It’s the stuff of a Mani Ratnam dream sequence: frothy waves crash against battered brick walls, sending up a spray of foam. Sea breeze whips coconut trees into submission against the crumbling ruins of the Alamparai Fort, a once-thriving port that dates back to the 18th century.
Standing tall on the Chennai-Puducherry East Coast Road in Madurantakam, the Alamparai has survived invasions, a devastating tsunami and more than 250 years of decay. Today, the ramparts serve as inspiration for a fortress of another kind. A short boat ride away is the eponymous The Alampara, a gorgeous new luxury tented resort—with its very own sandbar.
Inside The Alampara, near Chennai
Just four luxury tents are spread across 50 acres that are dotted with hidden ponds and secluded lagoons. Set by the tranquil waters of Marakkanam, a coastal town an hour away from Puducherry, The Alampara is nestled in a cove off the main beach. The land that had been drained off for a prawn hatchery has been restored to its biodiverse glory by Arun and Mrinal Vasu, the owners of the hotel. An avid nature and water sports enthusiast and president of the Surfing Federation of India, Arun was keen to develop a luxury adventure getaway for travellers in South India. The result of their efforts is this luxe tent experience, with a side of adventure sports.
While the word ‘tent’ may conjure up some fairly basic imagery, The Alampara offers an experience fit for the royals who once lived in the area. Each room differs slightly from the other in terms of design, but they’re all kitted out with creature comforts like plush four-poster beds, TV sets with Netflix connectivity, freestanding tubs and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that look out onto the cooling greens and blues outside. Natural elements like kota stone, linen and cane make up the furnishings in the room, lending a touch of rustic glamour.
As comforting as the rooms are, get out and head to the water sports centre, where surfing and stand-up paddle national champion Sekar Patchai guides guests in his free time. The gentle backwaters that the resort faces are perfectly suited for entry-level water sports. On offer here are waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, stand-up paddle and kayaking. The Alampara also offers packages for guests who wish to come over for a day trip of water sports and relaxation as well.
If you’re staying at the property though, be sure to take a boat ride to the resort’s eight-acre private sandbar where plans are underway for a rehabilitation centre for the turtles and birds native to the area. Not too far away is the recently designated Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, a wetland that attracts flamingos, pelicans and a number of migratory birds to the area.
Prefer competitive eating to water sports? Dig into the menu at the Alampara restaurant, where chef Saranana Kumar’s seafood creations shine brightest. Here, fresh and juicy tiger prawns are delicately grilled, local mussels caught just off the shore are whipped up into a tangy varuval and the fiery Andhra chapala pulusu curry with rawas is subdued with a helping of steamed rice. On offer is also a selection of hearty Italian pasta, comforting European fare and of course, terrific filter coffee.
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The resort’s location—about two and a half hours away from Chennai’s lights—makes it an unassumingly good spot for stargazing. After dinner, the night sky is an inky blue canvas dotted with a million twinkling stars. There’s no glitzy cocktail bar to unwind at here, but the calming sounds of the water, the orchestra of the birds and a chance to close your eyes and not be disturbed by a buzzing phone or bright screen make it a luxury unlike any other.
Doubles from Rs22,000. Website