Tag Archives: Tamil Nadu

Radisson Blue Resort Temple Bay

Take the time it will take you to know yourself. Just by knowing yourself, you will travel

Gilles Vigneault

Radisson Blue Resort Temple Bay
57, Covelong Road
603104 Mahābalipuram, Inde
Tamil Nadu, India

Price : $ 200-300 per night : 17 000 to 26 000 Rs.

Very good location, at the entrance of Mahabalipuram.
Very quiet & very clean, rooms with balconies, suites, apartments, etc.

This is a luxury hotel where you will be considered like a royal host. The setting is beautiful, but totally impersonal.

 

Features :  

Mini golf and free Wi – Fi access.
Limousine service and valet parking are just some of the luxury installations at your disposal throughout your stay.

The Blue Radisson Resort Temple Bay, very recently renovated, offers a club for children and adolescents, room service 24 hours / 24 and a children’s pool. There is an on-site day spa and a golf course.

A gigantic swimming pool… (I’ve never seen a pool as large in my life…)

Two restaurants, etc. …

Radison chambre

Equipped to ensure a pleasant stay, the rooms of the Radisson have a private terrace, a minibar and slippers. The individual bathrooms include bathrobes, shower and hairdryer.

Radison Hotel restau

  • Internet, Wi-Fi
  • Laundry
  • All the services of a big luxury hotel
  • Friendly and smiling staff

Sri Murugan Guest House

Must you go? Stay? If you can stay, stay;
Leave, if you have to. One runs, and the other crouches
to cheat the vigilant and disastrous enemy, time!

Le voyage
Charles Baudelaire  – Les fleurs du mal (1861)

Sri Murugan Guest House, anciennement Balaji Guest House
Price : 600 Rs par jour (if it remains at least 15 days)
9, Ottaivadai Street (see the Map)
Mahãbalipuram – 603 104 Tamil Nadu
Téléphone : 0091 – 441 14 – 242 849

The ”Sri Murugan Guest House”, is a new small hotel. Some rooms are quite large. Very clean and quiet, but the Interior rooms are a bit dark.

At the top, on the terrace of the hotel, is the “Restaurant Siesta”, which serves an inventive westernized Indian cuisine, a bit expensive for the quantity…

Sri Murugan Guest House resto

On the left ground floor of the building, is the wonderful shop owned by our friend Véronique “Akka Creation”. She animates an association / workshop, where she teaches Indian women how to sew, make clothes etc (a little more 33 people), the manufactured products are sold in this shop, to make lovely gifts. Akka in the Tamil language, means “big sister”. With cloths and fabrics from Jaipur, Madras and Pondicherry, Akka creates, cuts and sews clothes, bags, and patchworks using the wonderful colours of India. May also be ordered on their website (fast delivery in well adapted packaging)

83815-1

http://www.alittlemarket.com/boutique/akkacreation-83815.html

Sea Breeze Hotel

“In a group of people for whom everything is sacred, and for whom what is not sacred may at any time become so, fabulous stories are told “

Jean-Claude Carrière – Légendes modernes, Dictionnaire amoureux de l’Inde (2001)

Sea Breeze Hotel
Ottaivadai Cross Street (see the Map)
Mahãbalipuram – 603 104 Tamil Nadu
Phone :
00 91 – 441 14 – 430 035
Fax :
00 91 – 441 14 – 430 065

Price : Between1500 & 4000 Rs depending on the type of room and the length of your stay + 12,75% taxes

Mail : seabreezehotel@hotmail.com

The Sea Breeze Hotel, has an annexe, price 700 Rs / day with access to the pool.

Sea breeze annexe a

This is the first charm hotel in Mahabalipuram, that was magnificent in the past, but that has badly aged because not very well looked after, like many hotels in India.

The rooms are moderately clean but the bathrooms are clean.
Good location, very quiet, a superb garden that goes to the front of the ocean, close to the Sea Shore Temple.

Some rooms with balconies, but there’s no ocean view.
Very nice shaded and well-maintained pool.
Staff a bit slow… no one really cares about anything.
Not a smile at the reception, and to have hot water, you have to be patient….

 

  • Wi-Fi possible, with an extra charge.
    Parking
    Gift shop
    Restaurant, breakfast OK, you eat much better elsewhere…

 

Nota :

Booking of the rooms by email is not without problems, as is the car service to pick you up from the airport…

Siva Guest House

“We do not see, we believe we see, and anyway, sight is misleading by nature. This is why Jean de la Croix wrote that we are not traveling to see, but to not see
– i. e. trying to achieve something else than the smooth, fleeting surface of things, to see ourselves under the light of elsewhere”.

