During road trips, one looks for great places to stay, which have a magical way of relieving one of the journey’s fatigues and rejuvenating the whole travel experience. So in our long Mumbai – Puducherry Roadtrip, we found such a place in Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) tucked right into the beach, and aptly named The Bungalow On The Beach by Neemrana.
Tranquebar itself is a tiny fort-town, once part of the Chola and Pandya Kingdoms, it was an important trading outpost for the Danish who built the gorgeous Fort Dansborg on its beach.
The Bungalow on the Beach is located right next to the Fort, with the Masilamani Temple on the other side, and sea in its front. Built in the 18th century, this bungalow once belonged to the then Governor of Danish India. Neemrana Hotels acquired the hotel in 2000 and run this as a beautiful property along with two more properties called Nayak House and The Gate House. In 2004, two days after opening, The Bungalow On The Beach was destroyed by the Tsunami, and was restored after another few months’ work.
The rooms are gorgeous and charmingly named after Danish ships of yore, like Christianus Septimus, Countess Moltke etc. The restaurant by the pool serves delicious food, and in the evenings, cool breeze from the sea make dinner even more of a great experience. A must visit place, if you are visiting Puducherry or Chennai or just for Tranquebar (Tharangambadi).
How to reach: Tranquebar is roughly 116km to the south of Puducherry. From Chennai its about 285km to the south. Puducherry has a tiny airport, and Chennai has a large important one. Mayiladuturai is a large and busy train station 25km from Tharangambadi. You could find local transport from here to take you to the hotel.
Beautiful settings inside. Loved the intricate work on the pillar.
Thanks Indrani…
Not only does the location sound awesome, but the place looks really nice and charming too! Am sure you had a great stay! Cheers 🙂
Thanks Archana. We long to go back…
What an absolutely lovely property! And you have taken such great photos. Thank you.
Thanks Kalpanaa…
Seems like an amazing place. Will check it out for sure.
Thanks Ami! Its awesome, isn’t it?
What a beautifully done place and how well you captured it!
Thanks Mridula…
Looks really charming.
Thanks Rashmi
the house has a character…quite a place to stay 🙂 awesome clicks 🙂
WOWO.. it looks lovely .. I would love to go and stay there for some days .. thank you for sharing the lovely pics.
Your pictures are fabulous. You made this place desirable with your camera.
This place looks so awesome.
I stayed at Anantha Heritage in Pondy. Although that place was equally beautiful it wasn’t a huge property. It was a house converted into a hotel.
But this place looks much bigger. I think I am staying here next time.
I must check out Anantha Heritage in Pondicherry… Thanks for the tip and for dropping by too 🙂
I keep going on that route, will give this place a try
Spectacular pictures. Very aristocratic and unusual blend of Colonial and traditional Indian architecture. I have added this place to my bucketlist hotels.
Thanks Rajat! It’s a fantastic place to visit!