It was developed as Summer resort by the British somewhere around 1840. Maharaja Chamma Rajendra Wadiyar X of Mysore, purchased it from its owners. By 1884, Fern Hill was transformed from a large colonial bunglow into an enormous country palace.In 1894 Fern Hill Palace became the starting point of the famous Ootacamund Hunt. Maharaja of Mysore presided as official host of the annual event. Srikanta Datta Narasimha Raja Wadiyar, the young son of the Maharaja of Mysore converted Fern Hill Palace into a hotel in the year 1974 and was opened to guests in the year 1975. It has 52 rooms including the Bhawani House and cottages. All rooms have attached bath.