Jean-Claude Carrière, Invitation, Dictionnaire amoureux de l’Inde, (2001)

 

Siva Guest House
2, Othavadai Cross Street (see the Map)
Mahãbalipuram – 603 104 Tamil Nadu
Phone :
00 91 – 044 114 43 234 & 00 91 – 044 114 43 334
Fax :
00 91 – 044 114 43 534

Price: Depending on the room 500 to 1000 Rs/ day

The owner of the Siva Guest House has several traditional Indian art shops. Well-located hotel, just a short walk from the beach (3′) and from many restaurants.

Very nice & very, very clean
Mosquito net on windows
Only remark, the rooms are a bit small.
Staff is charming.

You can book rooms by email without a problem.
Mail : sivaguesthouse@hotmail.com

You will find at the hotel reception : 

  • Internet, local and international phone
  • Laundry service
  • Service 24 / 24 hour (tea, water, etc.)
  • Travel agency, “Siva Tour and Travels”, can provide “pick up” from the airport.
  • This private all-India car service offers three tours in the South of the India: Kerala, Mysore, mountain areas, animal reserves, Hampi and Goa.

Pallava Dynasty Comfort Cottages

The world is a book,
and those who do not travel
only read one page
Saint Augustin

Pallava Dynasty Comfort Cottages
37, East Raja Street (See the plan)
Mahãbalipuram- 603 104 Tamil Nadu
Fax : 00 91 – 44 274 42 400
Mobile : 0091 09443169036‎
Price : Room 2200 Rs by day, & suite at 2600 Rs day

Pallava Dynasty Hotel

Pallava Dynasty Hotel

The Director of the “Pallava Dynasty Comfort Cottages” was originally responsible for a stone sculpture (granite) workshop. He first created a wonderful shop in the main street of Mahabalipuram where his production, as well as the best pieces made by friends (granite, marble, copper and bronze) are exposed. A few years ago there he created this friendly hotel, ideally situated in a quiet location in Mamallapuram, close to the beach (6′ feet). The sleek buildings are located in a beautiful tropical garden, ocean of greenery. Comfort, luxury, cleanliness, smiling and competent staff.

All rooms have a personal balcony and are very well furnished

Recent small pool, in the sun

Available Wi-Fi, satellite TV, laundry, hot & cold water 24/24 h, room service.

Here, your spirit and soul will be serene

Email : pallavadynasty@gmail.com

 

Daphne hotel in Mahabalipuram

“The traveller must knock on all doors before reaching his own.”
Rabindranath Tagore

A stay in one of the hotels owned by Ramesh, a friend for a very long time (over 20 years), is to ensure a good organization and a very clean room. If it can help you, he will do so with great pleasure.

He has four hotels all well located :

 

  • Daphne Hotel, the favorite of many (s) yogi and yogini (s) green and flowery, very clean and quiet patio.
    Prices : between 600 and 3000 Rs
    17, Ottavadai Cross Street. Mahābalipuram
    Telephone: +91 94441 84060
  • Hotel Blue elephant, at the top of the restore of the same name, where are served on delicious Indian cuisine (in front of the very famous Moonrakers Restaurant). We have a soft spot for the top with terrace and quiet rooms.  
    Prix :  600 Rs
    39, Othavadai Street, Mahabalipuram,
    Telephone:     +91 94444 53772

3   Hotel Daphne beach 

Facing the ocean……. all rooms have a terrace, the wind blowing from the ocean is rather nice .

On the long sandy beach, boats and fishing nets are aligned… in the distance, the Sea Shore Temple, built at the end of the beach, defies time, the ocean and spray. Built in the 7th century, is one of the oldest temples in South India.

Téléphone : +91 9444453772
603 104 Tamil Nadu – Inde
Téléphone : (0091) 411 42 42 811

4  Meya Beach Walk Hotel

Kings Nagar, East Coast Road – coming from Mahabalipuram, turn right after the Indian Oil Petrol Station, 603104 Mahabalipuram, India

Maya Beach Walk Hotel, was established in 2017, it is located 3 minutes’ walk from the beach.
The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the sea.

Free private parking is available on site.Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and toilet.

The reception is open 24 hours a day
Hot water 24 hours a day.

Each room has a terrace equipped with a seating area. 
Choice of either double or twin room

On the terrace is the BHAKAYA BEACH VIEW restaurant, overlooking the beach where you can dine al fresco.

The hotel also offers bike hire.

5  Hotel Alice Paradise

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and toilet.

The reception is open 24 hours a day
Hot water 24 hours a day.

Each room has a terrace equipped with a seating area.

