NEEMRANA NON-HOTEL HOTELS
For anyone who knows about Neemrana Non-Hotel Hotels, it’s a definitely in their wishlist to stay atleast in one of their properties atleast once. Last month, I happened to go on a long weekend, around Mother’s Day, with my mom. We headed south to Tranquebar aka Tharangambadi where there’s not 1 but 2 Neemrana properties.
HISTORY OF NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
The main property here is called Bungalow on the Beach. It was built by the Danish in 17th C CE along with Dansborg and Governer’s Bungalow. After the Danish pretty much left India after selling the town for Rs.12.5 lakhs to the British (more on Tharangambadi itself coming up soon) they used this building as the Collector’s Bungalow. This was from 1845-60. The town’s name was anglicized as Tranquebar by them.
As the name says, it is pretty much a Bungalow on the Beach! Located just beside Danish Fort Dansborg, this was once pretty much in ruins. The locals were using this place as a relaxing place beside beach, to mend their fishing nets, the water pump here used for bathing & washing clothes etc. This was then owned by a Rao Bahadur Rattinasamy Nadar of the Porayar Nadar Estate. Later on this came into the hands of INTACH in early 2003 who along with Neemrana Hotels restored this place. Esp Mr. Francis Wacziarg, one of the founders of Neemrana, took special care and stayed here to overlook the restoration himself! After 2 years this was open as a hotel in 2005.
ARCHITECTURE OF NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
Actually the hotel doesn’t even show from outside, it’s surrounded by so much vegetation! Even from the car park it isn’t clearly visible! As soon as I entered, I was given wet towels and coconut water as refreshment! You get the antique and restored feel at the reception itself! Right from retro Kolu dolls and Danish cupboards & desks and wooden ceiling, it’s just simple yet stunning. Originally the way to first floor was only from outside, but during restoration, they made a wooden spiral staircase from the reception! ROOMS OF NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
This has 8 rooms in all with 2 in ground floor and 6 in the first floor. All the rooms are named after Danish ships! Though the basic infrastructure of the rooms are same, each and every room is actually unique! The furniture have been collected from various places (yes, they are real vintage stuff). So obviously there can’t be 8 of each! For eg, one of the room has an iron trunk box, another room has a barrel for side table, another room has a super comfortable plantation chair, another has a rocking chair etc!!!!!Of the 6 rooms in first floor, 3 are sea facing. Indeed a room with a view. To be able to sit in the balcony as long as you’re awake and see the sea crashing the beach is just breathtaking! Being on the east, obviously watching both sunrise & moonrise is so peaceful. Just to cater to this, there’s one fantastic corridor cum balcony with 2 chairs and a table per room with a partition screen between them as well!
FACILITIES & AMENITIES IN NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
The rooms are air-conditioned and has a fan too. There’s ofcourse the regular toiletries (except dental kit), mini bar, mini café, towels etc. However there’s no slipper or bathrobes provided, so gotta bring yours. RO water is available on request if you’re eco-conscious and don’t want to break a bottled waterbottle everytime. The service is good and housekeeping does a very good job. Plumbing maintenance could have been better! DOLPHINS IN THARANGAMBADI / TRANQUEBAR
One fine morning by about 7 AM, as soon as I woke up and lazily came out to the balcony, the kids in the next room were already up, looking at the sea and screaming!!! Confused, I enquired the mother what was happening and guess what I saw too - a school of dolphins!!! A huge family perhaps which had 2 probably younger ones, playfully following them! And soon, it happened - one of those 2 playful ones, started to jump!!!! What more could I have asked for!!!!!
BREAKFAST BUFFET & LUNCH AT NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
Food is highly personalized! With just 8 rooms, it is more like a family!!! The chefs enquire what you want by the previous food time, to procure & prepare accordingly! Breakfast has cereals, bread, jam, eggs, fruits etc and if you request prior anything else also incl Idly, Vada, Paratha etc. Once I tried the proper South Indian meals for lunch and it was just awesome! Esp the Puli Kulambu (Tamarind gravy) was just divine! It was spicy, sour and suited the Indian palate so well! Yes, I was asked what I wanted to have for lunch when I was having breakfast itself and this entire array was my lunch, made just for me & my mom!!!
