Mansion House

Looking for something larger than life? This way, please

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Consider this a diary entry of sorts. It’s our fourth (and last) day at The Bangala, and as I try to squeeze in my feelings into this six-page story, I’m reminded that it might take a few more words than I expected. It’s a bit like making a sharp u-turn with the confidence of a straight-out-of-college bombshell, and failing miserably at it because your car’s turning radius is wider than you thought. Ours handles fairly well but you get the point, don’t you?

Just to give you a little context, allow me to talk a bit about The Bangala. Set up by Ms Meenakshi Meyyappan, the heritage boutique hotel is based in Chettinad, specialises in the cuisine of the area, and most importantly, offers a window into the lifestyle unique to this part of the world. What was once a gentleman’s club has now become one of the most sought-after hotel properties in the area. It all started when Ms Meyyappan decided to not let her family property follow the same path as a lot of palatial homes have in the area. And that’s how the property, which earlier stood with only two buildings (one made in 1916 and the other in the 30s), has turned into a full-fledged hotel. It now also serves as the custodian of Chettinad culture, effectively making new fans both young and old.