A guide to Chettinad tourism & the best of Karaikudi tourist places

Jaw dropping gigantic mansions
Ornate and rich living temples
Lip-smacking traditional Chettinad cuisine
Mindblowing antiques and handicrafts!

And this is just the gist of what Chettinad tourism has to offer. Get ready for this complete guide to Karaikudi sightseeing. Find information on what to see in Chettinad, how to get here, best time to visit, where to stay and more. 

When visiting the best places in Tamil Nadu, I have to put this region at the top. There is no other reason but the fact that Chettinad tourism is a sensory delight. The bright Chettinad architecture, tasty Chettinad food and intriguing heritage of its mansions and Chettinad temples are bound to delight any visitor.

I have been sharing a lot of these Karaikudi tourist places in detail over the last few posts.  Amid all the appreciation that I have received for them, there are common questions on Chettinad tourism. How do you get to Karaikudi? Where can you stay in Chettinad? Can you share a list of key places to visit in Karaikudi and Chettinad? Can you go inside the various mansions of Chettinad? Given the enthusiasm to get there, it is best I answer all of them through this travel guide to Chettinad tourism.

In this Chettinad trip guide, I have included tons of insider tips that will help you plan a Chettinad itinerary for yourself. I have included a list of the best things to do in Chettinad, as well as information on how to get there and the best time to visit. You will also, get suggestions for your stay in and around Karaikudi.

With that, let’s get started.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

About the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu

It is not surprising if you find your research for the best things to do in Chettinad includes only Karaikudi tourist places. The reason for this is that most people use the terms Chettinad and Karaikudi synonymously. Technically, Chettinad refers to a region that includes 78 villages of the Pudukkottai and Sivaganga districts in Tamil Nadu. Karaikudi is the main town of this region and is popularly considered the capital of Chettinad. Given that most of the places to visit in Chettinad are scattered around Karaikudi, they are popularly clubbed under the name of the town.

The Chettinad region is a perfect destination for architecture lovers, history buffs, culture connoisseurs, and foodies. And all these stem from the unique community of this region – the Nattukottai Chettiars.

Who are the Nattukottai Chettiars?

Chettiars is a term that refers to the mercantile community. Originally, this Chettiar community was based in the ancient capital of the Cholas called Poompuhar. The town was swept by a Tsunami and the Chettiars had to relocate. 96 new villages sprang up in the drier highlands of Tamil Nadu and this new area came to be known as the Chettinad region. Since the entire community came from a large town, they earned a new name – Nagarathar (people from a town).

With their sharp business acumen, the Chettiars spread their trade across the seven seas. They soon became money lenders and bankers for the royalty and even, the British East India Company. Their prosperity was reflected in the grandeur of their homes. The Chettiar mansions were no less than palaces. This gave them their new name – Nattukottai Chettiars – “Chettiars with fortresses on the ground”.

Today, most of the Nattukottai Chettiars have moved out of the Chettinad region. They have long settled in the South-East Asian countries or the bigger cities of India. However, even today, the Chettinad region remains their ancestral land, where their rich food, culture, and tradition thrive and enthrall visitors like us.

How to reach Chettinad?

The Chettinad region is well connected by road and rail to the rest of India. You can also, get to this region by air but not directly as the region does not have its own airport.

By air:

The closest airports to the Chettinad region is Madurai, at 90 km and Trichy at 93 km. You can fly to these airports and then use one of the other means – rail or road to get to Karaikudi.

By road:

You can drive to Karaikudi via Madurai. Trichy or Thanjavur. These routes make excellent road trips from Bengaluru or Chennai. If you take the Madurai route, you can halt at Madurai and explore the Madurai Meenakshi Temple as well as the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace. You can use NH 338 for your road trip.

If you choose to take the route via Thanjavur and Trichy, then you must keep aside time to cover Thanjavur palace, Tanjore Temple and the Sriranganthaswamy temple in Trichy. There are plenty of other sites along the way that you can choose to visit if you have the time. NH 336 is the recommended route to follow for a drive from Trichy.

There are plenty of cabs available in Madurai, Trichy or Thanjavur towns that you can hire for your Karaikudi trip. They are easily available at the airport or near the railway stations. Alternatively, you can even book transfers through this link. There are frequent public buses to Karaikudi from all three towns. You can easily find them at the central bus stands.

By rail:

Karaikudi has a railway station. If you are short of time and do not want to stop en route, then a train journey will be convenient. T

Where to stay in Chettinad?

Karaikudi, being the main town of Chettinad, is my recommended place to stay in Chettinad. There are a lot of home-stay and heritage properties in Karaikudi. These are generally the ancestral homes of the Chettiars and staying here allows you to experience the culture of the place. The Bangala, Thapa Gardens and Chidambara Vilas are three homes that I had considered. However, they were unavailable on the dates of my journey and hence, I stayed at Chola Heritage. The hotel is modeled on a typical Chettiar home and offers a comfortable stay. They have a limited kitchen that serves some really yummy Chettinad breakfast and dinner.