Another time I tried the continental cuisine of Mashed potato and sautéed vegetables. This time it was mild with just salt and pepper without any spices and was true to the cuisine! One thing I’d suggest all the Neemrana properties is to have 24hrs service of basic something food.........
THINGS TO IMPROVE AT NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
You see, this hotel is in the middle of a village at the sea! If I felt hungry or if a diabetic patient wanted something to eat in the middle of the night or very early in the morning, there’s nothing available! Any other hotel in bigger cities of towns, we could get out & buy something in the nearby store. In locations like this, the whole village is sleeping and to even get bread or biscuits isn’t possible after 10PM!!! Nothing much – coffee, tea, bread sandwich & omlette would do for 24 hrs! I hope they bring the service across all Neemrana hotels! ROOM-WITH-A-VIEW AT NEEMRANA BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
The pool is fantastic and well maintained and to view the pool, the Masilamaninathar temple and the sea beyond it from the balcony is one awesome view! To sit on the poolside and eat is one thing, but to sit in the balcony and eat with the sea view just takes it to so many level higher!
Nothing could beat the stress of city life than sitting in this balcony and staring at the sea all day & night for a weekend!!! Want something better? How about some Ancient Tamil, Early Buddhism, Chola architecture & Danish history put together??? Stay tuned for more.
P.S: Check out what I wore at BoB, Neemrana, Tranquebar - OOTD 1, OOTD 2!
To get there:
On Google Maps: Bungalow on the Beach, Neemrana, Tharangambadi
From Chennai: 271km via Pondicherry
From Pondicherry / Puducherry: 117km
From Trichy Airport: 149km via Kumbakonam
Nearest Airport: Trichy; Nearest Railway Station: Karaikal & Mayiladuthurai Jn
From Pondicherry / Puducherry: 117km
From Trichy Airport: 149km via Kumbakonam
Nearest Airport: Trichy; Nearest Railway Station: Karaikal & Mayiladuthurai Jn
Transport is arranged by the resort from nearest airport / railway station on prior request.
Room tariff begins at Rs.7800/-
To Book: Neemrana Hotels
Resort Ph no: +91 4364 289036
I didn't know that the Danish settled in India - and built a fort there! The Bungalow on the beach hotel looks amazing. Your room looks lovely and I like that they offer such great variety in the cuisine! Sounds like you had an amazing time :)
ReplyDeleteThe Bungalow on the beach looks so beautiful and so tranquil to spend a relaxing vacation at. The bed in the room makes you feel you are inside a palace, with the 4 posters and the canopy on top. And the view from the room over the ocean is simply breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteWow. This Bungalow looks soo homey! I bet if I stayed there, I would feel at home right away! However, the shops closing at 10 might be a little inconvenient so I guess, the best option is to bring in extra food. Also loved the fact that you woke up to watching dolphins in their habitat!
ReplyDeleteAnyplace that has dolphins frolicking in front of its balcony is a win for me! I love finding gems like this where you can be so close to the beach. Being able to sit on your balcony and watch the sun set over the ocean is the best way to end a day.
ReplyDeleteThe food there looks absolutely delicious. What an amazing spread they put on for you. The dolphins are glorious jumping the way they do I would choose to stay here for sure based on your recommendation
ReplyDeleteThe Neemrana bungalows seem to be in the perfect location, those shots of the dolphin you took are very Instagrammable. I like the idea of the location being far away from convenience stores, this means I could resist a sugar temptation. The 4 poster bed and room you stayed in looked so comfortable, as did the balcony to sit relaxing.
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks like such a relaxing getaway. Right on the beach, but also with the pool and nice grounds. Hope you had a nice time!
