Maison Perumal
Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
At a Glance
Authentic use of local materials make for a truly charming boutique hotel, with the added ethical bonus of supporting regional craftsmanship
The ambiance - charming and elegant
The location - it's a short walk to everywhere in Pondy, including the beachfront promenade and market
The super-fresh seafood
In the morning, the sun shines through stained glass to create extravagant patterns on the whitewashed walls
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations unlike northern India. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round in Tamil Nadu, but the best time to usually visit is from November until March. Please note that rainfall is common at any time of the year but the monsoon season has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time.
Insider's View
Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday to Maison Perumal or take a look at our itineraries to India
Description
Maison Perumal is a delightful colonial era house offering wonderful charm and excellent service. Once a registry office, the Maison Perumal is now a 10 bedroom boutique hotel. An exquisite blend of Tamil and French architecture.
Maison Perumal is a superb fusion of French and Tamil art, design and atmosphere, offering guests a wonderful bolthole from which to explore Pondicherry's seafront promenade and leafy boulevards.
It is located in the Tamil quarter, with easy access to most parts of the town. It is built around two courtyards so doesn't feel to cluttered. Verandahs and sit out areas speak of the Tamil heritage while the arched windows and stylized colonnades reflect their French colonial ancestry.
There are just ten rooms at Maison Perumal, all slightly different but all beautifully restored. The restoration has paid special attention to period fixtures and fittings. The attention to detail is really impressive. The materials are typically local, with cool Cuduppah stone underfoot and teak furniture throughout.
Dining is in the main courtyard, or outside in the gardens and it is worth having a chat to the chef about what he thinks is in season. His Keralan seafood dishes are superb.
Pondicherry is a delightful town to walk around with several temples to explore and a fantastic combination of French and Tamil architecture. Other activities nearby include heritage walks, bicycle tours and visits to Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and other historic temples.
Accommodation
Maison Perumal offers 10 air-conditioned deluxe rooms which are simple in design yet comfortable. All have been lovingly restored by local craftsmen to uphold period features and fixtures using simple local fabrics and colourful natural dyes that the region is famed for. Original bedsteads and scattered antiques are characterful touches.
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Maison Perumal. However, there are no specific facilities available for them at the hotel.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant serving delicious grilled seafood platters for dinner and a bar with a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Activities
You may explore the multicultural town on foot or on bicycle independently. Scott Dunn can also arrange tailor-made activities such as heritage walks taking in the historic temples such as the Greek Aayi Mandapam; and tours and visits to archaeological ruins at Arikamedu, the old port of Poompuhar, and to Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Reviews
Daniel Smith (Staff)
The hotel is possibly the most interesting in Pondicherry offering good rooms and food. Ideal for a few days during a tour of Tamil Nadu.
Experiences
Location & directions
Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
Maison Perumal is in the Tamil quarter of Pondicherry/ Puducherry in the state of Tamil Nadu in southeast India.
How to get there
10-hour international flight to Chennai International Airport. Maison Perumal is a 3-hour drive from Chennai.
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