Kanadukathan is the other village that you can consider for your Chettinad stay. I happened to visit Chettinadu Mansion for lunch and did pop over to see their staying arrangements. It seemed fairly comfortable and the one thing that I can say you will love here is their food!

What is the best time to visit Chettinad? | Best time to visit Karaikudi

In terms of weather, the Chettinad region is quite warm throughout the year. The winters here are mild and hence, it becomes a little pleasant to enjoy the various Karaikudi tourist attractions. The monsoons are not very heavy, making it possible to enjoy Karaikudi even in August. I would say anytime from then – i.e, August to April is a good time to visit Chettinad.

If possible, it is a good idea to visit Chettinad during the harvest festival – Pongal. This takes place in January and goes on for five days. This is actually when you get to taste the best of Chettinad Cusine. The temples of Chettinad are decorated and if you are lucky, you will be able to see the special rituals that light them up.

Guide to the best of Chettinad Tourism

As you go through this list of Karaikudi attractions, you will see that Chettinad tourism has many shades. The only way to get the most out of these experiences is to do an immersive journey. I highly recommend at least three days in Karaikudi to fit all these into your itinerary. As you go along this list of things to do in Karaikudi, you will realize why even this time duration might sound inadequate.

Experience the delights of Chettinad Food

For most people, the first thing that they think of when it comes to Chettinad is the food. Chettinad cuisine has made waves across the world for its tangy, spicy affair. The flavors are just irresistible – so much that it converted me to a complete foodie.  And the best part of it – vegetarians are in for a complete treat.

When it comes to breakfast, you will be treated with a variety of Dosai, Appams, Iddiappams and Idlis with a wide variety of chutneys and pickles that are freshly made. My Dottie gorged on the Sweet Ragi dosa while I was partial to the Iddiyappams (string hoppers) and the accompanying chutneys. Lunch was always the full banana leaf meal with its odd number of items – ranging from coconut-based gravies to tomato and tamarind dals with boiled rice. Don’t miss the dry side dishes – the Okra Pepper Fry was just lip-smacking!

For Dinner, try the various Paniyaram and Appams or even Dosai. It is amazing how many varieties they offer. I would not say no to the Chettinad biryani either. For non-vegetarians, there are tons of fish and chicken options. Here is a complete guide to Chettinad Food – what makes it so yummy and which are its signature dishes. Take a peek.

If you stay in a heritage home, you are all sorted. However, if you are out exploring Karaikudi, then look out for Jainica and Karaikudi Annapoorna Restuarant. The latter is quite recommended – they have a limited menu that changes every day. And trust me, even with that limited menu, you will be craving for more!

Visit the Kanadukathan Palace

When it comes to the Chettinad mansions, the most renowned one is the Kanadukathan Palace. Owned by the Annamalai family, this princely bungalow will leave you wanting for more. White walls with vibrant blues, green pillars and colorful stained glass windows – this mansion makes you wonder what the interiors would be like if the exterior is so gorgeous. Sadly though, it is not open to the public. Unless you manage to get permission from the family who owns it, you will be limited to this virtual tour of the Raja’s Palace in Kanadukathan. Trust me, this exclusive blog post showcases it all!

Mansion Hopping – one of the key things to do in Chettinad

If you cannot get into the Kanadukathan palace, don’t be disappointed. For one, you always have my blog tour to go with. And the other, there are tons and tons of these abandoned mansions in and around Karaikudi. This is why Mansion Hopping is one of the topmost things on your list of Karaikudi sightseeing. The best place to start is right next to the Raja’s palace in Kanadukathan. In fact, that particular village will overwhelm you with its gargantuan abodes. A few of them like the VVR Mansion, allow you in for a small fee.

Visiting one of these will introduce you to the world of Mugappus and Valavus while showcasing the eco-friendly architecture of the place. This is where you will also learn the origin of the word – Karaikudi. Karai refers to a plant extract and limestone mix that is used to build these Chettinad mansions.

Check out my mansion hopping tour of Karaikudi. It will help you appreciate and understand the intricacies of the Karaikudi homes when you visit them. I have also, included specific mansions that you should not miss when you are visiting Chettinad.

When it comes to abandoned and artistic mansions, Shekhawati in Rajasthan is a place that you have to visit. Called the open art gallery of India, the stunning fresco-covered havelis or mansions are a sight to behold. Discover more here.

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Explore the Athangudi Palace – one of the places to see in Karaikudi

One more palatial home but in another village of Chettinad. The Athangudi Palace might seem familiar to a few as it is a popular film location. The place with its Italian marble, European Cherubs, Athangudi tiles, and elaborate chandelier will leave you awe-stricken. As you wander within this mansion, you will also, come across a pictorial story on its walls. Take a look at it through this post on the lovely Athangudi Palace.

