Kelso House
Kelso House, Kelso Road, Kotagiri Rd, near wax world, Kil Kodappamund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002, India
How the week looks, 17 Oct to 24 Oct.
- Getting there
- 3hDrive. About ₹1,600 in fuel and tolls each way.
- Weather that week
- One of its best monthsClear and cold, 10–20°C, some rain late October
- Price
- NANo rate history for this property yet, so there is nothing to compare tonight's price against
- Guests said
- NAWatch out: NA
Before you go.
- Mixed: quiet inside, busy outside. Best months here are Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
What it's like.
Kelso House is a one-star homestay located 1.4 kilometers from the center of Ooty near Wax World. It features amenities such as an indoor fireplace, a library, a restaurant, and a conference hall. However, it has a low guest score of five out of ten and high estimated rates starting at INR 12,512 per night.
A safe haven, nestled amongst the lush green hills of Ooty.
Home to our family for generations, Kelso House imbibed in us the gift of seeing a blessing in every guest. Our warm hospitality's personal touch is only surpassed by the air of two centuries worth of calm within.
Welcome to Kelso: An heritage family home in the Nilgiris for those who long for the lost art of travelling to explore, and grow. One of the first ever settlements there, the 200-year old Kelso House is as old as the storied mountain-town of Ooty itself. Home to not just Ooty's history but also to the warmest of its hospitality, Kelso House is a local icon of unconditional love.
- 24-hour reception
- Conference Hall
- Currency exchange
- Elevator/lift
- Indoor Fireplace
- Library
- Luggage storage
- Newspapers
- Parking
- Smoke-free property
- Toiletries
- Room service
- Poolside bar
- Restaurant
What we make of it.
Drawn from the reviews, their own page and what Google holds. Every line below rests on something a source said, and a person approved it before it appeared here.
Kelso House is a one-star homestay located 1.4 kilometers from the center of Ooty near Wax World. It features amenities such as an indoor fireplace, a library, a restaurant, and a conference hall. However, it has a low guest score of five out of ten and high estimated rates starting at INR 12,512 per night.
- sightseeing6.0It is located 1.4 km from the centre and near Wax World, making it reasonably positioned for exploring Ooty.
- workation5.0The property features a conference hall and library, but there is no mention of Wi-Fi or internet availability.
- couple4.0The homestay offers an indoor fireplace and a library, but the low guest rating of 5 and high price may not appeal to couples.
- family4.0It has standard and platinum rooms and basic amenities like an elevator, but lacks specific family-friendly activities or reviews.
What's nearby.
Numbered on the map. Distances are from the door, by road where Google could route it, otherwise as the crow flies.
- AIRPORT VIP ASSISTANTCEAirport86.4 km · 2 h 52 min by road
- RCAG Station, Airports Authority of IndiaAirport5.9 km · 16 min by road
- ATC Bus StandBus station2.2 km · 10 min by road
- UdagamandalamRailway station3.2 km · 13 min by road
Ooty, in October.
Cold mornings far from town
Ooty is a town in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu located at an altitude of 2,240 m. It features a subtropical highland climate with temperatures generally lower than the surrounding plains. The town serves as a market town for the surrounding area which is largely dependent on agriculture.
- October here
- 12–19°C, rain most daysBy the numbers the months to come are Jan and Feb. Ten years of measured days, not a brochure. Worth 3 nights. With multiple distinct areas like Havelock Rd, N Lake Rd, and Doddabetta Peak, you need at least three days to explore the gardens, lakes, and viewpoints without rushing.
- Worth a morning
- Government Botanical GardenBotanical Garden · 10 min
- Tamilnadu Tourism Boat House, OotyTour Agency · 5 min
- Karnataka Siri Horticulture GardenBotanical Garden · 8 min
- Government Rose GardenPark · 13 min
- Doddabetta PeakTourist Attraction · 28 min
- A local adds
- The Murugan Temple, Elk Hill is a quiet place mostly visited by locals.
- The Ooty Municipal Market holds a daily wholesale auction of local agricultural products.
- Not worth it
- Ooty Viewpoint may be isolated and located on private property.
- Carry
- Bring a rain jacket and shoes that dry for the wet season.
- Pack a warm layer for cold nights in January.
- At 2,235 m the sun is strong even when the air is cool: sunscreen and a hat, whatever the month.
Every line above is a record allto stood behind for Ooty, and 9 days were worked out from its map. Where to eat, below, is matched from the same record.
What guests said.
Shown as written. Some are Google reviews, marked as such.
Worst experience from staff , attitude of owner was the worst , horrible We had an extremely disappointing experience at this property. Before our photoshoot, we specifically asked the staff about the photography charges and were verbally informed that it would cost ₹1,500. Based on that information, we agreed to proceed. At checkout, the owner suddenly claimed the charge was ₹15,000 instead of ₹1,500. We were shocked and explained that we would never have agreed to the photoshoot had we known the actual price. Despite this, the owner refused to honor the amount quoted earlier and insisted we pay ₹15,000 before leaving. This felt like a classic last-minute price switch. The owner’s attitude was rude, dismissive, and completely unprofessional. Honest businesses don’t change prices after a service has already been provided and then pressure customers into paying. I would strongly advise anyone planning a stay or photoshoot here to get every charge in writing before agreeing to anything. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this property.
An Exceptional Stay at Kelso House, Ooty Our stay at Kelso House was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the charm and elegance of this beautiful boutique property. The rooms were spacious, tastefully designed, impeccably maintained, and offered a perfect blend of heritage character and modern comfort. The bathrooms were equally impressive—spotlessly clean, luxurious, and thoughtfully equipped. What truly sets Kelso House apart is the warmth and attentiveness of the service. Every member of the team went above and beyond to make us feel at home, ensuring that every detail of our stay was taken care of. The dining experience was exceptional. Breakfast each morning was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented, with a wonderful selection to choose from. The highlight of our stay, however, was the incredible BBQ evening that the team organized for us. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ooty, it was magical—perfectly curated, beautifully executed, and an unforgettable experience for our family. The entire property is breathtakingly beautiful, with manicured gardens, elegant interiors, and a serene atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a private luxury retreat rather than a hotel. If you’re looking for a boutique stay in Ooty that combines charm, luxury, outstanding hospitality, and memorable dining experiences, Kelso House is truly in a league of its own. We cannot wait to return. 10/10 – Highly recommended.
I’m a fan of bridgerton and I was slapped in the face with beauty at this place … So old times English beauty core !!! The decorations were amazing looked super elegant with extremely beautiful looking vintage decor, the room had a 4 post bed with alcoves and a princess style dresser !! And the gardens and the walkways were amazing as well.. we did not want to leave! We also spoke with the owner and he was such an amazing person , friendly calm and respectable! We were so inspired! The gardens were so thoughtfully created and the flowers were so beautiful and blooming … The food was home cooked style and was super tasty as well!! 100/10 would recommend 🙌🏾♥️✨
It was a wonderful stay! The staff was incredibly warm and welcoming ❤️ The location was calm, peaceful, and serene, truly felt like heaven. The food was comforting, delicious, and filling, while the ambiance made us feel completely at home. Their hospitality was exceptional, and we left with heavy hearts after such a beautiful experience. Hoping to come back again soon!
Kelso House is one of the most gorgeous properties I have ever stayed in. Nestled amidst the lush Greens of Ooty, this place is nothing short of luxury at the best value for money. The food was great and so were the people managing it. A special shoutout to the owner of Kelso - they are the sweetest, most hospitable and most down to earth couple I have met