Places to visit in Chettinad

The town of Chettinad is in the Sivaganga region of Tamil Nadu, which is rich in history and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India since it is famed for its great food, distinctive architecture, and abundant art and cultural history.

The Natukottai Chettiar people, who were early Indian bankers, gave their name to this part of the country. As a result of their prosperity, the locals were able to design and construct some remarkable structures. The opulence of their time also led to the development of extraordinary religious structures, and a thriving arts and crafts sector. Even if the old days were glorious, their legacy lives on.

Here are a few different ways to reach Chettinad:

By air: All domestic flights serve the Madurai airport. There are frequent flights to and from the city from all of India’s main cities, making air travel a convenient and quick option for getting there. In order to go to Chettinad from Madurai, you may use either a road or a rail. 

By train: The city’s primary connection to the rest of India’s extensive rail network is the Chettinad Railway Station. To get to your lodging from the train station, you may either take a private cab or a bus.

By road: Chettinad is conveniently linked to other major Indian cities and states by well-maintained state and national roadways. The city’s road network is excellent, providing quick access to other major centres in Tamil Nadu and beyond.

 

10 places to visit in Chettinad for a memorable experience 

Chettinad Palace

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The Chettinad Palace, which can be found in the Sivaganga region of Tamil Nadu, is a stunning illustration of the traditional building of the Chettinad people. Its magnificent construction dates back to the 18th century. This imposing structure was constructed in 1912, and it is embellished with decorative elements that have been sourced from all around the globe. The building style of the building also exhibits considerable European influence, which further contributes to the palace’s already impressive air of royal splendour. 

The huge fields of verdant greenery that encircle the Chettinad Palace serve only to amplify its already imposing splendour and majesty. The palace is an absolute feast for the eyes, attributable to its location inside the confines of a well-kept garden area. After you have had time to take in the mesmerising splendour of the beautiful environs, you will be captivated by the exquisite design of the palace’s contemporary decoration. The building is a blend of lavishness and the intricate workmanship that was painstakingly carved into it. In addition, the palace is home to a variety of figurines, each of which has the power to whisk you away to a different time and place. 

The palace at Chettinad is situated in close proximity to the Adyar river bank, and it is quite simple to reach either by public transportation or by taxi.

 

Chettinadu Mansion

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The Chettinadu Mansion in Kanadukathan is a historic retreat. This palace has been around for more than a century and has been operating as a resort since it first opened its doors to the general public. Those interested in reliving the glory days of Chettinad will find that this resort, which is still a historical site and is kept in excellent condition, is the ideal location for their vacation. 

Both the architectural integrity and the nostalgic allure of the building have been preserved. Guests who come from afar and want to spend the night at the mansion may choose to rent one of the approximately 12 rooms that are available. They ensure that all visitors have a wonderful experience by providing absolute anonymity, a pleasant place to stay, and delectable Chettinad delicacies.

The luxurious property has rooms designed in the classic Chettinad style, popular among architectural enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. It is a grand construction all the way from the entryway to the last room, with its spacious gardens, hallways, and living and leisure facilities. In addition, they make arrangements for diversions that visitors may take part in while they are far removed from the chaos and stress of their everyday lives. 

This location has been used for the filming of a number of Bollywood and Telugu movies. In addition, a small museum can be explored here, and the proprietors also host culinary demos for visitors to familiarise them with the regional cooking techniques and materials.

It is not possible to rely on Chettinad’s public transportation since it is not readily accessible very often. In Chettinad, the most convenient travel methods are leased bicycles, rental vehicles, or private bicycles or cars. The Kanadukathan Maharaja Palace and the mansion are both within proximity to one another. In order for visitors to go to the Chettinadu Mansion from the Kanadukathan Maharaja Palace, they will have to take the A.R.Street.

 

Vairavanpatti

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The temple dates back to the 19th century and is associated with many legends. Sivapurandevi and Lord Aatkondanathar are revered here, although other deities may also be present. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are well represented in the temple’s collection of paintings. It is said that the natural spring located behind the temple has magical curative powers. The temple is 15 kilometres away from the city.

