Palais De Mahe Pondicherry - The Classic Safari Company

Colonial French chic in India

In the heart of Pondicherry’s historic French Quarter, Palais de Mahe is a characterful, colonial retreat within easy wandering distance of the picturesque promenade. Here, spice-laden breezes drift off the Bay of Bengal and local artists display their work while the French influence brings colonial architecture, flower-decked balconies and a range of excellent eateries.

As a boutique hotel, Palais de Mahe has just eighteen rooms, all with high ceilings, arched doorways and electric ‘punkahs’ (traditional cloth fans). Interiors are cool and inviting with rich, red-ochre floors, clean white walls and a range of magnificent balconies and verandahs. A large courtyard swimming pool is the perfect spot to cool off and the Ayurveda spa offers a range of herbal massages and therapies for total relaxation. Pondicherry boasts a fabulous range of restaurants and cafes and the hotel too offers exquisite dining with chefs personally selecting fresh fish from the incoming boats every morning and planning their recipes according to the finest catch of the day.

Pondicherry is defined by its French and Tamil quarters, separated by a canal, which are distinctly different but equally fascinating. The best way to explore is on foot or by hiring a rickshaw, travelling down manicured avenues and past restored mansions, stopping at spiritual sites, markets and art galleries.

Palais de Mahe is a grand and fitting base for exploring this beautiful and enchanting city.

You will love

Grand colonial mansion
Footsteps from the promenade
Menu of fresh fish straight from the ocean
Exploring by rickshaw

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Colonial-style building with vibrant red wall, arched windows, and lush green plants, featuring a street sign for Rue Baslieu, reflecting the charm of Pondicherry’s French Quarter.

Man sitting among vibrant handicrafts and colourful decorations at the Pushkar Camel Fair, showcasing local culture and artistry.

Boutique hotel room at Palais de Mahe featuring traditional furnishings, high ceilings, arched doorways, and vibrant green seating, reflecting colonial charm and inviting ambiance.

Child with flowers adorning head, wearing traditional attire, set against a vibrant blue background, reflecting cultural richness of Pondicherry.

Woman in a yellow dress relaxing by the pool in the courtyard of Palais de Mahe, showcasing the colonial architecture and vibrant yellow walls.

Woman in traditional attire weaving at a spinning wheel in a culturally rich setting, showcasing local craftsmanship and heritage.

Rooftop dining area at Palais de Mahe featuring elegant wrought-iron tables and chairs, lush greenery, and views of Pondicherry’s colonial architecture, ideal for a relaxing experience in a boutique hotel setting.

Woman sitting on a woven cot, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, surrounded by colorful textiles and a rustic outdoor setting, reflecting the cultural richness of the region.

Interior of Palais de Mahe boutique hotel showcasing arched doorways, elegant furnishings, and a welcoming atmosphere with a blend of traditional and modern design elements.

Three women in colorful sarees smiling warmly, showcasing local culture and hospitality in Pondicherry's vibrant atmosphere.

Elegant dining setup at Palais de Mahe restaurant featuring wooden chairs, white tablecloths, and colorful candlelit decor, reflecting the colonial charm of Pondicherry.

Musician playing traditional instrument against a textured wall, showcasing local culture and artistry in Jodhpur, India.

Boutique hotel room at Palais de Mahe featuring high ceilings, arched doorways, two beds with decorative pillows, traditional furniture, and warm red-ochre flooring.

Street scene in India showcasing local vendors, a man carrying a large basket on his head, and colorful shopfronts, reflecting the vibrant life and culture surrounding The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi.

Boutique hotel room at Palais de Mahe featuring high ceilings, arched doorways, rich red-ochre floors, and elegant furnishings, creating a cool and inviting atmosphere.

Three individuals engaged in conversation, seated on a stone floor within a temple, surrounded by intricately carved pillars, reflecting the cultural richness of Kanchipuram, India.

Colonial-style corridor with arched doorways, potted plants, and a glimpse of a courtyard swimming pool at Palais de Mahe, showcasing the inviting ambiance of this boutique hotel in Pondicherry.

Artisans working on traditional textile craft, featuring vibrant fabrics and intricate designs, showcasing the cultural heritage of Pondicherry.

Interior of Palais de Mahe bar featuring elegant wooden furniture, warm lighting, and inviting seating arrangements, reflecting the boutique hotel's colonial charm and ambiance.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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