The Bangala, Karaikudi
Author: Gunita Kakteniece0 COMMENTS

As you arrive in Karaikudi, a city famous in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Indian states for its antique shops, the first reaction seems to be: it's the middle of nowhere. And yet - life is full of surprises, and Bangala is yet another proof to that - a small, clean and very cosy boutique hotel. Although bangala, of course, means "bungalow" in Tamil, don't look for small thach-roofed cottages here. What you will find instead is a typical Indian house with colonial-style rooms and a small garden on the hotel grounds. Guests are immediately served a refreshing drink on arrival - a very tempting offer when it is over 30º C outside. The indulging never stops until the departure: you will be practically shadowed by the staff who will try to guess your every wish and make it come true with lightning speed. The over-the-top attention may sometimes become a nuisance but you just have to get used to it and let yourself be pampered. The hotel lobby is the ultimate place for a peaceful evening in, just pick something to read - it's mostly books on local history and culture, in English as well - and make yourself comfortable on one of the cosy lounges with all the pillows. And yet the most charming moments at the Bangala are probably meal times: in keeping with the local tradition, food is served on banana leaves instead of plates, which makes the classic Chettinad cuisine even more tempting. The Bangala is a mere 10-minute walk from most of the city's antique shops.
Rates: double room from INR 6200
Karaikudi
Tamil Nadu, India
Phone: +91 4565 220221/250221
E-mail: thebangala@gmail.com