A new star in our collection of excellent Pondicherry heritage hotels, Palais de Mahe may be a new building but it blends seamlessly into the French quarter, combining old world French and Tamilian architecture and design to great effect.

The excellent location, lovely pool, archways and cool corridors make this the type of hotel that people wander off the street to investigate, taking pictures and cooing at the loveliness of the place.

Indeed, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was an old palace renovation but, like Fateh Garh in Udaipur (another Tripzuki favourite), it is the passion and attention to detail in the build that almost allows this hotel to claim ‘heritage’ without being tongue-in-cheek.

A vibrant yellow dominates the hotel’s walls, minimal furniture echoes the simplicity and relaxed vibe of the town, and French music playing in the lobby hits the right note, all of this without being pretentious or suffocating.

There’s a traditional Indian welcome with a garland and cool lemon drink, and the staff, though over-enthusiastic at times, are well informed and helpful.

All in all, the ‘palais’ ticks all the boxes for a holiday in this quaint corner of south-east India.