The hotel also offers bike hire.

Price : 2450 rs

Site web : http://moonrakersrestaurant.com
Email :     hoteldaphne1@yahoo.com

 

 

The “Pongal”, Arul or with “Tourism Office”…

In Mahābalipuram, you will have the choice between two possibilities to participate in this wonderful celebration, Pongal, one of the most colourful in South India.

Indeed, during your session of Ashtanga Yoga in the month of January you may participate in this rich in colours and music event.

  • The Tourism Office organizes each year for these festivities of Pongal, a visit to a traditional village some km from Mahābalipuram (singing, dancing, puja, etc.).
Pongal in Arul familly

Pongal in Arul familly

  • If you prefer, you can live this event in a traditional Indian family in a small village 4 km from Mahābalipuram, one of our Indian friends “Arul” invites the participants to the session of Ashtanga Yoga to share the Puja ceremony and share the typical Pongal meal.

Hotels in Mahābalipuram

In South India, the old village of Mahābalipuram, today known, as Mamallapuram is located in Tamil Nadu. It is an old historical town that used to be an animated seaport at the time of the Palava(s). There are various historical monuments, most of them having been built between the 7th and 9th century AD. UNESCO has classified the site as part of the World Heritage; there are many exceptional monuments, walking to meet them is allowing oneself a moment of self-discovery.

There are many accommodation possibilities in Mahābalipuram, you will find hotels at an affordable price and also luxury hotels where you will be treated as a royal guest.

Thousands of flavour lovers are attracted to Mahābalipuram for it’s lovely Indian cooking.

Below, is the hotel selection made by the Ashtanga Yoga Institute :

  • Les hotels Daphnés
    1. Daphne Hotel
    2. Blue Elephant Guesthouse
    3. Daphne Beach Hotel
  • Pallava Dynasty Comfort Cottages
  • Green Woods Beach Resort
  • Siva Guest House
  • Sri Murugan Guest House
  • Breeze Hote
  • Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay

Security for a stay without worries :

Always keep your suitcases locked, leave your valuables in the hotel’s safe, never leave your passport in your luggage and always have a photocopy of it with you. 

Other complementary information :

  • Travel information « flight » et « transfer »
  • The « Visa »
  • « Indian cooking »
  • « Photos » India
  • Health information in India
  • Dressing advice

 

 

Information about Ashtanga Yoga trips and seminars in India (Mahabalipuram)

There are many flights to Chennai (Madras) from the major European airports. India being one of the most visited countries in the world … book your flight early, and enjoy the many benefits that the practice of Ashtanga Yoga will bring you, let yourself be dazzled by the fabulous temples of Tamil Nadu, Mahābalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannāmalai, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Darasuram, Tanjore, as by the profusion of details, the vibrant colours in the sanctuaries, where the stone contrasts with the radiance of the shimmering saris of Indian women.

For your session of Ashtanga Yoga in India

Flights : Whether it is a business trip or a holiday, many aviation companies propose an Internet registration service that allows you to reduce your waiting time at the counters of the airport.

Do not forget to register your « Miles » for a next trip to India. 

Travel agencies

In Brussels, we have had the pleasure of working for many years with « Welcome Travel » agency. They are very efficient and of good advice.

In Paris we recommend the agency « La Maison des Indes ». They favour intellectual and cultural curiosity. Phone: 01 56 81 38 38 (From Monday to Saturday from 10 :00 to 19 :00)

Airline companies

  • Lufthansa : German national airline company. Take advantage of their « discover the world » advantages. Lufthansa
  • Jet Airways : largest private Indian airline company. Their slogan is « The Joy of Flying ». Unfortunately they don’t have any direct flights from Brussels to Chennai (Madras)
    Jet Airways
  • Etihad Airways : book your flight to Chennai with the national United Arab Emirates airline company. You will enjoy an outstanding service for which their staff has received several awards, and arrive rested at destination. At your arrival, the sounds, the perfumes and the colours that enlighten every street of the city, will enliven your senses. Etihad 

Luggage 

International flights

Depending on the airline company, your luggage should not exceed 20kg to 30kg. You can buy or pre-book extra luggage weight before your departure (through the travel agency). Extra weight usually cost around 50$ per kilo.

Domestic flights

Indian companies allow up to 15kg. Please note they are very strict on the weight limitations. For any extra kilo they usually charge 5$. It is better to lock your main luggage. Your cabin luggage should not exceed 7 kg and 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm.

