
Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India, India
The Pool Side venue at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram, is an open-air event space set within the resort's landscaped grounds, with the resort's pool as its natural centrepiece. The setting draws its character from the coastal environment of Mamallapuram — the breeze off the Bay of Bengal, the lush tropical greenery, and the unhurried pace that this UNESCO World Heritage town is known for. Events here unfold against a backdrop that no banquet hall can replicate: open sky, the sound of water, and the warmth of a resort property that has long served as one of the southern coastline's most recognisable hospitality addresses.
The space is best suited to events where atmosphere does the heavy lifting — sunset cocktail receptions, post-conference dinners under the stars, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, and pre-wedding and post-wedding functions that benefit from a relaxed yet refined setting. The open-air format naturally encourages mingling and creates a sense of occasion that distinguishes a pool-side gathering from an indoor event. Guests can move freely across the venue, and the visual continuity between the water, the landscaping, and the event setup gives any occasion an effortlessly polished look.
Because the Pool Side sits within an established resort, event planners benefit from the full support infrastructure of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels — a brand with a consistent reputation for food quality, service standards, and event management. Catering at ITC Hotels properties is typically handled in-house, drawing on the group's culinary expertise, which means organisers can expect a coherent experience from setup through to the last course. The venue is equally capable of hosting intimate social gatherings and larger celebratory events, though guests should confirm exact capacity figures directly with the resort's events team, as these will depend on the layout and the nature of the event.
For corporate groups, the Pool Side offers a distinctive alternative to standard conference-room networking. Evening functions, team dinners, and informal strategy sessions by the pool allow attendees to decompress in an environment that is still professional but far more memorable. Resort events on the Coromandel Coast have the added advantage of being genuinely removed from the noise of city venues, which makes concentration and connection both easier.
Mamallapuram — also known as Mahabalipuram — sits approximately 58 kilometres south of Chennai along the East Coast Road, one of India's most scenic coastal highways. The town is home to a group of monuments recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving any visit here a cultural dimension that extends naturally into event itineraries. Guests travelling from Chennai can reach the resort in roughly an hour by road, and the drive itself, along the coast, serves as a fitting introduction to the event experience that awaits. The resort's position in Devaneri places it within easy reach of the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, making it a natural choice for groups who want to combine a significant event with an equally significant destination.
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The Pool Side is well suited to a range of social and corporate events, including cocktail receptions, birthday and anniversary celebrations, pre-wedding and post-wedding functions, team dinners, and post-conference gatherings. Its open-air format makes it particularly attractive for evening events where the coastal atmosphere of Mamallapuram adds to the occasion. Guests should speak with the resort's events team to confirm suitability for specific event formats.
Capacity at the Pool Side will vary depending on the event layout, setup style, and the nature of the function. For accurate figures tailored to your specific event, it is best to reach out to the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach events team directly, as they can advise on configurations for seated dining versus standing receptions.
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels properties typically manage catering in-house, drawing on ITC Hotels' well-regarded culinary standards. This means food and beverage for events at the Pool Side is generally handled by the resort's own kitchen and service teams. Guests should confirm the specific catering policy and menu options with the events team when enquiring.
The Pool Side is an open-air venue that takes full advantage of the coastal setting and tropical landscape of Mamallapuram. Because it is an outdoor space, weather conditions can affect the event experience, particularly during the Northeast Monsoon season. It is advisable to discuss weather contingency arrangements — such as temporary shelter or an alternative indoor space — with the resort's events team when planning your event.
Mamallapuram is located approximately 58 kilometres south of Chennai along the East Coast Road. By road, guests can typically reach the resort in around an hour, making it a practical destination for events attended by guests travelling from Chennai. The East Coast Road is a well-maintained coastal highway that makes for a scenic and straightforward drive.
The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport, which is the primary gateway for guests flying in from other cities or internationally. For rail travel, the nearest major railway station is Chennai Central, with the resort accessible from there by road along the East Coast Road. Guests should confirm transfer arrangements with the resort directly.
Mamallapuram is home to a group of monuments — including the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas — that are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the destination culturally significant beyond the event itself. The proximity of the resort in Devaneri to these landmarks means that pre-event or post-event excursions can be arranged for guests, adding a memorable dimension to any corporate retreat or celebratory occasion. Specific tour arrangements should be discussed with the resort's concierge team.
The Pool Side offers a distinctive alternative to standard hotel conference rooms for corporate functions, providing an open-air waterside setting that encourages relaxed interaction and genuine connection. Evening team dinners, informal strategy sessions, and post-conference receptions all translate well to this format. The resort's removal from city environments also makes it easier for attendees to decompress and engage.
Yes, the open-air Pool Side setting is particularly well suited to pre-wedding and post-wedding celebrations such as cocktail evenings, mehendi functions, or farewell brunches. The resort's coastal atmosphere and tropical landscaping provide a naturally elegant backdrop for these occasions. Couples planning wedding-related events should contact the resort's events team to discuss custom packages and setup options.
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach is a full resort property in Mamallapuram, and on-site guest rooms are available for event attendees who wish to stay overnight. Booking accommodation alongside an event is a practical option for outstation guests and for group events such as corporate retreats or destination wedding functions. Room availability and group booking terms should be confirmed directly with the resort.
As a venue within an established ITC Hotels property, standard event support — including audio-visual equipment, lighting, and décor assistance — is typically available through the resort's events team. The specific equipment and décor options on offer will depend on the nature of your event and any bespoke requirements. It is recommended to discuss your AV and setup needs with the events coordinator during the enquiry process.
The resort is a standalone property in Devaneri, Mamallapuram, so on-site parking is generally expected to be available for guests arriving by private vehicle. Specific parking capacity and any valet arrangements should be confirmed with the resort when finalising event logistics.
As an open-air venue on a resort property, events at the Pool Side may be subject to local regulations or resort-specific guidelines regarding music levels and event end times, particularly for late-evening functions. Event planners should discuss any planned entertainment — such as live music or DJs — with the resort's events team to ensure compliance with applicable rules and to plan the event schedule accordingly.
To enquire about hosting an event at the Pool Side, prospective clients are advised to contact the events team at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach directly. The team can provide information on availability, pricing, event packages, and site visits. Specific cancellation and payment terms will be outlined as part of the booking agreement.
Unlike a city banquet hall, the Pool Side offers an outdoor waterside setting that combines the service standards of a premium ITC Hotels property with the atmosphere of Mamallapuram's coastal landscape. The change of scenery — roughly an hour's drive along the East Coast Road from Chennai — gives events a destination quality that is difficult to achieve within the city. The proximity to UNESCO World Heritage monuments also provides guests with a culturally enriching experience that extends well beyond the event itself.