Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : The Bungalow On The Beach

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).

 

Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Bungalow On The Beach
Charming rooms with four poster beds stole our hearts.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Bungalow On The Beach
The furniture seems to be genuinely antique, and goes very much in the spirit of the place.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Bungalow On The Beach
An old wood and cane arm chair to complete reading that book.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Corridor of Bungalow On The Beach
Long corridors along the bungalow keep the rooms cool and airy.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Lobby of Bungalow On The Beach
A beautiful lobby full of artifacts and history.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : View from the lobby of Bungalow On The Beach
The view from the lobby of the Fort Dansborg. This is how close it is.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Reaching the terrace of Bungalow On The Beach
The charming staircase that leads to the terrace, which opens to the temple on the left, the sea in the front and the fort to the right.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Balcony at Bungalow On The Beach
The balconies on the first floor are large and airy, with magnificent views.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Balcony at  Bungalow On The Beach
Enough space in the balconies to fall asleep while reading your book on the armchairs.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : The Gatehouse
A little ahead, towards the entrance gate of Tranqubar, is The Gate House, another of Neemrana’s Hotels.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Lobby at The Gatehouse
Beautiful vintage South Indian aesthetics make this villa all the more charming.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : First Floor Landing at The Gatehouse
Although much smaller than The Bungalow On The Beach, The Gatehouse has its own charm in its decor spaces.
DSCF44Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : Pool and corridor at The Gatehouse
Beautiful pillared corridors overlook the pool, while keeping the rooms cool.
Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : TWooden pillar details at The Gatehouse
Gorgeous details in the wooden pillars.

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.

20 thoughts on “Neemrana Hotels in Tranquibar : The Bungalow On The Beach”

  1. 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.

    Reply

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