 

Ilayathangudi

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Around Karaikudi, there are nine groupings of villages that share Chettinad’s seven temples. Ilayathangudi is the name of the very first ancestral temple. The temple is around 25 kilometres away from the main settlement. When the Lords travelled through this area many centuries ago, it is thought that the temple premises served as a location for them to stop and relax while they were here. It is a famous Karaikudi tourist place.

 

Pillaiyarpatti

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The town of Pillaiyarpatti, which takes its name from the Hindu god Ganesha, is most well-known for the Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, which is devoted to the Hindu god of wisdom. The ancient temple was carved out of solid rock and stands as a magnificent example of primitive Pandyan craftsmanship; its antiquity is reported to have had three phases of construction. 

Located on state route 35 to the northeast of Madurai, this town lies near the historic city of Karaikudi. Since ancient times, the temple’s beautiful temple compound and well-decorated sanctuary have drawn thousands upon thousands of visitors and devotees. The outside of the Pillaiyarpatti Temple is intricately carved, creating a beautiful sight.

Madurai is the main city closest to Pillaiyarpatti and is around 70 kilometres away (by road).  From Pillaiyarpatti, the distance to Chennai, the state capital, is 420 kilometres, while the distance to Coimbatore is 240 kilometres. Buses provided by the state transport service are accessible from the main cities. 

 

Soorakudi

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A route that leads to Chettinad train station and Kanadukathaan passes through the Soorakudi temple, which can be found on the urban periphery approximately ten kilometres from Karaikudi. The gorgeous temple takes inspiration from the Soorai shrubs, a species grown here for its therapeutic properties.

There are ten vimanas and two gopurams in this temple. The sculptures, particularly the statues of the deity, are exquisitely ornamented and carefully carved with complex details. The people around here hold these sculptures in extremely high respect, and they think the sculptures possess mystical abilities.

 

Athmanathaswamy Temple

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The Athmanathaswamy Temple is a well-known destination for vacationers since it was constructed in the 10th century. Lord Shiva is revered and honoured at this location. The chambers of the temple, which have been preserved without alteration for all of these years, are stunning.

Inscriptions and murals cover every available surface of the temple’s interior. Sketches from the 17th and 19th centuries decorate the walls of this temple with wall paintings. The granite used for the temple’s roof is also used for other architectural features.

 

Iraniyur Temple

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Iraniyur temple, which can be found on the road leading to Pillaiyarapatti and is around 25 kilometres from Karaikudi, is home to one of the most stunning statues of Nataraja, also known as the dancing Shiva, which dates back to the 12th century. The temple is filled with stunning paintings, shown in two distinct sections inside the building throughout its two reconstructions.

 

Mathur Temple

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This place of worship is devoted to the god Lord Periyanayaki. According to several historical documents, the temple probably dates back about 1500 years. Because of its one-of-a-kind design and fine craftsmanship, the Mathur temple has become a well-known destination for those looking to connect with the supernatural.

The intricate carvings and inscriptions on the temple’s exterior are breathtaking. Therefore, the entryway to the temple is fascinating and humbling, representing themes from the lives of Gods and humans. There are stone ramps at the main temple, and on each side of them are sculptures of elephants. The temple’s interior is just as stunning as its exterior. The temple is adorned with intricate, colourful sculptures that are likely to take your breath away.

 

Velangudi

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About ten kilometres south of Karaikudi is another ancestral temple known as the Velangudi temple. The ‘Vela’ trees native to this area inspired the naming of this temple as well. Worshipers of this temple number just around 200 people, and it’s amazing that their numbers have remained stable at that level for the last century.

 

FAQs

What makes Chettinad stand apart from other locations?

Many of the city's buildings are miniature palaces, which the Chettiars used to flaunt their riches. Over the course of the city, you can count on seeing about ten thousand palaces.

What language do people in Chettinad typically speak?

The majority of people in the city speak Tamil as their primary language. In addition to this, English is often spoken in official government institutions.

What is the ideal time of year to go to Chettinad?

During the summer months, Chettinad endures very high temperatures, making it difficult for tourists to see the great temples, stunning palaces, and magnificent flora distributed all over the city. Winter is the most pleasant season to go to Chettinad since you can do so much more of your sightseeing outside.

Where can I find some of Chettinad's most renowned temples?

Vairavanpatti, Ilayathangudi, Pillaiyerpatti, and the Athmanathaswamy Temple are some of the well-known temples found in the Chettinad region.