Don’t let the lackluster website of Alps Residency question a different location for your stay in Madurai. On the contrary, this property should be your only consideration for superior service and comfort. I must thank owner Krishna Kumar, for having me and my travel partner as his personal guests during our short visit to Madurai. He couldn’t have made us feel more at home.

Glass dining hall at Alps Residency

City limits of Madurai are several kilometers away leaving behind the noise and congestion the populated area is known for. The tree lined gated property of Alps Residency, is actually in Thirupparankunram; a small town centered around the sacred granite hill. Short walks in either direction lead to the town center, the rock-cut temple and Thirupparankunram Temple.

After a day of sightseeing tourists can relax in the generously sized guest rooms with views (depending on your room) of the hill, landscaped property or swimming pool under construction. Staying on-site all day isn’t a bad idea either. After breakfast, taken in the A/C cooled glass dining hall, relax on the front verandah soaked in sunlight or retreat to your private sunning patio. All the comforts of home can be found in the newly built residence from a flat screen TV, mini fridge, WiFi, large comfortable beds and of course, western facilities ensuite.

The real highlight of my stay was getting to know the caretaker, Kamal. This young, outgoing but shy man had nothing but smiles any time he walked past. Any request was greeted with a yes, not that I had many.

Kamal and FSI Author

Kamal’s English inflections were amusing with even the simplest words bringing smiles to both my travel partner and me. Set a time for breakfast or dinner and he was punctually ready to greet you in the dining hall, meal on hand. Guests, by default, are served a Continental breakfast unless Indian is requested. Our request both days was met with a curious, yet large smile and a jubilant “really?” from Kamal.

The dinner menu at Alps Residency is rather edited requiring careful consideration. We enjoyed a terrific meal of chicken chilly and aloo masala our first night. So good in fact, I expressed an interest in eating fish for dinner the following evening. This request was met with a special run to market the next morning at 6 AM., and the meal did not disappoint.

Idli with outrageously spicy, yet tasty chilly chutney

You have to dig past the surface to find information on the historical temples and sites nearby Alps Residency. Off the tourist path, other than the guests transported beyond the front gates, don’t expect to see many, if any, other tourists venturing out on the road. The neighborhood is a bit unflattering requiring smart concentration of your personal space. Females should not venture out without a male when walking into town. But don’t let this deter you from experiencing a completely different side of Madurai. Krishna Kumar has several exciting projects planned to grow his booming property so get here while the intimate charm of just 4 guest rooms persists.