Palais De Mahe is situated at the intersection of two beckoning worlds. One gently murmurs the spirit of Colonial France with its clean streets, neatly plastered bungalows and flower-decked balconies while the other envelops you in its salt and spice-laden air coming off the Coromandel coast of India in great animating gusts.
The street signs in Pondicherry are unique and in several languages to aid the global traveler. Its urban character is a standing tribute to diversity. Historic buildings jostle against charming sidewalk cafes, trendy designer wear boutiques stand next to native sari shops and other upmarket commercial addresses share humble space with roadside bangle sellers and temple pilgrims in a bustling bazaar-like environment.
It is these rich contrasts and counterpoints that we noticed, studied and infused into the soul of Palais de Mahe, which mirrors the twin faces of this charming seaside city in southern India. The style remains faithful to a historic past, while the experience on offer is a captivating blend of the old and the new making you feel like a traveler in time.
Locally inclined and sourced: in keeping with our commitment to working closely with the local communities at our different destinations, palais de mahe supports local and small-scale businesses in and around pondicherry. we set the limit at 50 miles for the sourcing of a lot of our products, which include at present fabrics, handmade paper, soaps and shampoos and a variety of innovative decor elements.
Contextual architecture: the architectural style of palais de mahe remains faithful to the french colonial past, while the experience on offer is a captivating blend of the old and the new making you feel like a traveler in time.
Hheritage themed: the contrasts and counterpoints between the colonial and contemporary are carefully infused into the design of palais de mahe, which mirrors the twin faces of this charming colonial city of pondicherry in southern India.
ROOMS & SUITES
Palais de Mahe carries a distinct stamp of period style marked by its high ceilings with roof beams and arched doorways. Electric punkahs, double air-conditioning and plenty of sea breeze will ensure that you stay climate-friendly at all times. There is also a big pool to help you cool off on particularly warm days.
The bathrooms, though contemporary, are designed to release you into a relaxed and indulgent mood as the French would have it. We believe that if Monsieur Dupleix were to visit us he would feel quite at home at Palais de Mahe. There can be no better endorsement for all our painstaking efforts to go French.
There are plenty of distinctive French elements that will catch your eye at Palais de Mahe, in particular, its classical period style furniture. We believe that if Monsieur Dupleix were to visit us he would feel quite at home at Palais de Mahe. There can be no better endorsement for all our painstaking efforts to go French.
This spectacular French style mansion has balconies and verandahs that take you back in time to Pondy’s colonial past. Palais de Mahe carries a distinct stamp of period style marked by its high ceilings with roof beams and arched doorways. Electric punkahs, double air-conditioning and plenty of sea breeze will ensure that you stay climate-friendly at all times.
There is also a big pool to help you cool off on particularly warm days. The bathrooms, though contemporary, are designed to release you into a relaxed and indulgent mood as th
DINING
As with all CGH Earth hotels, local sourcing makes for variety and freshness. This is particularly true of our seafood at Palais de Mahe. Our chefs personally select the day’s serving from the incoming boats at the harbor nearby, planning their recipes according to the catch of the day.
Cocktail Bar The bar, has an architecture that’ll make you feel like it’s evolved at the cusp an era that defined classic and contemporary. As earthy and airy as it can be, it’s a café that serves up a fine array of coffee, tea and tall refreshers, alongside freshly-made snacks.
AYURVEDA WELL-BEING
Our Ayurveda center offers a range of herbal massages and therapies to help you get rid of accumulated stress and shape up a bit while you are with us. Be good to yourself.
COURTYARD POOL
The swimming pool at Palais de Mahe is a water body with twin purposes. While it will certainly help you cool off on a hot day, it will also help you take in the beauty and grandeur of the Colonial architecture while sipping on a cold ice tea.
PONDICHERRY & FRENCH QUARTER
Palais de Mahe is located in the heart of the French quarter of Pondicherry close to the Bay of Bengal. It is just footsteps away from the famed promenade – far enough to keep the noise away and near enough for you to stroll over in flip-flops and catch the breeze at any time of night or day. Palais de Mahe is also close to many fine public buildings, churches, parks, shopping places and eateries.
A walk through history It’s here that history and leisure meet. The historic Promenade Beach is around the corner. Stroll along this 1.5 km beach and come back to the mesmerizing views and delectable street food.
Breeze through Romain Rolland and Rue Dumas and admire homes with French names, white shutters, yellow walls, bougainvillea flowers, and get reminded of pages in a romantic French novel.
Visit the magnificent Bay of Bengal-facing Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges church modelled by the Capuchins after the Rosary Basilica at Lourdes in France. On Sundays, the mass is in French.
Pondicherry is unlike any place in India. It has always charmed tourists and travelers alike for its rich cultural history, beauty and vibrant architecture. Enjoy the whiff of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit the local market with our in-house chef, while he picks the freshest veggies for your meal.
The Goubert Market is where you’ll watch flower garlands being woven, live. While you’re there, pick up some flowers for yourself. You’ll find yourself in awe of the shopkeepers for their dexterity. Get a glimpse into the everyday life of Pondicherry. The markets are lined with rows of flower sellers, fish vendors and vegetable sellers, all of which make a delightful scene.
CYCLE RIKSHAW RIDES
The most apparent legacy of Pondy’s colonial past is the French and Tamil quarters of the town; separated by a canal. Pondy is best explored while on foot or a bicycle to see all of its cultural unity in diversity.
The lively nature of this colonial town makes for an experience of a lifetime; the rickshawalas here are chatter friendly, so make sure you hire a rickshaw or rent a bicycle for a leisurely amble across the town of Pondicherry.
HERITAGE WALKS
The French Quarter is distinguished by the Goubert Avenue which runs along the Promenade Beach. The manicured layout of the avenue is lined with heritage villas and buildings and statues – the most significant part of Pondy’s history.
Across the canal lies the Tamil Quarter which has its own architectural heritage, best demonstrated by restored mansions (like Hotel Maison Perumal) which feature semi-public street verandahs, central courtyards and large windows. The Tamil Quarter bustles with activity all day long and displays the Indian side of Pondicherry.
AUROVILLE VISIT
The Aurobindo Ashram and City of Auroville form the other part of Pondy’s popularity worldwide. The spiritual thought evolved by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa, has prompted salvation seekers for many decades now, to visit Pondy.
The Ashram building houses samadhis of the revered duo and the universal township of Auroville also lies only a short drive away. A visit to Auroville is an experience in itself. The township was designed by French architect Roger Anger to go hand-in-hand with the Franco-Tamil layout of Pondicherry.
FOOD MARKETS
The town has a host of attractions waiting to be explored; art galleries, cafes, antique shops, historical buildings and beaches. Pondi eateries and markets are the perfect places for food lovers and shopaholics!