Maison Perumal is a charming boutique hotel, set in the northern end of Pondicherry’s Tamil Quarter, in Tamil Nadu. Housed in an 18th-century house that reflects, French colonial aura, its pillared salt-white façade opens onto two beautiful teak-columned courtyards: the first with a water-lily pond, the second overflowing with plant pots, and both wrapped in greenery. The hotel is ideally located and within easy walking distance from the most significant tourist sights.
There are just 10 spacious guest rooms at Maison Perumal. These rise around two central courtyards reached by slim staircases. Inside, the spacious rooms have traditional minimalist décor with period style furniture and local antiques and artefacts. Dining is in the main courtyard, or outside in the gardens which specialises in delicious sea food, cooked in Tamil style with some French twists. For relaxation there are yoga classes but don’t miss cooking demos and kolam-drawing sessions.
Pondicherry is a delightfully walkable city, so getting anywhere is easy. Maison Perumal can organise walking tours to explore its several temples and churches including the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture. In the surrounds are the archaeological ruins of Arikamedu, the old port of Poompuhar and the 19th-century, 29-m. lighthouse & city landmark. Stop at the nearby Palais de Mahé (sister hotel) to relax in its swimming pool or use Spa services.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesGardenMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesStay Maison Perumal offers 10 spacious guest rooms spread over two floors. All are different in size and independently decorated in the traditional minimalist style with period style furniture including handcrafted four-poster beds, stained-glass windows and earthy floors. Rooms are decorated with retro style lamps, local antiques and artefacts, and overlook the street or the inner courtyard. Modern amenities include TVs, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with organic toiletries.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Maison Perumal but there are no specific facilities available for children. Babysitting service can be arranged, upon request.
Dine The in-house restaurant at the Maison Perumal, offers traditional Tamil and Western dishes with a few French twists and served in the central courtyard, thick with the greenery of potted plants. Breakfast is either Continental-style with croissants plus cooked extras, or South Indian with idly and dosa. There is an à la carte menu for lunch, and evening meals with a fixed menu have 4 to 5 courses including some excellent seafood, finishing with tea and coffee. There is also a small bar.
Relax There are lots of spaces within Maison Perumal to relax including a small library with a swing-chair. Daily newspapers are laid out in the lobby and the low-key café provides juices, tea and coffee with snacks. Guests can take cycle-rickshaw tours, cooking demos, kolam-drawing sessions, and yoga classes. Also, guests have access to the pool and spa at the CGH Earth Palais de Mahé hotel, a 20-minute walk southeast, in the French Quarter.
Experience Pondicherry (or Puducherry), is a multicultural town with both French and Tamil architecture. Guests at Maison Perumal can take heritage walks through the French Quarter to include Goubert Avenue that runs along the Promenade Beach and Tamil Quarter, demonstrated by restored mansions. Other sites include the archaeological ruins at Arikamedu, the old port of Poompuhar, Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. There are also art galleries, antique shops and bazaars worth exploring.
Location Maison Perumal is in the Tamil quarter of Pondicherry/ Puducherry in the state of Tamil Nadu in southeast India.
Getting there Fly to Chennai International Airport. Maison Perumal is a 3-hour drive from Chennai.
When to go The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round. Rainfall is common at any time of the year and the Monsoon Season has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time.
Destination
Southern, India
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