Cozy room in a bungalow in Cuddalore near Pondy

Designed as a comfortable base for individual explorers, this single bedroom, called Coral, draws its name and inspiration from the beautiful barrier coral reefs that flourish in Cuddalore's marine environment. south of Pondicherry, The edge of Cuddalore backwaters, stands Fort St. David, a lovingly restored 150-year-old maritime home that reflects the history of this former British East India territory and its current owners. There are three more rooms in the Bungalow. BREAKFAST is included. The space Fort St. David was originally a guesthouse owned by EID Parry’s, Chennai’s longest-running business. It is one of the oldest in the company, having been purchased by Thomas Parry, who had founded the company in the late 1700s and moved to Cuddalore when he took an interest in indigo production. Executives would visit when checking in on the nearby sugar factory. Over time, loving the location, they also made it their base to stay at when visiting Tamil Nadu’s Navagraha temples. However, when another guesthouse came up closer to the factory, this home became sparingly used. As a cherished historical house, the company’s seniors wanted to revive it. They partnered with LuxUnlock and a talented interior architect, Lakshmi Ramaswamy, to inject new life into the home and open it up to discerning travellers. When the architect visited, struck by the serenity of the house and its surroundings, she decided the home must reflect its exteriors. Blues, greens, and earthy tones became its colour palette, mimicking the shades you can see outside. The curtains were also raised to let visitors admire the full depth of the windows and the view beyond. Guest access Coral Bedroom This single bedroom is named after the beautiful barrier coral reefs that abound in Cuddalore’s waters, reflecting their hues. Fittingly, it welcomes single travellers who want a comfortable base to stay in while they explore the area. Ground-Floor Living Room Sink into the sofas of the Living Room and strike up a conversation while you wait for your lunch to get ready. In a quiet moment, take a closer look at the ledgers framed on the wall to learn about Parry’s trading in Cuddalore at the time. First-Floor Lounge The First-Floor Lounge invites you to relax in comfort, watching the trees sway and the gentle horizon beyond. If you can pull your gaze away from the windows, take a closer look at the sprawling painting that stretches across five canvases and imagine yourself living in Cuddalore during the colonial era. Dining Room Take a seat at the dining table, set at an angle to make the most of the space, and dig into delicious local cooking. The small table by the window has been repurposed from a card table that would come out when the home’s residents were ready for a nighttime game. Garden & Sitout Stretch out in the small sitout of the living room, relaxing as the greens of the garden mingle with the blues of the river beyond. First-Floor Sitout The loungers in this sit-out welcome you to sit for a coffee with the morning news as you watch the sun rise on the horizon. Or come outside with a drink in the evening and watch as the last rays of light escape behind the sea in the distance. Entrance Lobby A cannon recovered from the St. David Fort greets you as you walk into the entrance lobby, setting the mood for your Cuddalore holiday. The stairs that wind up to the first floor are lined with palm-leaf manuscripts from the early days of EID Parry’s, when it was still called Parry & Dare.