CGH Earth Unveils Marli Hill Bungalow: A Colonial-Era Retreat In Ooty’s Nilgiris

CGH Earth Saha, the hospitality group’s collection of handpicked escapes, has announced the launch of Marli Hill Bungalow, a six-room colonial residence nestled in the misty hills of Ooty. Conceived as a tranquil refuge for discerning travellers, the property fuses history, art, and nature into a harmonious experience that captures the timeless charm of the Nilgiris.

A Colonial-Era Residence, Reimagined

Perched atop a quiet hill, Marli Hill Bungalow celebrates the elegance of a bygone era. Antique furniture, handpicked artworks, polished wooden floors, and textiles inspired by local Nilgiri communities lend each of the six rooms a distinctive character. Colonial design meets contemporary comfort, creating an intimate, non-hotel-like environment where history lingers in every corner.

The heart of the bungalow is its expansive dining area, where meals become both culinary journeys and cultural encounters. Guests can savour traditional Tamil flavours, subtle British-Raj inspired dishes, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients—all prepared by in-house chefs. Afternoon high tea in the garden, with its sculptures, flowering shrubs, and colonial-era furniture, slows time to a gentle rhythm. Evenings bring alfresco barbecues under the stars, where the mountain air and fireside conversations add to the timeless atmosphere.

What elevates Marli Hill beyond its architecture and cuisine is its people. The small, dedicated team curates each stay with warmth and personal attention, transforming the property into a home rather than a hotel. “Marli Hill represents everything we stand for: authenticity, sensitivity to place, and meaningful experiences. The property offers a homely, intimate setting where a small team takes care of your holiday with warmth and personal attention,” said George Joseph, vice president, operations, CGH Earth.

As part of CGH Earth Saha, Marli Hill joins an ensemble of villas and bungalows designed for families, couples, friends, or solo travellers seeking meaningful and intimate experiences. “Every holiday with CGH Earth Saha brings together unique experiences from the destination itself,” Joseph added. “At Marli Hill, our intent was to bring forth the soul of place and give guests one of the quaintest yet enriching portals to explore Ooty.”

Exploring The Nilgiris From Marli Hill

Though located in the heart of town, the bungalow feels wonderfully secluded. Guests can spend quiet hours by the fireplace, lounge, or garden gazebo, or set out to explore the Nilgiris. Within reach are Ooty’s iconic attractions: Doddabetta Peak, the Botanical and Rose Gardens, and Ooty Lake. The region’s cultural and natural diversity unfolds at the Thread Garden, Wax Museum, Pykara Waterfalls, and Wenlock Downs. A nostalgic ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers stops at Dolphin’s Nose and Droog Fort.

For those seeking deeper connections, heritage walks to St Stephen’s Church or visits to Toda tribal villages reveal the layered histories and traditions of the Nilgiris. Evenings at the bungalow return guests to fireside barbecues and star-filled skies, a rhythm of stillness and reflection that defines the Marli Hill experience.

With its refined elegance, colonial charm, and immersive sense of place, Marli Hill Bungalow extends CGH Earth’s philosophy of experiential hospitality. It invites travellers to slow down, embrace the landscape, and find meaning in both history and nature. For families, couples, or solo seekers of quiet luxury, Marli Hill offers a rare kind of getaway: personal, soulful, and deeply rooted in the spirit of the Nilgiris.

FAQs

1. What makes Marli Hill Bungalow in Ooty unique for travellers seeking heritage stays?

Marli Hill Bungalow fuses colonial-era architecture with modern comforts, providing an intimate, non-hotel-like experience. Its six rooms are adorned with antique furniture and textiles inspired by local Nilgiri communities, creating a homely atmosphere amidst the misty hills of Ooty.

2. What dining experiences can guests expect at Marli Hill Bungalow?

Guests can indulge in traditional Tamil flavours and British-Raj inspired dishes prepared by in-house chefs. The expansive dining area transforms meals into cultural encounters, complemented by afternoon high tea in the garden and alfresco barbecues under the stars.

3. How does Marli Hill Bungalow contribute to sustainable tourism in the Nilgiris?

Marli Hill Bungalow emphasises authenticity and sensitivity to place, offering meaningful experiences that connect guests with the local culture and environment. The property integrates heritage walks and visits to Toda tribal villages, promoting cultural preservation and responsible tourism.

4. What activities and attractions are available near Marli Hill Bungalow?

Guests can explore Ooty's iconic attractions such as Doddabetta Peak, the Botanical and Rose Gardens, and Ooty Lake. The region's cultural and natural diversity unfolds at the Thread Garden, Wax Museum, Pykara Waterfalls, and Wenlock Downs. A nostalgic ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers stops at Dolphin’s Nose and Droog Fort.

5. What sets CGH Earth Saha's Marli Hill Bungalow apart from other heritage properties in Ooty?

As part of CGH Earth Saha, Marli Hill Bungalow extends the philosophy of experiential hospitality, inviting travellers to slow down, embrace the landscape, and find meaning in both history and nature. It offers a rare kind of getaway: personal, soulful, and deeply rooted in the spirit of the Nilgiris.