The Bungalow on the Beach-17th Century, Tranquebar - Resort hotel in Tharangambadi - Mayiladuthurai, India

Had a pathetic experience. This place used to be so good, few years back. But now, the service is terrible. The swimming pool was filthy and staffs suggested to use to still use the swimming pool which was dirty and infected with bugs. The maintenance of the property has also diminished and the overall experience was very disappointing. This is an extraordinary property located facing the Bay of Bengal but due to lack of maintenance and pathetic service, has lost its shine. During my recent stay, I have lost hope in the Neemrana brand. Very cheap experience!!

The Bungalow on the Beach is a 17th-century Danish colonial house which has belonged to the Governor of Danish India, who was styled Opperhoved, and after their exit in 1845, to the British administrator of the colony. Built in the 18th century, opposite the Fort Dansborg, by the Danish East India Company in what was once a pepper trading post of Tranquebar, now known as Tharangambadi, in Tamil Nadu, India. Tranquebar is a Danish term and came from the native Tamil word Tarangambadi, meaning 'place of the singing waves' also Opperhoved The bungalow was acquired by Neemrana Hotels in 2000, and after restoration was opened in 2004, the company also runs two more heritage hotels in the town, Gate House and Nayak House. Founded in 1616, following a privilege of Danish King Christian the Danish East India Company, set up its base in Tranquebar, in the fort Dansborg, which was the seat of its Governor of Danish India, styled Opperhoved. Here Ove Gjedde, a Danish admiral arrived in 1620. He was given territory by the Nayak ruler of Tanjore. The Danish then settled there as to export pepper to Denmark. They remained there until 1845, when after suffering heavy losses, the colony of Tranquebar was sold to British Raj, thereafter the house became the residence of the British administrator of the colony. The bungalow was then sold to Vellia Nadar; who was a prominent distillery owner whose descendants lived in it for over 125 years. Rao Bahadur Vellia Nadar was the uncle of Rao Bahadur T.Rattinasami Nadar of Porayar (a nearby town) T. Rattinasami Nadar was famous for forming the Nadar Mahajana Sangam and the Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank (formerly called The Nadar Bank). After the Nadar family partition, the bungalow was finally passed down to B.Thavasumuthu Nadar and T.Rajeswari Ammal who along with their nine children T.Balagurusamy Nadar,T.Ponnusamy Nadar,T.Rajapather Nadar, N.Padmini, P.Dhanalakshmi,T.Rethinasamy Nadar, T.Narayanasamy Nadar, A.Gowri and K.Sundari lived a good many years in the bungalow. They were the last and final family to have resided in the bungalow. After the demise of T.Thavasumuthu Nadar, the children moved out and T.Rajeswari Ammal who found it difficult to maintain the colossal bungalow all by herself sold it to the Taj group of hotels in the1990's. The house was referred to as "Nadar Veedu" and was sold during the 1990s to the Taj group. It's a heritage building and they tried to maintain it as it was. Very good atmosphere. The swimming pool was there. The complementary breakfast is not up to mark and needs improvement. Service is good. The pool is maintained properly. Dishes are tasty but costly.

The property is well maintained, first line in front of the sea, great food and service. Surprised that this property is not booked completely all the time. I have stayed here before 2016 and now again in 2023.

Amazing place with a great view and access to the beach.. Nice place for family and kids. Very close to many Danish landmarks and has lots of history.

I booked this property thru Agoda. The property took around 23k amount from my account. I had to cancel the booking due to family emergency. Cancellation was within the window which qualifies for full refund as per the booking norms. It's has been 45 days since cancellation is done and the property has not given the refund. I have been following up with them continuously and everyday they keep giving promises saying your amount will be refunded immediately but it did not happen. I had a plan to book this hotel later this year. But NOooooooo. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS PROPERTY. THEY ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH TO REFUND THEIR CUSTOMER HARD EARNED MONEY. I STARTED TO FEEL LIKE I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED.. I MAY NEED TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION IF I DONT GET IT ANY SOONER

If one could only give 7 stars for location. This is actually a renovated Bungalow, on the beach, where the the Collector of the this once bustling trading center during the times of the British East India Company and during the Raj. The rooms are stately, and although there is some amount of work which needs to be done to keep them upto date, it still is a beautiful place to stay. The staff were very polite and helpful. Food was just good, and although not all items on the al a carte menu were available, its possibly due to it being off season, and lesser occupancy at this place. Plus, not everyone will be willing to pay upwards of INR7000 per night for a weekend trip from Chennai. But still, this place is just so beautiful. The view from the outer verandah/balcony every morning is one to die for, with the sunrise just glistening and coating every thing is sepia, with a calm morning breeze wafting in. Ohh just heaven (with some humidity and heat). Would recommend this place just to experience Tranquebar or Tharangambadi.

I love this magical place and I've been there some half a dozen times. A 700 year old Danish town preserved perfectly in coastal Tamilnadu. Need I say more? And the hotel is what makes it perfect. The old Danish Governers Bungalow, lovingly restored, has you living in period luxury.

It was a great experience staying in a retrieved Danish Bungalow. The maintenance of the hotel is good. Staffs are friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.