The Bangala
Chettinad cuisine,
Heritage history,
Homely charm
Couples,
Solos,
Food Enthusiasts
The Bangala is an official heritage hotel, housed in a mansion which is over 100 years old.
It oozes character and charm and is just on the periphery of Karaikkudi, which is the main town of Chettinad, so a great location to explore. One of its major features is it’s varied and often a quite contrasting history of use – it was once a private men’s club, a small guest house, and a place to entertain visiting dignitaries.
The Bangala is a great all-rounder hotel, and you’ll feel welcome very quickly, even with 25 rooms. The dining experience is something not to be missed.
If you are looking for a luxurious hotel it might be a little too rustic these days, and the service is often on the more relaxed side of the scale, but we highly recommend for this area.
You’ll find a small, but lovingly created a swimming pool.
At the restaurant, we recommend the extravagant but tasty seven-course lunch offering of traditional Chettinad cuisine which would typically be served at a wedding. If other guests are around, you’ll share the meal. Dining is an elaborate fare at The Bangala!
The Rooms
There are 25 rooms situated throughout the grounds, all unique in style, feeling airy, and all have air conditioning. You’ll find traditional antique furnishings and simple amenities.
Once they would have felt luxury. Now they can feel a little tired, but nonetheless homely and very comfortable.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
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A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
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Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
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End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
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Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
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Gallery
The Bangala on the map
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Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
