Bamboo Banks Farm

Water sounds carry through the cottages at Bamboo Banks, where the Avarhalla river runs along the edge of a 40-acre farm at the foot of the Nilgiris. The seven cottages, three detached and two twin pairs, sit apart from each other under tree cover, each finished differently in wood, brick, or local granite. Meals are taken outdoors near the riverbank, in gardens that back onto the forest. Stone House is built entirely of granite quarried nearby. Founded in 1974 by Siasp and Zerene Kothavala, the property claims the area's first wildlife tourism venture and is still run by their children. It borders Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary directly. Gaur, chital, and elephant herds move through the grasslands close by, and peacock and jungle fowl calls reach the cottages at dawn. A tree platform gives a raised view over the farm and the tree line beyond. The farm caps numbers near 30 guests at once. Horse riding, cycling, and nature walks are included, though walking on the property stops at 6pm and government safaris into the park run separately. No alcohol is allowed. It is a working farm, not a resort.