to the river below. The outlook and surrounding area of the hotel is very beautiful, and it is well worth the additional journey.

The hotel is several hundred yards down a road off the "main" road through Marayoor, and is thus quiet and peaceful.

Unfortunately it is not cheap (perhaps why it was nearly empty) - two nights with meals etc came to R6,500. But for those who can afford it I would recommend it for the superb scenery and the cheerful friendliness with which we were received.