Bungalow on the Beach, Tranqueber

Tangible

Introduction

Tranquebar is a town with a Dutch, Danish, and British colonial heritage, characterized by pristine beauty and enduring charm. It is located on the Coromandel Coast in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, South India. Known as Tharangambadi in Tamil, meaning ‘the land of singing waves,’ the town was renamed Tranquebar by the Danes. Positioned 15 kilometers south of the ancient Chola port of Pumpuhar and 15 kilometers north of the former French comptoir of Karikal, this picturesque coastal town holds a strategic location.

Established in 1616 under a privilege granted by Danish King Christian IV, the Danish East India Company established its base in Tranquebar within the Dansborg Fort, which served as the residence of the Governor of Danish India, titled Opperhoved. In 1620, Danish admiral Ove Gjedde arrived, having been granted territory by the Nayak ruler of Tanjore. The Danes settled in Tranquebar with the aim of exporting pepper to Denmark. They remained in the area until 1845 when, after enduring significant losses, the colony of Tranquebar was sold to the British Raj. Subsequently, the fort became the residence of the British administrator of the colony.

In 2000, the Bungalow was purchased by the heritage hotel company Neemrana Hotels. After two years of extensive restoration, the hotel opened on Christmas Eve in 2004. However, the following day, it was seriously damaged by the Indian Ocean tsunami, necessitating an additional three months of restoration thereafter.

Architecture

Bungalows usually consist of single-story dwellings, making them practical for a beach side location like Tranqueber, as this design choice maximizes the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while ensuring easy access to the beach. An open floor plan is likely to be featured in the bungalow, interconnecting living, dining, and kitchen areas. This layout promotes a sense of spaciousness and allows for natural airflow, crucial for comfort in a tropical climate. Large windows and expansive verandas would likely be prominent features of the bungalow to take advantage of scenic views and ocean breezes, while also flooding the interior spaces with plenty of natural light. Considering the proximity to the beach and the potential for flooding or storm surges, the bungalow might be constructed on an elevated foundation, either on stilts or concrete pillars, to protect the structure from water damage and provide additional space underneath for parking or storage. To blend harmoniously with the coastal surroundings, the bungalow would probably incorporate natural materials such as wood, bamboo, thatch, or local stone, which not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also help regulate temperature and maintain a connection to the environment. To mitigate heat and humidity, the bungalow’s roof might have generous overhangs to shade the windows and verandas from direct sunlight. Additionally, strategically placed windows and doors would facilitate cross-ventilation, allowing cool sea breezes to flow through the interior spaces. The architectural style of the bungalow would likely embrace a simple, rustic aesthetic, reflecting the laid-back beach lifestyle of Tranqueber, which might include exposed wooden beams, whitewashed walls, and minimalist furnishings prioritizing comfort and relaxation. Overall, a bungalow on the beach in Tranqueber would embody a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living, characterized by a design that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural surroundings.

How To Reach
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By Road
Tranquebar or Tharangambadi is well connected by NH32 from Chennai and Puducherry by Road 171km and 121km respectively. One has to take bus from Puducherry or Chennai to Reach.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station is Nagapattinam Junction which 33km from Tranquebar. Regular train services are available from Chennai.
By Air
Nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport which is 165km from Tranquebar.

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