Karaikudi is dotted with luxurious heritage houses that give you an experience of authentic Chettinad hospitality replete with delicious food and more. Drive down or take a train!
Chidambara Vilas
Chidambara Vilas recreates an authentic experience of the luxurious Chettinad lifestyles of the last century, through a heritage palace that preserves 108 years of history. From sights and sounds, culture and tradition to architecture, furniture and the world famous Chettinad cuisine; get transported to a world from a century away. Construction of the mansion was started on one acre plot, which was gifted by the Maharaja of Pudukottai. It took seven years from 1900 to 1907 to complete the house. The wood was imported from Burma, lights and mirrors from Belgium, chandeliers from Daman and Diu and tiles from Italy. About 25 rooms have been recreated and restored to the smallest details. At the same time the rooms have been subtly enhanced with all luxuries to offer a personalised experience. Savour the world famous Chettinad cuisine through three unique dining experiences at Chidambara Vilas – Interactive, Experiential and Fine Dining. Relax in the swimming pool and lounge area within the property.
Saratha Vilas
The Saratha Vilas, built by a wealthy Tamil merchant in the early 1900s, is a prime example of a luxurious mansion in Chettinad heartland. The 34,500 sq. ft. property, including buildings, courtyards and gardens, has been painstakingly restored into an eight-bedroom boutique hotel by two French architects. The property offers a series of open spaces such as the entrance veranda, outdoor Thinnai, with its sitting platforms on each side of the passage, the central courtyard surrounded by two Master’s chambers and three heritage rooms, the side courtyard, Tutti Muram, which can accommodate a family group with its two heritage rooms and a private veranda, a rear courtyard which is used during summer time as dining area and the garden for relaxing in a hammock under the shade of the coconut trees.
Chettinadu Mansion
Chettinadu Mansion has been in existence since 1902. Located in Kandukathan, near Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, it has been declared as a Heritage Village by the Government of India. The Mansion is spread over a sprawling 80,000 square feet in area. The Heritage of the Mansion has been carefully protected and just 12 rooms are open to guests who get the privilege of privacy. The charm of the resort is that it gives you the true experience of the life in the bygone era. The owners of the resort live in, to give you an account of the village and the Mansion from the 1900s to the present day. Relish Chettinadu chicken, mutton kolambu, kola urundai, kuli paniyaram, vella paniyaram, kandarappam, kavanarisi etc served on plantain leaves.
The Bangala
The Bangala
Located in Karaikudi, the Bangala is a family-run hotel that combines traditional Chettiar hospitality with modern amenities. The extensive property retains its Chettinad charm, with quaint gardens, old-style furniture, extensive verandahs, and is also equipped with a swimming pool, gym and massage center. Renowned for its family kitchen, the Bangala is the ultimate destination for authentic Chettinad cuisine, with recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, creating a dining experience that cannot be missed.
There is much to see and do in Chettinad, and the Bangala has local guides who can give you an insider’s view of the area and its unparalleled architectural legacy that is rapidly gaining fame all over the world.
Images : Booking.com