Discover the Athangudi Tile Factory

Athangudi tiles are one more reason for Chettinad to be known on the World Map. The exclusive hand made tiles have made their way to popular resorts and hotels. Visiting one of these factories will make you realize why. It is quite fascinating to see the labor that goes into one single tile. As you discover the raw materials like rice husks and mineral oxides, you will also, realize how eco friendly these are. The factories are very close to the Athangudi palace and hence, can be clubbed with it – allowing you to tick off two of the many places to visit in Karaikudi.

Shop at the Karaikudi Antique Market – one of the things to see in Karaikudi

Shopaholic or not, you must visit the Karaikudi Antique Market. A tiny lane filled with artifacts from the abandoned homes of Chettinad, the antique market of Karaikudi resembles a living museum. You can find the rare and original Ravi Varma paintings as well as the bronze sculptures of yesteryears. For collectors, there are tons of coins and old black and white pictures on sale. Antique furniture including metal benches, wooden pillars and artistic doors wait to find new homes. On tips for the Chettinad Antique markets, you must read through this detailed post. It tells you what to expect in the markets as well as how to reach them.

Find the best of Chettinad Temples

Chettinad temples are not just about worship and devotion. They are a perfect showcase of the artistic architecture of the Chettiars. Painted ceilings, sculpted frescoes, carved pillars and wooden doors – you will find them all at the Karaikudi temples. The Pillaiyarapatti Karpaga Vinayakar Temple and the Kundrakudi Murugan temple are two must-visit places on your Karaikudi sightseeing list. The 9 clan temples including Vairavan Kovil and the culture within these adds a distinct dimension to the places in Chettinad tourism. And finally, there is this unique Clay horse temple with its own community and rituals. You can click through this post for the list of all the Chettinad temples.

Watch out for the Chettinad Sarees

Chettinad Sarees are known as Kandaangi and are quite special owing to their heritage. The vibrant cotton saris are still hand-woven in Karaikudi and you can visit the homes of these weavers to understand them. These saris are available in contrasting colors. Stripes and checks are the common patterns on them. Some of these weavers even show you how they were worn earlier – when blouses and skirts were not in vogue. Visiting the weavers’ colony in Karaikudi adds a different dimension to Karaikudi tourism.

The Chettinad Kandaangi sarees have been given a GI (geographical index) tag and are now exclusive to Karaikudi. This means that you will find the original and traditional pieces available here.

alking of GI tagged products, you should read about these pretty dolls, rather toys that are made in Channapatna, Karnataka. The toy making was introduced by the Persians and is still practiced in this small town. The wooden toys have made their way to the White House and are still in demand – not just for the kids but also, as unique curios.

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Join a Chettinad Cooking Class

The one thing that I missed staying in The Bangala for was its food. I have heard some amazing things about it. Not only do you get to eat it, but cook it too. The Bangala offers Chettinad Cooking classes in Karaikudi where you learn to dabble with the actual Chettinad flavors and take home that authentic Chettinad fare.

Other Karaikudi Tourist Places | Chettinad tourist places

What? Is there more?

Oh yes, now you believe me when  I say that even 3 days might seem less. I could not make it to these Karaikudi sightseeing places. So, just sharing them as a list – just in case you do.

• Alagappa Chettiar Museum in Karaikudi – A key Chettinad museum with a collection of things that belonged to the illustrious Alagappa family.
• Thirumayam Fort – This falls on the way to Karaikudi from Thanjavur. The fort has two temples and is worth a quick stop for its sculptures. I highly recommend it as one of the key places to visit near Karaikudi.
• Chettinad Vintage Car & Camera Museum – For its unique collection of automobiles and photography equipment. 

I am sure that on my next visit, I will have tons more to add to this guide. For the time being, I have it all set for you. So go on and mark this Guide to Chettinad tourism and tell me which is your favorite among the list of Karaikudi tourist attractions!

Common FAQs about Chettinad Tourism and Karaikudi tourist places

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Ami

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

You might also like these posts –

• Exploring the abandoned mansions of Chettinad
• The Aesthetic Amalgamation of Athangudi Palace in Karaikudi
• The Authentic Flavors of Chettinad Cuisine
• The Antique Market in Karaikudi: Where Treasures seek a new home!
• A dose of Chettinad culture & architecture through the Karaikudi Temples
• The Terracotta Horse Temple – The Ayyanar Temple of Chettinad
• Inside Kanadukathan Palace – The Maharaja’s Palace in Chettinad
• Brihadeeswarar Temple – The Big Temple with no shadow in Thanjavur (Tanjore)
• Thanjavur Palace – A rare Maratha Palace in South India
• The Magnificent Madurai Meenakshi Temple