Tamil Nadu
Mirrored cupboards, in-room tea/coffee sets and splashes of colour make the GRT's smart modern rooms pretty characterful for Vellore. The free wi-fi,…
Must-see hotels in Tamil Nadu
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
This former brewery and sprawling complex of cottages is dotted with flower gardens. With clean, character-filled and freshly painted rooms, helpful staff…
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
This 1855 British bungalow has an edge over many of its peers. The cosy cottage features garden-fresh flowers, four-poster beds, working fireplaces and…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Three colonnaded floors of swish, soaring-ceilinged rooms with colonial-style wood furnishings and varnished-concrete floors rise around a seductive…
Tamil Nadu
Kovalam's luxury choice is a sprawling beachside complex framing a palm-fringed pool. Sea-facing shell-shaped cottages come with open-air showers, swing…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
This gorgeous 19th-century French-run mansion is infused with contemporary character. Spread along plant-dotted galleries, immaculate, soft-toned rooms…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
A beautiful hill-fringed hideaway, three hours’ drive below Kodaikanal, seven-room Cardamom House overlooks bird-rich Lake Kamarajar (which you can admire…
The Western Ghats
A wonderful lodge 8km southwest of Masinagudi, in a converted coffee warehouse on a working coffee plantation filled with tall trees that give it a deep…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Cinnabar's two elegant yet homey rooms offer a blissful escape, with 24-hour hot water, tea/coffee kits, glassed-in showers and lovely wooden floors and…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
A wonderfully tranquil 19th-century house (no shoes, no TVs, no children), sun-yellow Gratitude has been delightfully restored. Nine individually styled…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
The Promenade is a flashy boutiquelike beachfront spot owned by the swish Hidesign group, with upscale, oriental-themed, (mostly) sea-facing rooms. If you…
Thanjavur (Tanjore)
Just north of Thanjavur's palace, Tanjore Hi is a century-old, ecofriendly house refurbished with strikingly contemporary flair. Bold modern decor is all…
Chennai (Madras)
A boon for Chennai's budget travellers, Red Lollipop is a genuine, sociable hostel, 700m south of Mylapore's temple. Boldly colourful walls are scrawled…
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Hidden away above Ooty on Strawberry Hill is this classic colonial-era house with wood panelling, antique furnishings, a snug lounge and good Indian…
Madurai
A refreshing escape from the city scramble, the Taj-group Gateway sprawls across hilltop gardens 6km southwest of Madurai centre. The views, outdoor pool…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
With flowery landscaped gardens and its own stretch of beach, this laid-back resort, 3km north of town, is popular with weekending families and couples…
Tamil Nadu
For a (relatively) economical Chettinadu sojourn, welcoming Chettinadu Court offers eight pleasant rooms sporting Athangudi tiles and a few heritage…
Tiruvannamalai
In a blissfully quiet spot 1km southwest of the main ashram area, this colourful guesthouse is fronted by gardens. Singles feel flimsy, like cheap mobile…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
A colourful heritage spot with 14 comfy, quiet and spacious rooms, some sporting semi-open bathrooms, most with splashes of original modern art. A few are…
Coloniale Heritage Guest House
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
This leafy colonial-era haven with six comfy rooms (some up steep stairs) is crammed with character thanks to the owner's impressive collection of gem…
Kanchipuram
The cleanest, comfiest and most stylish rooms in Kanchi, with marble floors, tea/coffee makers and glass-partitioned showers. The GRT's smart-ish Dakshin…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Take in the fantastic Coaker's Walk views from your garden breakfast table at this lovely old stone-built hotel, right next to the walk's northern end. It…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Pondy's most sought-after ashram guesthouse, thanks to its wonderful seafront position, with the best-value air-con rooms around but no advance bookings…
YWCA International Guest House
Chennai (Madras)
Chennai's YWCA guesthouse, set in shady grounds just north of Egmore station, offers a meticulously run property in a calm atmosphere. It has good-sized,…
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Six simple, wonderfully spacious colonial-feel rooms open up to classic Nilgiri panoramas at this delightful sun-yellow heritage house high above Ooty…
Coimbatore
Opening through a soaring lobby, the Residency is a top choice for its professional staff, well-equipped rooms, swimming pool, and excellent eating and…
Chennai (Madras)
Run by a helpful, on-the-ball team, these comfy, low-key 'serviced apartments' enjoy an attractive flower-filled setting amid Poes Garden's well-heeled…
Tamil Nadu
The Swiss-army knife of Kumbakonam hotels, Raya's has something for almost everyone, and can be busy. Service is friendly, but the lower-class rooms feel…
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
The Maharaja of Mysore’s exquisite Anglo-Indian summer palace is full of totally over-the-top princely colonial style. All 19 rooms are gigantic suites,…
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
Good service and facilities, plus comfortable rooms in shades of white, brown and copper, make this business-oriented hotel excellent value, though …
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
Elegant, modern rooms provide comfy beds and glassed-in showers at this corporate-style hotel, one of Trichy's smartest options. Nonveg Kannappa serves up…
Tiruvannamalai
Right next to the Arunachaleshwar Temple's east entrance, Hotel Arunachala is clean and decent with pretensions to luxury in the marblesque floors, ugly…
Thanjavur (Tanjore)
Brightly furnished cottages with roomy balconies sprawling across tropical gardens on the banks of the Vennar River, 7km northwest of Thanjavur, make this…
Tiruvannamalai
A great-value, spick-and-span spot 800m southwest off Chengam Rd. Beyond the psychedelic exterior, wood-carved doors reveal simple, immaculate, fan-cooled…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
This long-running, sociable budget favourite has moved into the midrange category, though many of its rooms don't reflect this. There's a pretty garden…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
About 2km north of town, Le Poshe feels like you've stumbled into a flashy furniture showroom. Warm woods and whites give a fresh alpine-chalet-chic theme…
Chennai (Madras)
Previously the site of Gemini Studios, the Park flaunts design everywhere you look, from the towering lobby's bamboo, steel and gold cushions to posters…
Tamil Nadu
Away from the temple frenzy, on the west edge of town, elegant Sparsa is several notches above Kanyakumari's other hotels. Fresh, orange-walled rooms with…
Chennai (Madras)
Wonderfully erratic colour schemes throw fresh whites against lime greens and bright turquoises at this friendly, well-managed modern hotel. The shiny,…
Tamil Nadu
Opposite the bus stand, the busy, friendly Saradharam is as good as it gets. It’s a bit worn but comfortable enough, and a welcome respite from the town…