ReplyDeleteThis hotel looks quite lovely! I love that there are only 8 rooms so it's very intimate and homey. The pool looks very refreshing for a hot day and I love that you were able to see a school of dolphins jumping out of the sea from your room - what a treat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful location! I love the fact that there is so much vegetation on the grounds. I think the idea of being far away and secluded is great, but I understand what you're saying about amenities being limited.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so beautiful! The bungalows look like they would be an amazing place to stay. The food looks delicious too, will have to keep it in mind!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this place before. It looks wonderful. I love the attention to detail with the rooms and the decor. I can't believe you managed to capture the dolphins. Amazing skills!
ReplyDeleteI totally loved your pictures and the way you reviewed this place.I have never been to Tamil nadu before, I am gonna definitely visit this place in my next trip to India.
ReplyDeleteWow this Danish bungalow on beach really look like a perfect getaway on long weekend. If I am lucky enough then I could also sight School of dolphins. I would add Neemrana properties to my wishlist whenever I am going to TamilNadu.
ReplyDeletegreat that you got to see a Dolphin which is indeed the national aquatic animal of India
ReplyDeleteIt must be wonderful to spend a long weekend with mum in such lovely place! Would love to do the same one day with my mum. What a treat it would be!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to take your mum to! And a lovely way for the two of you to spend time together. Watching dolphins frolic from the balcony must have been magical!
ReplyDeleteThat is One Fancy Bungalow! Your Mum Must be Really Proud of you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to stay. Seeing those dolphins was just a bonus. :-)
ReplyDeleteLiz Gen | www.fatmoments.com
It's amazing that all of their rooms have their own special antique collection. I can't believe that you were able to see the dolphins outside your balcony! What an incredible experience. I also like how they personalized the food for all of you. Lovely accommodation!
ReplyDeleteThis hotel concept is so beautiful. Its simplicity creates a very mysterious glam, it is like going back in old days. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is in my list... the puli kolambu.. wow.
ReplyDeleteThe room looks so comfortable to stay in. You're lucky to have spotted the dolphins during your stay! The south indian meal you had looks mouthwatering!
ReplyDeleteI would love tot stay at the bungalow. Absolutely stunning. Dolphin sighting would be icing on the cake. It looks idyllic and romantic and the food looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe best part about this place is that it has a hint of the traditional chettinad style of rooms and ofcourse the location! Surely a place to consider for stay :D
ReplyDeleteThis property looks splendid and an amazing getaway for anyone who wants to unplug and go in hibernation mode. The food looks delicious too. I'm sure your mom would have loved it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely capture of the Dolphin. You sure were lucky. Nagapattinam has been on my radar for a while and I have been looking at long weekend getaways to here. You just gave me another option to consider. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteThis hotel concept is so beautiful. Its simplicity creates a very mysterious glam, it is like going back in old days. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe bungalow on the beach looks so relaxing. Secluded yet luxurious. I loved the food pictures. Though have stayed in other neemrana hotels but did not know this one. Dolphins right close to the shore is awesome. Looks like I am going to explore this. Thanks for sharing this hidden gem
ReplyDeleteoh wow, I can't believe you saw dolphins! so cute :) The hotel seems charming, with the vintage decoration and that yummy food. Hope you had a great stay
ReplyDeleteThe bungalows are in the perfect location. To think I had live in Tamil Nadu most of my life and not discovered this gem. Great article!
ReplyDeletewow what a nice place! I would love to just lay by the pool right now or watch that wonderful sunset in the evening! Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic, almost like a palace! The views are breathaking!
ReplyDeleteA bungalow on the beach! WOW. Simply quaint and serene. A perfect getaway to unwind. Customised meals and dolphins are just so tempting and inviting.Even the rooms with an old world charm! Looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Neemrana here in Jaipur and it looks equally beautiful and homely! With the Dolphins swimming right in front of the room, nothing better can be expected! I love their cutlery too! So pretty!
ReplyDelete