South India, India

Experience life on a working tea estate, from the comfort of a stalwart colonial-era bungalow high in the Anamalai range. The scenery’s superb and atmosphere straight off the pages of The Raj Quartet, down to the deep verandahs, white-liveried butlers and open fireplaces. Most people, however, come here principally for the wildlife.

Barking deer stroll across the lawns, hornbills hop through the branches overhead and elephants plod through the nearby tea gardens. With a couple of nights to spare, you’re even guaranteed close encounters with lion-tailed macaques, one of the world’s rarest primates.

Our opinion

A comfortable bungalow with en suite rooms, good food and good views.