Broad Lands, Chennai (2026)

An icon of old Madras. The accommodations are basic but the history, vibe & atmosphere are peerless. More info:

The Broadlands Hotel was originally known as Le Consulat de Turquie a Madras (the Turkish Consulate in Madras) during the time of the Nawabs of Arcot, when they made the city their home in mid-18th century. At that time the two Muslim holy sites, Mecca and Medina, were under the protection of the Ottoman Empire, and the Nawabs corresponded with the Ottomans regarding the Haj pilgrimage and other issues.

An historic building with a rich past, it was also the residence of Haji Mohammed Badsha Sahib, a prominent textile merchant and one of the founders of the Indian Bank. It was perhaps on account of this and the business opportunities offered by the Ottoman Empire that led Mohammed Badsha Sahib to represent Turkish interests in Madras, so he started his business on Triplicane high road in 1812.

Upon his retirement in 1881, his sons expanded the business. Their office was at Erabalu Chetty Street and the Turkish Consulate was on Triplicane high road. Both of them were Consul and vice Consul in 1913 and made some contributions to the Ottomans in the Turko - Russian war, Hamede-Hedjaz railway project, etc. Their contributions to the Madras Presidency were to Mahajana Sabha, Anjuman, the Indian National Congress, the Madras Presidency Muslim League, running educational institutions, South Indian Chamber of Commerce and holdng the office of Sheriff of Madras in 1913.

In 1951 this property was purchased through auction by Krishna Rao from Andhra Pradesh and he converted the building into a hotel and later a lodge for weary travellers from both foreign countries and across India. It is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and charm and has served generations of travelers. (information compiled from various sources)