For domestic flights please avoid any instrument resembling a weapon, knife or even a nail file…

The Security (or safety) air

Be carefull : All batteries in devices must be charged (TSA). If your mobile phone, your tablet… are discharged, the boarding security service may think you are a terrorist carrying a bomb…

Control of airport security : 

Security checks are unfortunately necessary to travel by air, some passengers find them more annoying than anything else.

Here are some tips to make sure that everything goes as well as possible :

  • Remove all metal objects such as keys, mobile phones (charged battery), coins, wallet, belt if the loop is metal, etc. and place them in one of the available plastic bins.
  • Remove your coat, jacket, Sleeveless Jacket and place them, as well as your hand baggage, in one of the plastic bins.
  • Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage and place them in a separate bin. Don’t forget that you are allowed to carry, only liquid containers and gels up to 100 ml maximum, in your hand baggage, sprays are prohibited.
  • Remove your laptop and tablet from your bag so that they can be analysed separately (battery charged).
  • Follow closely the instructions given by security personnel

And everything should go smoothly, with a smile…

Transfer :

Transfer from the international airport of Chennai (Madras) to your hotel in Mahābalipuram :

  • At night, by Taxi : the price should be around 1400 Roupies. The transfer takes about 1h20 at night.
  • During daytime: bus n°108 B. Unfortunately this bus is not very frequent.
  • If you prefer, we can organize a taxi to pick you up for the transfer between the airport and the hotel

Money

I advise you to take either :

  • Cash in Euros
  • Traveller’s cheques, although these are not so convenient as you will lose time at the bank
  • Credit cards (American Express, Visa, Eurocard,..) are only accepted in large cities and big hotels. 

Exchange of currency in Roupies 

You can exchange currencies at the airport. Be careful, the Exchange service of « Thomas Cook » has a lower exchange rate than in Mahābalipuram. 

You have to show your passport for the transaction, and you must keep the « encashment certificate » which will allow you to exchange your leftover rupees when you leave the country. Bankcards can be used in big hotels and shops in urban centres. Traveller’s cheques in Euros can easily be changed in banks. You can only take cash out of your account in large cities either from the banks (takes a long time) or from automatic withdrawal counters marked “ATM”. There are now two “ATM” counters in Mahābalipuram. When you leave the big cities or centres, please make sure you have enough rupees or euros and preferably in small bills as it can be difficult to find change. 

The exchange rates are relatively stable. You can check following website to have the recent exchange rates : Oanda 

Water

Never drink tap water ! The water is not always potable. 

Electricity

220 Volt is common in India. It is nevertheless advisable to always check the voltage before connecting a device. It can be very useful to bring a flashlight/torch, in case of a blackout (this is frequent) and it is useful for visiting caves and temples. 

Time zone

  • Summer time : + 03.30 h GMT
  • Winter time : + 04.30 h GMT

 Bibliography/reading list

We have prepared a reading list for travel guides to India, novels, and history books.

Lonely planet :

  • Travel guide: guide book of the South of India and Kerala – a complete guide covering all regions from South India: Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, Karnataka and Bengaluru (Bangalore), the Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Chennai (Madras), Kerala and the Andaman islands, and Odisha (Orissa)
  • Discover India

Hachette

  • Guide Voir: India per region, illustrated maps, detailed advice on visits, excursion proposals. Clever 3D maps of cities so you can better prepare your visits to Delhi, Jaipur, Pondicherry, Calcutta, or Bombay…
  • India Attitudes: small guide on customs and traditions

Le Routard

  • South India: trace your own route

Guide Bleu 

  • South India : an in depth discovery of the South of India in 4 chapters, illustrated maps, a small dictionary and bibliography 

Some books about India

“Once you have felt the Indian dust you will never be free of it”
Rumer Godden

  • « De Gandhi à Bollywood », test your knowledge, by Fédéric Testu, Editions Ellipses
  • « Histoire de l’Inde », by Alain Daniélou, édition Fayard
  • « Inde »: history, religion, traveller’s life, by Rainer Krack, Pages du monde 

You can find the latest publications on http://www.indeenlivres.com 

Language

English is widely spoken in the cities of India. India has hundreds of dialects and 18 officially recognized languages. The difference between the Indo-European spoken in the north and the Dravidian languages used in South India provides that English is an essential means of communication between the people of the north and south.

GSM / Iphone

GSM / Iphone

Cellular phone

Most of the foreign providers offer mobile Internet access (roaming) in India, but the rates are high.

Important advice

Remember that apart from the beauty and wealth of this country, India is and will remain India. It is advisable to look on the bright side to enjoy your stay at the fullest.

Additional information

  • Visa
  • Find a hotel in Mahabalipuram
  • Indian cuisine
  • Photos of India
  • Heath care
  • How to dress