MAISON PERUMAL
Pondicherry
USP: Quietude and old-world charm.
Before being transformed into CGH Earth's latest hotel, this was a decrepit old building that housed the Puducherry Registration Office. Then, INTACH gave it a splendid makeover. In February last year, this quaint hotel opened its doors to tourists. The hotel has 10 rooms without any frills, yet appealing to the senses. Ours is done up in fuchsia and white. The rooms with handsomely-tall doors have colonial furniture and sepia-tinted portraits and yellow and red oxide floors. The ceiling has a fan with a pull-chain switch. We sleep deeply — the thick curtains keep off the morning light and the outside noise. Once up, sip on your coffee and enjoy the sight of the morning sun streaming in through the stained glass balcony that overlooks the restaurant. Or, just sit on the oonjal and take in the surroundings as you enjoy delicious appams. Chat with the staff; they have many stories to share.
How to get there
Puducherry is 135 km from Chennai, and 320 km from Bengaluru.
It is well connected by rail and road.
Tariff
Rs. 6,000 (Rs. 4,500 during off season, May-September.)
Things to do
Go on heritage walks.
Go on bicycle tours.
Visit Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the beaches.
PRIYADARSHINI PAITANDY
Source: The Hindu
Pondicherry
USP: Quietude and old-world charm.
For most people, Pondy is a place to unwind. But, not for us. We run around the coastal town working and envying every person lazing about, shopping, aimlessly wandering, savouring the Franco-Tamil cuisine or chilling with a drink. But, by the end of the day, all we want to do is check into a snug room and crawl into bed. We find just the kind of place as we drive down Perumal Koil Street. Nestled between rows of old Tamil houses is Maison Perumal with its white walls, shiny wooden pillars and an inviting red veranda. The door opens to a courtyard and an antique table double up as the reception. The staff and the hotel exude warmth, and it feels like you're walking into a Chettinad house.
Before being transformed into CGH Earth's latest hotel, this was a decrepit old building that housed the Puducherry Registration Office. Then, INTACH gave it a splendid makeover. In February last year, this quaint hotel opened its doors to tourists. The hotel has 10 rooms without any frills, yet appealing to the senses. Ours is done up in fuchsia and white. The rooms with handsomely-tall doors have colonial furniture and sepia-tinted portraits and yellow and red oxide floors. The ceiling has a fan with a pull-chain switch. We sleep deeply — the thick curtains keep off the morning light and the outside noise. Once up, sip on your coffee and enjoy the sight of the morning sun streaming in through the stained glass balcony that overlooks the restaurant. Or, just sit on the oonjal and take in the surroundings as you enjoy delicious appams. Chat with the staff; they have many stories to share.
How to get there
Puducherry is 135 km from Chennai, and 320 km from Bengaluru.
It is well connected by rail and road.
Tariff
Rs. 6,000 (Rs. 4,500 during off season, May-September.)
Things to do
Go on heritage walks.
Go on bicycle tours.
Visit Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the beaches.
PRIYADARSHINI PAITANDY
Source: The Hindu
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